Messages In This Digest (4 Messages)

1.: Fw: [StormysBookofShadows] Reclaiming Darkness in Paganism: A Call t From: Grandfather Oak

2.: Fw: [sacredmagic] Re: Inanna and the Descent into the Underworld From: Grandfather Oak

3.: Fw: [TheOldWorldWitches] Rebuild Your Health with These 7 Core Nutri From: Grandfather Oak

4.: Fw: { Somnus-Caldarium } Mabon Crafts: Make a Pinecone Swag for Mabo From: Grandfather Oak

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1.: Fw: [StormysBookofShadows] Reclaiming Darkness in Paganism: A Call t

Posted by: "Grandfather Oak" robert_patti@windstream.net grandfatheroak_wizard

Sat Sep 24, 2011 7:20 pm (PDT)

From: stormys_bos
Subject: [StormysBookofShadows] Reclaiming Darkness in Paganism: A Call to Balance

Reclaiming Darkness in Paganism: A Call to Balance
by John J. Coughlin

On the Internet I use the handle "DarkWyccan" which often brings mixed reactions among Pagans; some are simply curious what I mean by "dark", but many others are downright offended. Immediately I am associated with evil and chastised for fostering the negative stereotypes of witchcraft. (Actually the "Dark" in the name refers to my style of dress and penchant for macabre imagery but that's another story!)
Indeed the word "dark", like "witch" has long been used in association with the concept of evil in modern Western Society. As Pagans we know that a witch is not necessarily evil. We have worked hard to reclaim the word "witch", if only so that we can personally break free of our own social conditioning that a witch is synonymous with "evil". In seeking to reclaim the word "witch" we have often distanced ourselves from other such loaded words that carry the public's projection of evil. The easiest way to accomplish this distancing was to focus on imagery associated with goodness, such as "light".

However, there is an inherent problem with this. How pagans see the duality of light/dark is not the same as is traditional in modern Western society, which has been heavily influenced by Christian thought over the last several centuries. The Western worldview is based on dualism where duality is broken down into two very separate and distinct irreducible parts. These parts are independent of each other and can be either complimentary or in conflict. In the case of traditional Western thought, the symbolism of light and dark is deeply rooted in the Christian ethical dualism symbolized as the battle of good (light) vs. evil (dark). Paganism on the other hand has adopted a worldview based onmonism, where duality is more often perceived as aspects of an encompassing whole. Dualities such as light/dark thus exist as polarities - two opposite yet complementing aspects of a whole. The yin-yang, which shows each "side" as part of a greater whole, each containing an aspect of its opposite within it, is a familiar symbol of polarity.

This polarity of light/dark in Pagan thought is no longer the same as the dualism of good/evil, but rather associated with such complimenting principles as creative/destructive, external/internal, attracting/repelling, clarity/mystery, active/passive, solid/flowing, static/dynamic, masculine/feminine, and order/chaos, to name a few. The moralistic connotations that were opposed upon the light/dark dualism by traditional Western thought simply do not apply under the monistic approach. (Don't confuse "monism" and "monistic" with "monotheism", that is another issue completely.)

Being raised in a society based on dualism we have a natural habit to want to break things down into components, even when we have chosen to take on a spirituality based on monism. Thus, as we Pagans (often coming from a Judeo-Christian background) began to use the dualistic imagery of light (good) from Western thought in association with the word "witch" to reclaim it from the negative association of darkness (evil) we unconsciously altered the polarity of light/dark in Pagan thought to fit this imagery. Duality in a monism is not the same as duality in a dualism.

Additionally, as Paganism became more mainstream in the 1980's and 90's, less attention was a given to formal study and practice, and sadly many authors over emphasized the concept of "insta-witchcraft" as 101-style books flooded the market. Covens and even traditions were formed by novices and yet attempted to take on students. This had (and is still having) drastic results when mixed with New Age influences that strip away the cultural context of various beliefs and negative associations, to provide a more palatable, trendy form, which is geared for the masses. Paganism has become overrun with beginners lacking direction and clarity. Although I am a strong proponent for the validity of solitary practice, the sudden shift in majority from coven-centric to solitary practice has not come without a cost.

Normally, when one begins to study and practice a Pagan religion, there is a shift in his or her worldview of dualism in spirituality to monism. This shift is an internal process - an initiation - and happens to both the solitary and coven member alike. The external self-dedication or initiation ritual uses imagery to help catalyze this internal initiation; alone such rituals are but empty forms and useless. One of the reasons coven novitiates must wait a year and a day before a formal initiation is to allow the novitiate time to experience the mysteries of the Craft; a personal understanding of Pagan symbolism in the proper context. Of course this same process can happen to a dedicated solitary with discipline and motivation. A shift in worldview can only occur through practice and experience. One must work under the principles of the new worldview before it "clicks" and becomes a part of us, and this takes time and effort, two things many unguided novices (or unqualified teachers) fail to see.

This is much akin to culture shock. When we cannot relate to a foreign culture, its practices that do not compliment our own culture may seem strange or even barbaric. If, however, we were to live within the context of that culture we would eventually start to see those practices within the proper context and perhaps appreciate (or at least better understand) the local practices that we once scoffed at. What has been happening in the Pagan community more and more is an influx of people taking its symbolism and mysteries out of the context of monism and translating them to fit their own context based in dualism. Light and dark become opposed and polarities are thrown out of balance as anything associated with darkness is disowned. Popular Pagan religions such as Wicca become "fluffy" loosing their depth. Such Pagans are not receptive to challenges to their comfortable niche in their spirituality. Here they find release from the overburdening aspects of their former Judeo-Christian religions while finding the security and encouragement of the more flexible Pagan paths. The flexibility can be taken to the extreme of assuming that anything we no not like can simply be discarded without concern.

Unless this imbalance is corrected, the true mysteries that Paganism offers are lost. Pagan traditions are becoming empty shells of what they once were and the sense of community is becoming shattered by "witch wars" and silly politics. Before we can salvage our beliefs we must first reclaim "darkness" and encourage this reclamation from within. The road ahead will not be an easy one, but with effort those serious about the Craft can slowly pull itself out of the pit of ignorance and again embrace the true teachings and mysteries that Paganism offers.

To end on a positive note, I have noticed many new books beginning to emphasize practice and steer away from the cookie cutter books that follow the same template of generic information with filler spells, rituals, and catchy graphics. Many new books since the end of the 1990's have begun to concentrate on the principles and meaning behind the practice and to rely on sound research and personal experience. Sadly there will always be unscrupulous authors and publishers who will continue be motivated by profit alone, but it is comforting to know that some established authors have begun to appreciate their responsibility and not underestimate their influence - for better or worse - on the Craft.

Embracing the Old ~ Celebrating the New

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2.: Fw: [sacredmagic] Re: Inanna and the Descent into the Underworld

Posted by: "Grandfather Oak" robert_patti@windstream.net grandfatheroak_wizard

Sat Sep 24, 2011 7:25 pm (PDT)

From: Angelos et Sanctos
Subject: [sacredmagic] Re: Inanna and the Descent into the Underworld

Who are the Anunnaki?

The modern revisionist history will tell you that the Anunnaki are the alien grays or reptilians from outer space that have come here to enslave mankind and alter our genetic structure. They have returned or will be returning soon.
Be scared, very scared.

"If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it." - Joseph Goebbels
We are going to explore here the truth behind the true nature of the Anunnaki. Like good investigators we will look at evidence from literature left by the Sumerians and Babylonians themselves. Let them tell us who their Anunnaki were for they know best who they were talking about.

"The pure torch lit in the sky, the heavenly light, lighting like day, the great queen of heaven, Inanna, I will hail! The holy one, queen awe-laden of the Anunnaki, noblest one I heaven and earth, crowned with great horns, oldest child of the Moon, Inanna I will hail." ~ Hymn to Inanna poem written under Iddin-Daggan, 3rd king of the dynasty of Isin.

Point One: Inanna /Ishtar is queen of the Anunnaki

"O thou that … the Anunnaki, that knowest the Igigi" Hymn to Damkina as Queen of the Gods from Babylonian Magic and Sorcery by Leonard W. King, M.A.

Point Two: Damkina, the mother of Marduk, is connected to the Anunnaki.

"Ushumgal ilu Anunnaki Ashiru ilu Igigi" (Translation: The ruler of the Anunnaki, the director of the Igigi) ~ Prayers to Marduk from Babylonian Magic and Sorcery by Leonard W. King, M.A.

Point Three: Marduk is the ruler of the Anunnaki
What is the connection between all three and the Anunnaki?
Babylonian Marduk is called Asarluhi and his name is derived from the Sumerian Asari Murdug. Mur in Murdug is derived from Sumerian lu (man) or its Sumero-Akkadian equivalent Mulu / Muru. Dug is Sumerian meaning good and Asar means prince. The translation is "prince who brings good to the people". There is no G in Akkadian and so the fully Semitized rendition is Asar Marduk or Asarluhi Marduk.

Marduk other title among the Sumerians is Dumu-zid-abzu or faithful (true) son of the deep (wisdom) waters. His consort among the Sumerians is Inanna and his mother is Damkina.

Point Four: The Anunnaki are under command of Enki-Damkina-Inanna-Dumzid, who represented in religious thought of the Sumerian the benevolent facet of deity in the form of wisdom, caring heavenly father, creator mother of all, life, love, and the redeemer messianic figure in which good conquers evil and order conquers chaos.
We are one step closer to uncovering the true identity of the Anunnaki.

Let's look further at the old texts:

"The great Anunnaki, having bowed to Her, are stepping up for prayer, petition, and plaint, able to voice unto her the pleas of all lands, and Milady decides the country's cases, settling them…" Hymn to Inanna poem written under Iddin-Daggan, 3rd king of the dynasty of Isin.

Point Five: The Anunnaki role involves being interceders for human kind before the heavenly queen. They pray and petition for the Divine queen as well as pass the prayers of human kinds.

Question:
Why would gods pray, petition, and plaint to other gods on their behalf and behalf of humanity? Why would an alien, if we are to entertain this theory, bother doing this at all?

What else do the Anunnaki do?

"The Anunnaki, the seven judges, rendered judgment to her face, their verdict was a verdict griping the bowels, they cried out against her, it was the call for punishment." ~ from Inanna's Descent

Point Seven: The Anunnaki also at times serve as judges in the affairs of the underworld or realm of the dead, wherein the souls of the deceased enter. This is similar in function to the Islamic heavenly angels Nakir and Munkar, who in Islamic lore judge the souls of the dead in their graves.

What else can we find in the ancient texts about their function?
"The day dawned. Lagash's (sun god) Utu lifted the head over the country, and fat oxen, fat sheep, were taken to the house, tall jars set up, wine poured therein, and, since the Anunnaki of Lagash were teamed up in their places for lord Ningirsu, the purification of the house was done to perfection." ~ from the Cylinders of Gudea

Point Eight: They oversee and perfect the process and rites of purification and offering.
The function of the Anunnaki in the affairs of religion is very clear throughout the texts. It is equally clear in the famous Enuma Elish or Epic of Creation.

"The Anunnaki made their voices heard and addressed Marduk their lord, `Now, O Lord, that you have set us free, what are our favours from you? We would like to make a shrine with its own name. We would like our night's resting place to be in your quarters, and to rest there. Let us found a shrine, a sanctuary there. Whenever we arrive, let us rest within it.' When Marduk heard this, His face lit up greatly, like daylight. `Create Babylon, whose construction you requested! Let its mud bricks be moulded, and build high the shrine!' The Anunnaki began shoveling. For a whole year they made bricks for it. When the second year arrived, they had raised the top of Esagila in front of the apsu; they had built a ziggurat for the Apsu. They founded the dwelling for Anu, Ellil, and Ea likewise. In ascendancy he settled himself in front of them, and his `horns' look down at the base of Esharra. When they had done the work on Esagila. (And) the Anunnaki, all of them, had fashioned their individual shrines."

They are obviously not aliens from outer space or enslavers of humanity. Are they even gods?
The answer is pretty clear from the Sumerian texts as well:
"The Anunnaki gods made their way hither to admire, and the ruler, being wise and eloquent, kissed the ground before that godly company. With greetings and with prayer, he lined up viands: prayers the ruler was saying unto the god of his city, loaves he added to the house's meals of bread, sheep he added to its evening meals of mutton, jars, as for abundance of heaven's vast midst, he set up straight in front of it, went to the Anunnaki gods, was hailing them: "O Anunnaki, supervisors of Lagash land, guardian angels of all countries, by whose commands, (irresistible as) a massive breach in a dam, the one would stem it is carried off ; but for this trusty young man, for whom they have regard, life has been lengthened. I, a ruler, have built a house, my master is about to enter his house, may you, for my sake, O Anunnaki, name the salutation!" ~ from the Cylinders of Gudea

Point Nine: The Anunnaki are called the godly company. They can visit and attend religious centers and be seen and addressed by the king and respond to the king request. He refers to them as the guardian angels of all countries, implying a belief that their existence protects the land from evil. There are mentions of such holy men in various religions. For example, the Jewish thought makes reference to the 36 Tzaddikim, who keep the world turning, and that without them there would be great or greater strife in the world than there already is.

The idea that the Anunnaki are considered high saints is evident from this other reference in Sumerian texts:
"The holy house , the prolificator of which is the bedroom, the holy house of Kesh, the prolificator of which is the bedroom, the house – its en priests are Anunnaki gods, its nuesh priests are Eanna's carvers."
Point Ten: The En priest is the high priest of the temple and as acts as divine bridegroom of the goddess in rites of the sacred marriage with the priestess.

Let's recap here what we learned so far about the Anunnaki:
a) They are under the domain and obey Enki / Ea, Ninhursag/Damkina, Inanna/Ishtar, Dumuzid/Marduk in the Sumerian and Akkadian religious belief system
b) They provide prayers, petitions, and pleas to the Divine facets in heaven.
c) They intercede on behalf of humanity
d) They judge the souls of the dead or those who reside in the underworld.
e) They oversee temple purifications and offerings.
f) They set out to build Babylon as a religious center and a place to visit for rest in the shrines (meditation)
g) They spent a year building by their own hands the various religious centers and temples for the various major deities of the people.
h) They built individual and personal shrines for themselves for the purposes of prayers and meditation.
i) They are considered a godly company
j) They protect the land and act as guardian angels by virtue of their presence in it
k) They act as high priests of the temple
l) They play the role of in the sacred marriage rite in ritual and religious functions.

The question is why were they called gods in the first place? The answer rests in a little known religious belief system among the ancient Sumerians and Akkadians.

"In days of yore, the days when heaven and earth had been fashioned, in nights of yore, the nights when heaven and earth had been fashioned, in years of yore, the years when the modes of being were determined, when the Anunnaki gods had been born, when the goddess-mothers had been chosen for marriage, when the goddess-mothers had been assigned to heaven or earth, and when the goddess-mothers had had intercourse, had become pregnant, and had given birth." ~ from a Sumerian story on The Birth of Man

"Then Marduk the king divided the gods, the Anunnaki, all of them, above and below. He assigned his decrees to Anu to guard, established three hundred as a guard in the sky. Did the same again when he designed the conventions of earth, and made the six hundred to dwell in both heaven and earth. When he had directed all the decrees, had divided lots for the Anunnaki, of heaven and of earth." ~ from The Epic of Creation

One possible hypothesis is that the Anunnaki are ancient souls or spirits who are split between heaven and earth. The heavenly facets acts as spiritual guardians in the celestial realm. The earthly counterpart of the Anunnaki are guardians on earth and act as spiritual teachers, high priests, redeemers and protectors. They function in the sacred marriage rite and take on the role of the vessels of the Divine king and queen or god-father and goddess-mother to produce gifted children of the temple.

What did these children do afterword? We know that the famous Assyrian king Ashurbanipal was said to have been suckled by the Queen of Heaven Ishtar Herself, implying that he was likely raised by temple priestesses. Was he and men like him a product of such sacred marriage as conducted by the Anunnaki? We will never know…

Looking at post-Sumerian lore, we find references to prophets or holy men who in many ways fit this description. There aren't many such references, which may allude to the small number of the Anunnaki on earth through history. One good example that I found would be the patriarch Enoch. He isn't only considered a major religious and spiritual figure, a being associated with wisdom, but acts also as interceder even for the fallen angels seeking redemption. Finally, he ends his holy life by walking with God, which means he undergoes a process of transfiguration in which he transforms into a celestial being that is his counter-part. This celestial being is Metatron.

There are other records of mighty and powerful spiritual human beings, who acted as teachers, guides, holy people, and high priests of their people. They were seen as interceders of humanity in some form or petitioners and each uniquely ended their life through a process of transfiguration into a celestial counterpart. Is it possible that Jesus was an Anunnaki? How about Padmasambhava? How many others of them have come through history and when will they reappear again? That is likely to remain the true mystery of the Anunnaki legend.

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3.: Fw: [TheOldWorldWitches] Rebuild Your Health with These 7 Core Nutri

Posted by: "Grandfather Oak" robert_patti@windstream.net grandfatheroak_wizard

Sat Sep 24, 2011 7:29 pm (PDT)

From: sylbhraven
Rebuild Your Health with These 7 Core Nutrients

Published on Healthier Talk (http://www.healthiertalk.com )

Rebuild Your Health with These 7 Core Nutrients
By Dr. David Blyweiss
Created 09/02/2011 - 1:00pm
By Dr. David Blyweiss [1] on 09/02/2011
Fighting aging and disease with supplements

My patients often ask me to recommend supplements they should take as they get older.

And coming up with a "one-size-fits-all" supplement regime is tough. After all, a postmenopausal woman, a 40-something man and someone else with a chronic condition like diabetes may have very different nutritional needs.

But, in spite of the differences, there are some nutrients that can benefit everyone. The following 7 supplements cover all the basics regardless of your gender, age or current health status. And taking them can be the first step in your journey toward optimal health.
a.. Fish Oil. Ask most doctors today and they'll admit to recommending omega-3 fatty acids to all their patients. Especially those at risk of heart disease. Fish oil, with its generous dose of the omega-3s EPA and DHA, can reduce your risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. It lowers blood pressure slightly and triglycerides even more. But that's not all fish oil can do. It's also an extremely effective anti-inflammatory.(1) Since inflammation is involved in nearly every degenerative disease from Alzheimer's to cancer, supplementing with fish oil is one of the single best things you can do for your overall health. My recommended daily dose is 3,000 mg of fish oil containing a combination of EPA and DHA.
b.. Vitamin D. The health benefits of vitamin D extend to at least 100 diseases, most notably cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory infections and autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D has also been linked to better mood, better physical performance and even better results with weight loss programs. Take 2,000 IUs daily.
c.. Probiotics. Beneficial bacteria keep harmful micro-organisms in check, aid digestion and nutrient absorption, and contribute to immune function. While the yogurt you find in the supermarket may contain probiotics, most brands don't offer nearly enough for good health. But taking a high quality probiotic supplement every day can help keep your digestive and immune systems functioning at their best. When it comes to probiotics, more is better. Look for a supplement that provides at least 5 billion colony forming units (CFUs) and take it every day.
d.. Magnesium. This amazing nutrient is critical for a healthy heart. It also helps control blood sugar, is essential for strong bones, and helps relax you when you're stressed. But several studies show that a majority of Americans don't get enough of this important mineral. According to Italian researchers, magnesium deficiencies have been tied to allergies, asthma, anxiety, heart disease, muscle cramps and a host of other conditions.(2) You can help prevent or ease these conditions by simply taking 400800 mg daily.
e.. Curcumin. This compound found in the curry spice turmeric is best known for its anti-inflammatory properties. But that's just the start of its healing qualities. Curcumin may also have anti-cancer, anti-arthritic, antiviral, antifungal and immune-boosting effects. ScienceWatch recently highlighted 19 papers on the health benefits of curcuminmany of them focusing on its anticancer activity.(3) I now consider it one of the most important supplements to take on a daily basis. The recommended daily dose is 1,000 mg.
f.. Resveratrol. Credited with being responsible for the "French Paradox," resveratrol has drawn a lot of attention as an anti-aging nutrient. Research has shown resveratrol extends the life of every species studied so far, from fruit flies to monkeys. But it's also a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and may also have powerful anti-cancer properties. I now recommend it as a part of every supplementation package for optimal health. Take at least 250 mg of trans-resveratrol, the active form of the compound, every day.
g.. Multivitamin. Researchers from Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health have noted low blood levels of certain vitamins is a risk factor for chronic disease.(4) They've also recommended everyone should take a multivitamin to prevent deficiencies. Vitamin deficienciesespecially when mildcan contribute to a whole host of problems including osteoporosis, chronic pain, depression, heart disease and cancer. Taking a quality, high-potency multi every day just makes good sense.

While these 7 supplements can contribute to good health, let's be very clear: Foundational health is about a lot more than supplements. It's about what you eat, how active you are, what (and who) you surround yourself with, your attitudes, and even how much time you spend outdoors in the sun.

Assuming you're doing the things you need to promote good health, this basic supplement program will be a terrific asset to your overall health program.

References:

1. Skulas-Ray AC. Dose-response effects of omega-3 fatty acids on triglycerides, inflammation, and endothelial function in healthy persons with moderate hypertriglyceridemia. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2011;93:243-252.

2. Barbagallo M. Magnesium and aging. Current Pharmceutical Design. 2010;16:832-839.

3. Therapeutic Effects of Curcumin. ScienceWatch.com.

4. Fairfield KM. Vitamins for chronic disease prevention in adults: scientific review.

5. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2002; 287:3116-3126.

About the author
Dr. David Blyweiss is well-known across the world for his major advancements in alternative medicine.

He's traveled much of the world working closely with specialists to identify new plant life and natural products for possible human benefit.

In addition he has been successfully helping alternative medicine companies develop cutting-edge nutritional supplements for over 11 years. He's currently in private practice in Florida, serves on the advisory board for Advanced Natural Medicine, and is the senior supplement advisor at The Uniscience Group

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4.: Fw: { Somnus-Caldarium } Mabon Crafts: Make a Pinecone Swag for Mabo

Posted by: "Grandfather Oak" robert_patti@windstream.net grandfatheroak_wizard

Sat Sep 24, 2011 7:38 pm (PDT)

From: Denise Haverhoek
Subject: { Somnus-Caldarium } Mabon Crafts: Make a Pinecone Swag for Mabon

Mabon Crafts: Make a Pinecone Swag for Mabon

This simple swag is easy to make and will add a touch of nature to your home during Mabon. This pinecone swag would be a great touch to hang above a Mabon altar, on the temple door or anywhere in your home that could use some seasonal decoration.

Make a Pinecone Swag for Mabon

You'll need several materials to make a pinecone swag for Mabon. These items can be found at your local hobby and craft store or florist shop. Some of them can be gathered from nature, such as the pinecones and dried flowers.

Materials needed to make a pinecone swag for Mabon:

3 pinecones - one five inches long, one 4 ½ inches long, one 3 ½ inches long

6 clusters of dried flowers, ½ inch in diameter in fall colors, or more if you like

3 ¾ yards grosgrain ribbon, 1 inch wide, in a traditional Mabon color of brown or orange

2x2-inch piece of wood, ¼ to ½ inch thick

Polyurethane spray

Hot-glue gun and glue sticks

Floral pick

Floral pins

Medium-gauge floral wire

Wire cutters

Scissors

Step #1

The first step you'll take to make a pinecone swag for Mabon is to bake the pinecones at 200 degrees F for at least 25 minutes in the oven. This will kill any insect eggs or larvae that may be present within the cones.

Allow them to cool completely and then spray them with the Polyurethane spray.

Step #2

While the pinecones are baking, you can perform the second step to make a pinecone swag for Mabon is to cut the grosgrain ribbon into four pieces. One piece should be 2-yards in length. The second piece should be 25-inches long, the third piece 18-inches long and the fourth piece 13-inches long.

Step #3

Now, the third step to make a pinecone swag for Mabon is to glue the dried flower clusters randomly around the pinecones with the hot-glue gun. The pinecones will hang from their bases so keep that in mind while gluing.

Step #4

Next, fold under about ¼ inch of the 25-inch piece of ribbon on one end. Hot-glue the folded strip to the base of the largest pinecone. Position the folded tab so that it won't be visible from the front of the arrangement. Use the floral pick to hold the ribbon against the pinecone until the glue has dried.

Step #5

The next step to make a pinecone swag for Mabon is to trim the legs of the floral pins to ½ inch and insert one of the pins through the glued ribbon for a little extra hold.

Step #6

Now, repeat steps 4 and 5, attaching the 18-inch ribbon to the medium sized pinecone and the 13-inch ribbon to the smallest pinecone.

Step #7

The next step to make a pinecone swag for Mabon is to make a hanger for the arrangement. Cut a 22-inch length of the floral wire with the wire cutters and make a loop with tails about 8-inches long. Twist the wires together directly under the loop and wrap the wire ends around the block of wood. Secure the hanger by twisting all the wires together just under the loop.

Step #8

Next, hot-glue the end of the longest ribbon to the center of the piece of wood. Glue the medium ribbon to the right and the shortest ribbon to the left.

Step #9

The next step to make a pinecone swag for Mabon is to make a bow to cover the piece of wood. Using the 2-yard long piece of ribbon, make a large bow with six inch streamers, wiring the bow around its center. Cut the streamer ends diagonally.

Step #10

The final step to make a pinecone swag for Mabon is to glue the bow to the wood, effectively covering the ends of the hanging ribbons.

You'll now have a beautiful pinecone swag for Mabon that you'll be proud to display!

Bright Blessings Moonrose

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