Mabon

Goddess, I can't believe it's been over a month since I posted. We took our first vacation in 20+ years the week after the last post, then the in-laws were here for a week. I spent the whole next week getting back into a schedule.

Today marked the second- to- last harvest of the cycle. The pantry is full of goodness reaped from the garden and we've already sampled some of the bounty. Soon we will be protecting the hibernating plants for winter and preparing for Samhain. This will be my first Samhain with my granddaughter. Though she will be just under two years, there is so much she can enjoy.

Here in the Ozarks, the days are in the upper 70's and the nights in the mid 50's. I love it. The window open, the fan pulling in the lovely smells of a autumn night. When I drive my daughter to work on early mornings, the mist nestles amongst the valley's. It's is breathtaking. It's my one joy in getting up and out the door by 5 a.m. Soon the leaves will be changing color, intensifying the beauty.

The hummingbirds are still buzzing around. Chatters was at the feeder this afternoon. They are fewer in number and I suspect they will be gone by end of the week.

The garden and brown spiders are enmasse. The garden spiders are beautiful and I love to look at the intricacy of their web with the little zipper string in the center. The brown spiders, I'm not so crazy about but they have their place as well.

Speaking of the spiders, I have noticed them building a lot closer to the house this year and the garden spiders have been right up by the door. Everything seems to be coming in a couple weeks ahead of normal. I'm watching other signs from Mother Earth. I think she's telling me to prepare.

Are you prepared for winter?

And while we're on the subject of being prepared, I am working on the book and will begin posting snippets sometime next week. I hope you will comment. Anything you see I might explain better, give more detail about or include in the book will be appreciated and a blessing.

Many Blessings
Rain

Preparing for the New Year

As the hummingbirds begin to visit the feeder en mass, I know they're preparing for their trip south. Just in the past week, my feeder has gone from being a buffet for 6 to hosting 11 or more. One in particular is interesting. I've named him Chatters. He is a very sociable bird. Where most are territorial and will run other birds off, Chatters will perch and talk to the others as they feed. Sometimes talking more than he's drinking. I wonder if Mother Nature has scolded him for not preparing for his forthcoming journey?

When they leave, and I suspect it will happen within the next couple of weeks, fall will be right around the cycle. With this final burst of heat and humidity I am so ready for the rustling of leaves, the cooler nights and all the renewed energy I gain.

This past week, I mowed the sacred space and also found someone to tell me what size wire they're using for rock columns here in the Ozarks. I know my pillars will not be ready this year... but a work in progress. But by the time Samhain comes in, I will have a place to celebrate the coming of the new year.

I'll be posting some things over the next few weeks about preparing ritual caskets and being ready for rituals. I hope you'll join me.

Blessings
Rain

Remember Earth Day!

Although today is the National day to recognize Mother Earth, I'd like to hear how you guys show your respect year round.

I'm making a concious effort to put less into the landfills. I shredd all my paper and use it as mulch and to feed the worms in my worm compost bedding

I unplug appliances not in use, we've switched to those cute little energy efficient bulbs and we are getting back to basics as far as our daily living goes.

Share your tips and tricks for being kind to Mother Earth

Blessings
Rain

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