Category Archives: Pagan Things

The Blessings of Spring: Cat’s Angel Message for March 20, 2019 

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The Blessings of Spring: Cat’s Angel Message for March 20, 2019 

March Theme: This month carries the energy of the Ascended Masters. We will be working to improve self love, inner peace and overall clarity. These things will help on the path to manifesting our dreams and goals.



Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s party!” – Robin Williams 




320:  Today is Ostara, The Vernal Equinox and the first day of Spring! The Universe are reminding us about faith. Sometimes our faith is like the Winter season where things seem barren, empty or even hopeless. We see no results to our prayers or requests. Then all of a sudden we see new beginnings and new growth, just like what happens in the Spring time. Embrace this new season and see things with a fresh, new perspective. Believe with all your being that even though the results you want are not yet visible the Universe is working behind the scenes, wheels are turning and things are falling into place.




Today we honor the goddesses of Spring like Brigid (the maiden), Freya, Olwen, Blodewedd, Eostre, Persephone/Kore, or Cordielia. Spend some time outside today and look for the new growth that symbolizes rebirth and hope. The Welsh goddess Cordelia is a deity of nature and  Spring is her season.  She  reminds us that every season has it’s own unique beauty and healing energy. Embrace joy today to help you to escape stress and let go. “Healing can be found in nature. Allow the beauty that surrounds you to renew your spirit and fill your soul with pure joy.”




To honor this new season try using one of the following Sacred Stones and to promote Spring’s essence within.  Tree Agate (Dendritic) to strengthen your connection to the plant kingdom and help you to enjoy each moment. Green Aventurine promotes healing and infuses us with harmony as it balances yin/yang energy. Chrysoprase fills us with the sense of being a part of the divine plan and brings hope and personal insight. Moonstone helps us to see the new beginnings as they happen and Sunstone helps us to connect to the light and promotes a  joyous spirit.




Bright blessings for a magickal day!




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Ostara Walks (original poetry)

			
						

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Ostara Walks


 


Ostara Walks




Ostara walks in beauty, Ostara walks in hope


She is the dawn of springtime, and brings the world rebirth;


On gentle breeze her name is sung,  and nature is her choir.




Ostara walks in beauty, Ostara walks in joy


Her mantle is the new green grass, unfolding from the earth;


Laughter floating on the air, light and silver shining.




Ostara walks in beauty, Ostara walks in grace


Unselfishly she shares her gifts, they heal the human soul;


Winters death is banished, it’s a time for rebirth and growth.


©3-17-08 Cat-LBolotin


 


 


 

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Celtic Tree Month of Alder: March 18th to April 14th.

			
						

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Celtic Tree Month of Alder  or Ffearn (FAIR-n) 


Plant Information:


The Alder is a member of the Birch family and is native to the British Isles, Europe and North America. They require a great quantity of water and can reach 65 feet or more if left to grow undisturbed. The tree itself grows in a rough cone shape with branches that are evenly spaced down its long trunk, The leaves are roundish and finely toothed, and in the spring it produces flowers and catkins. The wood from this sacred tree comes in a number of colors. When an alder is cut down the wood changes from white to reddish-yellow that bears a remarkable resemblance to blood. This caused our ancestors to believe that the tree bled when cut and it was considered unlucky to cut one down. The wood itself is oily and water resistant and in past times was used for shields, the foundations for houses and is still used today in cabinetry and door making.




In healing alder has been used as a substitute for quinine. It has also been used to treat parasites, inflammation coughs, poison ivy, toothache, sprains and strains. On an interesting side note the inner bark is a great natural pesticide.




In Myth & Magick


The time surrounding the Vernal Equinox is and was important in the wheel of the Celtic year. Alder good for fairy magick and the leaves and twigs can be used in charms and talismans for protection. While dyes can be made from the bark, flowers and twigs to dye ritual robes. Red: Bark/ Green: Flowers/ Brown: twigs. Alder is associated with all four elements ( earth, air, water, fire) and is great for elemental magick. Flutes can be made from the wood and whistles from young alder shoots can be made to summon air elemental’s. The alder represents free will and liberty. In some places today it is still a crime to cut down this sacred tree. The person who is dumb enough to cut one down is seen as the cause of any trouble that happens in his neighborhood. The alder tree is also associated with courage and the evolution of spirit. This tree spirit can be called upon for help during disputes, where you need to see clearly to make the right decision or when you simply need to draw and bring forward you own inner strength.




 Born in the Month of Alder


People born in the month of Alder make excellent oracles, they can tell you like it is and manage to do it gently. However, alder people must remember not to abuse their power, and just like the tree itself they tend to mature slowly. Alders are powerful and make steadfast allies, they are trailblazers who set the pace for others to follow. If you are an alder person, just remember to slow down once in awhile and take a good look around you.


As a magickal name Alder works well for people who tend to be secretive and changeable or for those with fire signs. Choosing this name can bring out sensitivity in people who have trouble letting it show.




Other Correspondences:

Names: Tree of Fire


Deity: Bran, Proteus, Branwyn, Freya, Cailleach, Teutates and Ares


Animals: Snake,Fox, Hawk, Gull, Raven


Use in Spells for: Weather, Spiritual growth, Teaching, Banishing, Protection, Healing


 


Article Sources


dutchie.org

crystal-forest.com

Flower and Tree Magic, Richard Webster

Whispers from the Woods, Sandra Kynes

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
December’s Full “Cold Moon”

			
						

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Dec Moon

December’s Full “Cold” Moon

Saturday, December 22, 2018


9:48 am PST / 10:48 am MST /  12:48 pm EST/




The final full moon of 2018 will be in Cancer, which rules issues of  nurturing, family, security, and the emotions. The moon in Cancer is usually kind of a roller coaster. However with this moon in Cancer’s house at 0th degree we are being given the opportunity to express what’s in our heart, remove obstacles, and heal relationships. Yesterday was the Winter Solstice which not only fills our day’s with more light it also heralds new beginnings. So take heart and use your creator super powers to make something magickal.




Our ancestors called this moon the Cold Moon, The Bitter Moon, Long Nights Moon, and the Big Winter Moon. It is during this month that the nights are at their longest and winter blankets the land in it’s cold grip. This is probably where the name Long Nights Moon originated. Our Old English/Anglo-Saxon ancestors called it the Moon Before Yule. Both names are appropriate for this season.




The Cold Moon honors deities like Minerva, Osiris, Athena, Persephone and Hades. It is the perfect time to finish tying up loose ends and working through any remaining darkness from the past year. Take time to acknowledge the hardships and struggles that you have gone through and embrace the cycles of life, death and rebirth. It is through the experience of the dark times that we learn sun and warmth will always cycle around and we will survive and continue, changed in ways that aid our personal cycle of growth. The work we do during this full moon will help us to welcome the rebirth of the Sun with open hearts.




To celebrate this full moon try wearing the triple goddess colors of white, red and black and adorning yourself with rubies, moonstone, serpentine or obsidian.


 


Full Moon Blessings!




I invite you to check out my websites!


The Desert Path: The dusty ramblings of a desert pagan. https://thedesertpath.com/


Cat’s Treasure Trove …. an eclectic collection of jewelry & gifts! https://thedesertpath.com

Sacred Spirals (the place where all paths meet)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/SacredSpirals/



					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
October’s Full “Hunter’s” Moon 

			
						

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Oct Full Moon


October’s Full “Hunter’s” Moon


October 24, 2018

9:45 am PST/  10: 45 am MST/  12:45 pm EST




The Old Farmer’s Almanac calls October’s moon the Hunter’s Moon, where pagan almanacs call it the Blood Moon, both are correct. The reference of the Hunter’s Moon is very similar to the Harvest Moon as work or in this case hunting could be done into the evening hours due to the brightness of the moon itself. However, the name Blood Moon has nothing to do with hunting. Like Septembers Harvest Moon the debris in the earth’s atmosphere (like dust, smoke etc.) cause the rising moon to appear reddish , thus the name Blood Moon. Other names for this moon are the Shedding Moon, Falling Leaf Moon, Hunter’s Moon, White Moon (China), Harvest Moon (Cherokee & Celtic), Blackberry Moon (Choctaw), Moon When Quilling & Beading Is Done (Dakota).


From the beginning of October until Samhain the veil between our world and the spirit world becomes thinner. The Blood Moon is the perfect time to begin decorating your altar for the upcoming Sabbat or creating an Ancestor Altar. Use autumn flowers and seed pods, indian corn, pumpkins and gourds, pictures of departed loved ones, acorns and nuts, bones or apples and pomegranates to help set the tone. Divination is also at it’s best from now until Samhain as is contacting departed loved ones. Dreams are another thing to pay close attention to at this time. The information may be come in clearer and stronger than it does at other times of the year. This is also a time of spiritual growth. It is time to finish harvesting and take stock of our labors from the past year. Discard what no longer serves you to make room for the new ideas and thought forms that will begin germinating in the coming dark season.


To help bring the magic of this full moon into your day try wearing dark colors, blue, purple or black and ornamenting yourself with sacred stones like amethyst, obsidian or even tourmaline. The Blood Moon is a powerful and magical time use it wisely and enjoy the benefits.


Full Moon Blessings!


Cat


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The Celtic Month of Ivy:  Sept 30- Oct 27

			
						

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Celtic Month of Ivy


“Oh, a dainty plant is the Ivy green,

That creepeth o’er ruins old!

Of right choice food are his meals, I ween,

In his cell so lone and cold.

The wall must be crumbled, the stone decayed,

To pleasure his dainty whim:

And the mouldering dust that years have made

Is a merry meal for him.

Creeping where no life is seen,

A rare old plant is the Ivy green.”


Charles Dickens: The Ivy Green




IVY LORE


The Celtic Month of Ivy / Gort/ Gwinwydden runs from Sept 30- Oct 27


The ancient Celts and in particular the Druids, held ivy in high regard. In Wales ivy was related to the goddess Arianrhod, and was used in her ritual of opening a portal into the Otherworld also known as the dark side of the moon and the Realm of Faery. This realm is symbolized by the butterfly and gives ivy a mysterious and mystical aspect. Persephone is also associated with this month, this begins the time when she departs for the underworld for the dark half of the year. This month is time of settlement and reconciliation as it relates to karma. This month also corresponds to the Hunters Moon which is this months full moon. It relates to female hunting animals wolf (Brigid), boar (Garbh Ogh), Lioness (Sekhemet)


 


This plant is associated with the Goddess because it grows in a spiral

This plant is sacred to the God Dionysus and during the Bacchanal people would run around waving the thyrsus which was actually fir branches that were wrapped with ivy. And the ancient Greeks would give a wreath of ivy to newlyweds as a symbol of fidelity.




PLANT INFORMATION

This “super vine” has great strength because of it’s ability to force it’s way into solid rock and it was powerful enough to kill a full grown oak tree. Ivy is another Celtic tree that is not a tree, and it depends upon a real tree to give it support. It is a member of the Ginseng family although it is considered an evergreen and it represents the ever blooming aspect of the human psyche. It develops yellowish flowers in October and then black berries.


Ivy is a POISONOUS plant and while it is said to have been used for medicinal purposes (like curing hangovers and cleansing wounds) I would highly recommend AGAINST it , as all parts of this plant are poisonous.




IVY IN MAGIC


In it’s magical role it protects against evil spirits negativity and disaster. and is a symbol of loyalty, healing rituals, and longtime friendships. It can be used in love charms to promote fidelity. As a magical name Ivy denotes strength and to give someone ivy as a gift states “attachment” and be mine forever.




IVY PEOPLE


People born in this month are balanced by Reed people. In their own right, Ivy people have great stamina and talents that can bring them great public honors. Ivies also tend to radiate success even when they are not so fortunate. They are colorful and unique individuals who can be manipulative and use their power ruthlessly to get what they want. The key for Ivy people is not to abuse this power.


 


Deities: Dionysus, Artemis, Ariadne, Bacchus, Osiris, Arianrhod, Danu, Hel, Persephone, Rhea, Frey, Ogma, Cerrunos


Sacred Stones: Opal, Chysoberyl, Alexandrite


Colors: Blue and light brown/tan


Animals: Butterfly, swallow, mute swan, lark




written by CatSister 2010 sources:

The New Book of Magical Names by Phoenix McFarland

Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

Whispers from the Woods by Sandra Kynes

dutchie.org

controverscial.com

crystalforest.com

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
August’s  Full “Corn” Moon (Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018)

			
						

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SS August Moon


August’s  Full “Corn” Moon


Sunday, August 26, 2018 at 4:56 am PST/  5:56 am MST / 7:56 am EST


The Old Farmer’s Almanac calls this moon the Sturgeon Moon because the Native people of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain knew this was the best time to catch these big fish. I have also seen it called the Barley Moon or Corn Moon as this moon is also associated with grain and the rebirth we celebrated at Lughbasadh.


Other names for this moon are Dog’s Day Moon (Colonial American), Harvest Moon (China), Fruit Moon (Cherokee), Women’s Moon (Choctaw), Moon When All Things Ripen (Dakotah), Dispute Moon (Celtic), Lightning Moon (Pagan).


The Moon will be traveling through dreamy Pisces so you intuitive antenna may be vibrating. Go easy. While  intuition and imagination are a good thing don’t allow yourself to go overboard and let key details slip past.


Carry this months harvest theme over into your magickal workings for the day. What can you sacrifice (harvest) today that will help you in the future. Spiritual and physical health are also good areas to work on at this time.


Honor the goddesses of the full moon today with the scents of chamomile, basil, rosemary  and wear silver accented with the sacred stones carnelian garnet, red agate, red jasper and tigers eye both gold and red.


Full Moon Blessings!


Cat


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The Lotus Pond

			
						

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The Lotus Pond


Memories of a haven long past


I remember the lotus pond, cool, inviting the midday sun beating down over head


It was cool there, shaded by the old acacia tree offering sanctuary from Ra’s blazing power


That tree was a friend to me


Roughened bark carressing me like the hardened hands of a lover


It’s branches a shelter as it once sheltered my gods who were born beneath it


But I remember the lotus pond


Scented green with the rich water of the sacred Nile, heady and intoxicating


Serenaded by the small frogs and guarded by the temple cats I would lie


The grass would cradle me


Softer than the finest silk, sensuous beyond belief, a blessing in this red land


It’s scent was green too yet different than the water, sharp and cool


Yet I remember the lotus pond


Pink and white bowls floating among brilliant green plates


Teasing, beckoning you to pluck one, dip and drink of the sacred green


Watching the sky above


Slashes of blue in the canopy of leaves and branches, arbor of the gods


A blue the color of Pharoah’s chariot, glorius and heartstopping in it’s beauty


But I can see the lotus pond


Shimmering in tranquil beauty, a place of peace, a place out of time


As if nothing could touch you, a sacred haven just for me


All things change, even the gods


The sacred places as I knew them are gone, destroyed, changed


So now I wait, gathering my power and dreaming of what was


I dream of the lotus pond


Sweet days and sweeter nights and a time long gone, obscured by time itself


Buried as I am buried, lost in time beneath the shifting sands


© LBolotin-Cat 12-2-08

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
The Celtic Tree Month of Hazel  August 5th – September 1st.

			
						

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The Celtic Tree Month of Hazel  August 5th – September 1st.


HAZEL LORE


Long ago, hazel trees were prized by the Romans who used the limber twigs to hold up the grape vines. These vines were sacred to the Roman god Bacchus and goats who were found feeding on them were sacrificed to Bacchus and roasted on hazel spits. The Romans were also responsible for giving Scotland it’s Latin name of Caledonia. Hazel trees were plentiful in Scotland and the Romans called it Cal-Dun or Hill of Hazel. Since the medieval times hazel has been held sacred, particularly in Ireland where it is part of a Celtic triad – Apple for beauty; Hazel for wisdom; Oak for strength. These trees were in fact so sacred that cutting one unnecessarily carried the penalty of death. Hazel was often used in funeral pyres and it was also found in the coffins of people of note like chiefs and rulers.


In Irish legend, 9 hazel trees grew around the sacred well of Connla. The trees produce flowers and fruit.  The nuts fell into the well and were eaten by the salmon, the legend says that the salmon will have the exact number of spots as the number of nuts it has eaten. The salmon became the carrier of all knowledge.




PLANT INFORMATION


This tree is found all over the world ( Europe, North Africa, Asia, Britain and the US). It can be found growing in damp places, hedgerows, and oak woods. It resembles a large shrub more than a tree although it grows to heights of 12-20 feet. Hazel trees have heart shaped leaves and produce yellowish catkins (male) along with reddish flowers (female) which can be seen between April and May. There are aproximately 15 species of Hazel and they all produce nuts, called hazelnuts, filberts or cobnuts depending on where you live. The nuts are ripe by September and can be eaten right off the tree, The uneaten nuts fall off the tree and will actually germinate if left. The wood from this tree is tough and limber. It is used to make walking sticks, fishing poles, baskets and hampers. It’s an excellent firewood and the charcoal is used for making gunpowder and crayons.




HAZEL IN MAGICK

Hazel is used for divination and dowsing rods are often made from it. This was actually documented by Roman author, and philosopher, Pliny the Elder. The art of dowsing is called rhabdomancy and traditionally a divining rod was cut at night and from the eastern side of the tree. Before the 17th century these dowsing rods were used not only to find water but treasure, thieves and murders. An interesting fact is that this form of dowsing is still practiced in the celtic nation of Cornwall. Cornish legend says that the dowsing rod is guided to water or ore loads by piskies who guard the hazel trees. The nuts can also be used for divination. It is said that if you eat hazel nuts prior to divinatory workings you will gain increased knowledge. You can also use thie wood, leaves, and nuts in dark moon rituals.

The nuts were talismans carried for various reasons. People carried them to prevent toothaches. And they were said to help cure snakebites. Along this line St. Patrick used a hazel rod to drive all the snakes from Ireland. In Scandanavia this tree was sacred to the Thunder God, Thor and were used to protect a person again being struck by lightning.


In Scotland, on Halloween, 2 hazel nuts are given the names of lovers and put into the embers of the fire. If they burn quietly and stay together, the lovers will remain together. But if they crack and move apart they are ill matched. Hazel nuts are also considered good luck, and said to increase fertility. New brides were often given strings of hazel nut as gifts.


Ancient sailors also wore crowns of woven hazel twigs called wishing caps. These caps offered protection against bad storms at sea. The ancient druids believed that that if you wore such a crown you could become invisible.


This wood is also good for crafting wands and record of them can be found in ancient Egyptian and Chaldean records. According to Greek myth Apollo gave a hazel wand to Mercury. With it Mercury was able to instill good virtues into mankind.




HAZEL PEOPLE

If you are a hazel person you should pay attention to your own natural rhythem. It is easy for you to be impatient and you should sit back and let thing s happen naturally. You will be much happier. Hazel people are also understanding, moody, honest and tolerant partners and have excellent ideas of right and wrong.


Choosing Hazel or Hazelnut as a magickal name represents someone who is wise and experienced.




HAZEL CORRESPONDENCES


Folk Names: Coll, Poets Tree and Dripping Hazel


Deity Associations: Mercury/ Hermes, Thor, Artemis, Arianrhod, Mannen Mac Lir, Ogma and Diana.


Ruled by: Mercury and the Sun


Star Signs: Virgo, Libra, Gemini


Sacred Stones: Lapis, Amethyst, Sapphire


Colors: Brown, Dark Blue


Animals: Salmon, Crane


Key Word: Intuition


Written by CatSister/LBolotin 2010 from the following resources:

The New Book of Magickal names by Phoenix McFarland

Flower and Tree Magic by Richard Webster

Whispers from the Woods by Sandra Kynes

Contraversical.com

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Lughnasadh Blessings!

			
						

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Happy Lughnasadh/Lammas!


May this festival of Lammas bring you blessings of the Harvest, Health and Hearth;


And bring you joy and all good things to fill your heart.


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I invite you to check out my Facebook group and our store! The Desert Path: The dusty ramblings of a desert pagan. https://thedesertpath.com/




 








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Sacred Spirals (the place where all paths meet)