Construction begins

Although my sacred space already exists, there are some things I want to add. From the moment I stepped into the area I envisioned stone columns marking the four points. I saw them to be about 4' high. Each one with a spot to hold the necessary candle and/or incense. I knew I was looking at an expense and thus the reason for the delay in really doing anything beyond upkeep of the space. And then the vision became more clear.

As we tilled parts of the yard for the rose beds/wild flower garden/vegetable areas we turned up LOTS of Missouri rock the size of a man's fist. Some were slightly larger while others were closer to the size of a young adult fist. At first I dreaded the thought of the work involved in removing them from the tilled areas. Then I remembered that around here, many farmers mark their property corners with wire 'barrels' filled with the rock they remove from the property. Hmmmm

So after mowing the area the other day, I decided the time has come. For now, as I remove the rock, I'll pile it to a far East end of the space. When I have enough to support the chicken wire formed into the barrel shapes, I'll begin tossing those and any new rocks into place.

My thought is when the columns are complete, I want to use a smooth mortar mix to create a solid top for placing the magical tools necessary for those points.

The cauldron, hanging from the wrought iron tripod, will be placed in the center over a small fire ring.

The North fence will be lined with Quacking Aspens. I remember these trees as part of my childhood in the foothills of Colorado and was thrilled to find we are still far enough North for them to grow here.

I haven't decided on how to acknowledge the 'gateway' to the sacred space - but outside the circle. It is on the West side of the space. Because the path to the pond also begins here, I want to designate a 'don't go beyond this point' kind of thing so people do not stray into the area, but remain on the path. There are a couple of pine trees there now and I'm considering leaving them.

Do you have a outdoor space? How is it set up?
If you don't have an outdoor space, what would yours look like if you did?

Blessed Be

I'm so Excited!!!

Even though I didn't have the time to go anywhere on Sat. night, hubby lovingly encouraged I attend a local auction with him. "We won't stay late, I promise. But you really will be happy you went." So, I took time out from packing for a road trip to go. Five feet in the door, he gave something a kick. I looked down to see a large cast iron cauldron. Squeeee!!!!! This puppy will hold about 8 gallons. The entitites were with me as I bid. I got it for an awesome price and I'm so excited. Guess that means I need to get the sacred space cleared. hehe

What have you added to your 'magic closet' recently?

Creative Blessings!
Rain

Full Worm Moon

It seems like such a short time ago we were celebrating the Full Wolf Moon and here we are into March and the Full Worm Moon. The days are getting longer, the earth is beginning to warm. Warm soil means easier travel for the earth worm and the sign of robins. For a couple days in late February my yard was covered in robins - dozens upon dozens of them. I didn't know until last year that robins are not a migratory bird. I grew up with the impression that the sign spring meant the robins were returning North. When in fact they are here all along! So where do they go in the winter? Do they hibernate?

With the arrival of the warmer days, I am anxious to build my worm composting beds. Since last fall, I've been raising worms in a aerated rubbermade tub in the basement. Now, I want to move them outside and give them more of their natural habitat to munch away at debris and multiply.

Of course, we're suppose to have storms in here tonight. Storm clouds hiding the moon make moon magic so difficult. Maybe when the Full Pink Moon of April rolls around, weather will have improved.

Until next week...
Blessings

Imbolc

Merry Meet friends.
I'm finally getting a daily routine in place. Today seems the perfect time to begin offering up information.

Imbolc is Feb. 1 at 10 p.m. It is common practice for celebrations to begin on February eve (tonight) and carry through Feb. 2nd.
Imbolc is all about a new beginning. The Crone's grip on winter begins to loosen, preparing the way for the warmth and rebirth of Spring. This is the perfect time for initiation Rites, rededication and purification of self/space/tools. Spring cleaning begins in earnest and inventory of our Magickal supplies begins.

Symbol of Imbolc is the candle and is often referred to as Candlemas. Candles signify the growing strength of the sun and the lengthening of the days. Choose candles in Yellow (sun), Green (Mother Earth), Lavendar and White
Water, and all it's healing power, is also a symbol - recognizing the Celtc deityBrigid and her reputation as a healer . This is a time for healing and rejuvination. Your ritual might include scrying and meditation.

Dress your Alter for the occasion. You might include a crystal bowl with spring water or snow, white flowers or paper snowflakes.
Along with your candles, your incense choices should be cinnamon, Frankincense or rosemary

After ritual and meditation, Feast on Dairy (honoring the season of 'ewes milk and promise of new lambs'), Spicy foods, spiced wines and dishes containing raisins (honoring the sun).

At sunset, light candles or lamps in every window, inviting Brigid to visit.

May your Imbolc bring you peace and the promise of a new beginning
Blessings
Rain

Cold Full Moon

Have you been out to look at the moon over the last couple of evenings? It's gorgeous--radiating with power. And it isn't even at it's peak yet. I subscribe to the Farmers Almanac Companion Newsletter. The one I received today said:

" this Moon is 14% bigger and 30% brighter than other full Moons this year. Why? The Moon is both in its full phase and at a point in its orbit that is nearest Earth, called its perigee. When these events occur together, the Moon is closer to Earth than usual. The effect? The Full Cold Moon will appear especially large near the horizon as the Sun sets. The Moon is also high at this time of year; when it's overhead (near midnight), it will light up the landscape. Take a magical stroll and see your world at night. You won't need a flashlight!"

Now is also the perfect time to charge your tools.

I hope you'll take a moment to bask in it's powerful beauty and absorb it's greatness.
Many Blessings
Rain

Full Moon Power

One of the things I'm enjoying about living out here in the wide open beauty of the Ozarks is the sky. I can walk out my door and look up into the most spectacular view. Tonight is no exception. It's cold, clear and crisp -- perfect weather for gazing upon the greatness of the Full Moon. To have the opportunity to absorb energy from such an awesome entity is to truly feel the blessings flow through me.

I am empowered to follow the path and continue by journey.

Creative Blessings
Rain

Getting it Written!

Most of you have seen my signature line I borrowed from a friend.
~ Don't get it right - Get it Written! ~

This statement is what Nano is all about. Turning off the internal editor and just taking the dictation from the characters. We might not like what they have to say or where they lead us, but we write it down anyway. Through their ramblings they can also take us to unexpected places. Follow them--even if it isn't where you intended to go. Let them show you their world. If you don't like it, you don't have to go back--except to maybe cut it come NanoEdmo in March.
Even if you don't think it fits right now, you might later find it's just the ticket you needed to make this journey a success.

My characters did this to me yesterday. I knew there would be some turning point where Faith would toss aside her resolve to save herself for marriage. I didn't think in terms of what it would be until I listened.

Scribbling away madly in the local KFC/Taco Bell with country music on the Sirus radio I wrote down everything both Dallas and Faith had to say -- to discover seeing Dallas with another woman is just what Faith needs to send caution to the coast and give herself to another man on a whim. It is the first catapult into the twisted plot of H/H separated - rejoined again.

Take time today to listen to your characters. We learn so much when we listen to what others have to say.

Creative Blessings
Rain

~ Don't get it right - Get it Written! ~