May 26, 2021 4:13 am PST/ 5:13 am MST/ 7:13 am EST
“Dancing midst the flowers beneath the full moon’s light, the wee folk tend the gardens on this soft spring night.”
“On the breeze their laughter floats and magic fills the air, unveiling natures treasure, her gifts with you they share.” ~Cat 2008
May is the time when flowers seem to be everywhere and is most likely why the Native Americans called this months full moon the “Flower Moon”.
This full moon keeps the spring theme of new beginnings and fertility rolling. Everywhere you look there is new growth. This is a great time to sow seeds in both your outdoor and inner gardens. Career, finance and prosperity are good areas to concentrate on for new beginnings. This month which started with the fire sabbat of Beltane is still keeping things burning. Lust, passion and renewed vigor put a bounce in our step as we move toward the new things this moon has to offer.
To celebrate this fiery month and full moon, wrap yourself in reds, oranges and yellow or wear warm stones like amber ,garnet and ruby. Take special care to nourish your inner garden this month. If you set intentions or thought seeds for yourself last month, remember to take steps to help them grow and move forward.
On a very light note, I have been “asked” to remind everyone that brings out the garden fairies! This Full Flower Moon is a wonderful time to welcome the “Wee Folk” in your home and yard. This is a great activity particularly for children. Leave gifts of pretty stones, crystals, shiny beads and other glittery objects in your flower beds and planters. Hang small decorations in your trees and shrubs. The Fae appreciate gifts and love to be remembered!
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
April’s Full “Wind” Moon 8:31 pm PST/ 9:31 pm MST/ 11:31 pm EST
The wild and windy March once more Has shut his gates of sleet, And given us back the April-time, So fickle and so sweet. -Alice Cary (1820-71)
During this full moon we are lured to provocative thoughts of warm days and spring flowers. We see a decrease of the march snows which give way to April showers and windy days. As the wind blows it joyfully spreads last seasons seeds. From these seeds comes growth and new life. Already we are seeing the first flowers leaves of the season. The Old Farmers Almanac calls this the Full Pink Moon because the first grass pink and ground phlox was beginning to grow. Other names for this moon are Seed Moon, Wind Moon, Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, Fish Moon
Like the full moon of March the April moon is the perfect time to nurture new beginnings. Plans and ideas that you have been thinking about starting can germinate and grow if you start now. The time has come to take action and make things happen. It is particularly good for love and adopting or conceiving a child.
To celebrate this full moon bright primary colors are the pick of the day and sacred stones like selenite, angelite, celestite and quartz crystal are the perfect adornments. Springtime flower scents like violet, hyacinth and other florals can add a special touch as well.
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
January’s Full “Wolf” Moon Thursday, January 28, 2021
11:16 am PST/ 12:16 pm MST/ 2:16 pm .m. EST
It’s January, the first month of the new year and on Thursday, January 28th we celebrate the Wolf Moon. The Native Americans named this moon the Wolf Moon because during the long dark nights the wolves were hungry and would often howl outside the lodges of the people. Other names for this full moon include the Cold Moon, Winter Moon (Colonial), Holiday Moon (China), Quiet Moon (Celtic), Ice Moon (neo Pagan), Disting Moon, Moon of Little Winetr and the Chaste Moon.
The January moon traditionally honored the Chinese deity Ch’ang-O, who was the goddess of the bedchamber and the protector of children. Other goddesses for January are Goddess for January include Freya, Inanna, Hera, Sinn and Sarasvati. To honor this moon try wearing colors of white, black and silver and adorning yourself with hematite, garnet, jet, onyx or chrysophase.
Check out this report form Cafe Astrology: FULL MOON ON JANUARY 28, 2021
The Full Moon in Leo marks the beginning of a new cycle.
The Moon is full when the Aquarius Sun opposes the Moon in Leo. The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which was started at the New Moon. Read more
The Full Moon itself offers powerful energy for rituals of prophecy, divination and protection. Any spell-work that requires extra energy, such as finding a new job or healing serious conditions, is best begun during the full moon. Also for love, gaining sacred knowledge, legal matters, attracting money and prophetic dreams.
Blessings,
Cat
I invite you to check out my websites!
The Desert Path: The dusty ramblings of a desert pagan. AND Cat’s Treasure Trove …. an eclectic collection of jewelry & gifts! https://thedesertpath.com
December’s Full “Cold” Moon Tuesday December 29, 2020
Time: 7:28 pm PST/ 8:28 pm MST/ 10:28 pm EST
The final full moon of 2020 seems to have fewer names than other months. However 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 time of midwinter is indeed long and the moon sits just above the horizon seemingly forever.
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 alway 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.
The Celtic Tree Month of Birch or Beith/Beth runs from December 24th – January 20th.
BIRCH LORE
Birch is the beginning of all things (life) and it is opposite of last months tree Elder (death). This month is symbolized by the unconscious self and raw wild force of the natural world. The tree itself is a symbol of birth, initiation and sacrifice. It is also associated with horned animals like goats and stags as well as the Horned Gods like Cernunnos, Dagda and Pan. Other names for this tree are Tree of Birth, Lady of the Woods. The Irish Gaelic word for this tree is “Beith”, which is derived from “Achadhbeith” meaning “the field of birch trees.
TREE INFORMATION
This tree is very common in Europe where it is known as the Silver Birch, it is also grown in North America under the name “weeping birch”. The leaves are long and egg shaped with notched edges. The slender trees have silvery white bark which is close to the color of poplar and aspen and to the untrained eye these trees may look the same. Birch can grow up to 100 feet in height and will do so unless they can take over their favorite soil which tends to be sandy, in which case they like to spread out in low clumps. In fact birch trees grow so well that they are the first new trees to sprout up in cut areas. This may be the reason that they are associated with rebirth and birth.
Birch Trees/ Vaclav Pastucha freeimages.com
BIRCH IN HEALING
This tree does have a few healing properties. The inner bark is said to be a good pain reliever as are the leaves which as tea, can be used for rheumatism. The sap produces syrup and from the bark comes flour and beer.
BIRCH IN MAGIC & MYTH
Birch is particularly useful for spells involving healing, fertility, new beginnings, blessings, protection, growth, love, and creative inspiration. It is also one of the nine sacred woods used in the sabbat fire and is a representation of the Goddess. Charms made of birch twigs were given to newlyweds to promote fertility and cattle were lightly struck with birch rods for the same reason. Brooms were traditionally made from birch, the twigs were called “Besom twigs” and love spells can be written on strips of birch bark that have been gathered during the new moon. This tree also plays an important role in the pagan tradition of jumping the broomstick which is part of the handfasting ceremony.
Broom/ Kay Pat freeimages.com
The birch can be found in folklore as well. Baby cradles were made from birch wood because it was thought to protect the innocent. On the Isle of Man criminals and lunatics were “birched” in a serious effort to drive out evil.
In Wales during the 13th-14th Centuries lovers were said to meet under these trees in the “house of leaves”. As a token a remembrance for these occasions wreaths would be made from the leaves of the tree. There is also and English/ Irish custom that took place on December 26th called “the huntin gof the wren.” The old year or the “wren” was hunted down by the new year which was symbolized by the robin, and was said to carry a birch twig in it’s claws.
To choose Birch as a magical name is cleansing and promotes your inner light. It would be a good name for a caregiver or for someone who seeks to make positive changes in politic for social issues.
ABOUT BIRCH PEOPLE
Birch people have a marvelous ability to be uplifting to others. They do not care for excess in any areas of their lives and like to promote a calm and content atmosphere where ever they go.
CORRESPONDENCES
Deities: All Horned Gods, Pan, the Dagda, Cerrnunos, Thor, Freya, Frigg, Cewrridwen Sacred Stones: Quartz Crystal, Fluorite Colors: White and Dark Green
sources:
the dutchie.org, The New Book of Magical Names, Phoenix McFarland Cunninghams Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham Flower and Tree Magic, Richard Webster crystal forest.com treetotem.com
Elder Blossoms by Michael & Christa Richert/freeimages.com
The Celtic Tree Month of Elder (Ruis) November 25 – December 22nd
The theme for this month is death, rebirth and the return of light. This month begins with the dark time of the year and ends with the birth of the sun at the Winter Solstice. Other names for this tree are Frau Holle (German), Eldrum, Ellhorn, Boure Tree, Lady Ellhorn. The word Elder comes from the anglo-saxon word “aeld” meaning fire. Evidently the young branches have hollow stems which make them useful in making a fire.
TREE INFORMATION
The elder tree is both a tree and a shrub and are members of the honeysuckle family. The shrub grows to about 30 ft. while the tree grows to around 50 ft. Both varieties like damp places along the woods edge. Elder has incredible regenerative power and can quickly regrow branches and roots. The tree has beautiful white flowers in the spring, growing in formations that resemble a bridal wreath. The flowers become reddish-black berries and make the most wonderful jellies, jams and syrups. The branches of the elder tree have a strong resemblance to bones when peeled of their bark. In the middle of the branches is a spongy center that looks similar to marrow. An unsuspecting person might actually believe the bare branches to be human bones!
Elderberries by John Nyberg/freeimages.com
ELDER IN HEALING
Elder is also a medicinal plant, the berries and flowers have many uses. However, it’s good to point out that the on the whole elder is considered poisonous. The dried berries and flowers make wonderful tea which is high in vitamins A, C, iron, Calcium and Potassium. This makes it beneficial for colds and sore throats. A distilled version of the flowers is good for treating cuts, burns and scrapes. Please keep in mind that if you pick elder berries make darn sure that they are ripe. Unripe elder berries cause severe diarrhea.
The Tree by Bill Davenport freeimages.com
ELDER IN MAGIC & MYTH
The Elder has long been associated with Witches but it appears in Christian myths as the tree of doom. Judas was said to have hung himself from one and the cross of Jesus was made of Elder wood.
The Celts believed that these trees were homes to the Sidhe and treated them with respect, when cut the tree produces a reddish sap that made people believe that the spirit within the tree had been hurt. It is considered very bad luck to harm one but if you must cut or prune an elder tree one should always ask permission first. It is also bad luck to make a cradle for a baby out of elder, this is because of the trees association with death. Planting an elder tree near your home will create good relations with the fae as well as bringing prosperity to the home and it’s inhabitants. Even today there remain some taboos against burning the wood. Placing elder wood on your windowsill will keep vampires away, you can also wear it to the same effect. The folk lore about vampires is said to be much older than the the use of garlic.
Use elder for spells of banishing, faery magic, healing, protection and prosperity. Elder wood is also good for making magical tools, but remember to ask first!
As a magical name Elder is good for the person who is serious about magic. It also invokes mystery, luck and a sturdiness of character.
ABOUT ELDER PEOPLE
People born in the Month of Elder can be wonderful healers and seers as well as gifted musicians. They are slow to mature and waste time and energy on things not worth while. They can be very curious about profound subjects and study these things intensely. As healers or seers, elder people must choose their words carefully as they can be very persuasive with their speech. They must be careful not to sway the thinking of others and let them make their own decisions.
CORRESPONDENCES
Deities: The White Goddess, Danu, Cailleach, Boann, Hel, Frey, Vulcan, Venus
Animals: All white animals, raven, pheasant
Sacred Stones: Red Jasper, jet, bloodstone
Compiled and written by Cat from the following 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
October’s Full Hunter’s Moon Oct 1: Full Blood Moon at 2:05 pm PST/ 3:05 pm MST/ 5:05 pm EST
The Old Farmer’s Almanac actually 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 Hunter’s 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.
This full moon resides in Aries. Finding and maintaining your balance will be important in this cycle. This will be particularly important in relationship areas so eliminate conflict if possible. For more on the astrological side of this full moon visit CafeAstrology for more.
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 Hunter’s Moon is a powerful and magical time use it wisely and enjoy the benefits.
Incense: Lemon, Frankincense Planet: Sun Star Sign: Leo Angel: Michael Power Colors: Gold, Yellow, Orange and White Herbs & Plants: Marigold, Heliotrope, Sunflower, Buttercup, Cedar, Beech, Oak Sacred Stones: Carnelian, Citrine, Tiger’s Eye, Amber, Clear Quartz and Red Agate Oil: (Sun) Cedar, Frankincense, Neroli, Rosemary
Deities include Apollo, Brigid, Helios, Ra
Sunday is ruled by the Sun. This is an excellent day for spell work involving business partnerships, work promotions, business ventures, and professional success. Spells for friendships, mental or physical health, or bringing joy back into your life can be performed on this day, too.
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