Messages In This Digest (21 Messages)
- 1.
- North Jersey Pagan Pride and Fall Fest Vendor Application for Sept 1 From: Cher Chirichello
- 2.
- How do you combine so many beliefs? From: Cher Chirichello
- 3.
- Why do some feel they have to impress others to fit in From: Cher Chirichello
- 4.
- which way should I go and where do I belong? From: Cher Chirichello
- 5.
- Psychic Readings with Raven & Stephanie Grimassi, Aug. 20, Butler NJ From: Cher Chirichello
- 6a.
- What are your thoughts on this? From: Grandfather Oak
- 6b.
- Re: What are your thoughts on this? From: Katrina
- 7.
- Unconditional Love...what do we do with it once it's gone, or has it From: Cher Chirichello
- 8a.
- LAMMAS The First Harvest From: Cher Chirichello
- 9.
- The Lammas Correspondence From: Cher Chirichello
- 10a.
- Lughnasadh Incense, poestry, ritual From: Cher Chirichello
- 11.
- Lughnasadh August 1 From: Cher Chirichello
- 12.
- LUGHNASADH & Ritual From: Cher Chirichello
- 13.
- Sacred Feast of Lughnasadh August 1st From: Cher Chirichello
- 14.
- August 1 What is Lughnasadh From: Cher Chirichello
- 15.
- Happy Lughnasadh and Lammas, Come in and Celebrate with us! From: Cher Chirichello
- 16.
- Monday's Correspondence...August 1 From: Cher Chirichello
- 17a.
- Goddess For Today: Tailtiu Lammas (Various Locations) From: Cher Chirichello
- 18.
- Celebrating Lughnasadh, or Lammas From: Cher Chirichello
- 19.
- Daily Aromatherapy Tip ... Eucalyptus Smithi From: Cher Chirichello
- 20a.
- Irish Epic, Tain bo Cuailnge From: Cher Chirichello
Messages
- 1.
-
North Jersey Pagan Pride and Fall Fest Vendor Application for Sept 1
Posted by: "Cher Chirichello" CHIC0411@YAHOO.COM chic0411
Sun Jul 31, 2011 12:01 pm (PDT)
Here is the update, I gave the down payment for a hall in North Jersey
Ringwood, Let us know if your you still interested in doing Workshops,
Vending (including advertising your business exp have sign ups and
fliers to talk about your businesses/specialties, Store owners if you
want to make a small basket for our 50/50 (not expensive item) along
with your business card or fliers call me at 201-213-2977 Cher, and if
you know anymore venders share the info, here is the new application:
"Please
help us by supporting more things to do in North Jersey, the Vender
Fees are cheap at $25 where at the other prides it's 10 x's more and we
are going to open tot he public by putting up signs like "Fall Fest
Flea Market to bring in more people from the streets, so if you have
anything for the season Fall such as Halloween, harvest stuff,
Thanksgiving, market not just to Pagans, and you don't have to have a
business to vend you can also bring stuff from your homes like you would
garage sales just make sure it's neat!"
If you have a business
and cannons make it, feel free to also mail us fliers or business cards
so we can share it with people that come in!
APPLICATION FOR WORKSHOPS AND VENDORS ONLY...
MUST BE IN BY AUG. 20, 2011!
Event Invitation will be sent out Aug. 20, 2011 to everyone on NJ Pagans
we
will also put a sign up for Fall Vending Fair for Garage Sale and
Vending People around Town to help vendors, try and bring merchandise
for all beliefs and fun stuff for the holidays and change of seasons
Fall and Winter!
Page 1
North Jersey Pagan and Proud Fall Fest
Presented by the NJPPF (non organization)
Volunteer, Vendor and Workshop Application
Location of Vending Fair/Pagan Pride Feast:
(DO NOT SEND CHECKS HERE, ADDRESS LOCATED AT BOTTOM)
Skyline Fire Department Hall and Lot
67 Edgewood Road
Ringwood NJ, 07456
www.skylinelakefire.com
Date of Event: September 10, 2011
Time: 11 am Vender Set up 5 pm Close
6pm Ritual (schedules being made for day)
This
is NOT an insured Event for Vending, which means you are responsible
for your own merchandise and vending equipment
as well as any injuries
any merchandise may cause, which means simply...
Keep an eye on your
stuff and your responsible for your stuff.
We are also going to
make fliers for the public called "NJPP Fall Fest Flea Market" to get
people in and buy from the vendors,
since it's close to Halloween if you
have Items that is good for the general public, Pagans and Non Pagans,
you'll prob make out good.
You do not have to own a business to vend,
if you have stuff around your home that is good for like a garage sale
esp old decorations
for the holidays, your more then welcome to vend.
Please
send Application with payment made out to Cheryl Chirichello. Mailing
address is below. Application must be in by August 20th,
if you have a
problem getting it in by the due date please call me 201-213-2977 to
make arrangements.
Refundable only if Event is Cancelled with no control of us, event will go on rain or shine!
Check all that Apply:
Volunteer ___ Vendor___ Workshop___ Performer___
Security_____ EMT_____ Front Desk_____
Help w/Clean Up_____
Contact Info:
Name:________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ __________
Business/vendor name
_____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ __________
Workshop: _____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ __________
_____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ __________
Street Address: _____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ __________
City:________________ _____ _______State_ ______Zip Code: __________
Telephone/Cell:_________ __ ____________ _Cell:___ _____ ____________ __
Email Address:
_____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ __________
Web site:
_____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ _________
_____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ _________
Business Insurance:
_____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ __________
_____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ __________
Brief Description of Workshop/Performance (Must be Positive):
_____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ __________
Brief description of items sold (This is to assure we have a variety of items for patrons)
_____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ __________
_____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ __________
Deadline: August 20 th for all Vendors and Workshops
Workshops:
There will be space available upon scheduling, we encourage you to
bring something to represent your business,
classes, workshops, stores
ect such as business cards or fliers. We are asking for educational
workshops and of course
fun and intersecting!
Vendors: Vender Space is 10 x 10 for $25.00
Workshop: Free and Volunteer
(Please take care of your own merchandise, we are not responsible for any stolen, broken, weather damaged, or misplaced items.)
For any reason you cancel there will be a $10.00 non refundable, NO REFUNDS IF YOU LEAVE EARLY!
*** Bad weather included, there this event is rain or shine!***
(We can use inside the fire house if it's bad weather "smiles")
Signature:___________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ ___________
Print Name:________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ _____
_____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ __________
Page 2
North Jersey Pagan and Proud Fall Fest
Presented by the NJPFFF (non organization)
Vendor and Workshop Application
Event:
Thank you for your interest in participating in our event. The
purpose of this event is to celebrate and be proud of who you are,
celebrate amongst others with like minds and to educate others about who
we are. We urge you to keep this in mind when deciding whether
or not
you would like to participate. All items sold must reflect the spirit
of the event. If you have any question contact us and
we will be more
then happy to help. The celebration will include workshops, ritual, and
vendors. After the fest and vendors break
down and clean up, there may
be a continuation Drum Circle and fire, bring drums if you have them!
Location: Skyline Fire Department Hall and Lot
67 Edgewood Road
Ringwood NJ, 07456
www.skylinelakefire.com
Date: September 10, 2011 rain or shine!
Time:
11 am Vendors set up and feast starts around noon - 4 pm vendors break
down 5 pm Main Ritual and 6pm fest over then at 7pm on,
we have the
hall for 24 hours if some adults like to stay later we'll decide that
after the event
Cost: $ 25 ($ 10 Non Refundable for 10' x 10')
Send
checks to Cheryl Chirichello and mail to 324 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair,
NJ 07042 which is a friends store she gave
permission to have the
checks and applications sent there!
Checks made out to Cheryl Chirichello then mailed to:
Mystic Spirit
c/o Cheryl Chirichelloo
324 Bloomfield Ave
Montclair, NJ 07042
Vendor Info:
* This is a family oriented event,please keep this in mind when deciding
whether to participate
* Vendor set up will begin at 11 am and break down will begin at dusk 5pm
No Refunds if you decide to leave early, unless we are asked by police
to close down there will be a $10 refund
* All Spaces are 10' x 10' although additional space can be added for
additional fee, $25 a space for any reason event/fest is canceled
vendors get full refund!
* Vendors must supply their own tents, chairs, and tables, blanket
vending is allowed still $25.
* All vendor space is outside and no electricity is available. Breakdown
varies on dusk, once it starts getting dark we may change time to
break down and also weather can always be a factor! Bring flashlights
or battery operated lanterns just in case to help us get the stuff out to
the cars, there is no way to bring cars to tables, make sure your items
are easy to unload and pack up easy!
* NO OPEN FLAMES! (This is private property, we are not allowed fire)
Anyone using fire will be asked to extinguish, anyone not following the
rules will ask to leave, no refunds!
* Canceled Checks will serve as receipts, a record of my pay-pal account
also will be available for those that pay to vend, there will be no last
minute, first come first serve, no holding spaces.
* Performers and workshops will be allotted 30 minutes. More time will be
allotted if available, Please state your desire for
additional time on your
application and we will try to accommodate.
* Deadline for performers and workshops is August 20, 2011.
* All Checks should be Payable to Cheryl Chirichello and checks are mailed
to: MysticSpirit 324 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042
* Submission of application in no way guarante4es acceptance.
All Applicants must be approved, checks and money will be returned if
your not accepted. Any Bounced Checks that person is responsible for
bounced Check Fee! First come first serve, please get these in quick!
_____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ ______
Page 3
North Jersey Pagan and Proud Fall Fest
Presented by the NJPPFF (non organization)
Rules for
Fest:
* This is a family oriented event, there will be no knives, swords, athames,
guns real or fake, or any other harmful things allowed on land!
NOTHING ALLOWED THAT IS HARMFUL!
* There are neighbors so we will respect and honor other people around us,
Quiet time is 10 pm!
* There will be a Smoking section, this is a Fire Department, there is
absolutely NO SMOKING inside the building, bathrooms or near CHILDREN!
If anyone needs to smoke there will be an ash tray section available,
anyone not using the area will be asked to distinguish any tobacco items!
We do not want to see cigarette butts all over the property!
* Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times, you are responsible
for your children, we are not responsible for any injuries or lost children
so please keep
that in mind and WATCH THEM! They should not be near
the Park, inside the hall, or main street without Adult Supervision!
* No one is allowed o park near or front of the Fire house, Make sure there
is room for Fire fire trucks to leave in case of emergencies!
* Cars are only to be parked in lot, please do not block or bother any
neighbors to keep the peace!
* There is a Bus that comes up from Willowbrook Mall to our area and a
3 block walk to the Fire house for those that have no rides.
* Please use garbage cans and recycle cans, we like to keep the grounds
clean so please do your part!
* There will be security on grounds to keep things in order, please listen to
them if they anyone out of line or misusing the land or hurting any private
property of land or neighbors, they will be asked to leave and police will be
called if there is any major problems.
Lets have fun and keep this safe!
* There will also be a first aid booth, Saftey, CPR certified people there, for
minor injuries and issues, anything that may need special attention or
major help of course we will notify the proper authorities by calling 911
and someone will always be there will a cell phone just in case!
* No drugs or alcohol is allowed or any glass bottles during the event at any
time, if Adults decide to stay after hours BOB is optional and we'll talk
about that on the group.
* Fest is located on private property, all rules may also be added upon
arrivals by owner of property as she sees fit.
Have a Great time and Be Save!
_____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ ________
Page 4
North Jersey Pagan and Proud Fall Fest
Presented by the NJPPF (non organization)
Vendor/Business/Workshop General Release
(Vendor/Business/Workshop/ Name):
_____________________ _____
______________ has agreed to rent space as part of the "North Jersey
Pagan and Proud Fest"
for the sum of $____________ with the knowledge of
a $10 non refundable if canceled before and a no refunds if leaving
early or bad weather, full refund if event is canceled by us but not
included if we change locations, and in consideration
thereof agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless , Skyline Lakes Fire Dept, Cheryl
Chirichello, and all volunteers for the
"North Jersey Pagan and Proud
Fall Fest" from any and all damages, claims, liabilities, judgments,
injuries arising from
the undersigned activities engaged in during the
"North Jersey Pagan and Proud Fest" being held on September 10, 2011 ,
including but not limited to the reimbursement of any and all costs of
litigation, including reasonable attorneys fees
incurred in defense of
any action.
(Vendor/Business/Workshop/ Name):
_____________________ _____
____________Has also agreed that they are solely responsible for all
products /that are brought
to the event and that the Skyline Lakes Fire
Dept, Cheryl Chirichello, and all volunteers of the "North Jersey
Pagan and Proud Fall Fest"
for the fest bear no responsibility in this
capacity.
My signature verifies that I have read and am in agreement with the rules and regulations set forth this contract.
Name of Business, Organization, workshop (Workshops are volunteer just add $0 to amount):
_____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ __________
_____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ __________
Name proprietor (printed) and titled:
_____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ __________
_____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ __________
Address:
_____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ _________
_____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ __________
Phone
numbers:
_____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ __________
_____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ __________
Emergency Contact or Number:
_____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ __________
_____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ __________
Authorized Signature and Date:
_____________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ __________
Print Name:________________ _____ ____________ _________ _____ _____
Must be filled out in its entirety to be accepted
Return applications and vendor general release to:
Have them make the checks out to you and mail them to:
Mystic Spirit
c/o Cheryl Chirichello
324 Bloomfield Ave
Montclair, NJ 07042
- 2.
-
How do you combine so many beliefs?
Posted by: "Cher Chirichello" CHIC0411@YAHOO.COM chic0411
Sun Jul 31, 2011 12:48 pm (PDT)
There are many different ways of Worship, prayer, and religions/beliefs. We
all share common interest which is to be part of something strong, unity of energy and all yearn to find a place to call home. With so much
confusion, it's time to surrender to your higher power and connect to
all your brothers and sisters no matter who and where they are! How do
you combine so many beliefs? Cher Njp
Cher
New_Jersey_Pagans...Come in and Chat with us!
Main Yahoo Group NJP: http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/New_ Jersey_Pagans/
Ning Web NJP: http://njpagans.ning.com/
Myspace NJP: http://www.myspace.com/njp_cher
FB Page NJP: http://www.facebook.com/# !/NJPagans
FB Group NJP: http://www.facebook.com/groups. php?ref=sb# /group.php? gid=93725735017
- 3.
-
Why do some feel they have to impress others to fit in
Posted by: "Cher Chirichello" CHIC0411@YAHOO.COM chic0411
Sun Jul 31, 2011 12:59 pm (PDT)
Paganism is an umbrella Term of many beliefs and is used by many that are not
sure were they belong and confused to step in the right direction to
find what they are seeking. Some prefer not to fit in, some want to so
much but don't know how. Why do some feel they have to impress others
to fit in rather then just being yourself which is what paganism is
about, you don't have to impress anyone! Cher Njp
Cher
New_Jersey_Pagans...Come in and Chat with us!
Main Yahoo Group NJP: http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/New_ Jersey_Pagans/
Ning Web NJP: http://njpagans.ning.com/
Myspace NJP: http://www.myspace.com/njp_cher
FB Page NJP: http://www.facebook.com/# !/NJPagans
FB Group NJP: http://www.facebook.com/groups. php?ref=sb# /group.php? gid=93725735017
- 4.
-
which way should I go and where do I belong?
Posted by: "Cher Chirichello" CHIC0411@YAHOO.COM chic0411
Sun Jul 31, 2011 1:00 pm (PDT)
So I don't belong to this religion and not excepted in this belief, which
way should I go and where do I belong? I feel like this but I don't
want to act like that? What do you call what I believe and how do I fit
in? Question you hear and thought by everyone, how can someone answer
this, it's difficult, so now what? Makes you think huh Cher Njp
So I don't belong to this religion and not excepted in this belief, which
way should I go and where do I belong? What do you call what I believe and how do I fit in? Question you hear and thought by everyone, how
can someone answer this, it's difficult, so now what? Makes you think
huh Cher Njp
Cher
New_Jersey_Pagans...Come in and Chat with us!
Main Yahoo Group NJP: http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/New_ Jersey_Pagans/
Ning Web NJP: http://njpagans.ning.com/
Myspace NJP: http://www.myspace.com/njp_cher
FB Page NJP: http://www.facebook.com/# !/NJPagans
FB Group NJP: http://www.facebook.com/groups. php?ref=sb# /group.php? gid=93725735017
- 5.
-
Psychic Readings with Raven & Stephanie Grimassi, Aug. 20, Butler NJ
Posted by: "Cher Chirichello" CHIC0411@YAHOO.COM chic0411
Sun Jul 31, 2011 2:49 pm (PDT)
Psychic Readings with Raven & Stephanie Grimassi, Aug. 20, Butler NJ
Time Saturday, August 20 · 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
And Sept 24
Fee is $60/half hour
Location
SoulJourney
194 Main St.
Butler NJ
Created By Sandy, SoulJourney
Please see the website for complete description information. www.souljourney.com/grimassiread ings.htm Two dates planned - August 20 and September 24.
Psychic Readings with Raven Grimassi and Stephanie Taylor
Stephanie and Raven read as a couple with their decks, The Well-Worn Path and The Hidden Path. This brings a very unique and distinctive perspective to the reading. Their decks were designed to connect with the rooted teachings of our nature-based spirituality and the imagery is distinctive and symbolic.
They will offer readings on Saturday, August 20 and Saturday, September 24 from 11-4pm. Fee is $60/half hour. You are welcome to bring a recorder to record your reading. Please see the Readers page for guidelines on booking a reading.
Stephanie Grimassi (aka Rasenna Elvenstar) is dedicated to guiding and teaching those who seek the Old Ways. She is a 3rd degree initiate of a Celtic Traditionalist system of Wicca, and a 3rd degree initiate of Italian Arician Tradition Witchcraft. She is a legally ordained clergy of Witchcraft. Stephanie is also the co-author and co-creator of The Well Worn Path Divination kit and The Hidden Path Divination kit. She has studied, taught, and used the arts as a transformation tool throughout her life. Stephanie is also a Tarot reader and teacher with many years of experience. She is co-founder and co-director, alongside her husband Raven Grimassi, of The College of the Crossroads, an e-correspondence Mystery Tradition School and owns and operate Raven's Loft, an online store. Visit them at www.collegeofthecrossroads.org.
Raven Grimassi is an award-winning author of twelve books on Witchcraft and Wicca. He is also co-director of the College of the Crossroads, a modern Mystery School devoted to the preservation and continuation of pre-Christian European religion and spirituality. Raven is a practitioner and teacher of the Craft with over 35 years of experience. He is an initiate of several traditions, including Brittic Wicca, the Pictish-Gaelic Tradition, and Italian Witchcraft. Raven's most recent projects are The Well Worn Path and The Hidden Path oracle systems, which he co-created with wife Stephanie Taylor. Having been born on the festival day of the goddess Ceres, Patroness of the Mysteries, Raven is devoted to preserving and teaching the Mystery Tradition of pre-Christian Europe. The oracle decks are designed to capture and transmit the foundational and mystical components of these ancient mysteries. Visit Raven's author site at
www.ravengrimassi.net.
Pre-registration for all classes is mandatory. Classes can be paid for with cash, Money Order, check (with proper ID), credit, or debit card by calling the store at 973/838-6564. Class tuition must be paid in full 48 hours in advance of the class. You may cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the class and receive a full refund. No-shows forfeit tuition. A 10% discount will be offered to all class attendees on required or recommended books for any class, bought when booking the class or on class nights, as well as all purchases made during the class.
Please do not bring in books purchased at other locations for signing by the authors.
Cher
New_Jersey_Pagans...Come in and Chat with us!
Main Yahoo Group NJP: http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/New_ Jersey_Pagans/
Ning Web NJP: http://njpagans.ning.com/
Myspace NJP: http://www.myspace.com/njp_cher
FB Page NJP: http://www.facebook.com/# !/NJPagans
FB Group NJP: http://www.facebook.com/groups. php?ref=sb# /group.php? gid=93725735017
- 6a.
-
What are your thoughts on this?
Posted by: "Grandfather Oak" robert_patti@windstream.net grandfatheroak_wizard
Sun Jul 31, 2011 3:28 pm (PDT)
With October just 2 months away – what are your thoughts on Harold Camping comments for October the 21st? Remember this man has been wrong before but what if he's gotten luck and he's actually right this time?
Oak
http://www.christianpost.com/ news/harold- camping-dead- bodies-will- surface-from- graves-on- oct-21-doomsday- 50677/ - 6b.
-
Re: What are your thoughts on this?
Posted by: "Katrina" katrina.ragozy@gmail.com kala_astrid
Sun Jul 31, 2011 11:22 pm (PDT)
My opinion hasn't changed. If it's going to happen, it will and there's
nothing we can do about it.
However, if it does happen and we're still here.....
PARTY AT MY PLACE IN BEVERLY HILLS!!!!
********************* ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ****
The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong.
Mahatma Gandhi
Time may heal all wounds but the scars remain forever.
-------Original Message-------
From: Grandfather Oak
With October just 2 months away – what are your thoughts on Harold Camping
comments for October the 21st? Remember this man has been wrong before but
what if he's gotten luck and he's actually right this time?
Oak
http://www.christianpost.com/ news/harold- camping-dead- bodies-will- surface-from- graves-on- oct-21-doomsday- 50677/
- 7.
-
Unconditional Love...what do we do with it once it's gone, or has it
Posted by: "Cher Chirichello" CHIC0411@YAHOO.COM chic0411
Sun Jul 31, 2011 8:01 pm (PDT)
"Unconditional Love" We all have it, we all share it, we all take it with us when we die, even in times when we feel anger towards one another, that love is always there that's why anger can become hatred so easily, what are some ways to deal with anger before it gets to far and how to go forth with forgiveness when it does? Cher Njp
Cher
New_Jersey_Pagans...Come in and Chat with us!
Main Yahoo Group NJP: http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/New_ Jersey_Pagans/
Ning Web NJP: http://njpagans.ning.com/
Myspace NJP: http://www.myspace.com/njp_cher
FB Page NJP: http://www.facebook.com/# !/NJPagans
FB Group NJP: http://www.facebook.com/groups. php?ref=sb# /group.php? gid=93725735017
- 8a.
-
LAMMAS The First Harvest
Posted by: "Cher Chirichello" CHIC0411@YAHOO.COM chic0411
Sun Jul 31, 2011 8:09 pm (PDT)
LAMMAS The First Harvest
by Mike Nichols
It was upon a Lammas Night
When corn rigs are bonny,
Beneath the Moon's unclouded light,
I held awhile to Annie....
Although in the heat of a midwestern summer it might be difficult to discern, the festival of Lammas (August 1) marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall. The days now grow visibly shorter and by the time we've reached autumn's end (October 31), we will have run the gamut of temperature from the heat of August to the cold and (sometimes) snow of November. And in the midst of it, a perfect midwestern autumn.
The history of Lammas is as convoluted as all the rest of the old folk holidays. It is, of course, a cross-quarter day, one of the four High Holidays or Greater Sabbats of Witchcraft, occurring one quarter of a year after Beltane. Its true astrological point is fifteen degrees Leo, but tradition has set August 1 as the day Lammas is typically celebrated. The celebration proper would begin on sundown of the previous evening, our July 31, since the Celts reckon their days from sundown to sundown.
However, British Witches often refer to the astrological date of August 6 as Old Lammas, and folklorists call it Lammas O.S. (Old Style). This date has long been considered a "power point" of the zodiac, and is symbolized by the Lion, one of the tetramorph figures found on the tarot cards, the World and the Wheel of Fortune (the other three figures being the Bull, the Eagle, and the Spirit). Astrologers know these four figures as the symbols of the four "fixed" signs of the zodiac, and these naturally align with the four Great Sabbats of Witchcraft. Christians have adopted the same iconography to represent the four Gospel writers.
"Lammas" was the medieval Christian name for the holiday, and it means "loaf-mass", for this was the day on which loaves of bread were baked from the first grain harvest and laid on the church altars as offerings. It was a day representative of "first fruits" and early harvest.
In Irish Gaelic, the feast was referred to as "Lughnasadh", a feast to commemorate the funeral games of the Irish Sun God Lugh. However, there is some confusion on this point. Although at first glance, it may seem that we are celebrating the death of Lugh, the God of Light does not really die (mythically) until the autumnal equinox. And indeed, if we read the Irish myths closer, we discover that it is not Lugh's death that is being celebrated, but the funeral games that Lugh hosted to commemorate the death of his foster mother, Taillte. That is why the Lughnasadh celebrations in Ireland are often called the "Tailltean games".
The time went by with careless heed
Between the late and early,
With small persuasion she agreed
To see me through the barley....
One common feature of the games was the "Tailltean marriages", a rather informal marriage that lasted for only a yearand- a-day or until next Lammas. At that time, the couple could decide to continue the arrangement if it pleased them, or to stand back to back and walk away from one another, thus bringing the Tailltean marriage to a formal close. Such trial marriages (obviously related to the Wiccan handfasting) were quite common even into the 1500s, although it was something one "didn't bother the parish priest about". Indeed, such ceremonies were usually solemnized by a poet, bard, or shanachie (or, it may be guessed, by a priest or priestess of the Old Religion).
Lammastide was also the traditional time of year for craft festivals. The medieval guilds would create elaborate displays of their wares, decorating their shops and themselves in bright colors and ribbons, marching in parades, and performing strange, ceremonial plays and dances for the entranced onlookers. The atmosphere must have been quite similar to our modern-day Renaissance festivals.
A ceremonial highlight of such festivals was the Catherine wheel. Although the Roman Church moved St. Catherine's feast day all around the calendar with bewildering frequency, its most popular date was Lammas. (They also kept trying to expel this much-loved saint from the ranks of the blessed because she was mythical rather than historical, and because her worship gave rise to the heretical sect known as the Cathari.) At any rate, a large wagon wheel was taken to the top of a nearby hill, covered with tar, set aflame, and ceremoniously rolled down the hill. Some mythologists see in this ritual the remnants of a Pagan rite symbolizing the end of summer, the flaming disk representing the Sun God in his decline. And just as the Sun King has now reached the autumn of his years, his rival or dark self has just reached puberty.
Many commentators have bewailed the fact that traditional Gardnerian and Alexandrian Books of Shadows say very little about the holiday of Lammas, stating only that poles should be ridden and a circle dance performed. This seems strange, for Lammas is a holiday of rich mythic and cultural associations, providing endless resources for liturgical celebration.
Corn rigs and barley rigs,
Corn rigs are bonny!
I'll not forget that happy night
Among the rigs with Annie!
[Verse quotations by Robert Burns, as handed down through several Books of Shadows.]
Peace!
Phoenix
- 9.
-
The Lammas Correspondence
Posted by: "Cher Chirichello" CHIC0411@YAHOO.COM chic0411
Sun Jul 31, 2011 8:12 pm (PDT)
The Lammas Correspondence:
Lammas Herbs
Acacia, all grains, blackberry, calendula, frankincense, grape, heather,
mistletoe, oak, rose, sandalwood, sunflower
Lammas Incense
Sandalwood
Rose
Aloes
Chamomile
Passionflower
Frankincense
Lammas Colors
Yellow
Orange
Green
Brown
Red
Lammas Decorations
Corn dollies
Any wheat weaving crafts
Shafts of grain
Sunflowers
Indian corn
Bread
Lammas Foods
Breads
Cornbread
Cider
Blackberry pies and jellies
Rice
Meadowsweet tea
Berries
Nuts
Turnips
Oats
Elderberry wine
Rice cakes
Wheat crackers
Corn muffins
Oat cakes
Beer/mead
Rice milk
Lammas Sacred Gemstones
Aventurine
Citrine
Peridot
Sardonyx
Spellwork appropriate for Lammas
Spells for prosperity
Abundance
Good fortune
Connectedness
Career
Health The Lammas season:
Lammas Herbs
Acacia, all grains, blackberry, calendula, frankincense, grape, heather,
mistletoe, oak, rose, sandalwood, sunflower
Lammas Incense
Sandalwood
Rose
Aloes
Chamomile
Passionflower
Frankincense
Lammas Colors
Yellow
Orange
Green
Brown
Red
Lammas Decorations
Corn dollies
Any wheat weaving crafts
Shafts of grain
Sunflowers
Indian corn
Bread
Lammas Foods
Breads
Cornbread
Cider
Blackberry pies and jellies
Rice
Meadowsweet tea
Berries
Nuts
Turnips
Oats
Elderberry wine
Rice cakes
Wheat crackers
Corn muffins
Oat cakes
Beer/mead
Rice milk
Lammas Sacred Gemstones
Aventurine
Citrine
Peridot
Sardonyx
Spellwork appropriate for Lammas
Spells for prosperity
Abundance
Good fortune
Connectedness
Career
Health
Financial gain
Financial gain
- 10a.
-
Lughnasadh Incense, poestry, ritual
Posted by: "Cher Chirichello" CHIC0411@YAHOO.COM chic0411
Sun Jul 31, 2011 8:17 pm (PDT)
Lughnasadh Incense
Recipe by Scott Cunningham
2 parts Frankincense
1 part Heather
1 part Apple blossoms
1 pinch Blackberry leaves
a few drops Ambergris oil
Burn Lughnasadh Incense during Wiccan rituals on August 1st or 2nd, or at that time to attune
with the coming harvest.
(The above recipe for "Lughnasadh Incense" is quoted directly from Scott Cunningham's book
"The Complete Book of Incenses, Oils & Brews", page 76, Llewellyn Publications, 1989/1992)
Lughnassadh Oil - Put in soap or annoint candles
5 drops frankincense
5 drops rose
5 drops yarrow
Add a piece of wheat and a blackberry leaf with a cat's-eye, citrine, and moss agate crystals. Very soothing.
Lammas Ritual Potpourri
Recipe by Gerina Dunwich
20 drops clove bud oil
25 drops sandalwood oil
1 cup oak moss
2 cups dried pink rosebuds
2 cups dried red peony petals
1 cup dried amaranth flowers
1 cup dried heather flowers
Mix the clove bud and sandalwood oils with the oak moss and then add the remaining ingredients.
Stir the potpourri well and store in a tightly covered ceramic or glass container.
(The above recipe for "Lammas Ritual Potpourri" is quoted directly from Gerina Dunwich's book
"The Wicca Spellbook: A Witch's Collection of Wiccan Spells, Potions and Recipes", page 163,
A Citadel Press Book, Carol Publishing Group, 1994/1995)
And now here is an appropriate verse, some poetry, a blessing, a few more Summer Holidays, along with a very nice little story...
with proper credit given to each author...
Enjoy and May Ye Blessed Be!
Lammas
by Rhiannon Cotter
The young God reigns supreme over the ripening of the grain. Action, dedication, and perseverance in the tending of
the seeds sown during the Spring brings ripeness. However the God must sacrifice Himself in order for the crop
to further develop. During Lammas, the Self is burned away, as was the Wicker Man in ages past, giving new material
to fertilize the growing crop.
Invocation to Sun and Moon
by Olwen Fferyllt
Lord Sun, life of day!
In your fire-boat gliding through golden rays!
Extend yourself, with hands of light,
To us who worship in your sight,
And in your ancient names rejoice,
And hear the mystery of your voice.
Lady Moon, cloud bound,
Of liquid light and pale hounds,
Course among us --- Your light diffuse!
Shed your blessings on us who choose
The evening worship by silver flame,
Singing your thousand living names.
Branch and Bone
By Arwen Evenstar
I am the wise man; I am the fool;
I am the hunter and I am the kill.
I am the root that shatters stone.
And though I wane, I am with you still.
Of branch and bone I build the world.
With steady fire, I give the Moon Her light.
With passion proud, I fill your heart.
I am the Lord of Nature's might.
Of standing stones on sacred hill
They built a ring to mark my flight.
With priest and priestess they did dance
To celebrate the Lord of Light!
In forest dark and secret grove,
In antlered dance I take my delight.
With cloven hooves I mark the earth.
With wild song I pierce the night!
I am the wise man; I am the fool;
I am the hunter and I am the kill.
I am the root that shatters stone.
And though I wane, I am with you still.
A Meal Blessing
by Kristen Madden (Ofelas)
Great Spirit,
We thank you for the gift of this food.
We send blessings of peace, love, and
release to all whose bodies and energies went into
bringing us this nourishment.
We honor you in our enjoyment and
utilization of this meal.
May it bring us health and joy,
reminding us of our interconnections with
All That Is.
As we receive, so do we give back
And give thanks for this gift in the
Cycle of Life.
"Lammas Night"
Author Unknown
- 11.
-
Lughnasadh August 1
Posted by: "Cher Chirichello" CHIC0411@YAHOO.COM chic0411
Sun Jul 31, 2011 8:18 pm (PDT)
Lughnasadh
August 1
The summer air is hot and still, the afternoon hazy; crickets call relentlessly from among the brown grasses, and ears of corn are the same heavy, burnished gold as the late day sun. Hawks circle in the blue-white sky overhead, and seedpods ripen where flowers bloomed just a month before. But shadows begin to lengthen along the garden wall, and the nights come, just a bit cooler, perhaps; a settling begins in the Earth, a gathering, a slow, quiet turning toward the coming darkness.
It is Lughnasadh (pronounced loo-na-sa), known also as Lammas, or Lammastide, the first of the three harvest festivals on the Wheel of the Year. Named for Lugh the Long Handed, a Celtic God of light and fire, this Sabbat marks the ending of summer and the first harvest of the grain. In ancient times the God of Grain, or John Barleycorn as legend knows him, sacrificed himself so that the people whould have plenty of food for the coming winter. In some Traditions, the Goddess becomes the Reaper, and presides over the passing of the God, who willingly gives his life to bless the harvest.
Lughnasadh is a time of giving thanks for summer's bounty, and of completion, and of finishing projects begun in the spring. It is also a time of ritual housecleaning in preparation for the nesting energies of fall and winter. Symbols of this Sabbat include sheaves of grain, garlic braids, sunflowers, and corn. The colors of Lughnasadh are the golds and dusky hues of the turning Earth.
Celebrate this time by feasting on fresh corn, vegetables, and berries, thanking the God for his transformation into the soal of the harvest. Ritually "sacrifice" negative thoughts, emotions, or behaviors. Make garlic or onion braids, and hang them in the kitchen to ward off disease.
Go to a farmers' market or medieval fair and enjoy the "first fruits" of the local artists and growers. Lammastide was the traditional season for craft festivals in medieval times, when merchants would decorate their market stands with bright squares of silk and lengths of colored ribbon, and hold Society for Creative Anachronism to find out what fun might be afoot in your area!
Harvest herbs from the garden, and make flavored oils and vinegars to keep a taste of summer in your pantry all winter long. Ritually bake and bless a special loaf of bread, using grains netive to your home and share the bounty of the first harvest with family and loved ones.
Author Unknown
- 12.
-
LUGHNASADH & Ritual
Posted by: "Cher Chirichello" CHIC0411@YAHOO.COM chic0411
Sun Jul 31, 2011 8:20 pm (PDT)
LUGHNASADH & Ritual
Northern Hemisphere: August 1st
Southern Hemisphere: February 2nd
(Pronounced: "LOOD' na sod")
Meaning of the Sabbat:
Now is the time of the first harvest of the year, LAMMAS, which means "first loaf". It is a time of rejoicing and giving thanks for the soft crops like tomatoes and mellons,and grains like corn and wheat. There is also an abundance of flowers and herbs. But it is also a sad time in a way .For when a plant willingly gives up its fruit that contain the seeds for next years crop, it dies. But as the wheel of the year turns the remains of the plant become compost to nourish next year's harvest.
LUGHNASADH RITUAL
(Erect Temple)
(Invoke Lugh and Cerridwen)
HP goes to stand in the West part of the Circle
HPS stands in front of the altar, and says,)
"Now is the time of the first harvest of the year, LAMMAS, which means "first loaf". It is a time of rejoicing and giving thanks for the soft crops like tomatoes and mellons,and grains like corn and wheat. There is also an abundance of flowers and herbs. But it is also a sad time in a way .For when a plant willingly gives up its fruit that contain the seeds for next years crop, it dies. But as the wheel of the year turns the remains of the plant become compost to nourish next year's harvest".
HPS CALLS TO HP:
"My LORD, do you come willingly to the sacrifice"?
HP: "Yes I do, MY LADY".
(HP comes to the altar and the HPS greets him with a kiss. They embrace solemnly for about 5 heart beats.
HP lays down on his back, with his head to the West.
HPS calls to two women to help her cover the HP with a shroud. She then places the scythe/sword upon his chest and says,)
"Behold the Corn King is dead. Fair thee well, my LORD, as you take your place in the Summerland. Each year you die so that we may live.
To give up freely that which you love is the greatest sacrifice of all. He has embraced the Great Mother and died of his love. So it has been since time began. You can not stop the turning year. You can not stand still while all else moves. But you do not loose anythiing. For all that dies shall be reborn. This is my Eternal Promise".
(HPS lightly sprinkles HP with water, and says,)
"Come back to us, my Holly King, that the land may be fruitul once more".
(The two women remove the shroud. The HP rises, and says,)
"Summer is coming to its climax. My reign has but a short time left before the leaves start to fall like Autumn tears. My time as Lord of the Green Wood comes to a close when the corn is harvested and all the crops are gathered. Then comes the Dark Time, yet shall I be with you through the spiral journey to the black womb of Samhain. Come and draw strength from the Sun, as I do".
(HP take up his staff/wand and walks 3 times, deosil, around the Circle, drawing solar energy. The Coveners assist by keeping rhythm with drums and rattles. The HP points his staff at a cauldron of wahter that is in the center of the Circle (to charge it), and says,)
"I charge this cauldron with the strength of the Sun and the power of the Earth to take from us that which no longer serves us".
(HPS explains. A basket of flowers and herbs sits next to the cauldron. Each Covener in turn puts their hands into the water to release willingly something that they once enjoyed, but realise that it is no good for them (an addiction, relationship, bad habit, procrastination, being judgemental, etc).
When you feel that is is gone, place a flower or herb in the cauldron to thank the Goddess for taking it from you).
(When all have had a turn, the HP says,) "Thank you Sky Father for giving us the strength to give up which no longer serves us and Mother Goddess for taking them from us. For that which does not defeat us is a lesson to make us stronger. Blessed Be".
(THE SYMBOLIC GREAT RITE:)
HPS & HP stand by the altar, facing each other. HPS picks up the filled Chalice (Feminine Symbol) and the HP picks up his Athame (Masculine Symbol). Holding his Athame over the filled Chalice, the HP says,)
"As the athame is to the man".
HPS: "So the Chalice is to the woman".
(HP LOWERS HIS ATHAME INTO THE CHALICE).
"And together they create life and bring blessings".
HP: "And when they are joined,they become One, and there is no greater magick in all the world thanthat of Love".
(CAKES AND ALE)
(CLOSE CIRCLE:)
HPS stands in the middle of the Circle and turns widdershins, and says,)
"Circle of Light, I end this rite. Sink out of sight and be no more.
"The Circle is open but unbroken. May the love of the Goddess go in your heart.
Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again. Blessed Be".
~ End of Rite. ~
http://www.nvogel.com/Sabbat/ Lugh.html
- 13.
-
Sacred Feast of Lughnasadh August 1st
Posted by: "Cher Chirichello" CHIC0411@YAHOO.COM chic0411
Sun Jul 31, 2011 8:21 pm (PDT)
Sacred Feast of Lughnasadh August 1st Color of the day White Incense of the day Ginger Lughnasadh was one of the four sacred feast days of the Celts. It marked the beginning of the harvest and was instituted by the god Lugh to honor his fostermother Tailtiu, who cleared the land for agriculture. Nasadh means an "assembly." Huge Lugnasad assemblies took place in ancient Ireland, including one called the Feast of Carmun, in honor of a supernatural but ill-fated sorceress and warrior. Music, poetry, and the recitation of sacred lore took place, perhaps under the patronage of Lugh, a skilled harper, poet, and magician. Recite these lines from an ancient Irish poem to bring a harvest of abundance, creativity, and wisdom into your life Grain, milk, peace, and happiness, Full nets, ocean's plenty. Feasts and fairs, Knowledge and music, Truthful teachings, Books of lore. May there ever be given to us from the gods The pleasant fruits of
the earth! By Sharynne NicMhacha
- 14.
-
August 1 What is Lughnasadh
Posted by: "Cher Chirichello" CHIC0411@YAHOO.COM chic0411
Sun Jul 31, 2011 8:24 pm (PDT)
August 1 What is Lughnasadh
The Festival of Sacrifice
Lugnasadh (pronounced Loo'-na-sah) is the Celtic festival dedicated to the God Lugh, the Long Handed, who is associated with light and fire. The festival is also considered to be the first harvest, the harvest of the grain, and is linked to the God (or Spirit) of the Corn.
Summer is at it height, but already the days are growing shorter and we know that autumn is on its way.
This is the season to think about our hopes and fears. We hope that we will be able to pick and eat all the things we worked so hard to grow - but a lot could still happen, storms, drought.
To harvest we must cut down the plants we have tended so carefully. We mourn and grieve for the spirit of the grain. We honor them because they give us life.
--------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
The Goddess at Lughnasadh
This is the season that the Goddess becomes the Mother of the Harvest. She is strong, her face dark from the sun and wind. She carries a scythe and a basket of fruits, vegetables and ears of corn. She knows that in order to eat bread we must cut the grain. In fact, is we didn't cut it, it would die anyway, for that is the only way next year's grain can grow.
We can call on the Harvest Mother when we have difficult decisions to make or hard tasks to perform. We must face our fears of failing, of losing the harvest, or making mistakes. She gives us the strength to do what must be done, to tell the truth, even when it hurts, and to say no to things that are not right.
She loves us, her children, and her gifts are food, abundance, and plenty. Everything we need to live and grow.
She is hope as well as fear. When there is something special we hope for, we can ask her help. But, remember, she expects us to work for what we want!
We honor the Harvest Mother whenever we don't take the easy way out, when we do what is right, when we face fear and continue on ahead, when we work hard and wait patiently for rewards.
The God at Lughnasadh
The God of this season is Lugh (Loo). He is also called Samildanach - the Many Skilled. He is the God of all the arts and skills. At this time of year, when we can feel the sun begin to wane and the days grow shorter we say the God is already halfway into the Otherworld. He is in the realm where ideas are born, where dreams and inspiration come from Spirit and be brought into our world of day and night by our work, our skill and our art. In his honor, games in champions would test their skills and strength were held by the ancients.
Lugh is also a sun God. He is called Lugh of the Long Hand or Long Arm - the long rays of the sun as it sinks lower in the sky at this time of year. He is always reaching out to us with warmth and comfort. We can feel close to the God at this season by practicing our skills, making art, playing music.
--------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
The Altar
The Altar should have on it some of the first fruits, grains, and Vegetables that are now ripening. You can add things that represent your skills: a book, a drawing, even a hammer! Bread you have baked in the figure of the Sun or a man (to represent the God) could also be used for the Simple Feast during ritual. Corn Dollies, symbolic of the Goddess, are appropriate as well.
One section of the altar can represent your hopes. Look for pictures in magazines and make a hope card.
Another section of the altar can be for your fears. Draw pictures of them, fold them up, and, as part of your ritual, burn the pictures and release your fears.
Have you and/or your ancestors been part of a struggle for justice? What struggles going on in the world right now could use some help from Lugh's spear? Put something on the altar to represent those struggles.
The Colors of Lughnasadh
Although we still see green, for the fields and trees have reached their full spectrum of foliage, the focus is in the yellows and golds of the corn, and the black of the Dark Mother. Bone and Tan accent this holiday nicely.
Incense, Herbs and Woods
Incenses for Lugnasadh include frankincense, sandalwood, copal and heather.
A wide variety of herbs are associates with this time of year including: Dill, Yarrow, Sunflowers, Rye, Oats, Corn and Wheat (of course!), Hazelnuts and Acorns (be careful! These are poisonous unless properly leached of their toxins. I would advise using them for decorative purposes, rather than ground in an incense)
Woods connected with this Sabbat include Grape Vine, Hazel and Oak.
Author Unknown
- 15.
-
Happy Lughnasadh and Lammas, Come in and Celebrate with us!
Posted by: "Cher Chirichello" CHIC0411@YAHOO.COM chic0411
Sun Jul 31, 2011 8:40 pm (PDT)
Have a Blessed Lughnasadh/Lammas/1st Harvest/Sirit of the Corn/The harvest of the GrainLughnasadh is a
time to celebrate and give thanks for the abundance of Nature. This
sabbat's rituals and celebrations focus on giving thanks to the
God/Goddess for the harvest in our lives. It's a time of completion and
an excellent opportunity to "sacrifice" negative thoughts and behaviors. It's also a time to honor the fruits of your labors regarding work and
friendships, rid yourself of old regrets, and make new decisions.
If you like to share anything with us your more then welcome
Cher
New_Jersey_Pagans...Come in and Chat with us!
Main Yahoo Group NJP: http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/New_ Jersey_Pagans/
Ning Web NJP: http://njpagans.ning.com/
Myspace NJP: http://www.myspace.com/njp_cher
FB Page NJP: http://www.facebook.com/# !/NJPagans
FB Group NJP: http://www.facebook.com/groups. php?ref=sb# /group.php? gid=93725735017
- 16.
-
Monday's Correspondence...August 1
Posted by: "Cher Chirichello" CHIC0411@YAHOO.COM chic0411
Sun Jul 31, 2011 8:58 pm (PDT)
Monday's Correspondence...August 1
Today's Influences: Conjurations, Predictions, Knowledge, Writing, Eloquence
Deities: Thoth, Selene, Aset [Isis], Demeter, Ceres, Spider Woman, Bona Dea, Oya, Devi-Kali, Hella, Rhiannon, Coatlique, Maman Brigette, Sekhmet, Het Heret [Hathor]
Incense: Cinnamon, Cinquefoil
Aromas: Sweetpea, Lavender, Mastic, Frankincense, Cloves
Color of The Day: Silver, white, light blue, Gray, Violet
Planet: Moon
Metal: Silver
Gemstones: Pearl, opal, moonstone
Herbs & Plants: Wintergreen and other mints, catnip, comfrey, sage,
chamomile
Use for magick involving mental issues, learning, higher education, addictions, communications, travel, young people, messages, perception, self-expression, artists, poets, and writers
Associations: Childbearing and family life, purity and virginity, healing, wisdom, intuition
What's Happening Today:
Lugnasadh a/k/a Lugnasad or Lammas Day (Celtic Festival and Feast of Plenty/Harvest, 8th Station)
Lammas, or Teltane is a cross-quarter day midway between summer solstice and fall equinox. Although the days are still long, the sun rises later and sets earlier. The rhythm of the earth is shifting and energies are beginning to draw inward. To ensure the balance between sun and earth energies necessary for a successful harvest, the ancient Celts celebrated a ritual marriage between earth and sun, male and female, each Teltane. Likewise, August is a time for us to bring about balance between our male and female aspects so that we can harvest the fruitfulness of our souls.
Prayer/Practice
Great Spirit, I give thanks for the celestial harmony which turns the cosmic wheel this cross-quarter day. My energy, like Mother Earth's, is beginning to draw inward. Yet I am aware that it is still a season of outgoing activity. May I find balance by aligning with the energies of earth and sky, sun and moon, male and female, through whose dance all creation comes into being.
Take a few letting-go breaths and mindfully feel your way into the place of inner stillness. Sense the energy of Mother Earth. Sense the energy of Father Sun. Weave them together in the meditation of bridging earth and heaven, simultaneously inhaling both energies into your heart, then exhaling their union back out into creation.
August 1 - 3 - Drimes
The Greeks honor the first three days of August as a transition point in the year. Proverbs such as "August has come--the first step of winter," and "Winter begins in August, summer in March," reflect the sense of change which occurs on this quarter-day.
August is a favorite month because of its abundance. On the isle of Lesbos, August is welcomed with the exclamation "August! Figs and walnuts!" said while jumping across bonfires built at crossroads. This is also a time for house-cleaning, all night parties in vineyards and making offerings to the spirits of the dead. According to the Greeks, the third day of August predicts the weather for the next three months.
The first three days of August, the Drimes, are especially significant. They are called the "sharp days." People avoid chopping wood, washing hair, swimming in the sea and (children especially) going out in the noonday sun. Washing clothes is also forbidden although if it must be done, putting a nail in the laundry will nail the sharp days. These proscriptions (like that on eating meat) recall the celebration of Tisha B'Av (see August 7) and the Hebrew month of Av usually overlaps with August.
August 1st is the start of a meat-free period which lasts until the Feast of the Assumption (August 15). Probably in earlier times, the fasting period extended from the new moon to the full moon of August and the feast of Artemis-Hecate. Urlin says Greek Christians, Copts and Armenians call this period of fasting "Assumption Lent."
For all of the trepidation of the Sharp Days, August is a favorite month of the Greeks, where old prints show fruits or sheaves of wheat with the traditional verse: "August, my lovely month, come twice a year." Storace writes:
this is the month that gives the greatest feeling of security, overflowing abundance, of ease and earned pleasure, when the farmers have stored in their cellars grains and corn, hay and feed for their animals, wood for their fires. August is the month of the richest eating, with its seemingly endless fruits and vegetables, "so many you need shawls to gather them," one verse says.
Blackburn, Bonnie & Leofranc Holford-Strevens, The Oxford Companion to the Year, Oxford University Press 1999
Rufus, Anneli, The World Holiday Book, Harper San Francisco 1994
Storace, Patricia, Dinner with Persephone, Pantheon 1996
Urlin, Ethel L, Festivals, Holy Days and Saints' Days: A Study in Origins and Survivals in Church Ceremonies and Secular Customs, republished by Gale Research 1979
St Faith - There are two Saint Faiths (see Oct 6). This one is the spurious daughter of the spurious St. Sophia (see Sep 18). Her sisters are Hope and Charity. A good day for reviewing your beliefs. Or for pondering this selection from T. S. Eliot's Four Quartets:
I said to my soul, be still, and wait without hope
For hope would be hope for the wrong thing; wait without love
For love would be love of the wrong thing; there is yet faith
But the faith and the love and the hope are all in the waiting.
Wait without thought, for you are not ready for thought:
So the darkness shall be the light, and the stillness the dancing.
Twisted History
Cheyenne Frontier Day
Cross-Quarter Day
Document Delivery Day
Feast of Bread
Imps Charity Scramble (Fairy)
International Friendship Day
Lady Day Eve
Laughter Day (Southern California)
National Night Out
National Non-Parent Day
National Raspberry Cream Pie Day
Rounds Resounding Day - Celebrate the day by joining in a circle of harmony and singing a few rounds, such as "Row, Row, Row Your Boat," "Frere Jacques," and "Make New Friends."
Sports Day
Lanmac Tide (beginning of Harvest Season)
Africa Benin Independence Day
Homowo a/k/a Hooting at Hunger - in Ghana
Australia and Oceania Wattle Day (or September 1st) - in Australia
Picnic Day - in Australia
Europe Swiss Confederation Day
Gule of August - in Wales
UK Summer Meditation Festival 2003 - Buddhist
North America International Wizard of Oz Club's Munchkin Convention - in Harrisburg, PA; August 1 - 3, 2003
Pod Body Day (Portland, Maine)
Central America Fiesta Day - in Nicaragua
Emancipation Day - in Trinidad and Tobago
- 17a.
-
Goddess For Today: Tailtiu Lammas (Various Locations)
Posted by: "Cher Chirichello" CHIC0411@YAHOO.COM chic0411
Sun Jul 31, 2011 9:00 pm (PDT)
Goddess For Today: Tailtiu
Lammas (Various Locations)
Themes: The First Harvest; Excelling in a Craft or Sport
Symbol: Bread
About Tailtiu: The Irish Goddess Tailtiu reconnects us with the earth's cycles and the spirit of excellence. Tailtiu was the foster mother to the god of light, Lugh, whom this date venerates. Lugh held her in such high regard that he created the Tailtean games, which took place during Lammas (rather like the Olympics). This honor may have also had something to do with Tailtiu's association as an earth Goddess.
To Do Today: In Wiccan tradition, and in many others, today is a day for preparing food from early ripening fruits like apples. It is also a time for baking bread in honor of the harvest. Combining the two, make an applesauce bread. Stir the batter clockwise, focusing on any craft or sport in which you wish to excel. As you stir, chant,
"Flour from grain, the spell begins, let the power rise within; Apples from trees, now impart, Tailtiu, bring _______ to my heart."
Fill in the blank with a word that describes the area in which you want to encourage improvements or develop mastery. Eat the bread to internalize the energy.
Time-friendly alternatives here are buying frozen bread and adding diced apples to it, having toast with apple butter, or just enjoying a piece of bread and apple anytime during the day. Chant the incantation mentally. Then bite with conviction!
By Patricia Telesco From "365 Goddess"
- 18.
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Celebrating Lughnasadh, or Lammas
Posted by: "Cher Chirichello" CHIC0411@YAHOO.COM chic0411
Sun Jul 31, 2011 9:01 pm (PDT)
Celebrating Lughnasadh, or Lammas
Lughnassadh (pronounced "LOO-nahs-ah") or Lammas, is one of the Greater Wiccan
Sabbats and is usually celebrated on August 1st or 2nd, although
occasionally on July 31st. The Celtic festival held in honor of the Sun
God Lugh (pronounced "Loo") is traditionally held on August 7th. Some
Pagans celebrate this holiday on the first Full Moon in Leo. Other names for this Sabbat include the First Harvest Festival, the Sabbat of First Fruits, August Eve, Lammastide, Harvest Home, Ceresalia (Ancient Roman
in honor of the Grain Goddess Ceres), Feast of Bread, Sabbat of First
Fruits, Festival of Green Corn (Native American), Feast of Cardenas,
Cornucopia (Strega), Thingtide and Elembiuos. Lughnassadh is named for
the Irish Sun God Lugh (pronounced Loo), and variant spellings for the
holiday are Lughnasadh, Lughnasad, Lughnassad, Lughnasa or Lunasa. The
most commonly used name for this Sabbat is Lammas, an Anglo-Saxon word
meaning "loaf-mass".
The
Lughnassadh Sabbat is a time to celebrate the first of three harvest
celebrations in the Craft. It marks the middle of Summer represents the
start of the harvest cycle and relies on the early crops of ripening
grain, and also any fruits and vegetables that are ready to be
harvested. It is therefore greatly associated with bread as grain is one of the first crops to be harvested. Wiccans give thanks and honor to
all Gods and Goddesses of the Harvest, as well as those who represent
Death and Resurrection.
This is a
time when the God mysteriously begins to weaken as the Sun rises farther in the South, each day grows shorter and the nights grow longer. The
Goddess watches in sorrow as She realizes that the God is dying, and yet lives on inside Her as Her child. It is in the Celtic tradition that
the Goddess, in her guise as the Queen of Abundance, is honored as the
new mother who has given birth to the bounty; and the God is honored as
the God of Prosperity.
Symbols to represent the Lammas Sabbat include corn, all grains, corn dollies, sun wheels, special loaves of bread, wheat, harvesting (threshing) tools
and the Full Moon. Altar decorations might include corn dollies and/or
kirn babies (corn cob dolls) to symbolize the Mother Goddess of the
Harvest. Other appropriate decorations include Summer flowers and
grains. You might also wish to have a loaf of whole cracked wheat or
multigrain bread upon the altar.
Deities
associated with Lughnassadh are all Grain and Agriculture Deities, Sun
Gods, Mother Goddesses and Father Gods. Particular emphasis is placed on Lugh, Demeter, Ceres, the Corn Mother and John Barleycorn (the
personification of malt liquor). Key actions associated with Lammas are
receiving and harvesting, honoring the Parent Deities, honoring the Sun
Gods and Goddesses, as well as celebration of the First Harvest.
It is
considered a time of Thanksgiving and the first of three Pagan Harvest
Festivals, when the plants of Spring wither and drop their fruits or
seeds for our use as well as to ensure future crops. Also, first grains
and fruits of the Earth are cut and stored for the dark Winter months.
Activities appropriate for this time of the year are the baking of bread and wheat weaving - such as the making of Corn Dollies, or other God &
Goddess symbols. Sand candles can be made to honor the Goddess and God
of the sea. You may want to string Indian corn on black thread to make a necklace, and bake corn bread sticks shaped like little ears of corn
for your Sabbat cakes. The Corn Dolly may be used both as a fertility
amulet and as an altar centerpiece. Some bake bread in the form of a
God-figure or a Sun Wheel .
It is
customary to consume bread or something from the First Harvest during
the Lughnassadh Ritual. Other actions include the gathering of first
fruits and the study of Astrology. Some Pagans symbolically throw pieces of bread into a fire during the Lammas ritual.
The
celebration of Lammas is a pause to relax and open yourself to the
change of the Season so that you may be one with its energies and
accomplish what is intended. Visits to fields, orchards, lakes and wells are also traditional. It is considered taboo not to share your food
with others
Traditional Pagan Foods for the Lughnassadh Festival include homemade breads
(wheat, oat and especially cornbread), corn, potatoes, berry pies,
barley cakes, nuts, wild berries, apples, rice, roasted lamb, acorns,
crab apples, summer squash, turnips, oats, all grains and all First
Harvest foods. Traditional drinks are elderberry wine, ale and
meadowsweet tea.
It is also appropriate to plant the seeds from the fruit consumed in ritual. If
the seeds sprout, grow the plant with love and as a symbol of your
connection to the Divine. A cake is sometimes baked, and cider is used
in place of wine.
As Summer passes, Wiccans remember its warmth and bounty in the food we eat. Every meal is an act of attunement with Nature
Corn Bread Ear Sticks
Recipe by StormWing
Purchase
an iron mold shaped like little ears of corn in flea markets or kitchen
supply shops, or look in grandma's kitchen wherever she keeps her
bakeware - there just might be one there already! Grease lightly and
preheat in a 425 degree oven. You will need:
3/4 cup Flour
3/4 cup Yellow Corn Meal
1/4 cup Sugar
3/4 teaspoon Salt
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
2 Eggs
1 cup Milk (or Buttermilk if you prefer)
1/4 cup Shortening
Sift dry
ingredients together. Add milk, eggs, shortening, and beat until smooth. Pour into preheated and greased molds and bake 20-25 minutes or until
golden brown.
Whole Grain Bread
Recipe by Dan & Pauline Campanelli
In a large mixing bowl combine:
2 cups milk (warm to the touch)
2 packages of dry baking yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
Cover this mixture and set aside in a warm place until it has doubled (about half an hour).
Add to this mixture:
3 tablespoons softened butter
2 eggs
1 cup of unbleached white flour
Stir until bubbly. Now mix in:
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup of rolled oats
2 cups stone ground wheat flour
2 tablespoons sesame seed
With
floured hands, turn this dough out onto a floured board and gradually
knead in more unbleached white flour until the dough is smooth and
elastic and no longer sticks to your fingers. Place this dough in a
greased bowl, turning it so that the dough is greased. Then cover it
with a clean cloth and keep it in a warm place to rise until it is
doubled (about an hour).Then punch it down and divide it into two or
more elongated loaves, roughly sculpted into mummiform shapes, and
placed on greased cookie sheets. Cover these and return them to a warm
place until they double again. Bake the loaves in a pre-heated oven at
350 degrees for about an hour, or until they are done and sound hollow
when tapped.
(The above recipe for "Whole Grain Bread" is quoted directly from Pauline &
Dan Campanelli's book "Ancient Ways: Reclaiming Pagan Traditions", page
132-133, Llewellyn Publications, 1991/1992)
Brigid's Blackberry Pie
Recipe by Edain McCoy
(Makes one nine-inch pie)
4 cups fresh blackberries (thawed frozen is okay)
1-1/2 cups sugar
1/3 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
Unbaked pie crust
Preheat
oven to 325 degrees F. Line a deep pie dish with the pie crust, or
purchase a commercially-made one. Set aside. Mix all other ingredients
together in a large mixing bowl. If it appears too "wet", mix in a
little more flour (about 2 tablespoons). Turn the fruit into the pie
shell and dot with butter or margarine. You can bake the pie as is, or
cover it with another pie crust. If you do this, pinch down the ends to
hold it to the other crust. Then score the top several times with a
sharp knife. Bake for 1 hour, or until the top crust is a golden brown.
(Note: A sugar-free version can be made by substituting appropriate
amounts of artificial sweetener.)
(The above recipe for "Brigid's Blackberry Pie" is quoted directly from Edain
McCoy's book "The Sabbats: A New Approach to Living the Old Ways", page
179, Llewellyn Publications, 1994)
)0(
From The Morning FeastArchives
- 19.
-
Daily Aromatherapy Tip ... Eucalyptus Smithi
Posted by: "Cher Chirichello" CHIC0411@YAHOO.COM chic0411
Sun Jul 31, 2011 9:02 pm (PDT)
Daily Aromatherapy Tip... Eucalyptus Smithi
Eucalyptus Smithi is the only Eucalyptus essential oil that should be used on children. Eucalyptus Globulus
which is the most common is usually rectified and is not suitable for children. A top note in aromatherapy,
this oil is said to be helpful for chest infections, to facilitate breathing. It is also an effective analgesic.
Aslo suitable for the elderly
AromaThyme.com
- 20a.
-
Irish Epic, Tain bo Cuailnge
Posted by: "Cher Chirichello" CHIC0411@YAHOO.COM chic0411
Sun Jul 31, 2011 9:03 pm (PDT)
My name is Macha, she said.
I am the daughter of Sainrith mac Inbraith.
And my name, and the names of my children,
will be given to this place.
She said this, and then she set off
to race a horse-driven chariot.
She was huge with child,
but she kept pace with the horses.
When she reached the end of the field,
still alongside the chariot, she lay down
and gave birth. A daughter was born to her,
and a son; the twins of Macha, Emain Macha,
after which the famous hill is named.
~Irish Epic, Tain bo Cuailnge
Macha, a
Goddess of the ancient Irish, was insulted by her human husband, who had been foolish enough to wager his life on her ability to outrun a team
of horses. Though pregnant, she ran the race and won, giving birth at
the end of the field. There she cursed not only her husband for his
cruel selfishness, but all those who watched in humiliation.
On this
day in ancient Ireland, the great Celtic feast of Lughnasa was
celebrated with horse races and other contests. The Goddess of the
harvest, Tailte, looked on benignly as her children frolicked and
feasted, traded and mated. Behind the joys of the festival, however,
there was serious intent, for when the clans came together so, it was to affirm and strengthen the bonds of friendship and family. Such myths as that of Macha served as a reminder that, however important it seems to
look well in front of others, the safety and happiness of one's own
loved ones is the most significant value.
)0(
By Patricia Monaghan - From " The Goddess Companion"
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