holidays

Hi Pywachit

 

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hi Pywachit

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Many thanks

oawhighpriestess

Over Reaching

Driving  home from work and listening to Loreena McKennitt’s  recording of “All Soul’s Night”.  A deep longing for a return to a simpler place and time comes over me. The same feeling I remember early on when I had just begun the path of a witch.

I remember hearing this song, and having a visceral and very palpable reaction to the music, the voice and the weaving of the lyrics. The simplicity of dancing around a fire, drums urging you on and the coolness of the night seemed as real as the van I was driving at the time.

I remember the newness of finding a spiritual path so beautiful in its nature and expanse of devotion. And, the simplicity of honoring the Gods and Goddesses in heartfelt song, movement and small tokens of devotional offering.

Flash forward to the present. I think on the many years that I have studied, trained and moved forward on this same path.  Tears well up in eyes that for too long have sought out the complexity of the path and extended far beyond the simple act of acceptance of its beauty at face value.

So, for tonight’s class, no fancy altar to make the lesson better understood. A single white candle lit in honor of our being fully and simply present to do the work of reaching out to the Divine.

Brighid’s Healing Sword

This poem was written in devotion to the Goddess Brighid and celebration of Her energies at the Turning of the Wheel- Imbolc.

 

Metal flashes and is plunged deep

into Fires from a forge

Of great darkness.                                                                          

 

Red flame and

Wisps of cauterized

Flesh that are carried

Upwards towards

Focused release.

 

Emerald green eyes

Open and healing

Tears drain from

A fire filled gaze that

Cuts clean through.

 

The Goddess has

Awakened and

Her sword deftly

And swiftly plunges

Through its mark.

 

All pain and suffering

Drain from wounds

That have festered

And sapped life

From blood’s purpose.

 

The mark of her cross etched

Into every cell, deepening

Into its very core.

 

Four points of light

Gathered together

As renewal begins.

 

Goddess’ arms

Open in flaming embrace

And the mind touch of

Inspiration heals and soothes

my transmuted form. 

 

All Hail to the precision of

Brighid’s Healing sword.

 

Please visit Witchvox for the companion article.  Blessings of Imbolc.

A Solstice Article on WitchVox

The Light Within the Shadow of the Winter Solstice

For most of us the turning of the Greater Wheel to the Winter Solstice (Yule) is one of welcoming the return of the Light of renewal and strength, the promise of increasingly longer hours of daylight and anticipation of warmer weather and a more outer world focused time. This change is subtle in physical form as this is also when the cold of the Winter (Northern Hemisphere) will remain for a few months more prompting us to retreat indoors as the early arrival of evening’s darkness envelopes and calls us into the warmth and light of home.

To Read full article:

http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=uspa&c=holidays&id=15298

Samhain Night

May all have a Blessed Samhain as the potential for Transformation awaits at the Crossroads.

 

The Hounds nip at my heels
as I move through the dark
veil of Samhain Night.

I breathe deeply feeling the
pain of sharp teeth and hot
breath as grateful reprieve
comes as winged feet take flight
Soaring and carrying me upward.

Read more at WitchVox…

                                                       Samhain Night

What Is It Worth?

As members of the Pagan Community- What is it worth to you to know that the wisdom teachings of the Past, the innovative Writings of the Present and the Informed Potential of the Future could be available for all to be inspired by?

As those who walk this Sacred Path of diversity, openness and a passion for preserving that which sustains and nurtures- What is it worth to you to support a project that will preserve the great teachings for those yet to come who will walk this same Path?

We are at a crossroads and the power to leave a legacy of learned resource to our future community is within our grasp. The New Alexandrian Library is a reality inthe making, but it takes a community to open its doors and insure its future.

How much is it worth to YOU to stand proudly knowing that your contribution made the difference?

To find out more about this project, how to donate and follow the progress of a Resource being built, go to:

http://www.sacredwheel.org/new-alexandrian-library.html

Metamorphosis

Crackling leaves are burning

transformed from life to death

The crow calls out relentlessly

to those unseen and

The Crone's outstretched hand

pulls me tightly to her breast

 

The air chills at her touch

Long icy fingers tapping out

the heart beat of life's pulse within

The solemn silence of darkness

The pause of silent breath

Power and strength drawn

from the sinewy strands of time

 

Quartered path of gravel and stone

Flesh and blood

Moonlight and stars

The wellspring of Earth

The light of the cosmos above

 

I tremble within Her embrace

Form giving way to the formless

Mind swirling within the waters of insight

Sight pierces the veil, the

Road cautiously chosen

Knowledge of the unknown becomes

the heat of my desire and

The quickening spark waiting in fertile darkness

pulls me towards rebirth into a place of Light.

 

The air is chilling and leaves are turning.  The smell of wood in fireplaces and the comfort of snuggling deeply into warm covers promises the call of late Fall and the rising of the Crone’s power as Samhain nears. Enjoy these beautiful Autumn days.

Harvest the Wild

We go where the wild things are

and the Lord of the Land

stands ready at the guard

The harvest is upon us and

all of life holds steady

bracing for the storms

that lay ahead

We go where the wild things are

and all of life lay within the

heart of He who Guards

as the fields become

barren and the crops

yield only the promise

of

renewal

May the blessings of this second harvest bring you to a place of the joy of gratitude and the bounty of that which has grown to full potential.  

Happy Mabon!

A Day Within the Tree of Life: One Day Intensive

          

          August 18.2012

          10:00-4:00pm

          The Peace Center of Delaware County

          Springfield, PA

Please join me for a day-long workshop exploring the Qabalistic Tree of Life

This intensive is an introduction to the Qabalah as used within the Western Mystery Tradition.  The Deeper meaning of the Qabalistic Tree of Life is a study that becomes a journey into the spiritual and mystical nature of ourselves, our world, and all that is of this Cosmos. Having its origins in the Jewish Mystical system of Kabbalah (The difference in spelling is generally the first clue as to which system is being used) the Western Mystery system of the Qabalah uses the energies, correspondences and analogies in the language of a magickal and occult expression.

The Day will conclude with a Ritual of the Spheres. 

To register and for more information: http://oakandwillow.org/IntroQBL.htm

 

The First Moon’s Call

Moon rises high overhead

And light from HER hand

spills down like droplets

of soft rain.

 

Stars sparkle in the

velvet of HER night

cloak and darkness

beckons to be held

in HER embrace.

 

All of earth moves

in the rise and fall

of Her breath and

the great waters

are quickened under

Her watchful eye.

 

I sit in the silence

of moonlit night

and weep at the

profound beauty

of Luna’s rise.

 

For in this moment

of moonlight’s grace

SHE and I are one.

 

Monday heralds the first of the Full Moons of the calendar year 2012.  It is a full moon in Cancer- the Moon being the planetary ruler of this astrological sign. Cancer is also a Cardinal sign- meaning that it’s energies are that of beginnings or first outpourings so that something more concrete may be attained. So, opportunities abound for healing, strengthening and fine tuning your emotional SELF.

As I sit on my porch gazing up at the moon, now almost Full, the magnetic pull is palpable and I am reminded of the deep waters that are held within me and how they are reflections of the moon’s tides. I am called to review and assess what the energies of this New Year will bring and how I may more fully embrace my intuitive and compassionate nature.  My birthday is also just a few weeks away, so this time of the year always brings out a more reflective side of me.  And, the time feels ripe for gathering up and drawing inward what needs to be nurtured in the months ahead.

What calls to you as the fullness of the Moon takes hold? And, what areas of your being will you allow HER Light to pull to the surface for a closer look?

Blessings of Moon Light’s Magick!

Happy New Year!

I stand in the last hours

before transition to the New Year

Images and recollections of all that

this old year has brought

flash before me and I feel the

hope that these things bring.

 

I stand at the mid time as

midnight rings in the new

Images and aspirations

of dreams to accomplish

and goals to achieve

light up the  night

sky as stars twinkle high above.

 

 

I stand in the sunlight of

the first day of a new year

and anticipation courses through me

like an electric flash of brilliance.

New journeys- new opportunities

the old and the new in harmonious

blend as I chart a new course

for this year.

May you all have a joyous and blessed Year of 2012. If you’d like to read more please take a look at my article at WitchVox: Our Inner Resolve

A Weekly Reflection: A Prayer for Humanity

I offer up this prayer on the day of remembering the 10th Anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11:

May the hearts of those who remain heavy with grief, loneliness and despair be lifted by the gifts of those they loved and lost.

May each day contain a greater degree of comfort and peace in the knowledge that those who lost their lives on that day called into presence the joining together of all humanity in action, prayer and assistance.

May this day remain as testament and reminder of both the cruelty and the nobility we possess as humans.

And, may we always strive towards that place of extending a hand to another in need in recognition that their joy is our joy, their grief is our grief; and their hope is our hope that all of humanity may someday walk in the Light of their Higher Nature.

A Weekly Reflection: School’s In Session

The air is becoming crisper with threads of winter’s cold woven through and all around us we see nature preparing for the Winter months that will soon be upon us. Leaves are changing color, the crops of Summer’s bounty are falling to the blades of the harvest and much of the natural world is returning to the earth for renewal and release.

For many, this is also the time of return to classrooms, education, regular work hours and longer nights spent cozy and warm indoors. And, although in the outer world the appearance is that of reaping, internally, there is a new planting and seeding going on simultaneously as we begin another season traditionally given over to learning. 

Personally, I  love this time of the year. In particular, the smells and sounds that abound are ripe with memories of picking out school supplies and a fresh start at learning new things and making the “grade”.  So, as time and weather steadily move us indoors, why not consider making some time to plant some new seeds of thought.  Now is the perfect time to begin the study of something that has held your interest. This new course can be as complex as signing up for an adult education or college class or as simple and self-driven as doing a little research, investing in a book written by an expert in that subject and finding a cozy chair, good reading light and plunge right in. 

We should never stop learning. We should never cease to seek out new knowledge and new experiences. And, we should never underestimate the potential and capabilities we may have inadvertently left unrecognized and unexplored. For it within these paths that we often find just what we need for our own personal growth…

Happy Exploring…

A Weekly Reflection: Just Touch the Door Handle!

Something you will hear as common goal for any who walk a spiritual path is that of wanting to affect change. This change may take on the look of self-transformation, community action and advocacy, global consciousness, or any combination of these three or others. Often accompanying this desire, personal practice and learning evolves to support and better accommodate our wanting to see viable, visible and at times concretely tangible results of our efforts.

Affecting change can be as simple, yet as profound as turning awareness to the energetic imprint we leave on everything we touch, encounter, move pass or engage. If we consider how often in the course of a single day we open a door, hand over money for purchases, move past another individual or simply enter a room, the opportunity to affect change increases exponentially.

Have you ever been sitting in a public spot fully engrossed in reading, chatting or doing work? And, a stranger walks past. There is no eye contact, no word spoken no overt exchange of any kind that was cause you to notice; yet the serenity, intensity and positive nature of this person causes you to look up.

At that moment a portion of that person’s energy has just affected your own. Something they have cultivated (whether intentionally or organically) within themselves has spilled over into the way they carry themselves as they move through the world.

Now, imagine for a moment, bolstering and fueling that with the intent of being the catalyst for positive change. Enlivening each step you take with the intent of sending healing energy to the earth. Enlivening each interaction you have, whether with a stranger or loved one, with acknowledgement of the Divine spark they carry within. Enlivening everything you touch with a blessing for health, renewal, good outcome for any who subsequently reach out to take hold.

So, as you go through your spiritual practice, readings and exercises offer a portion of that intent towards sharing the gifts of energy, healing and good intent as you move through the mundane activities of your day. Be mindful of the subtle impact you have on others. Then, go ahead and just touch the door handle filled with this intent!

* Note: This writing was informed by a recent conversation had with a dear friend; who put it so succinctly- “Just Touch the Door Handle!”

A Weekly Reflection: The Truth

The Truth

The Truth so simple

The Mind explodes

To meet itself

Running back in all things

… Rumi….

Each day we awaken to our worlds of sight, touch, and the sounds that clamor for our attention and response. Each day we strive to achieve and move forward and do so in such an utterly complicated and circuitous way that we return each evening tired and drained from our exertions. When, in Truth, the way is simple and the obstacles we face and disconnectedness we feel are of our own making. Slow down. Open yourself to moving through your day in a new and simpler way.

Seeing is the Truth when eyes grow blind and all that was hidden is seen in its true clarity.

Feeling is the Truth when every sinew, muscle and bone longs for the touch of that which is held in the memory of endless time.

Words are the truth when they are the sacred echoes carried on the winds of transformation.

And of all the truths we may hold as our own-

Love is the Truth that when given freely and unconditionally unifies all in its embrace. For in its simple truth lay the pure nature of what is the entirety and source of everything.

In all your actions return to a state of Loving deeply and fully- it is that simple.

A Weekly Reflection: The Intelligence of the Heart

The music is held closely to my heart
It reverberates through
the passages and corridors of what lay within

The vibration pushes against
each door and the scared sound
once being heard
unlocks the most secret and secure of chambers

Notes of breathless beauty
flood in filling each space
with arpeggios of light
that dance delicately into
the furthest and darkest corners

Music fills my mind
the geometric visions unraveling and
opening the currents of flow
crystalline webs spun
each intent upon catching
within its center the cosmic
sustenance of the Soul

Each note hangs as though
suspended in mid-air-
the point within the field
of Divine Creation
Each note in harmony
with the other creating
the urge of impulse that
forms the threshold to the unknown

The door to the great unseen
flung open wide
as the key turns the lock ~
Sound, rhythm and vibration of
energetic seed in consummate union
with the the womb of sacred intelligence

Music and mortal embrace
resonance and harmonics
the essence of genetic and celestial being
and in the symphony of silence
Life becomes the progeny
of creative emanation ....

This poem was written last year  during my daughter's concert with The Philadelphia Sinfonia Youth Orchestra. Music has always touched me in a deep and very profound way. Sitting, with eyes closed and allowing the flow of rhythm and vibration to wash over me served as transport into the realms of inner mind, feeling and urge. We are surrounded daily by music, yet most of us barely acknowledge or connect with the harmony or discord that is crafted by voice, vehicle, machine, nature or the simple beating of our heart.

The rhythmic beating of our hearts as we move through the activities and mental processes of our day is the symphony that guides us. A rapid beating signals that we are in a state of anticipation or excitement. The slow rhythmical beating of one who is at rest or in relaxed state, creates the endorphic state of joy. The pounding rhythm of a heart in the midst of exercise to maintain the body rivals the boldest of marches and affirms that we are vital, potent and very much alive. And, within this flood of emotion and action come the gems of reason; each stimulating a seed thought about the experience. Each calling forth a union of mind and heart in a way that spawns the great visions and creative efforts that withstand time.

picture credit: Joshua Bell from the movie- “Music of the Heart”

A Weekly Reflection: Through These Eyes

 

 

Inspired by a day at

The Wolf Sanctuary in Litiz, PA.

 

I have seen the beauty of winter, the turning of the leaves and the greening of the woods as summer takes its hold.

 I have run with my family and moved silently through densely carpeted forest floor seeking my prey.

 I have called to my young and heard the music of my clan echo through the woods.

 I have hunted and fought to claim my territory.

 I have found sanctuary in my new home from a world that is quickly diminishing mine.

 And, as I look out at human faces eager to know more of my stories and wild nature I question which of us being held captive.

 

The Wolf Sanctuary serves as a rescue facility for wolves that have been displaced from their natural settings. In many cases this has been due to the desire of man to harness, and tame that which is wild. The sanctuary sits on 22 acres of land in PA Dutch country, and although this cannot replace the freedom that the wolves would experience in their natural homes it provides a place of safety and respect. 

 For more information: The Wolf Sanctuary: Home to the Speedwell Wolves

A Weekly Reflection: Those We Love

These past months have brought the deaths of or grave illness to many of my friends’ loved ones. As I have watched each handle the challenges and grief that have come into their families, I am humbled by the courage, strength and grace with which they have met this inevitable part of the cycle of life. 

I am also reminded that at some point in time, we all will face these same challenges and that the best we can do and hope for is to treasure the time we have with our friends and loved ones.  Remember to find meaningful ways to express gratitude for those in your life. To keep them aware and always in the knowledge that they are loved. To regularly hold your friends and loved ones close to you and feel their life’s blood beating in a heart that is akin to your own. Remember to look into eyes that are filled with the love you radiate out and never forget the precious gift of loving and being loved in return.

May You Love and Live Well…

Travel Through the Stars:The Hall of Cancer

As soon as you step through the archway and  the luminous white  glow of the Glyph of Cancer the smells of the ocean and its waters permeate your senses. The fullness of moonlight reflects back from water’s edge and there is a sense of stillness and anticipation as the waves gently crest and fall. You feel alive and connected to everything. Your senses are alive with sounds and sights that come in flashes of liquid and heart filled memory. Emotion wells up deep inside of you and the beauty and serenity of this place seems almost more than you can bear.  You pause for a moment regaining your composure and take a deep full breath to calm the rising emotions…….

Read More About the Astrological Sign of Cancer and this Pathworking at: 

Travel Through the Stars: A Monthly Walk Through the Zodiac