Tag Archives: weekly articles

Cat’s Bits for October 1-7 :  The Celtic Tree Month of Ivy

Posted on by

 

cropped-116_0076

Cat’s Bits for October 1-7 :  The Celtic Month of Ivy, Sept 30- Oct 27

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

October Events:

October 5: Full Harvest/Blood Moon at 2:40 pm EST

October 9: Indigenous Peoples’ Day

October 19: New Moon at 3:12 pm EST

October 23: Sun enters Scorpio at 1:27 am EST

October 28: Celtic Tree Month of Reed begins

October 31: Samhain / Halloween

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ivy-leaves-1368326

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. (If you look closely, ivy leaves resemble butterfly wings) 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 (aka Harvest or Blood Moon) which is this month’s full moon. It relates to female hunting animals wolf (Brigid), boar (Garbh Ogh), Lioness (Sekhemet)

Ivy is associated with the Goddess because it grows in a spiral. It is also 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 depends upon a real tree to give it support. It is a member of the Ginseng family although it is considered an evergreen. It also 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 all forms of disaster, it is used in healing rituals and is a symbol of loyalty 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 state’s “attachment” and be mine forever.

IVY PEOPLE

People born in this month have great stamina and talents that can bring them great public honors. Ivy people 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, Chrysoberyl, 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

Bright Blessings for a Magickal Week!

Cat

(C) LBolotin 2017

Laura (Cat) Bolotin has been following an eclectic pagan/spiritual path for over 25 years. She currently lives in Western Colorado where she enjoys communing with nature, desert crawling, belly dancing, nature photography, jewelry crafting and writing stuff she hopes will help others along their path. She is married and owned by 6 cats.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please feel free to check out my websites!

The Desert Path: The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan. https://catsister.wordpress.com

Sacred Spirals on Facebook: The Place Where All Paths Meet  https://www.facebook.com/groups/sacredSpirals/

This page may be shared with others as long as no changes are made, and ALL credits, links, photos and copyrights remain intact. All written work and are created by and copyrighted to LBolotin/Cat 2007-2017

Cat’s Bits for September 3- 9 “Celtic Tree Month of Vine”

Posted on by

cropped-116_0076

Cat’s Bits for September 3- 9 “Celtic Tree Month of Vine”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

September Events:

Sept 2: Celtic Tree Month of Vine begins

Sept 4: Labor Day

Sept 6: Full  Harvest Moon at 3:03 am EST

Sept 20: New Moon at 1:30 am EST

Sept 21: International Day of Peace

Sept 22: Fall Equinox/ Mabon and Sun enters Libra at 4:02 pm EST

Sept 30: Celtic Tree Month of Ivy begins

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

grape-on-the-vine-1326015

The Celtic Tree Month of Vine

I dreamed this mortal part of mine
Was metamorphosed to a vine,
Which, crawling one and every way…
from Robert Herrick’s “The Vine”VINE LORE




The Celtic month of Vine or Muin runs from September 2nd to September 29th.


The month of Vine is the bridge between the Autumn Equinox and the dark time of the year that begins at Samhain. Muin is an Ogham word that means highest of beauty and strongest of effort and the Irish word Muine means thicket.


Vine symbolizes emotion and sensuality and represents the clinging aspirations of artists and of poets. Vine refers to specifically to the Grape Vines. In mythology, the grape vine is personified in the God Dionysus or Bacchus, who brought the art of wine making to mankind. Carvings of this god show him with an ivy wreath upon his head and his body covered with grapes and leaves. As such he resembles the GreenMan of the celtic traditions. In Pagan/Wiccan traditions the five pointed leaves are sacred to the Goddess as is the spiral growing pattern of thevines themselves.


PLANT INFORMATION


This is not a tree but more like a shrub and is probably the oldest cultivated plant in the world. It is a long lived plant and scientists have found fossilized grape leaves that date back 40 million years! These vines have large lobed leaves and produce small whitish flowers, that in turn produce grapes. Vine can grow up to 115 feet in length and live to a recorded life span of 600 years. The stem of very old grape vines have been know to produce “planks” 15 inches wide when cut. This vine has no uses other than wine making.


In healing, vine is known for it’s restorative and regenerative powers. It can help with fever, the leaves and seeds were used to stop hemmoraging, bleeding and inflamation. Grapes are rich in iron, and vitamins and provide an excellent source of instant energy. They are also a laxative and a diuretic. Blackberries were used by the ancient Greeks to treat gout. In England the leaves were used to treat burns while berries were used to treat bug bites, loose teeth and sore throats. The bark and roots are known for their astringent properties and are still used today.


VINE IN MAGICK


Vine is female and is ruled by the moon. It can be used to promote prosperity, fertility, mental powers and can be used in garden magick. Ritual uses include celebrations, grounding and faery magick. Use the leaves of this plant to enhance your own goals and ambitions. Vine is also one of the nine sacred woods burned at Beltane as a symbol of joy.


Vines properties are as follows:


Thistle: Protection, strength, exorcism, hex breaking

Blueberry: Spirituality, protection and dream magick

Grape: Garden magick fertility, prosperity/money and binding

Blackberry: Protection, healing and properity


To dream of grapes/blackberries is a sign of abundance, if the leaves are green then success is coming your way and if you are harvesting the berries your income will be a good one. To dream of walking through a vinyard fortells of prosperity.


Here is a recipe for Vine Moon Tea (good for use in Earth magic, sex magic, overcoming difficulties):

1 part blackberry

1 part dandelion

splash of currant wine or Grape juice

pinch of hibiscus

(dutchie.org)


VINE PEOPLE


Vine people have high personal standards and tend to be natural socializers and well organized. They also have well developed insticts and an eye for detail however this can become an issue as they can be highly self critical. They are also secretly romantic and sensitive. Vine people have a dual personality and can be happy one minute and down the next. It is important for Vine people to learn the importance of balance between giving and receiving.


To choose Vine as a magickal name can indicate that you are a climber and have great potential. You are willing to work hard to achieve what you want.


Deities: Dionysus, Osirus, Branwen,Brigid, Danu, Freya , Hathor, Bacchus, Dagd, Etain.

Animals: White swan, eagle, lizard, hound

Sacred Stones: Blue beryl and emerald


written by CatSister 2010

sources:

The New Book of Magical Names by Phoenix McFarland

Cunninghams Encyclopedia of Magickal Herbs

Whispers from the Woods by Sandra Kynes

dutchie.org

controverscial.com






Grapes on the Vine photo: freeimages.com




Bright Blessings for a Magickal Week!


Cat


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Laura (Cat) Bolotin has been following an eclectic pagan/spiritual path for over 25 years. She currently lives in Western Colorado where she enjoys communing with nature, desert crawling, belly dancing, nature photography, jewelry crafting and writing stuff she hopes will help others along their path. She is married and owned by 5 cats.


 


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Please feel free to check out my websites!


The Desert Path: The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan. https://catsister.wordpress.com


Sacred Spirals on Facebook: The Place Where All Paths Meet  https://www.facebook.com/groups/sacredSpirals/


This page may be shared with others as long as no changes are made, and ALL credits, links, photos and copyrights remain intact. All written work and are created by and copyrighted to LBolotin/Cat 2007-2017

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Cat’s Bits for August 27 – Sept 2; Why the Trees Lose Their Leaves

			
						

				Posted on   by  			

			
					


				

			
cropped-116_0076


Cat’s Bits for August 27 – Sept 2   Why the Trees Lose Their Leaves


We are starting to see early signs of fall here, so I thought I would share one of my old favorites this week. I hope you enjoy it!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


September Events:


August: 12: Mercury is Retrograde Aug 12- Sept. 1


Sept 2: Celtic Tree Month of Vine begins


Sept 4: Labor Day


Sept 6: Full  Harvest Moon at 3:03 am EST


Sept 20: New Moon at 1:30 am EST


Sept 21: International Day of Peace


Sept 22: Fall Equinox/ Mabon and Sun enters Libra at 4:02 pm EST


Sept 30: Celtic Tree Month of Ivy begins


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


hidden-sparrow-1549262


Why the Trees Lose Their Leaves


A Tale from the Cherokee Nation as told by Cat




In the beginning, and just as it is today, all creatures including the trees spoke to one another. They shared many things amongst themselves and with their neighbors. Just as we two-leggeds do. But during the winter all the birds would fly south. It was warm there and the birds big and small would sty there until spring. Then they would return home with their families.




 


That year as winter approached, Sparrow was hurt. He wasn’t well and he knew that he was not strong enough to make the yearly journey with his family to the south. So Sparrow told them to go to the warm place without him. At first they refused to leave him but Sparrow insisted and finally they left.




 


Because of his injuries Sparrow knew that he would not survive the winter without shelter. So he decided that he would ask the trees to help him.  He went first to Oak and said ” Friend Oak, as you can see I am hurt and cannot fly well. Winter is almost here and without shelter I will die. Will you help me by sheltering me within your beautiful leaves so that I can heal and greet my family when they return in the spring?” But Oak was an old tree who had little patience for guests particularly during the winter when he liked to sleep. “Go away Sparrow, I will not spend the winter listening to your chattering. Find somewhere else to make your shelter!”




 Sparrow was greatly saddened by Oak’s words, they hurt deep in his tiny spirit.


He then went to see Maple. ” Friend Maple, as you can see I am hurt and cannot fly well. Winter is almost here and without shelter I will die. Will you help me by sheltering me within your thick, beautiful leaves so that I can heal and greet my family when they return in the spring?” asked Sparrow. But Maple didn’t want a guest for the winter either and said ” No Sparrow you cannot spend the winter with me…go now and ask another!”Again, Sparrows tiny spirit deeply hurt and turned away to look elsewhere for shelter.




And so it went, each of the trees from whom Sparrow asked for help turned him away. Until Pine was the only tree left. With a heavy heart and little hope Sparrow went to Pine. Friend Pine, as you can see I am hurt and cannot fly well. Winter is almost here and without shelter I will die. Will you help me by sheltering me within your leaves during the winter……?” 




Pine was silent for a moment. He was thinking to himself  “What is there that I can do? I am the least of all the trees”. But Pines spirit heard the tiny birds plea and he said “Friend Sparrow, my leaves are not much, in fact they are like needles and my branches are different than the other trees…..but you are welcome to share what I have.” Thank you Pine cried Sparrow and his heat was filled with renewed hope. They spent the long winter together and when spring returned it brought with it Sparrow’s family. Sparrow flew out to greet them and there was such rejoicing. “Thank you Pine!” cried the happy sparrow family.




Now the Creator had been silently watching all this time. He had heard everything that had transpired between the Trees and Sparrow and he was saddened and angry. He called a council meeting of the trees and said ” You trees have been given so much. Yet you would not share even the smallest bit of what you had with Sparrow in his time of need. This hurt my spirit just as it hurt Sparrows! Because of this and from this day forward when winter comes to the land your leaves, your crowning glory will wither, die and blow away.”




Then the Creator spoke to Pine. “Pine you have touched my spirit and given me a great gift through your gift to Sparrow! You had the least to offer yet you gave freely to one in need. When winter comes you alone will keep your leaves and they shall stay green in all seasons. This is my gift to you!”




That is why, to this day, when winter comes Pine stays green while the other trees are bare.




Bright Blessings for a Magickal Week!


Cat


 


Laura (Cat) Bolotin has been following an eclectic pagan/spiritual path for over 25 years. She currently lives in Western Colorado where she enjoys communing with nature, desert crawling, belly dancing, nature photography, jewelry crafting and writing stuff she hopes will help others along their path. She is married and owned by 5 cats.


 


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Please feel free to check out my websites!


Cat’s Treasure Trove: An Eclectic Collection of Jewelry and Gifts!  http://catstreasuretrove.weebly.com


The Desert Path: The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan. https://catsister.wordpress.com


Sacred Spirals on Facebook: The Place Where All Paths Meet  https://www.facebook.com/groups/sacredSpirals/


This page may be shared with others as long as no changes are made, and ALL credits, links, photos and copyrights remain intact. All written work and are created by and copyrighted to LBolotin/Cat 2007-2017

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Cat’s Bits for July 16-22 The Definitions of Popular Egyptian Symbols

			
						

				Posted on   by  			

			
					


				

			
cropped-116_0076


Cat’s Bits for July 16-22 The Definitions of Popular Egyptian Symbols


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


July Events:


July 22: Sun enters Leo at 11:15 am EST


July 23: New Moon at 5:46 am EST


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




Mau Bast






My time has come, as evening settles her blue shadowed veils around the temple. The scents and sounds of the coming night drift on the warm night air.




The smell of myrrh mixes with the black earth scent of the Nile. The distant sounds of voices and the calling of night birds and frogs from the lotus pond are a soothing hum.




I rise and stretch in the fading light. Muscles sleek and sinuous, eyes glowing amber fire. I enter the temple hall where servants are lighting the rush lights, they bow as I silently pad past.




From the temple there are voices raised in song and the rattle of sistrums, a tribute to the living goddess. I consider joining them but the night beckons, like a seductive lover I cannot resist.




As I emerge into the dusk world I am greeted by the small wild-cats that are my children and the scent of lotus flowers. Together we fade into the cloak of night. It is my time






©LBolotin/Cat 2005






~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


The Definitions of Popular Egyptian Symbols

By John Mackata


Most of the Egyptian symbols are depicted in hieroglyphs as the ‘words of God’ and were commonly used by priests. Some have appeared in novels and films due to the mysteries they are associated with. The most common symbols as seen on the Egyptian hieroglyphic include the eye of Horus, Bast, Crescent Moon, the Lotus Flower, Feather of Maat and the falcon. These are commonly used in religions as well as in magical rituals.


The Ankh

This is an Egyptian character that stands for ‘life’. In the ancient days, only the Kings, Pharaohs and the Gods were allowed to posses them. It was believed that the person who possessed them had the power to giving life. It was commonly used to represent air and water and was commonly held to a patient’s lips to give breath. The design also invokes the sun rising with the combination of the cross and the circle.


Bast (the Cat Goddess)

This is a representation of the daughter of Ra who was known as the cat headed Goddess. Bast was associated with both childbirth and fertility and known also as the goddess of joy, dancing and music. She was believed to have been connected with the moon and the possessor of Oudjat (the eye of her twin brother known as Horus). She was the personification of the soul of Isis according to a myth and also known as the ‘Lady of the East’. To receive her blessings of music, love and dancing, figures of cats were offered to Bast.


The Crescent Moon

This is known to be symbol especially for the children and the mothers. It was used as the symbol of Isis in the ancient Egypt. Being the queen of Egypt, Isis was known as the protector of women, motherhood and the sick healer. She was also believed to rule magic.


The Eye of Horus

This is one of the most popular Egyptian symbols which designed to resemble a falcon’s eye. Horus was a falcon headed god and the son of Isis and Osiris. He was generally associated with health, vitality and regeneration. The right eye was white and means to represent the sun. The left eye was black and was believed to represent the moon. According to some myth, it is believed that Seth, the brother to Horus, killed Osiris and the two had a fight to the extent that Horus lost the left eye. Thoth used his magic to restore the eye.


The Falcon

In the Egyptian symbols, the Falcon was associated with Horus, the god of solar. He was believed to appear as the Pharaoh’s falcon or as the ‘Falcon headed go’. It was believed that he had the capability of seeing everything at once due to his right eye being the sun and the left one the moon. In the representation, the Falcon is seen wearing double crown.


There are thousands of Ancient Egyptian Art [http://www.egyptiansymbols.org/learn-about-the-transformations-of-egyptian-art-forms/] forms that one can go through. The internet offers adequate information on them. In addition to that, Egyptian symbols can be bought on leading online stores. Check out Egyptian Symbols [http://www.egyptiansymbols.org/] and their meanings for more information.


Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Definitions-of-Popular-Egyptian-Symbols&id=5610675] The Definitions of Popular Egyptian Symbols


Bright Blessings for a Magickal Week!


Cat


 


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Please feel free to check out my websites!


Cat’s Treasure Trove: An Eclectic Collection of Jewelry and Gifts!  http://catstreasuretrove.weebly.com


The Desert Path: The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan. https://catsister.wordpress.com


Sacred Spirals on Facebook: The Place Where All Paths Meet  https://www.facebook.com/groups/sacredSpirals/


This page may be shared with others as long as no changes are made, and ALL credits, links, photos and copyrights remain intact. All written work and are created by and copyrighted to LBolotin/Cat 2007-2017

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Cat’s Bits for July 2- 8: The Horned Lizard or You Can Never Have Too Much Camouflage 

			
						

				Posted on   by  			

			
					


				

			
cropped-116_0076


Cat’s Bits for July 2- 8: The Horned Lizard or You Can Never Have Too Much Camouflage


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


July Events:


July 4: Independence Day USA


July 8: Celtic Month of Holly begins


July 9: Full “Blessing ” Moon at 12:07 am EST


July 22: Sun enters Leo at 11:15 am EST


July 23: New Moon at 5:46 am EST


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


horny toad


The Horned Lizard or You Can Never Have Too Much Camouflage


Our desert has a number a unique and interesting creatures and the “horny toad” definitely fits the bill. These little fellows are also sometimes referred to as  “horned frogs” but in reality they are neither toads or frogs but lizards. They are well adapted to hot, dry desert climates. The spines that appear on it’s sides and back are actually modified scales that prevent loss of water through the skin. The horned lizard is a master of camouflage which helps them hide from predators or people with cameras. They are non aggressive and prefer to remain unnoticed if possible. They blend in almost perfectly with the ground unless startled then they run like heck and then stop. If this tactic fails to deter the predator then they puff up and spike out to appear larger and less appetizing. In western Colorado we have the Texas Horned Lizard which is one of eight species that can shoot a stream of blood (up to 5 feet) from the corners of their eyes. This confuses the predator and it doesn’t taste very good either, particularly to felines and canines.


After my most recent sighting of a small horned lizard last month I started wondering about this creature as a Spirit Animal. After doing some research I was disappointed to learn that all lizards are basically lumped together in one category. However, let’s start with the basic connection and along the way I’ll give you my perspective on the symbolism. The common theme for all lizards is the Dreamtime. This includes dreams during sleep ans well as  your personal dreams. So how does this relate to our little friend the horned lizard?  Camouflage. This skill makes him hard to see and we must look closely to “see” him. The same goes with our dreams. While not all dreams have a deep spiritual or mystical meaning there are those that do. You may not remember the entire dream but there is usually one thing that you brought out of the Dreamtime. A number, word, feeling, color, person, etc. The symbolism is camouflaged and in order to understand we must be willing to look closely.


The horned lizard also teaches us about protecting our space without aggressiveness or violence and in fact he is pretty non confrontational. His first reaction is to let things flow around him and not engage in “combat” and even going so far as to to remove himself from an unpleasant situation. However if he is pursued he can and will stand his ground by puffing up (gathering his courage) and making his “point”. Although he prefers not to horned lizard is more than capable of protecting himself if forced to do so. While his methods may seem odd or extreme they are merely more for the shock value. The final lesson that horned lizard has for us involves paying attention to our surroundings and the use of quick thinking if something goes awry. Always take in as much information as you can because you never know just what might be useful or help you out of a tight spot.


I hope that you have enjoyed our look at this unusual creature. As habitat dwindles we are seeing fewer of them. It would be a real shame to lose his wisdom altogether. be kind to Mother Earth and all her children!


Bright Blessings for a Magickal Week!


Cat


(C) LBolotin 2017


Laura (Cat) Bolotin has been following an eclectic pagan/spiritual path for over 25 years. She currently lives in Western Colorado where she enjoys communing with nature, desert crawling, belly dancing, nature photography, jewelry crafting and writing stuff she hopes will help others along their path. She is married and owned by 5 cats.


 


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Please feel free to check out my websites!


Cat’s Treasure Trove: An Eclectic Collection of Jewelry and Gifts!  http://catstreasuretrove.weebly.com


The Desert Path: The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan. https://catsister.wordpress.com


Sacred Spirals on Facebook: The Place Where All Paths Meet  https://www.facebook.com/groups/sacredSpirals/


This page may be shared with others as long as no changes are made, and ALL credits, links, photos and copyrights remain intact. All written work and are created by and copyrighted to LBolotin/Cat 2007-2017

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Cat’s Bits for June 25- July 1: Black and White Moons

			
						

				Posted on   by  			

			
					


				

			
cropped-116_0076


Cat’s Bits for June 25- July 1: Black and White Moons


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


July Events:


July 4: Independence Day USA


July 8: Celtic Month of Holly begins


July 9: Full “Blessing ” Moon at 12:07 am EST


July 22: Sun enters Leo at 11:15 am EST


July 23: New Moon at 5:46 am EST


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Lady Moon rises and stretches;  showing her perfection against the black velvet sky.


She caresses the diamond studded fabric of night  and the stars begin to sing.


© Cat-LBolotin 2017




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Once in awhile I have the urge to share Native American legends and this is one of those weeks. I hope you enjoy it!


Black and White Moons : A Winnebago Tale as told by Cat


Long ago in the beginning, the good spirits and the evil spirits held a council to decide how the world should be divided between them. The first issue they decided was the question of how many moons there would be from one winter to the next.They asked for suggestions and the first creature to come forward was Turkey. He strutted forward drumming and fanned his tail feathers.


” I say there should be as many moons as there are spots on my tail feathers! Turkey declared.


The council discussed this but in the end voted it down, saying there were far too many spots on Turkey’s tail. Then Partridge strutted forward. He also suggested the number of spots on his tail. After counting the spots on the tail of Partridge the council decided that it was still too many. Then Cipmunk scampered in, throwing his tail over his head in the manner of chipmunks everywhere.


“I say let the year have as many moons as there are black and white stripes on my back!” heh squeaked.


The council discussed this and found it to be a good plan. They decided that the six black stripes would represent the summer moons and the six white stripes would represent the winter moons. And so it was settled.


But everyone knows that evil spirits are greedy. When they saw the bright white moon lighting up the sky they decided that they had not been give enough darkness. So the evil spirits began to eat away at the moon until nothing remained but darkness. But the great Earthmaker was not pleased. He had who had created the moon refused to see it destroyed, leaving the world dark for the evil spirits. So he devised a plan and began to recreate the moon a little each night. At the end of fourteen days the moon was  again full and covered the earth with light. Then earthmaker rested. But while he rested the evil spirits  once again ate away the moon until darkness once again covered the earth.


So the battle continues. The Earthmaker renewing the moon and the evil spirits eating it away. Cycle after cycle, year after year……….


Bright Blessings for a Magickal Week!


Cat


(C) LBolotin 2017


Laura (Cat) Bolotin has been following an eclectic pagan/spiritual path for over 25 years. She currently lives in Western Colorado where she enjoys communing with nature, desert crawling, belly dancing, nature photography, jewelry crafting and writing stuff she hopes will help others along their path. She is married and owned by 5 cats.


 


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Please feel free to check out my websites!


Cat’s Treasure Trove: An Eclectic Collection of Jewelry and Gifts!  http://catstreasuretrove.weebly.com


The Desert Path: The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan. https://catsister.wordpress.com


Sacred Spirals on Facebook: The Place Where All Paths Meet  https://www.facebook.com/groups/sacredSpirals/


This page may be shared with others as long as no changes are made, and ALL credits, links, photos and copyrights remain intact. All written work and are created by and copyrighted to LBolotin/Cat 2007-2017

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Cat’s Bits for June 4 -10 Violet Lore

			
						

				Posted on   by  			

			
					


				

			
cropped-116_0076


Cat’s Bits for June 4 -10  Violet Lore


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


June Events:


June 9: Full Moon at 9:10 am EST


June 10: Celtic Tree Month of Oak begins


Flag day: June 14


June 18: Father’s Day


June 21; Summer Solstice and Sun enters Cancer at 12:24 am EST


June 23: New Moon at 10:31 pm EST


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




The Violet


Down in a green and shady bed,

A modest violet grew;

Its stalk was bent, it hung its head

As if to hide from view.

And yet it was a lovely flower,

Its colour bright and fair;

It might have graced a rosy bower,

Instead of hiding there.


Yet thus it was content to bloom,

In modest tints arrayed;

And there diffused a sweet perfume,

Within the silent shade.


Then let me to the valley go

This pretty flower to see;

That I may also learn to grow

In sweet humility.


Jane Taylor (1783- 1824






THE PLANT


The tiny violet is a common flower, it’s small purple face dotting shady places from forests to gardens. The ancient Greeks began cultivating violets around 500 BC. There are between 400-500  species and the plant comes in a variety of colors, purple, blue, white, yellow and even gray. It has 5 petals, 2 at the top, 1 on each side and one on the bottom which is striped. The leaves are heart shaped, which may have led to the conclusion that it was a flower of love. Some violets can have a 2 year lifespan and all violets bloom for about 3 months. They like shaded areas, often moist but not always,  and where they grow wild they grow in profusion.


In some locations the violet is considered a weed  due to their aggressive growth patterns. In fact I remember at my parents condo how the ground under their back deck was loaded with wild violets, they even popped up in their lawn and occasionally in the flower beds. However every time I tried to transplant them they withered and died. Colorado is notoriously hard on shade loving plants.


Both Greeks and Romans used these plants for their herbal properties, wine and a natural sweetener. Today they are used (sparingly) as decorations in jellies and other food items. Violets are a laxative and are not for consumption in large quantities. However if you are interested in the healing properties of this plant you can visit: http://www.gardensablaze.com/HerbVioletMed.htm


VIOLETS IN MYTH


In Greek myth this small flower was a tribute to Io, one of Zeus’s lovers. Violets are also associated with the story of Attis. While out hunting he was killed and where his blood touched the earth violets grew.


Violets are also part of the great love story of Napoleon and Josephine. Evidently, the violet was Napoleon’s favorite flower and on the day that he and Josephine were married he gave her a bouquet of violets and continued to do on each wedding anniversary. When Josephine died the grieving husband placed a violet from the grave site and placed it in a locket, it is said that Napoleon wore that locket until his own death.


VIOLET CORRESPONDENCES & IN MAGIC


Magic: Protection, love / lust, wish granting, healing


Deities: Venus, Aphrodite, Astarte, Blodeuwedd


Names: Common violet, hooded violet, blue violet, sweet violet


Element: Water


To the Greeks, violets were a symbol of both fertility and love and they used the flowers to create love potions and wore them to induce sleep and calm the temper. In Rome, violets were worn because they were said to keep one from getting drunk.


In Christian symbolism the violet became known a symbol of modesty as well as humility and according Richard Webster, the term shrinking violet comes from this association.


Another folk spell says that if you wear a crown of violets that it will ward against headaches and light headedness. Or to heal wounds and stop evil spirits form making the wound worse you should wear a green sachet filled with violet leaves. but if you wear  a necklace of violets you will hear only the truth.


To dream of violets is said to be a sign that an important area of your life is about to move forward, thing will improve and the hard work you have done is about to pay off. Another meaning is that you will marry someone younger than you.


As a magical name Violet (which means purple)would be good for a person wanting to increase their spiritual development or as a power name to increase self confidence.




Bright Blessings for a Magickal Week!


Cat


Laura (Cat) Bolotin has been following an eclectic pagan/spiritual path for over 25 years. She currently lives in Western Colorado where she enjoys communing with nature, desert crawling, belly dancing, nature photography, jewelry crafting and writing stuff she hopes will help others along their path. She is married and owned by 5 cats.


Sources: Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham


Flower and Tree magic, Richard Webster


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Please feel free to check out my websites!


Cat’s Treasure Trove: An Eclectic Collection of Jewelry and Gifts!  http://catstreasuretrove.weebly.com


The Desert Path: The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan. https://catsister.wordpress.com


Sacred Spirals on Facebook: The Place Where All Paths Meet  https://www.facebook.com/groups/sacredSpirals/


This page may be shared with others as long as no changes are made, and ALL credits, links, photos and copyrights remain intact. All written work and are created by and copyrighted to LBolotin/Cat 2007-2017

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Cat’s Bits for the Week of May 7-13: Silence of the Spirit

			
						

				Posted on   by  			

			
					


				

			
KODAK Digital Still Camera


 


Cat’s Bits for the Week of May 7-13: Silence of the Spirit

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

May Events:


May 10: Full Moon at 5:42 pm EST

May 13: Celtic Tree Month of Hawthorn begins

May 14: Mother’s Day

May 25: New Moon at 3:44 pm EST

May 27: Ramadan begins

May 29: Memorial Day


​~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

True silence is the rest of the mind,

and is to the spirit what sleep is to the body,

nourishment and refreshment.

– William Penn

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Sometimes we want to get away from the busy and hectic city life to find solace in the raging waves of the ocean pounding on the rocks or the turbulent splashing of a bubbling waterfall. At other times we are amazed by the immovable silence of a mountain or the gentle caress of a river overjoyed at its union with the sea. The topography of a region speaks to each one of us, a secret language that people from all facets of life understand and relate to.


Stuti Garg


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Article for the Week:  Silence of the  Spirit


Goddess,

Guide me along the path to stillness.

Grant me the power to truly hear the wisdom within the silence.


What is silence? Webster’s says “Silence is the absence of sound or noise”. But is it? Even in moments of true silence there is noise, it’s soft but it’s there. That little hum as if someone is speaking to you on a frequency to high or fast to comprehend. I find my silence in nature surrounded by the energy of Mother Earth and Father Sky. Natural places are healing places that can do more for a person’s mental state that any doctor or drug. Each person is drawn to different locales and climates. For me it is the desert and the mountains. They fill and refresh my spirit,  and they soothe my battered and weary old soul. I visit them to find my silence…………….


Here on the lake it is quiet, away from the noise and the hum of the city.

Although quiet may not be the right word because the air is alive with sound.

This is a different kind of silence, and the silence we find at home is nothing compared to this.


At home you can hear the distant hum of traffic, a train, people, white noise. Here there is only the voice of the wind, accompanied by the avian chorus and the whisper of the pines as they speak to each other in their native tongue.


As the cares of the mundane world fall away I am left with a peaceful feeling of solitude.

It overtakes me slowly and seems to move with the ebb and flow of the lake. It fills me with a rhythm like a distant heartbeat.


I am warm and content in the sunlight, watching it sparkle upon the water. Overhead

a heron soars on silent wings, lazily circling. I envy his view from up there and wonder how the sun and water appear to him, or if he notices them at all.


The energy I feel is healing, cleansing, silent, in a way that it is not in the confines of the city.  heavily populated areas have a way of suppressing the natural energy of the earth and of nature. It changes it somehow and makes it less………………pure.


Sitting here in the silence that is not quite silence, sharing energy with the seen and unseen, I find myself pondering the question of silence.


True silence starts within the center of our being. It is the gift of hearing and seeing what goes on around us and within us in a new way. It grants us the ability to be one with the Divine Source and all of nature. To embrace true silence we must first learn to be still.


Breathe and be still…………

Open yourself to the source

Breathe and be still…………

Allow your senses to guide you

Breathe and be still…………

Breathe in the stillness

(C) LBolotin 2017


Bright Blessings for a Magickal Week!

Cat


======================================

Brought to you by:

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

Sacred Spirals (a place for all paths to meet)

Visit our group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/SacredSpirals/

And by:

Cat’s Treasure Trove …. an eclectic collection of jewelry & gifts! http://catstreasuretrove.weebly.com

This page may be shared with other Groups as long as NO changes are made and ALL Credits, Links, Photos and Copyrights remain intact. All Cat’s Bits Graphics are created and © 2007-2017