Messages In This Digest (6 Messages)
- 1.1.
- Cool Website of the Day From: Lady Nightshayde
- 2a.
- How to Give a Tarot Reading in 7 Steps From: Lady Nightshayde
- 3.
- Summer Solstice Solitary Rituals From: Lady Nightshayde
- 4.
- The Sabbat of Yule From: Lady Nightshayde
- 5a.
- Re: A mourning notice... From: Lady Nightshayde
- 6a.
- Thirteen Yuletide Celebrations From: Lady Nightshayde
Messages
- 1.1.
-
Cool Website of the Day
Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99
Mon Jun 6, 2011 11:32 pm (PDT)
Central Intelligence Agency Museum
Who of us is not fascinated by the idea of spies and international subterfuge! If this is one of your interests, take time to visit the Central Intelligence Agency Museum. "Housed in the Agency's Headquarters Building in McLean, Virginia, this unique collection illustrates the history of US intelligence - which effectively began when this country was still 13 separate colonies - by showing some of the artifacts and tools used by men and women serving in various aspects of espionage. . . . Every artifact and photograph has been declassified by the appropriate officials for public viewing. Please note that because the Museum is located on the CIA compound, it is not open to the public for tours." After completing your Museum tour, you might want to click on the Homepage to see what is happening at the 'agency responsible for providing national security intelligence to senior US policymakers.'
The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.
Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde
http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/13Witches/
http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/Whispering Witches/
http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/MagickalMe als/
http://groups.yahoo/group/ NightshaydesNews
- 2a.
-
How to Give a Tarot Reading in 7 Steps
Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99
Mon Jun 6, 2011 11:35 pm (PDT)
How to Give a Tarot Reading in 7 Steps
There are many, many ways to read Tarot cards, but it helps to have a consistent method that you use each time -- this way, you can think less about how you're going to read and focus completely on your subject, the cards and their meaning.
A basic reading can be boiled down to seven steps: Rituals, Shuffling, Selecting, Turning, Reading, Discussion and Refining.
Rituals: Rituals are an important part of reading the Tarot, but whatever those rituals may be will be uniquely yours. Some people take special care of their deck, wrapping in a beautiful cloth or keeping the cards in a special box. Other sleep with their cards under their pillow, to increase their connectivity with their deck, and many people feel that they must never read their own cards using their deck. Whatever rituals you e mploy, including the methods you use to lay out and read the cards, keep them consistent. Before reading, make a silent opening statement -- a prayer or affirmation, or a greeting to your inner guide.
Shuffling: Always shuffle face-down, so no one sees the cards, and avoid bending the cards -- this is no time for fancy tricks. Beyond that, there are a number of methods of shuffling. You can hold about half the deck in each hand, and insert one half down through the other half. Another method, designed for maximum hand contact with little damage to the cards, is the one recommended by Norma Cowie in her book "Tarot for Successful Living": Hold the deck face down in your dominant hand. Push some cards from the top with your thumb into the other hand. Then, push again, but this time to the bottom of the new pile.
Continue alternating a push to the top, then one to the bottom until all the cards have been transferred. At this point, put the entire deck back into your dominant hand and start over. This method can be difficult at first, but your technique will improve with practice. Stop shuffling when you feel that it's time to stop, or if a card falls from the deck (and take note of any fallen card, for it has meaning) and then return it or set it aside. If you choose to return the card to the deck and the same card turns up later in the reading, consider that significant.
Selecting: Spread the cards in a line or semi-circle, face down, above the area you will use for the layout. Ask your subject to choose a card, then slide it face down to the first position within your chosen layout, keeping it vertical, not horizontal. Add new cards in the same order to comple te the layout.
Turning: Turn over the first card from side-to-side, so it is not reversed by you. Tell your subject the significance of that card's position in the spread, studying the card to get a sense of its meaning, both alone and in that position. Turn the next card only when you're ready to focus on it, repeating until all the cards are turned.
Reading: Using your knowledge of the Tarot or, if you're new, a guidebook, comment on your impressions of the meaning of the card. Don't just go by the book definitions of the cards -- say whatever comes into your mind. Look at the image on the card and remark on the card's themes as they come to mind. Whatever your first impressions are, they're correct. Then analyze the meaning of the card in connection with its position and comment on it--if a card is reversed, explain its meaning ("Upright, it means _____") and then comment on its reversal ("But w hen reversed, it indicates ______").
Do this with each card, saying what comes to mind. Don't ask for validation from the subject yet, just share any thoughts and interpretations that come to mind. Try not to second-guess yourself or overthink what you're saying -- you want to tap into your intuition, not your intellect.
Discussion: After you've given your interpretation of the cards, ask your subject if anything you've said was particularly meaningful as regards some issue in their life. If yes, reinterpret the cards in more detail, specific to the circumstances that they describe. If your client says no, nothing sounds familiar, ask them questions and re-phrase the themes of the cards -- you may well be on the right track, but need to explain the cards in a different way for the client until something rings a bell.
Refining: Once your subject gives you some feedback, reinterpret the card s in a way that's specific to the subject's situation. Tell a story tying all of the cards together, explaining them in as clear a way as possible, tying all the themes together, and perhaps using a different way of explaining them which might make it even clearer to the client. Focus on the positive aspects of the cards, and stress that nothing is carved in stone- the subject's actions can change the situation later. If any of the cards indicate a negative event, explain again that the subject is master of their own destiny and if they change their course of action then they can remedy the situation and head off trouble. Remind the subject that the cards only reflect what's in his or her mind, and that they have free will to change the outcome of future events. If you can't get a good read on a particular card, ask the subject to draw another and use it as a modifier -- read it in connection with the original card. If a card was dropped or set aside during the shuffle, inte rpret it as a guidance card, offering overall advice on the entire reading as a whole.
Naturally, your style of reading Tarot cards will be unique, and you may have a method that's very different from this one. As long as you're consistent with your rituals and techniques, you'll be able to focus entirely on reading the cards without the distraction of wondering what you should be doing next.
by Cucan Pemo
About the Author: Make my wish come true - Make my dreams come true. http://themessageofamaster.blogspot FREE rare eBook has changed thousands of lives in more ways than one! Download your copy today! Free Tarot Reading Secrets http://www.TarotRea.com dingSecrets. com
Article Source: NewAgeArticles.com
The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.
Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde
http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/13Witches/
http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/Whispering Witches/
http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/MagickalMe als/
http://groups.yahoo/group/ NightshaydesNews
- 3.
-
Summer Solstice Solitary Rituals
Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99
Mon Jun 6, 2011 11:35 pm (PDT)
Solitary Summer Solstice Ritual
You Will Need:
Yellow candle and appropriate holder
Oil (such as grape seed or olive oil)
Gold sparkles
Damp paper towel
Small solar-themed offering/craft
In advance, create a small solar-themed craft to use within this ritual as an offering. Perhaps you can create a picture, collage, embroidered sachet, mirror with decorations, beaded design/jewelry.
To begin, cast a circle or create sacred space. Make sure you have all your supplies and pre-made craft with you.
Start by verbally recognizing the day and its meaning:
" Oh great Earth Mother & Father Sun,
The Wheel of the Year turns once again
Tis' the Summer Solstice . . .
A day brimming with power and a night dripping with beauty
I am here to celebrate you!"
Next, take the yellow candle and rub oil around its length. Sprinkle the gold sparkles over the candle, letting the oil catch them to stick. Place in candle holder. Whip your hands with the damp paper towel.
Say,
"Below & Above - a peak of energy,
He shines His rays upon Her womb
Where warmth begets life,
Alive!
The flowers, the trees, the animals,
Alive!
Butterflies fluttering,
Magick is afoot!"
Light the candle and take a few moments to meditate upon the meaning of the day. Reflect upon your journey thus far during this Wheel of the Year. When you are ready, present your offering. Then say,
"I present this gift, a token of love
And ask that you purify my life . . .
For this is a time of renewal, good health and blessings!
Please let your ever flowing cauldron of goodness stream over me!
Earth Mother & Father Sun, I thank you.
And so the Wheel of the Year turns once again. . .
Forever your daughter/son
With love and devotion. Blessed be!"
Finally, use the remainder of your time to write in your Book of Shadows. You may want to follow with a "feast" of sunflower seeds and a cool drink. Close up your circle or sacred space in the same fashion you started this ritual.
Wiccan Litha / Summer Solstice / Midsummer Sabbat Solitary Ritual Guide
Make up a small pouch filled with herbs such as lavender, chamomile, St. John's wort and vervain. Pour all your troubles, problems, pains, sorrows and illnesses, into this pouch as you construct it. Tie it shut with a red string. Place this on the altar. Cast the circle.
"With the Sun God at the height of His power and majesty,
The waxing of the year is accomplished,
And the reign of the Oak King is ended.
With the Sun God at the height of His splendor,
The waning of the year begins.
The Holly King must slay His brother the Oak King,
And rule over the Goddess' land until the depth of Winter,
When His brother shall be born again."
Litha Chant:
"The spirit of the Oak King is gone from us,
To rest in the Underworld;
Until, with the turning of the Wheel,
The season shall come when He shall return to rule again."
Ring the bell three times.
"Oh great Goddess and God,
All nature vibrates with Your energies
And the Earth is bathed with warmth and life.
Now is time of forgetting past cares and banes,
Now is the time for purification.
Oh fiery Sun,
Burn away the non-useful, the hurtful, the bane,
In Your glorious power.
Purify me! Purify me! Purify me!"
Pick up the pouch and light it. When it is burning, drop it into the cauldron. Say:
"I banish you by the powers of the Goddess and God
I banish you by the powers of the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars
I banish you by the powers of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water!"
Visualize the negatives burning away to nothingness. Then say:
"Oh gracious Goddess, oh glorious God,
On this day of Midsummer magic
Charge my life with wonder and joy.
Help me to attune with Your divine energy."
Meditate on the purification you have undergone. Feel the power of nature flowing through you, washing you clean with divine energy. Ring the bell three times.
Plunge the athame into the chalice and hold it up, saying:
"The Spear to the Cauldron, the Lance to the Grail,
Spirit to Flesh, Man to Woman, Sun to Earth."
Cakes and ale.
Open the circle.
Faery Queen & The Green Man Summer Solstice Ritual
From the Aurora Lights Circle (I included the link, 'cuz I had one, but it's dead )
Litha – June 21. Litha or Summer Solstice or Midsummer is the longest day of the year and celebrates the Sun at the height of his power. It includes the elements of Fire and Water for the sacred marriage of the God and Goddess and to acknowledge the need for the Sun and the rain to help the crops grow.
Activities for Litha:
Play under a lawn sprinkler
Have a picnic in a park
Bless some water and then water the plants you planted on Ostara
Decorate your front door with birch boughs, fennel, and roses
Make a bird feeder*
Introduction to the ritual: In Ireland, the summer solstice was dedicated to the faery goddess Aine of Knockaine. In Wales & Britain, this was a time of Cerridwen and her magical cauldron. However, it was said in a great many places that this was a powerful time for faeries, elves & other supernatural beings. Today, Pagans believe that all the Little People are abroad in great numbers during this balance of Light & Dark. If you are on good terms with them, it's said that standing within a faery ring will help you see them.
It's an excellent time of the year to become friends with faeries and other such beings June & the Summer Solstice was considered the time of the Green Man and the Faery Queen in Northern Europe in particular. It's certainly a powerful Moon month for you to work on & strengthen your psychic abilities & contact with other realms of being. In the Mediterranean areas, this was a time of Pan & the Forest Goddess. Pan, with his pipes, enticed nymphs & maidens to rendezvous with him in the green woods for love & pleasures. The Green Man and the horned god Cernunnos may well be the Celtic version of the very ancient Pan.
The ritual: If possible, hold this ceremony outside at night. If you don't have a secure place, or have nosey neighbors, hold it inside a darkened room lit only by candles. Have ready fruit & flowers as offerings. You'll also need a green cord long enough to go comfortably around your waist. Have a few cookies to share with the faeries & elves. Dress in a comfortable robe. A garland of flowers is nice to wear on your head. At least have a vase of flowers near by. Either play a tape of flute or pan-pipe music or make the music yourself. Have beside you a chalice to Pan & the Lady of the Greenwood. Be happy & enjoy yourself, for Pan & the Lady don't like long faces & negative vibrations. Raise the chalice in offering, then take a drink. Chant:
"Strange music floats within the glade,
From reedy pipes that Pan made
The woodland god of Nature old
Has come back as the tales foretold.
With horned head and tapping feet,
I shall not fear him when we meet.
Great Pan is Nature at her best.
His soaring notes can give us rest
From care and worries, synchronized us with
the water, Earth, and skies."
Take some fruit & flowers to an eastern point. Lay them there & say:
"Great Pan and Lady of the Greenwood,
Release your pleasant breezes
To blow sweet and fresh upon the land."
Take fruit & flowers to the South. Lay them there & say:
"Great Pan and Lady of the Greenwood,
Let the tender sunbeams warm the Earth
And bring continued life."
Do the same in the West:
"Great Pan and Lady of the Greenwood,
Bless us with refreshing, renewing rains."
Finish by laying fruit & flowers in the North:
"Great Pan and Lady of the Greenwood,
Let the seasons come in the proper times,
Both on the Earth and in my life.
Bless me with good things.
Let life's lessons not be harsh and cruel.
All hail Pan and the Lady of the Greenwood!"
Raise one end of the green cord and kiss it. Say:
"The Lady of the Greenwood is love and happiness.
Her consort bows to her will this night.
Great Lady, bless me with all good things
And make my life fulfilled and bright."
(Save the green cord to wear on other occasions when you contact Pan and the Lady.) Lay an offering of cookies at each circle-point beside the flowers, always moving clockwise, and saying at each point:
"All you Nature spirits and faeries,
I welcome your presence and aid."
Relax and let yourself be open to communication with the Little Ones and the woodland deities. If you do a meditation, invite them to make an appearance during your quiet time. Ask their aid in protecting your property, home & pets. Some of the Nature spirits and faeries will stay in your home year round if they are made welcome. End your ritual by thanking them for joining your celebration.
You Will Need:
Yellow candle and appropriate holder
Oil (such as grape seed or olive oil)
Gold sparkles
Damp paper towel
Small solar-themed offering/craft
In advance, create a small solar-themed craft to use within this ritual as an offering. Perhaps you can create a picture, collage, embroidered sachet, mirror with decorations, beaded design/jewelry.
To begin, cast a circle or create sacred space. Make sure you have all your supplies and pre-made craft with you.
Start by verbally recognizing the day and its meaning:
" Oh great Earth Mother & Father Sun,
The Wheel of the Year turns once again
Tis' the Summer Solstice . . .
A day brimming with power and a night dripping with beauty
I am here to celebrate you!"
Next, take the yellow candle and rub oil around its length. Sprinkle the gold sparkles over the candle, letting the oil catch them to stick. Place in candle holder. Whip your hands with the damp paper towel.
Say,
"Below & Above - a peak of energy,
He shines His rays upon Her womb
Where warmth begets life,
Alive!
The flowers, the trees, the animals,
Alive!
Butterflies fluttering,
Magick is afoot!"
Light the candle and take a few moments to meditate upon the meaning of the day. Reflect upon your journey thus far during this Wheel of the Year. When you are ready, present your offering. Then say,
"I present this gift, a token of love
And ask that you purify my life . . .
For this is a time of renewal, good health and blessings!
Please let your ever flowing cauldron of goodness stream over me!
Earth Mother & Father Sun, I thank you.
And so the Wheel of the Year turns once again. . .
Forever your daughter/son
With love and devotion. Blessed be!"
Finally, use the remainder of your time to write in your Book of Shadows. You may want to follow with a "feast" of sunflower seeds and a cool drink. Close up your circle or sacred space in the same fashion you started this ritual.
Wiccan Litha / Summer Solstice / Midsummer Sabbat Solitary Ritual Guide
Make up a small pouch filled with herbs such as lavender, chamomile, St. John's wort and vervain. Pour all your troubles, problems, pains, sorrows and illnesses, into this pouch as you construct it. Tie it shut with a red string. Place this on the altar. Cast the circle.
"With the Sun God at the height of His power and majesty,
The waxing of the year is accomplished,
And the reign of the Oak King is ended.
With the Sun God at the height of His splendor,
The waning of the year begins.
The Holly King must slay His brother the Oak King,
And rule over the Goddess' land until the depth of Winter,
When His brother shall be born again."
Litha Chant:
"The spirit of the Oak King is gone from us,
To rest in the Underworld;
Until, with the turning of the Wheel,
The season shall come when He shall return to rule again."
Ring the bell three times.
"Oh great Goddess and God,
All nature vibrates with Your energies
And the Earth is bathed with warmth and life.
Now is time of forgetting past cares and banes,
Now is the time for purification.
Oh fiery Sun,
Burn away the non-useful, the hurtful, the bane,
In Your glorious power.
Purify me! Purify me! Purify me!"
Pick up the pouch and light it. When it is burning, drop it into the cauldron. Say:
"I banish you by the powers of the Goddess and God
I banish you by the powers of the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars
I banish you by the powers of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water!"
Visualize the negatives burning away to nothingness. Then say:
"Oh gracious Goddess, oh glorious God,
On this day of Midsummer magic
Charge my life with wonder and joy.
Help me to attune with Your divine energy."
Meditate on the purification you have undergone. Feel the power of nature flowing through you, washing you clean with divine energy. Ring the bell three times.
Plunge the athame into the chalice and hold it up, saying:
"The Spear to the Cauldron, the Lance to the Grail,
Spirit to Flesh, Man to Woman, Sun to Earth."
Cakes and ale.
Open the circle.
Faery Queen & The Green Man Summer Solstice Ritual
From the Aurora Lights Circle (I included the link, 'cuz I had one, but it's dead )
Litha – June 21. Litha or Summer Solstice or Midsummer is the longest day of the year and celebrates the Sun at the height of his power. It includes the elements of Fire and Water for the sacred marriage of the God and Goddess and to acknowledge the need for the Sun and the rain to help the crops grow.
Activities for Litha:
Play under a lawn sprinkler
Have a picnic in a park
Bless some water and then water the plants you planted on Ostara
Decorate your front door with birch boughs, fennel, and roses
Make a bird feeder*
Introduction to the ritual: In Ireland, the summer solstice was dedicated to the faery goddess Aine of Knockaine. In Wales & Britain, this was a time of Cerridwen and her magical cauldron. However, it was said in a great many places that this was a powerful time for faeries, elves & other supernatural beings. Today, Pagans believe that all the Little People are abroad in great numbers during this balance of Light & Dark. If you are on good terms with them, it's said that standing within a faery ring will help you see them.
It's an excellent time of the year to become friends with faeries and other such beings June & the Summer Solstice was considered the time of the Green Man and the Faery Queen in Northern Europe in particular. It's certainly a powerful Moon month for you to work on & strengthen your psychic abilities & contact with other realms of being. In the Mediterranean areas, this was a time of Pan & the Forest Goddess. Pan, with his pipes, enticed nymphs & maidens to rendezvous with him in the green woods for love & pleasures. The Green Man and the horned god Cernunnos may well be the Celtic version of the very ancient Pan.
The ritual: If possible, hold this ceremony outside at night. If you don't have a secure place, or have nosey neighbors, hold it inside a darkened room lit only by candles. Have ready fruit & flowers as offerings. You'll also need a green cord long enough to go comfortably around your waist. Have a few cookies to share with the faeries & elves. Dress in a comfortable robe. A garland of flowers is nice to wear on your head. At least have a vase of flowers near by. Either play a tape of flute or pan-pipe music or make the music yourself. Have beside you a chalice to Pan & the Lady of the Greenwood. Be happy & enjoy yourself, for Pan & the Lady don't like long faces & negative vibrations. Raise the chalice in offering, then take a drink. Chant:
"Strange music floats within the glade,
From reedy pipes that Pan made
The woodland god of Nature old
Has come back as the tales foretold.
With horned head and tapping feet,
I shall not fear him when we meet.
Great Pan is Nature at her best.
His soaring notes can give us rest
From care and worries, synchronized us with
the water, Earth, and skies."
Take some fruit & flowers to an eastern point. Lay them there & say:
"Great Pan and Lady of the Greenwood,
Release your pleasant breezes
To blow sweet and fresh upon the land."
Take fruit & flowers to the South. Lay them there & say:
"Great Pan and Lady of the Greenwood,
Let the tender sunbeams warm the Earth
And bring continued life."
Do the same in the West:
"Great Pan and Lady of the Greenwood,
Bless us with refreshing, renewing rains."
Finish by laying fruit & flowers in the North:
"Great Pan and Lady of the Greenwood,
Let the seasons come in the proper times,
Both on the Earth and in my life.
Bless me with good things.
Let life's lessons not be harsh and cruel.
All hail Pan and the Lady of the Greenwood!"
Raise one end of the green cord and kiss it. Say:
"The Lady of the Greenwood is love and happiness.
Her consort bows to her will this night.
Great Lady, bless me with all good things
And make my life fulfilled and bright."
(Save the green cord to wear on other occasions when you contact Pan and the Lady.) Lay an offering of cookies at each circle-point beside the flowers, always moving clockwise, and saying at each point:
"All you Nature spirits and faeries,
I welcome your presence and aid."
Relax and let yourself be open to communication with the Little Ones and the woodland deities. If you do a meditation, invite them to make an appearance during your quiet time. Ask their aid in protecting your property, home & pets. Some of the Nature spirits and faeries will stay in your home year round if they are made welcome. End your ritual by thanking them for joining your celebration.
The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.
Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde
http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/13Witches/
http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/Whispering Witches/
http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/MagickalMe als/
http://groups.yahoo/group/ NightshaydesNews
=
- 4.
-
The Sabbat of Yule
Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99
Mon Jun 6, 2011 11:49 pm (PDT)
The Sabbat of Yule: Winter Solstice, December 19-23
Many Christmas customs and much of our Christmas music of any antiquity originated in the Western European Pagan celebrations of Yule. Customs attached to the Yuletide constellation of Saints' Days: Stephen, Basil, Nicholas, Lucia, Barbara, Sylvester and the Epiphany derive almost entirely from Yule. There is a richness of customs concerning food, fires, plants, animals, wild birds, stars, mummers, music, magic, clothing, angels, social roles, gifts, lights, auguries and so on, endlessly. Imagine the figure of baby Dionysus, newborn of Demeter or Persephone (depending on which myths you read), lying swaddled on a bed of straw in a harvest basket on the threshing floor, his head surrounded by a gold nimbus (halo) looking exactly like the Christ-child in the crèche and evoking the same feelings of love and mystery as does the image of the Baby Jesus born in the stables.
The Winter Solstice is the fire-festival of Yule with its Yule-log saved from the previous year's fire to kindle the flames for the new years's celebrations. To the ancient Egyptians it marked the birth of Osiris. To the ancient Persians it celebrated the birth of Mithras, the all-seeing Sun, god of friendship. The Romans knew it as Saturnalia with its feasting and exchanging of roles of masters and slaves. Whatever the name and outward appearance of its festivities, however, Yule's esoteric meaning stayed the same - it noted the shortest day of the year with emphasis on the fact that from this time until the Summer Solstice, the solar forces, both material and spiritual, would be gaining in strength.
The word Yule can be traced to the ancient Celtic word 'hioul' which means wheel. It is the celebration of the return or rebirth of the Sun god, the Lord of Life, the Child of Promise. The rites are solemn yet filled with joy for they solve the paradox of Death and Rebirth. This festival represents the redemption of the world from death and darkness and is a celebration of hope and joy amidst the barrenness of Winter.
Reverence for trees is a part of the Western European Pagan heritage. The decorating of a tree with lights and the burning of the Yule log have their birth in this reverence. At one time in our ancient history it was felt that the sacrifice of a great tree to insure than life would go on was necessary. The burning of the great Yule log would bring good luck and the returning of life force. The fire was lit from a piece of the previous year's Yule log that had been tended all year and saved for this purpose.
This is the time of the Winter Solstice when the sun reaches the southernmost point in its journey across the sky and appears to remain motionless before beginning to re-ascend northward bringing with it light and the promise of springtime, life and warmth. This is the time for the death of the old god of the year, followed by the Goddess giving birth to the new Sun God. Yule is the time to end the period of darkness that has prevailed during Winter and has brought us into the gloom of barren trees and shortened days. It is the time to cast aside those inner doubts which have bound us and to welcome the growing light which shows us the ways of new beginnings.
This is the time of hope born anew.
Make some wonderful smelling incense to burn during the holidays this year! Here's a traditional Yule Incense recipe that we're sure you'll enjoy making and burning:
Mix together 2 tablespoons dried Pine Needles 1 tablespoon Red Sandalwood Chips 1 tablespoon Cedar chips; add 20 drops Frankincense oil 10 drops Myrrh oil 5 drops Cinnamon oil 5 drops Allspice oil 5 drops Pine oil, stir together and finish off by mixing in 2 tablespoons Frankincense Resin. Let your incense mixture 'cure' for a day or two before you burn.
http://www.isisbooks.com/yule- winter-solstice. asp
Many Christmas customs and much of our Christmas music of any antiquity originated in the Western European Pagan celebrations of Yule. Customs attached to the Yuletide constellation of Saints' Days: Stephen, Basil, Nicholas, Lucia, Barbara, Sylvester and the Epiphany derive almost entirely from Yule. There is a richness of customs concerning food, fires, plants, animals, wild birds, stars, mummers, music, magic, clothing, angels, social roles, gifts, lights, auguries and so on, endlessly. Imagine the figure of baby Dionysus, newborn of Demeter or Persephone (depending on which myths you read), lying swaddled on a bed of straw in a harvest basket on the threshing floor, his head surrounded by a gold nimbus (halo) looking exactly like the Christ-child in the crèche and evoking the same feelings of love and mystery as does the image of the Baby Jesus born in the stables.
The Winter Solstice is the fire-festival of Yule with its Yule-log saved from the previous year's fire to kindle the flames for the new years's celebrations. To the ancient Egyptians it marked the birth of Osiris. To the ancient Persians it celebrated the birth of Mithras, the all-seeing Sun, god of friendship. The Romans knew it as Saturnalia with its feasting and exchanging of roles of masters and slaves. Whatever the name and outward appearance of its festivities, however, Yule's esoteric meaning stayed the same - it noted the shortest day of the year with emphasis on the fact that from this time until the Summer Solstice, the solar forces, both material and spiritual, would be gaining in strength.
The word Yule can be traced to the ancient Celtic word 'hioul' which means wheel. It is the celebration of the return or rebirth of the Sun god, the Lord of Life, the Child of Promise. The rites are solemn yet filled with joy for they solve the paradox of Death and Rebirth. This festival represents the redemption of the world from death and darkness and is a celebration of hope and joy amidst the barrenness of Winter.
Reverence for trees is a part of the Western European Pagan heritage. The decorating of a tree with lights and the burning of the Yule log have their birth in this reverence. At one time in our ancient history it was felt that the sacrifice of a great tree to insure than life would go on was necessary. The burning of the great Yule log would bring good luck and the returning of life force. The fire was lit from a piece of the previous year's Yule log that had been tended all year and saved for this purpose.
This is the time of the Winter Solstice when the sun reaches the southernmost point in its journey across the sky and appears to remain motionless before beginning to re-ascend northward bringing with it light and the promise of springtime, life and warmth. This is the time for the death of the old god of the year, followed by the Goddess giving birth to the new Sun God. Yule is the time to end the period of darkness that has prevailed during Winter and has brought us into the gloom of barren trees and shortened days. It is the time to cast aside those inner doubts which have bound us and to welcome the growing light which shows us the ways of new beginnings.
This is the time of hope born anew.
Make some wonderful smelling incense to burn during the holidays this year! Here's a traditional Yule Incense recipe that we're sure you'll enjoy making and burning:
Mix together 2 tablespoons dried Pine Needles 1 tablespoon Red Sandalwood Chips 1 tablespoon Cedar chips; add 20 drops Frankincense oil 10 drops Myrrh oil 5 drops Cinnamon oil 5 drops Allspice oil 5 drops Pine oil, stir together and finish off by mixing in 2 tablespoons Frankincense Resin. Let your incense mixture 'cure' for a day or two before you burn.
http://www.isisbooks.com/yule- winter-solstice. asp
The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.
Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde
http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/13Witches/
http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/Whispering Witches/
http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/MagickalMe als/
http://groups.yahoo/group/ NightshaydesNews
- 5a.
-
Re: A mourning notice...
Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99
Mon Jun 6, 2011 11:55 pm (PDT)
We take him to a spot where he will be buried tomorrow. Tonight and for some days to come, we will be a house in mourning. Please send any prayers and healing energy that you can to us. Rhi is all but inconsolable. Thank you for listening.
Jay
Jay, it is always so hard to lose a furry friend. It seems like the grief will never end. I am lighting candles for you, Rhiannon, and Shadow and will add your names for the Healing Circle on Wednesday night. My heart goes out to you both for the loss of Shadow.
The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.
Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde
- 6a.
-
Thirteen Yuletide Celebrations
Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99
Tue Jun 7, 2011 12:10 am (PDT)
Thirteen Yuletide Celebrations
How do you compete with Christianity's biggest holiday? You don't have to!
Most traditional Christmas customs originated from Pagan practices. In fact, nearly every culture in some way celebrates the Sun/Son God at this time of year. You can reclaim Yule as your family's heritage; pass down your family's traditional recipes. If you figure out how to avoid the rampant commercialism, let me know.
Yule (also Yuletide or Alban Arthan) is celebrated on the Winter
Solstice, December 21 this year. It is the longest night of the
year, when the Goddess gives birth to the new sun and nights begin to grow shorter again.
We are reminded that even in the darkest hour, there is a ray of hope. This is a time of dreams and wonder. We honor our children and our inner child.
There are so many wonderful traditions to choose from. Here are some ideas to try this Yule:
String chains of popcorn and drape them around trees and bushes. Hang honey popcorn balls outside your windows and watch the wild birds feast.
Create a wreath out of pine boughs, holly, and sun symbols to hang on your door.
Make a special red candle to light at sunset on Yule evening and keep vigil through the night. Stay up with older children to keep the Goddess company while she labors to give birth to the new Sun. Put younger ones to bed to dream the sun into being.
Gather your family on a hilltop in the area where you live and watchthe sunrise on Yule morning. Sing, cheer, and have a breakfast feast in the Sun God's honor.
As a family, make new ornaments to add to the tree each year. Give extras to friends who come to visit.
Make an Advent calendar, counting down the days until the Solstice.Make a chain of paper links or small packages filled with tiny treats.
Bake sugar cookies shaped like suns and decorate them. Or, make a birthday cake for the sun and throw a birthday party!
Instead of letting Yule cards be a chore, get the whole family in on the act! Design your own Yule cards to send to friends and family. Make it a family project to sign and address them.
Decorate a Yule log - Go out and find a special log (oak is
traditional) and festoon it with holly, rosemary, ribbons, or whatever suits your fancy. Attach slips of paper with your wishes on them. Use this log to start your fire. If you don't have a fireplace in which to burn the Yule log, drill holes and put candles in it. You can save part of your Yule tree for next year's Yule log.
Donate food to a local food bank, serve dinner at a soup kitchen, or spend time at a nursing home.
Reenact the battle between the Oak King (life and rebirth) and the Holly King (darkness and death). Make swords out of wrapping paper tubes and shields out of cardboard. Hint: the Oak King wins this time.
Uphold the tradition of wassailing by passing around mulled cider and singing songs. You could sing traditional carols ("Joy to the World") or newer ones (the Beatle's "Here Comes the Sun").
Kiss under the mistletoe!
---Source Unknown to me
The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.
Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde
http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/13Witches/
http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/Whispering Witches/
http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/MagickalMe als/
http://groups.yahoo/group/ NightshaydesNews
Need to Reply?
Click one of the "Reply" links to respond to a specific message in the Daily Digest.
Material submitted to this list is for your own personal use and is not to be forwarded without the express permission of the poster.
Community email addresses:
Post message: 13Witches@yahoogroups.com
Subscribe: 13Witches-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe: 13Witches-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
List owner: 13Witches-owner@yahoogroups.com
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work in this message is distributed under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for non-profit research and educational or criticism purposes only, and is NOT an infringement of copyright.
http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html
Community email addresses:
Post message: 13Witches@yahoogroups.com
Subscribe: 13Witches-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe: 13Witches-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
List owner: 13Witches-owner@yahoogroups.com
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work in this message is distributed under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for non-profit research and educational or criticism purposes only, and is NOT an infringement of copyright.
http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html
Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required)
Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Individual | Switch format to Traditional
Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe
Niciun comentariu:
Trimiteți un comentariu