What makes this even more tragic and seems to send some type of message, is that the 2 bomb incidents that detonated were placed in the last mile of the marathon dedicated to the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting massacre. Despite the horror of the aftermath, many people pulled together to offer aid and assistance where they could and I wanted to share some of the stories with you:
“May Boston Be The Moment When The Healing Tide Turns . . .
Perhaps it is time for a massive FEELING FESTIVAL where everyone is brought together to let it all out. The hidden hurt, the guilt, the shame, the need to blame and the desire to be right at any cost . . . So much of what is building in an uncontrollable way is the inner power of love that is pushing all things unloving to the surface so it is transformed. We must honour our feelings and trust them to guide us through the darkest hours. Even when we cannot understand the greater purpose in why we feel what we feel – it must be REVEALED TO BE HEALED.”
Saturn went retrograde February 18 this year and will continue to be so until July 7. As I was picking runes yesterday and today, I was reflecting on what I was told at February’s Full Moon, about how during Saturn in retrograde “gives us the opportunity to go back and reorganize or renegotiate any activities or commitments that seem to be a source of frustration” [1]. Yesterday, again – Sowilo; also Tiwaz and Algiz. I initially thought that these had to do with my recent decision to treat my current medical condition naturally vs with hormone injections. While yes, I do think they have been indicating to go that route, I feel as though they have been trying to tell me to finally sit down and submit VA claim paperwork (especially Tiwaz yesterday dealing with courage, honesty and justice) as issues stemming from my time spent on Active Duty also have been causing me much frustration from my subconscious.
“Valkyrie” by ~Edli
Before I started the claim process today and digging through old paperwork to find supporting medical documents, etc., I drew a single rune – Algiz: rune of protection and opportunity, rune of strengthening of hamingja; “the image of the Valkyrie in mythology is fully representative of the way in which the energies of Algiz work to protect you. Meditating on the image of a Valkyrie in her teacher, swan and warrior forms is a powerful method of invoking Algiz energy” [2].
So, with hands shaking and heart pounding as I recounted events and put them into words on the computer screen, I hit the “submit” button and have more documents to scan and fax. On one hand, it is a relief, but on another it’s kind of nerve wracking because I don’t know what else the VA will want as far as further examinations and/or paperwork and documentation other than what I have or what the outcome will be. I’m hoping that facing these “demons” (and hopefully not having to have a confrontation with one who has caused so much strife) will melt the ice – Isa – that has been popping up here and there, especially back in early February.
Again referring to Saturn in retrograde, “Saturn is in a fixed water sign Scorpio, and this can portend a time of self discovery, with more inner show downs during the retrograde period. Don’t forget that Scorpio is a sign of emotional courage — this bodes well for profound healing, facing what we’ve been too afraid to face.”
One way this can manifest is by becoming aware of these parts of the self that are in deep freeze. With Saturn so close to Neptune, for much of the retrograde, the arts and spiritual practices are tools for self-transformation. The gift there is the release, and more of the soul’s energy is with you, in the present. If you’ve felt that a part (or parts) of you are out of range somehow, this is a good time to gently coax them out of the shadows…” [3]
A fabulous breathing and meditation exercise to celebrate the Goddess within us and the Spring energies that are all around right now.
“Spring is here. Your body is the body of the goddess. If desired, please say the following aloud or silently, participate in the suggested breathing exercise and allow yourself to sink deeply into the body that is yours and is part of the season– the awakening of spring.” ~ Marie Cartier
My body is the body of the goddess—witches and shamans and other magical beings (including humans) chant this in spring ritual …and other times of the year as well.
But as we prepare for spring equinox, I thought I would use my blog this March to give the Feminism and Religion community a chakra mediation for spring ritual and renewal. Spring is here. Your body is the body of the goddess. If desired, please say the following aloud or silently, participate in the suggested breathing exercise and allow yourself to sink deeply into the body that is yours and is part of the season– the awakening of spring.
Breathe deeply: in and out; in and out; and in and out.
This is a truly remarkable, informative and fascinating read! I love this: “Whilst women are giving their power away to patriarchal ideologies, taking drugs to stop their menstrual cycle, using cancer-causing chemical bleached tampons to stem the flow, seeing their Menses as an inconvenient ‘curse’ they are ashamed of, male scientists around the world are using the power to experience states of physical and spiritual high. Isn’t it time we reclaimed our Feminine power? Honoring the sacred regenerative properties of the ‘Flowering’ of our Wombs.” LOVE IT!!!
This on AlterNet.org, Adventures in Menstruation: Time to Dump Those Silly Taboos: “We teach them that it is a hygienic crisis,” says Chris Bobel, author of New Blood: Third Wave Feminism and the Politics of Menstruation, “rather than what it is, which is an important gateway to talk about our bodies, our sexuality, our health, how we mature and age, as well as body image issues. Talking about menstruation can be a way to begin teaching girls that they are not products for consumer culture, to be improved upon, sculpted and cleaned up. It opens up the discourse about all sorts of issues.” Read on to find some of the religious roots of such ridiculous and misogynistic myths…
This is why I love the concept of the Red Tent (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQijq5Swd7A). It makes my heart and soul yearn to be here with my sisters everytime I watch this video…
One of the most important rituals was preparing a ‘drink of immortality’ made from menstrual blood, which is full of healing stem cells, which can actually activate our cellular capacity to regenerate and transport us to endocrine states of rapture. Or in a spiritual sense open us to the Frequency of Love and Eternal Life, transporting us to another Dimension – called Heaven, Paradise, Nirvana etc.
This ‘Love Feast’ or ‘Sacred Marriage’ – a core part of the Menstrual Mysteries – was eventually declared a heresy and women were barred from participating in Christian rites.
However the ‘Power of Renewal, Rebirth, and Resurrection’ previously associated with the Holy Womb and Menstrual Blood of the Divine…
“Hexe’s themes are health, banishing and magic. Her symbols are healing, herbs and charms. This ancient Germanic witch’s Goddess rules over health, banishing curses, and teaching people the effective use of spells, charms, and other mystical procedures for improving well-being. Thus we come by the old phrase ‘hex doctor’.
Living in the 1100s, Saint Hildegard was a renowned Benedictine nun living in Bingen and ministering to people with herbal preparations received in visions. Many of these had magical overtones, perhaps by Hexe’s influence. In any case today’s theme is learning the art of weaving ‘Hexes’ for physical, mental and spiritual health.
On the physical level, take a natural object like a cut potato and rub it against an inflicted area. Bury the potato to ‘bury’ the malady and decompose it. Or carry a jet stone to absorb the problem, then cleanse the rock in saltwater to wash the bad energy away.
For mental well-being, enjoy a soothing cup of mint tea stirred counter clockwise so tensions and negativity will wane. Or, carry a fluorite stone with you throughout the day to strengthen your mental powers.
For spiritual health, sprinkle nutmeg-laden water clockwise throughout your aura to empower your psychic self. Or, carry a lapis or amethyst stone to draw Goddess-centered thinking and action into your day.”
(Patricia Telesco, “365 Goddess: a daily guide to the magic and inspiration of the goddess”.)
I couldn’t find anything specifically on a Goddesses named “Hexe”. According to Kerr Cuhulain, “The English word ‘hex’ actually comes from the Greek ‘hexe’ (a female sorcerer) or ‘hexer’ (a male sorcerer). This in turn is the source of similar words with the same meaning such as the Anglo Saxon word ‘haegtesse’ and the modern German word for a witch, ‘hexe.'” [1]
“Die Hexe von Endor” (The Witch of Endor) by Kunz Meyer-Waldeck
The word hexe is also related or similar to the word hag. Wikipedia states, “A hag is a wizened old woman, or a kind of fairy or Goddess having the appearance of such a woman, often found in folklore and children’s tales such as Hansel and Gretel. Hags are often seen as malevolent, but may also be one of the chosen forms of shapeshifting deities, such as the Morrígan or Badb, who are seen as neither wholly beneficent nor malevolent. The term appears in Middle English, and was a shortening of hægtesse, an Old English term for witch, similarly the Dutch heks and German hexe are also shortenings, of the Middle Dutch haghetisse and Old High German hagzusa respectively. All these words derive from the Proto-Germanic *hagatusjon which is of unknown origin, however the first element may be related to the word “hedge”. As a stock character in fairy or folk tale, the hag shares characteristics with the crone, and the two words are sometimes used as if interchangeable.” [2] (Though we know better, don’t we?)
“Aine’s themes are protection, healing, The Spark of Life, divination, luck, fertility, earth and the moon. Her symbols are moon (lunar items), silver & white items and meadowsweet. This Celtic Goddess of the moon shines on today’s celebration, Her name meaning ‘bright’. Aine has strong connections with the land. Her blessing ensures fertile fields. She also gives luck to mortals and keeps us healthy.
Dating back to the 1400s, Zibelemärit, an onion festival, takes place in Bern, Switzerland. It includes several parades with intricate mechanical figurines and a huge harvest festival with – you guessed it – tons of onions! Magically speaking, onions are closely related to Aine because of their lunar appearance. According to metaphysical traditions, carrying or growing onions grants safety and banishes negativity.
A freshly cut onion rubbed on sores, bug bites, or scratches restores Aine’s healthy energy by gathering the problem and taking it away. Bury or burn this slice to dispel the problem altogether.
One great (and tasty) way to invoke Aine, improve well-being, and improve your lunar attributes is by making and eating onion soup (or any other onion dish) today. Use red, Spanish, white, and cooking onions along with chives. By heating and blending them, you mix the magic to perfection. Stir clockwise, whispering Aine’s name into to soup so she abides in each vitality-laden sip.”
(Patricia Telesco, “365 Goddess: a daily guide to the magic and inspiration of the goddess”.)
Art by Briar
Aine (pronounced AW-neh)was one of the very ancient and powerful Goddesses of sovereignty in Ireland. She was a fertility Goddess in that She had control and command over crops and animals and encouraged human love. ”One of the great Goddesses of ancient Ireland survives in modern times as the queen of the fairies of south Munster, the southwest corner of the island, who is said to haunt Knockainy Hill there. Originally Aine was a sun Goddess who assumed the form of Lair Derg (‘red mare’), the horse that none could outrun. Her special feast was Midsummer Night, when farmers carried torches of straw in procession around Knockainy and waved them over the cattle and the fields for protection and fruitfulness.
Two stories are told of Aine. In one, She was the daughter of an early Irish god [Egobail, foster son of Manannan mac Lir; while some versions say She was daughter or wife of Manannan mac Lir] and was infatuated with the semidivine hero Fionn. She had taken a geasa (magical vow) that She would never sleep with a man with gray hair, but Fionn was young with no silver streaking his bushy hair. One of Aine’s sisters, Miluchrach, was also interested in Fionn: She enchanted a lake and tempted Fionn to take a dip. When the hero emerged from the magic waters, his body was still youthful and strong, but his hair was stained gray. True to Her geasa, Aine thereafter scorned the hero” (Monaghan, p. 37).
“In early tales She is associated with the semi-mythological King of Munster, Ailill Aulom, who is said to have ‘ravished’ Her, an affair ending in Áine biting off his ear – hence ‘Aulom’, meaning ‘one-eared’. By maiming him this way, Áine rendered him unfit to be King, thereby taking away the power of sovereignty.” [1] ”After the rape Áine swore vengeance on Ailill and eventually contrived his death. This story is about what happens when a ruler decides to rape the Land rather than enter into a marriage with Her. Áine knows the energies of a righteous vengeance quite intimately. She said:
‘I’ll have you been to me, to have done me violence and to have killed my father. To requite this I too will do you violence and by the time we are done I will leave you with no means of reprisal.‘ *
The descendants of Aulom, the Eóganachta, claim Áine as an ancestor.” [2]
“Lady of the lake” by *oloferla
“In another story, Gerald, the human Earl of Desmond, captured Aine while She was combing Her hair on the banks of Her sacred lake (thought to be based on the story of Ailill Aulom). Aine bore the first Earl Fitzgerald to the man, but made Gerald promise never to express surprise at the powers his son might develop. All went well for many years until one day when Gerald saw his son jump into and out of a bottle. He could not contain an exclamation of shock and the boy disappeared, flying away in the shape of a wild goose. Disappointed in Her human mate, Aine disappeared into Knockainy, where She is said to still live in a splendid castle” (Monaghan, p. 37). ”Thus the FitzGeralds also claim an association with Áine; despite the French-Norman origins of the clan, the FitzGeralds would become known for being ‘More Irish than the Irish themselves.’” [2]
“She is credited for giving meadowseet its delicate scent. Some also claim that She was a minor moon Goddess, or that Her identity may have later become merged with the Goddess Anu.” [3] She is also associated with the Morrigan (probably by means of Anu – as Anu is one of the Goddesses that makes up the trinity along with Badb and Macha to form the Morrigan; or perhaps the Lair Derg (‘red mare’) and Macha). The feast of Midsummer Night was held in her honor. In County Limerick, She is remembered in more recent times as Queen of the fairies.
ASSOCIATIONS: Pantheon: Celtic Element: Air Direction: Northwest Planets: Sun, moon Festivals: Midsummer/Summer Solstice Sacred Animals: Red mare, rabbit, swan [4] Colors: Red, gold, green, blue, and tan Representations: Hay, straw, fire Stones/Incense: Bloodstone, dragonsblood, fairy dust
* “To me this is a warning about what the Land will eventually do to us all if we continue on the path of resource rape, and environmental poisoning that our current society follows. Áine will protect Herself.” [4]
The 13th Lunar month of the Celtic calendar is Elder. This tree marks a time of endings and beginnings.
The Elder Moon is the last month in the cycle of the 13 Celtic Moon months, and it indicates the renewal of energy and continuous journey of the soul toward greater happiness and understanding. The Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night occurs during Elder Moon and is the chance to focus on your heart’s desire.
Annual Evaluation
The Elder Moon is time to bring a halt to habit-forming patterns that have restricted your growth, so that you may heal and move on. Evaluate what you learned during the past year and give yourself time to work out what you want from life. Perform spells that conclude the annual cycle and release the energy you invested in previous projects and endeavors, so that you may concentrate on conceiving your new dreams for the New Year.
TREE OF LIFE AND DEATH
“The Elder” by Margaret Walty
The elder tree’s ability to recover when damaged has made it a symbol of regeneration since ancient times, and for this reason it was used in burial rites in British long barrows, an ancient style of grave. Due to its white flowers (life) and black berries (death), the tree is also sacred to the Mother Goddess who governs birth and death.
Protective Powers
Art by Oskar Klever
The wood is believed to have protective properties to because of the powerful Dryad spirit that lives within it. When planted near a home, the tree will ward off intruders. The healing powers of the elder are also thought to cure insomnia (by placing elderberries in a spell bag under a pillow) and ensure health of unborn babies (when pregnant women kiss its bark).
ELDER MOON MAGIC
Use the powers of the elder tree to bring a sense of completion to the old year and feeling of renewal for the start of the next cycle.
Review the Year
Bring a sense of completion to your Celtic lunar year.
Review the last 13 Moons, writing down what you have learned from each. Acknowledging your lessons helps you move on.
Areas of your life that are unfulfilled indicate stuck energy. Hold quartz and direct love toward your current job, cramped apartment or credit card bill. New opportunities will appear as if by magic.
Resolve difficult relationships by writing a letter to the soul of the person with whom you are in conflict – this helps to clear the way for change. Then burn the letter.
Release Negativity
Upon reaching the end of the Celtic calendar, the Elder Moon month is the perfect time to release negative energies before entering the New Year, feeling renewed.
1. Dig a hole in the ground and say, “Mother Earth, I ask you to transform my pain into healing.”
2. Place a photo of yourself and a drawing, or written account, of any negative incidents into the hole.
3. Speak or shout your feelings into the hole.
4. When you feel ready, place an elder twig into the hole to represent the end of the cycle.
5. Fill in the hole and stamp the earth down three times saying, “I release the past, so let it be.”
Protection Charm
Use this charm to repel unwanted attention and harassment during the party season.
1. Collect together five tiny elder twigs, a white ribbon, a white candle and a strand of your hair.
2. Light the candle saying, “White light surround me, safe will I stay.”
3. Drip the wax onto one of the elder twigs and press your hair into it before it dries.
4. Surround the twig with the others, making a small magical bundle.
5. Secure it with the white ribbon saying, “As I will it, so let it be.”
6. Slip the protection charm into your party handbag and you’re ready to go.
Elder Tree Blessing
Use this blessing to heal an environment where there has been an argument, accident, illness or shock.
1. Gather together some elderberries and leaves.
2. Face the north and say, “I call upon the guardians of the earth to bless this place.” Throw some elderberries and leaves towards the north.
3. Turn to the east and repeat the ritual, this time calling upon the guardians of air.
4. Turn to the south and repeat, calling upon the guardians of fire.
5. Finally, turn to the west and all upon the guardians of water.
6. End by randomly scattering the remaining leaves and release the energy.
Source:
“Enhancing Your Body, Mind and Spirit”, 21 Nature Magic, CARD 17.
* For today’s entry, Patricia Telesco names “Fons” as today’s Goddess. However, my research revealed that “Fontus or Fons (plural Fontes, ‘Font’ or ‘Source’) was a god of wells and springs. A religious festival called the Fontinalia was held on October 13 in his honor. Throughout the city, fountains and wellheads were adorned with garlands…Fons was the son of Juturna and Janus.” [1]
So, for today’s Goddess entry, I will basically be reblogging August 23’s entry on Fons’ mother, the Goddess Juturna.
“Elemental Goddess Water” by `AutumnsGoddess
“[Juturna’s] themes are water, wishes, thankfulness and healing. Her symbols are fountains and water sources. This Roman Goddess of fountains holds a special place in today’s festivities, when people gather around Her son, Fons, in the spirit of community gratitude for the refreshment that Her son provides in all seasons.
The ancient Roman festival, Fontinalia, gives thanks for fresh drinking water, and many of its traditions are easily assimilated. For example, customarily, fresh flowers were tossed in flowing water sources to thank the spirit of [Juturna] that abides therein. So, float a flower atop a beverage today to honor [Juturna] as part of that drink.
[Juturna’s] waters are also known for healing, cleansing, and wish-granting. To generate well-being, include as many water-based foods and beverages in your diet today as possible. This allows you to partake of [Juturna’s] healing powers. For wishes, give the Goddess a token (like a coin or flower petals) and whisper your desire to her waters.
For cleansing, take a hot bath or shower so Her waters will carry away your tensions.
Finally, you might want to focus on improving your water supply today. Buy a water filter, get some bottled water, bless your water jugs, or do something else along these lines so that [Juturna] can cleanse and purify everyone in your home.”
(Patricia Telesco, “365 Goddess: a daily guide to the magic and inspiration of the goddess”.)
“Melusina” by *JinxMim
According to the Wikipedia, “Juturna was a Goddess of fountains, wells and springs. She was a sister of Turnus and supported him against Aeneas by giving him his sword after he dropped it in battle, as well as taking him away from the battle when it seemed he would get killed. She was also the mother of Fons by Janus.
Jupiter turned Her into a water nymph and gave Her a sacred well in Lavinium, Latium, as well as another one near the temple to Vesta in the Forum Romanum. The pool next to the second well was called Lacus Juturnae. Juturna had an affair with Jupiter but the secret was betrayed by another nymph, Larunda, whom Jupiter struck with muteness as punishment.” [2]
The festival of Juturna was celebrated on January 11, the same day Carmentalia begins.
Art by Augustus Jules Bouvier
A thought on Fontinalia: “At the end of the sultry summer season in ancient Rome, citizens celebrated Fontinalia, a tribute to Fontus, a water god, by decorating public fountains with garlands of flowers and throwing petals into the waters. At a time when drought and water pollution threaten millions of people and multinational corporations are hatching plans to privatize water resources in the developing world, we too should be grateful for the gift of fresh water. Celebrate Fontinalia by finding ways to reduce your use of water, by lending a hand to environmental organizations fighting to provide access to clean water for everyone on the planet, and by planning a water-worship ritual of your own—perhaps sprinkling flowers into a nearby stream or lake.” (Walljsaper) [3]
Percentage of Population Without Reasonable Access to Safe Drinking Water
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A personal journal to share my artistic works, to write about Norse shamanism and traditional paganism, European History, Archaeology, Runes, Working with the Gods and my personal experiences in Norse shamanic practices.
Journeying to the Goddess 