“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 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 ivy 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.
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
The Celtic Tree month of Willow or Saille (Sail) runs from April 15- May 12.
The Tree:
The willow tree is associated with the element of water and they grow best in or near damp or wet areas. They love growing on or near riverbanks and actually help to stop soil erosion. They are impressive trees that can grow up to 80 feet in height. There are many varieties of willows throughout Europe and North America, including globe, white and weeping and all They make excellent shade trees. All willows produce long fuzzy catkins in the spring before the leaves appear, they have thick, ridged bark and long thin leaves. As anyone with willow trees can attest to they are messy trees and are what is called “self pruning” as they tend to drop copious amounts of branches when it’s windy. Willow is also a shrub and can be found growing along creeks and in marshy areas.
In Healing
:In healing willow is used as an all around pain reliever and is the main ingredient in aspirin. It is also used to treat fever, chills, bursitis, menstrual cramps, chronic dysentery, worms and edema just to name a few. It is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and an antiseptic. It has also recently been shown to delay the formation of cataracts and lower the risk of male heart disease. It can also be used as a wash to treat poison-ivy, corns and cuts.
In Myth & Magic
Willows are a symbols of new journeys, and contact with the otherworld. The Celts have a creation myth that involves this tree. It is said that in the beginning there were two scarlet colored sea serpent eggs that held the sun and the earth. These eggs were hidden among the branches of a great willow tree to keep them safe. When the eggs hatched, they brought forth all life.
Willow is the embodiment of female and lunar energy. She is the ebb and flow of the waters of the Earth Mother and governs the cycles of woman and of earth. The month of willow brings the wonder and enchantment of spring, moon related magic, strengthening of intuition and new wisdom. Her connection to the moon can bring visions and the understanding of dreams. To dream of a willow tree is said to mean that a rival will take your lover.
In Northern European folklore willow was associated with death and the words “wicked and witch” are said to be derived from it’s name, however if you place the branches in your home those within will be protected from evil. Other associated folklore includes knocking on this tree to avert evil and yes this where the saying “Knock on wood” originated. If you carry a piece of willow on your person it will instill bravery and remove the fear of death. If there is a willow growing near your home it will protect you, and if you need to get something off your chest, tell it to a willow tree and your secret will be held fast. Talismans of willow twigs and leaves can be made for love, friendship and loyalty.
As a magical name Willow is one of emotion. It is also a flowing and loving name for a serious moon worshiper!
SONY DSC
Willow People
People born in the month of willow tend to be empathic with good intuition. They can also access ancient memories easier than most other people. They have a deep love for beautiful things and can be honest to a fault. Willows also accept change easily and are quick to grab opportunities that come their way. On the down side willow people are subject to mood swings and can have trouble reasoning things out. They can be hard to get to know and demanding which makes them hard to live with at times.
Correspondences:
Folk Names: Pussy Willow, Saille, Saugh Tree, Tree of Enchantment, Withe, Withy
Magic: love, fertility, protection, intuition, healing, contact with fairies and elementals, moon magic.
Deities: Artemis, Hecate, Aradia, Sarasvati, Ishtar, Dana, Diana, Ceridwen, the Morrigan, Belil, Poseidon, Arawen, Brigid, Mercury
Sacred Stones: Moonstone, Opal, Pearl, Mother of Pearl
written by Cat from the following sources: Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham The New Book of Magical Names by Phoenix McFarland Whispers from the Woods by Sandra Kynes crystal-forest.com dutchie.org
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA/Holly 1 by aki fukao/freeimages.com
The Celtic Tree Month of Holly/ Tinne runs from July 8th until August 4th.
HOLLY LORE
Holly has long been associated with death and rebirth in both Pagan and Christian lore and plays an important part in the Winter Solstice. In one Arthurian tale Gawain (representing the Oak King battles with the Green Knight who is armed with a holly club that is the symbol of winter. Both the Holly and the Oak are important during the Summer Solstice. During this time the Sacred White Horse of Oak transforms into the Unicorn of Holly. In ancient Rome, holly was thought to ward against lightning strikes and keep witches away. It was also a popular gift to give friends during the Saturnalia, which was celebrated during the Winter Solstice.
DSCI0065.JPG/seed head by gainesboro freeimages.com
PLANT INFORMATION
Holly is an evergreen shrubby tree, easily recognized by its shiny dark green toothed leaves and blood-red berries. This plant is considered POISONOUS and should not be ingested!! Holly was used for the crafting of wheel shafts for chariots and spear shafts as well. The wood of the holly is white and particularly fine-grained and closely resembles ivory. The berries can be used to make dye
red berries by abecks555/ freeimages.com
HOLLY IN MAGICK
Holly can be used for spells rest, sleep, and to ease the passage of death. Holly should also be used when attracting a familiar. It is said that a man who carries a bag of holly leaves and berries will attract women. It is also said that the ancient Druids advised people to take holly boughs into their homes during the cold season as a shelter for the fairies and other little people.
snowberry by railking /freeimages.com
HOLLY PEOPLE
Those born during this month are strongly connected to the earth and can have amazing physical strength. Their matter-of-fact solidness and generous spirit is admired and respected by others. Holly people also tend to be very religious or spiritual in an advanced way, and they are usually the last to see it. They are honest, hardworking, truthful, and pretty tolerant of most situations. They are the person you want on your side during a fight if the cause is just one. They see both sides of an argument and will only take sides if they have to.
As a magickal name, Holly is very festive and would be good for a sexy and attractive person. Someone who chooses this name knows they have a temper and can become “prickly” when crossed.
freeimages.com
HOLLY CORRESPONDENCES
Folk Names for Holly: Tinne (evergreen) Element: Earth Deities: Dana, Nuada, Gaia, Ceres, Persephone, Thor, Indra
Ogham symbol: Tinne Associated Tree: Holly Colors: Dark Gray Animals: War Horse Key Word: Balance
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 treetotem.com
Good Morning Beautiful Souls and Welcome to the New Year! Grab a cup of your favorite morning brew and start things off with “Today’s Inspirations”. I hope you find something here that will make you feel good or help you on your path today.
Blessings, Cat
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January Quotes
“The night is darkening round me, The wild winds coldly blow; But a tyrant spell has bound me And I cannot, cannot go. The giant trees are bending Their bare boughs weighed with snow. And the storm is fast descending, And yet I cannot go. Clouds beyond clouds above me, Wastes beyond wastes below; But nothing dear can move me; I will not, cannot go.”
Emily Bronte, Spellbound
gardendigest.com
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January Events
Jan 1, 2022, Happy New Year!
Jan 2 New Moon at 10:33 am PST/ 11:33 am MST /1:33 pm EST
Jan 6 12th Night- Epiphany
Jan 14 Mercury goes Retrograde until February 3
Jan 17 Full Wolf Moon at 3:48 pm PST /4:48 pm MST/6:48 pm EST
Jan 21 Celtic Tree Month of Rowan begins
Feb 1 Lunar New Year: Tiger
Feb 2 Imbolc
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Spirit Library: Restore & Recharge Kate Spreckley
The beginning of this year is about reviewing, assessing, and integrating the radical shifts and inner transformations that have occurred. The incoming energies have moved us deeply within and encouraged us to explore how our inner transformations can be translated into our external reality in a balanced way
The Green Witch: The Story of How I Became a Witch
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Spirituality& Health:3 Soothing Crystals for Anxiety BY ELINA ALLAIS Sleep with lepidolite, wear a black tourmaline pendant, and carry mangano calcite to tap into these crystals’ power to soothe anxiety
Work with healing crystals for anxiety and tap into their power for relaxation, protection, and self-love.
If the bad news is that anxiety levels are high, the good news is there has never been so much help available in so many different forms. Many crystals have high vibrational energies, and crystals for anxiety work to calm the mind and soothe fear, dread, and unease.
Learn Religions: A Collection of Prayers for Imbolc
If you’re looking for prayers or blessings to celebrate the sabbat of Imbolc, here’s where you’ll find a selection of original devotionals that bid farewell to the winter months and honor the goddess Brighid, as well as seasonal blessings for your meals, hearth, and home.
MBG:Ready For Aquarius Season? 7 Ways To Welcome The Powerful Energy Shift
The Sun visits a new zodiac sign every 30 days or so. During each “season” everyone feels the influence of the prevailing astrological energy. Aquarius season 2022 begins January 19 and ends February 18.
The Rowan tree is also known as the Mountain Ash and is a member of the rose family. They can be found growing among ancient settlements and ruins in Europe where they grow “like weeds”, although many of these trees were planted there as well. Rowans can grow almost anywhere and do well in poor soil, which would explain their growth in many areas! It grows well at high altitudes.
EarthSky News: Aquarius? Here’s your constellation
Lying on our sky’s dome between the constellations Capricornus and Pisces, Aquarius the Water Bearer can be tricky to pick out. There aren’t many bright stars in this constellation, and you’ll need a dark sky to get a good look of it. It’s one of the 12 constellations of the zodiac, though, and that means the sun, moon and planets occasionally or regularly pass within its boundaries.
Patheos-Pagan: Seeing the Reality of Gods, Spirits, and Magic JOHN BECKETT
Last week’s post What Is Seen Cannot Be Unseen was very well received. There were numerous comments – here, on Facebook, and especially on Twitter, which is unusual for me – from people who told their stories of crossing lines they can no longer uncross… though some tried.
Pagan Playlist: FAUN – Odin (feat. Einar Selvik / WARDRUNA& Martin Seeberg)
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Inner Journey:
REMOVE THE FILTERS
“You got to look at things with the eye in your heart, not with the eye in your head.” — Lame Deer, Medicine Man of the Oglala people
Whenever we’re thinking, our experience is being filtered through our minds. For example, when I say to myself, “What a beautiful sunset!” I am not fully experiencing the sunset because I am involved with the words in my mind.
Explore letting go of the thoughts, the words, and connecting directly with your experiences. Tune in to the silence and the sensations in your body. Be aware of the spaciousness this brings because this is truly living in the present moment.
Being present doesn’t mean that we have to abandon thinking entirely. That’s not feasible, of course. But we can experiment with what it’s like to stop thinking once in a while!
“Only in quiet waters things mirror themselves undistorted. Only in a quiet mind is adequate perception of the world.” — Hans Margolius
higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe
Intention is your gig.
Miracles are mine.
Symbiotically,
The Universe
tut.com
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Today’s Recipe: 10 LemonChicken Soup Recipes ThatAre Full of Citrus Flavor
Lemon juice adds bright flavor to these comforting chicken soups. In this collection of our best lemon chicken soup recipes, you’ll find traditional favorites
Magickal Intentions: Love, Romance, Marriage, Sexual Matters, Physical Beauty, Friendship and Partnerships, Strangers and Matters of the Heart
Element: Earth
Incense: Strawberry, Sandalwood, Rose, Saffron, and Vanilla Planet: Venus Star Signs: Libra and Taurus Angel: Ariel Power Colors: Green, Pink, Aqua Herbs & Plants: Pink Rose, Ivy, Birch, Heather, Clematis, Sage, Violet, and Water Lilly
Sacred Stones: Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Pink Tourmaline, Peridot, Emerald, and Jade Oil: (Venus) Cardamom, Palmarosa, Rose, Yarrow
Deities include Aphrodite, Eros, Freya, Venus
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Daily Wisdom January 21, 2022
Risk “He that will not sail till all dangers are over must never put to sea.”
-Thomas Fuller
The only thing that holds us back from taking a risk is fear. When we let go of fear we let in love. There are risks everywhere, everyday. We have the choice to disengage, to hide in fear – or to embrace the opportunity and see what happens. Life is meant to be lived, and experienced, and embraced.
-Lissa Coffey coffeytalk.com
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Daily Tarot:The Tower
The biggest danger you face today is being aloof and thus fail to see an approaching problem. This can cost you the chance to intercept the difficulty and minimize it, if not avoid it all together. Pay attention without getting paranoid, and take nothing and no one for granted. Danger may not lurk within every single shadow, but a small misstep can sometimes cause problems that are way out of proportion to the cause.
astrology.com
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About Cat’s Morning Bits: These daily posts are reblogged from various email newsletters that I receive each day.
Celtic Month of Reed (Ngetal) October 28-November 24
The month of Reed represents the mysteries of death and the hidden roots to all life it is sometimes called the “tree of doom” although it’s by no means a tree! But most of all it is the symbol for Samhain which is the beginning of the Celtic New Year.
PLANT INFORMATION
Reed is a marsh growing plant and while it is not considered a tree, it was named as such by the druids. This was due to the fact that like a tree, the reed has a deep, dense root system. While reeds are found all over the world. From the humble reed, the Druids made sacred darts and arrows. Pens were also crafted from reeds and were a sacred symbol of wisdom and scholarship. The reed can reach 12 ft. in height in marshy areas and usually in thick stands. The dried stalks produce a dry rattle that can have an eerie sound. The roots and seeds can be ground into flour. The Celts and later people of the British isles also used this plant to thatch their roofs. A well-thatched roof kept all kinds of weather out and depending upon the kind of reed you used a reed roof could last for 15 to 75 yrs. And in many places, woven reeds make beautiful baskets. Reeds were also a cheap substitute for candles, if you soaked them in fat they could be burned.
“There is nothing in the world more beautiful than the forest clothed to its very hollows in snow. It is the still ecstasy of nature, wherein every spray, every blade of grass, every spire of reed, every intricacy of twig, is clad with radiance.” ~ William Sharp
Reeds by Dorothea Krapp/ freeimages.com
IN MYTH
In mythology reed is connected with Pwyll the ruler of the Underworld. Pywll was given a sacred stone for safekeeping. This Stone was said to represent the divine power of The King and Queen and thus this humble plant was associated with royalty. Ancient Mediterranean people also associated reed with royalty as did the Egyptians. They made scepters from reeds and if the scepter broke it was thought that the King had lost both virility and vitality.
Monarch Butterfly by Matt Benson/freeimages.com
IN MAGIC
In magic Reed has the following uses: Growth, Healing, Harmony, Willpower, Loyalty. Reed is said to be useful when one is ready to expand their awareness both spiritually and mentally as well as balancing your energy. And as a herb for Samhain, it can be used in spells for travel to the otherworld and for Shamanistic soul retrieval.
•Reed, although not a tree but a grass-like plant, is usually associated with Samhain, the Celtic New Year. •The Reed Moon means winter is approaching. It is a month of turning our energies toward hearth and home. The tree symbolizes family, fidelity and trust. •Reeds are burned to honor household spirits and a family’s patron deity; and in ancient Scotland, a broken reed was an omen of familial betrayal. •Reeds may be placed through your home, especially the kitchen area, to bring the blessing of unity to your family. •Reed represents the turning within that we must undergo to nurture our soul’s hunger for spirituality. •The reed’s qualities includeprotection, spiritual progress, and hunger for truth
“Man is only a reed, the weakest thing in nature, but he is a thinking reed.”
Blaise Pascal
Jump 1 by Shannon Swift/ freeimages.com
REED PEOPLE
People born during the month of Reed can be cocky, arrogant and uncompromising which gives them forceful energy. Reed people are not competitors but rather the catalyst that makes things happen because they have great dramatic flair and plenty of passion. This dramatic flair helps them to role play well and you will rarely see a Reed person show weakness although on the downside they can take great pleasure in pointing out weakness in others. However, they are fantastic caretakers of both property and family and make strong friends. They are half of a dual sign-in which the other half is made up of Ivy (which is the next Celtic Month). As a magickal name Reed is wonderful for caregivers or if you wish to give your personal energy a boost.
Reed by Tomasz Kowalczyk/freeimages.com
CORRESPONDENCES
Reed: Names: Sedge, Sweet Flag, Animals: Kingfisher, Wild Goose, Owl Element: Air, Earth and Water Deities: Pywll, Rhiannon, Morrigan, Poseidon, Coventina, Manannan Mac Lir, Arawen, Pluto Sacred Stone: Jasper, Chysophrase, Aquamarine Color: Light Green
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 treetotem.com
The Celtic Tree Month of Hawthorn – May 13th to June 9th.
The Tree
The origin of the word Hawthorn comes from the Anglo-saxon “Haegthorn” which means hedgethorn. This tree grows to the size of a large shrub, it is because of this that it popular as a hedge plant in England. It has dense branches that grow in twists and turns which makes it almost impenetrable. It also grows some pretty nasty thorns. The wood is similar to apple and burns hot. The new growth on a hawthorn is reddish and in May it sports white flowers and later in the season red berries both of which have medicinal properties. This tree has a very long life span and has been known to reach 250 yr old. The hawthorn was often called the May Tree because its fragrant white flowers bloomed in May just in time for Beltane. These flowers were used for decorating maypoles and homes for the holiday.(this custom must have come later because as you will see this tree is a good guy/bad guy tree). The flowers were also used for weddings by the Greeks and Romans who considered them lucky. On the other end of the scale the Europeans said the hawthorn was unlucky and associated with witches.
As I said good tree/ bad tree ( pretty flowers but nasty thorns) and the Irish Brehon word for this tree means “harm”.
Autumn Berries by James Haggerty/freeimages.com
In Healing
In healing, the flowers, leaves and berries are used. A tonic made from the berries is said to help water retention in diabetics. The leaves and flowers can be made into a tea that helps anxiety, poor circulation, asthma, arthritis, loss of voice and rheumatism.
In Myth & Magic
In ancient times hawthorn had a double reputation. The Greeks and Romans considered them lucky while the Europeans said the hawthorn was unlucky and associated with witches. In time the flowers were used for decorating maypoles and homes for the Beltane. One interesting superstition is that the month of May is considered to be unlucky for weddings and is said to be the main reason that June weddings are so popular.
Hawthorn blossom 1 by Jonathan Ogilvie/ freeimages.com
The flowers were used by the Greeks and Romans who considered them lucky at weddings. In mythology, the hawthorn plays a roll in the romantic welsh tale of Kulhwch and Olwen. It embodies the protector of Olwens virginity, a giant called Yspaddaden. The giant is slain as the spring flowers (hawthorn) open which symbolizes summer defeating winter and the turning of the seasons. In other lore, the erotic scent of the hawthorn blossoms is said to enhance fertility and promote chastity. The ancient Turks called it ‘the scent of woman” and was considered an erotic symbol.
As a protective plant hawthorn was used to protect the home from lightning and negative entities and the ancient Romans believed that children were protected from evil spells if it was placed in their cradle. it could grant wishes and could be found guarding sacred wells and crossroads.
Hawthorn has long been considered a witches tree and is part of the sacred triad of oak, ash and thorn (the three realms/ maiden, mother, crone). It is also a favorite of fairies which makes it very unlucky to cut one down or harm it in any way.
To dream of pink hawthorn flowers means happiness, but if they are white it means money. If you dream of the tree itself it means harmony among friends. As a magical name Hawthorn is perfect for witches of either sex.
Hill Fort Hawthorn 3 by John evans/freeimages.com
Hawthorn People
Hawthorn people are full of great ideas and tend to be multi talented innovators. These people may also be performers in an artistic format, much like the Bards of old. They also make shrewd business people and have little patience with folks who do not take their work seriously. They can also be very protective of family and anyone they consider family.
Correspondences
Magical Properties: fertility(both male and female), protection (the thorns), prosperity, binding and cleansing, fishing magic, chastity and fairy magic.
Also Known As: May Bush, Whitethorn, Bread and Cheese Tree, Mayflower, Tree of Chastity, Gaxels
sources: the crystal forest controversical.com dutchie.org The New Book of Magical Names, Phoenix McFarland Cunninghams Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham Flower and Tree Magic, Richard Webster Tree Totem.com
The mighty ash tree can grow up to 130 feet in height and ifs found in Europe and North America and is a member of the Olive family. This tree will stop growing when it reaches approximately 60 years old, it is believed that by that time the tree has obtained its full growth potential. Ash trees are easily recognized by their black buds, small springtime flower clusters and the inch long winged seeds that stay on the tree until autumn when they fly off like helicopters. The leaves of this tree grow in multiple oval leaflets and provide some nice orange to purple fall color.
Ash is a hardwood tree and it’s wood is strong, flexible shock resistant. It for theses reasons that it is used for making boat oars, ax handles, sports equipment and wagon wheels. Ash was also a favorite of the ancient Celts who used it for spear shafts while the ancient Egyptians used ash wood for bows and arrows, and had great quantities of it imported.
Ash spears were considered a powerful magical tool of Celtic Shamans, even more so than the wand. It was a symbol of the Shamans strength of will and personal power. Wiccans and Pagans traditionally use it for making Besom handles.
by Dmitry Mayatskyy/freeimages.com
Ash Lore:
The Celts associated the ash tree with sea and the underwater kingdom of Tethys. It is also associated with the underworld and sacrificial deities, representing leading the soul into the afterlife. Celtic myth calls ash the tree of enchantment and it is said the the Welsh Magus Gwydion made his wands from its wood. Druid wands were made of ash as are the pipestems of the sacred Lakota pipes.
This tree also appears in Norse myth as the world tree Yggdrasil, World Tree or Cosmic Ash. This tree spans the the universe. Roots deep into the earth and the heavens supported by its mighty branches. The ash tree was seen as spanning the world and the world within each person. The ancient Druid phrase ” Know yourself and you will know the world” pretty well sums it up. It also shows us how we are linked with the world around us.
In Magic
In Magic the ash tree (wood, leaves, seeds) can be used in the following spells (charms etc.), creative endeavors, protection, attracting things, love, healing, fertility and transitions.
Charms of ash wood were used for protection against storms and drowning. It was also used as a love charm. You were to place an ash leaf in your left shoe and then you would be sure sure to meet your future spouse. Double leaves were lucky as were leaves with equal sections on both sides of the center leaf vein. However you would be unlucky in love if the ash tree on your land didn’t grow seeds every year.
Magical tools were also created from this tree. Ash spears were considered a powerful magical tool of Celtic Shamans, even more so than the wand. It was a symbol of the Shamans strength of will and personal power. Wiccans and Pagans traditionally use it for making Besom handles.
As a magical name Ash is perfect for a true warrior and leader, one who is comfortable with themselves and their abilities. It is generally thought of as a mans name but could also be used for a strong woman.
Footpath in a Fairytale like Forest. Natural Woodland with Hornbeam and Ash Trees, Spots of Sunlight on the Ground. by Andreas Krappweis/freeimages.com
Ash People
People born in the month of Ash tend to be ambitious but with an egotistical side. They also tend to overachievers and need to be the best in everything they do. They do not care for criticism earned or not which makes them highly sensitive. On the upside they are reliable, intelligent with artistic talent, and make faithful lovers. Ash people also seem to have a dual personality which makes it hard for others to understand their true nature and motives behind their actions.
Correspondences for Ash:
Names: Venus of the Woods, Tree of water, Hoop ash Deities: Eostre, Frigg, Frey, Dagda, Odin, Hel, Llyr, Poseidon Sacred Stones: Quartz Crystal, Coral Animals: Butterfly, Snipe, Crane, White Hound, Snake. Element: All Spells: Strength, Protection, Prosperity, Healing Color: Green, pale blue
compiled by Cat from the following sources: the crystal forest The New Book of Magical Names, Phoenix McFarland Cunninghams Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham Flower and Tree Magic, Richard Webster Tree Totem.com
Good Morning Beautiful Souls, grab a cup of your favorite morning brew and start things off with “Today’s Inspirations”. I hope you find something here that will make you feel good or help you on your path today.
Blessings, Cat
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Summer, fall, winter, spring,
The seasons rotate as each brings
Its special beauty to this Earth of ours.
Winter’s snow and summer’s flowers;
Frozen rivers will flow come spring,
There is a renewal of everything.
-Edna Frohock (1906-97)
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August Events & Holidays
Aug 1 Lughnasadh/ Lammas NH/ Imbolc SH
Aug 2 Moon enters Aquarius
Aug 3 Full “Sturgeon” Moon 8:58 am PST/ 9:58 am MST/ 11;58 am EST
Aug 5 Celtic Tree Month of Hazel begins
Aug 5 Moon enters Pisces
Aug 7 Moon enters Aries
Aug 10 Moon enters Taurus
Aug 11 3rd Qtr Moon 9:44 am PST/ 10:44 am MST/ 12:44 pm EST
Aug 12 Moon enters Gemini
Aug 14 National Navajo Code Talkers Day
Aug 14 Moon enters Cancer
to be cont.
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Spirit Library: Something New Is Forming (a message from Kate Spreckley)
In the second half of 2020 humanity’s process of evolutionary growth is accelerating at a much greater pace. The intense energy we have experienced over the last few months is radically quickening our processes and creating deep and lasting change.
Long ago, hazel trees were prized by the Romans who used the limber twigs to hold up grapevines. 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
As you study and learn more about magical living and modern Paganism, you’re going to see the words witch, Wiccan, and Pagan pretty regularly, but they’re not all the same.
MBG: The Not-So-Obvious Sign You May Be Facing Mental Burnout, From A Reiki Master
Burnout can be tricky: Not only can it manifest in a multitude of ways, both physical and mental, but it can be difficult to identify burnout before it becomes severe. It can be rather frustrating; after all, the key to managing burnout is to prevent the onset in the first place—aka, to combat the stress before it becomes debilitating.
Treehugger: How to Identify Different Types of Bees
When was the last time you were in your garden, saw a bee, grabbed it and squeezed it? Probably never, right?
Unless you’ve done that, there’s a good chance that if you’ve ever been stung it wasn’t by a bee, said Becky Griffin.
The five bright solar system planets, in their outward order from the sun, are Mercury, Venus, (Earth), Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Four of these five planets are in display in August 2020. Mercury, the lone exception, is nominally a morning planet until mid-August, at which juncture it’ll transition over to the evening sky.
________________________ Patheos-Pagan: The Greatest Offering To A Deity
For those who work with deities; in my opinion and experience food, libations, candles, and incense smoke are not the most powerful offerings you can give to a deity. The most powerful offerings you can make to a deity are acts that change the world for the better in their name.
“Humor is the instinct for taking pain playfully.”
— Max Eastman
Banish bad baggage, backward beliefs, boring boundaries, big blocks and belittling blame by building your beingness bridge by becoming a beautiful, bold, balanced, broadminded, boundless being.
“If life doesn’t offer a game worth playing, then invent a new one.”
— Anthony J. D’Angelo
higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe
There is no greater weapon than kindness.
A smile, a compliment, encouragement and compassion belong in the arsenal of every Time-Space Adventurer.
Today, may you crush, kill and destroy the fears you encounter, in others and in yourself.
“This versatile dish can be featured as a starter, a side or an entrée! It’s delicious served warm or cold, making it the perfect summer recipe using the minestrone soup mix you have in your pantry.”
__________________________________ Magical Correspondences for Wednesday
Wednesday (masculine)
Magickal Intentions: Communication, Divination, Writing, Knowledge, Business Transactions, Debt, Fear, Loss, Travel and Money Matters
Element: Air
Incense: Jasmine, Lavender, Sweet Pea Planets: Mercury and Chiron (though this is a moon of Pluto) Star Sign: Virgo Angel: Raphael Power Colors: Orange, Light Blue, Grey, Yellow and Violet Herbs & Plants: Fern, Lavender, Hazel, Cherry, Periwinkle Sacred Stones: Aventurine, Bloodstone, Hematite, Moss Agate and Sodalite Oil: (Mercury) Benzoin, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Lavender
Deities include Athena, Hermes, Lugh, Mercury, Odin
Wednesday is ruled by Mercury. Wednesday’s vibration adds power to spell work involving inspiration, communication, writers, poets, the written and spoken word, and all matters of study, learning, and teaching. This day also provides a good time to begin efforts involving self-improvement or understanding.
_________________________ Daily Wisdom August 5, 2020
Interdependence
“There’s a thread that binds all of us together, pull on one end of the thread, the strain is felt all down the line.”
-Rosamond Marshall, 1943
We have an inherent obligation to help out. When someone is in pain, that hurt affects more than just that one person. By reaching out, by showing compassion, by doing whatever we can to ease the burden, we make it better for all of us. Love lifts, love heals, love lightens. Whether it’s right here at home, or across the world, there are so many opportunities to make a difference.
-Lissa Coffey
coffeytalk.com
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Daily Tarot: Death
A change has been in the air for some time and today the actual transformation could happen. There’s nothing to be afraid of, or to dread, or to fear losing. Room is being made and energy is being set aside for something new and better for you. It could be something small or something large, but whatever it is will be meaningful and affect your daily life.
astrology.com
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About Cat’s Morning Bits: These daily posts are reblogged from various email newsletters that I receive each day.
The Celtic Tree Month of Hazel or Coll, August 5th – September 1st.
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HAZEL LORE
Long ago, hazel trees were prized by the Romans who used the limber twigs to hold up grapevines. 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 the 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 (nuts0, 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 approximately 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 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 hazelnuts prior to divinatory workings you will gain increased knowledge. You can also use the 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 was used to protect a person again being struck by lightning.
In Scotland, on Halloween, 2 hazelnuts 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. Hazelnuts are also considered good luck and said to increase fertility. New brides were often given strings of hazelnut 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 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.
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HAZEL PEOPLE
If you are a hazel person you should pay attention to your own natural rhythm. 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.
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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
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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
The Celtic Tree Month of Holly (Tinne) July 8th until August 4th.
HOLLY LORE
Holly has long been associated with death and rebirth in both Pagan and Christian lore and plays an important part of the Winter Solstice. In one Arthurian tale Gawain (representing the Oak King battles with the Green Knight who is armed with a holly club that is the symbol of winter. Both the Holly and the Oak are important during the Summer Solstice. During this time the Sacred White Horse of Oak transforms into the Unicorn of Holly. In ancient Rome, holly was thought to ward against lightning strikes and keep witches away. It was also a popular gift to give friends during the Saturnalia, which was celebrated during the Winter Solstice.
PLANT INFORMATIONHolly is an evergreen shrubby tree, easily recognized by it’s shiny dark green toothed leaves and blood-red berries. This plant is considered POISONOUS and should not be ingested!! Holly was used for the crafting of wheel shafts for chariots and spear shafts as well. The wood of the holly is white and particularly fine-grained and closely resembles ivory. The berries can also be used to make dye.
HOLLY IN MAGICK
Holly can be used for spells rest, sleep, and to ease the passage of death. Holly should also be used when attracting a familiar. It is said that a man who carries a bag of holly leaves and berries will attract women. It is also said that the ancient Druids advised people to take holly boughs into their homes during the cold season as a shelter for the fairies and other little people.
HOLLY PEOPLE Those born during this month are strongly connected to the earth and can have amazing physical strength. Their matter of fact solidness and generous spirit is admired and respected by others. Holly people also tend to be very religious or spiritual in an advanced way, and they are usually the last to see it. They are honest, hardworking, truthful, and pretty tolerant of most situations. They are the person you want on your side during a fight if the cause is just one. They see both sides of an argument and will only take sides if they have to. As a magickal name, Holly is very festive and would be good for a sexy and attractive person. Someone who chooses this name knows they have a temper and can become “prickly” when crossed.
HOLLY CORRESPONDENCES Folk Names for Holly: Tinne (evergreen) Element: Earth Deities: Dana, Nuada, Gaia, Ceres, Persephone, Thor, Indra
Ogham symbol: Tinne
Tree: Holly Colors: Dark Gray Animals: War Horse Key Word: Balance
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
treetotem.com
The Desert Path 
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