~Winter's Dark Night~

Bright Blessings to all on this Darkest of Nights.
May your candles burn true with the brightest of lights.
May your hearths be warm and rooms filled with cheer and all of your loved ones be ever near.
Soon the Sun will be born and again bring Life's Light.
May you be ever Blessed on this Darkest of Nights!

~Shine Boldly~
Mary

Winter Solstice/Yule

Celebrations of Our Sun!!
  The Winter Solstice occurs when our Sun reaches its lowest or southern most point in the sky, marking the shortest day of the year. Solstice is derived from the Latin meaning "to stand still".
      At this point in the Yearly Cycle the Sun appears stop in the sky for approximately three days. This happens on December 21 or 22 and is when we honor the Rebirth of the Sun!
     Various cultures celebrate this point in the yearly cycle of our sun! These celebrations are many and vary in length and date of recognition. Names of observances include, Winter solstice, Yule, Christmas, Wren Day, Festival of the Wild Woman, and Goru to name a few.  
     Yule or Yuletide was originally celebrated by the Germanic peoples in Europe from late December to early January determined by the Germanic calender.
      The Celtic, Irish, and Welsh  for an unknown time, celebrated Wren day On December 26. On this day wren-boys dress in suits of straw or masks and danced in the streets playing music going from door to door for merriment.
    Goru is celebrated by the Dogon people. A last harvest ritual celebrating the arrival of humanity from the sky god Amma thru Nommo inside The Ark of the World.
      In the Aegean civilization they celebrated Lenaia or The Festival of the Wild Women! In classical times Wine miracles were preformed by the priest during this time where they would seal water or juice in rooms overnight and the next day when opened the liquid turned to Wine!
     In modern times Wicca has adopted the Germanic Yule traditions for ritual celebrations during this Sabbat on the Wheel of the year. Practices and traditions vary but often include gift giving, feasting, wreaths of evergreens, mistletoe, holly, and Yule logs! A popular story during this time is The Oak King and the Holly King. Where the two Kings battle thru the turning of the seasons!
   
     However you choose to celebrate this festive season we here at Hidden Realms wish you all a Happy Holiday and Brightest Yule Blessings!

~Shine Boldly~
Mary

Harvest's End

The Harvest festivals of the year have passed.

Yet there is still another opportunity to give thanks to the bounty for which Mother Nature has provided. Though this is a more modern Holiday we may still include it in our family celebrations. Thanksgiving is a holiday that is celebrated in many parts of the world.

In the United states it is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. The first time all the states celebrated on this set day was in 1863 by proclamation of Abraham Lincoln. In Canada it is celebrated on the second Monday of October and April 15, 1872 was their first official celebration. Japan celebrates Labor Thanksgiving on November 23rd, derived from Niiname-sai an ancient grain/harvest festival to honor hard work and give thanks to one another. These are just some of the many Thanksgiving celebrations that occur.

There are many ways you can continue to honor your Harvest!

Here are instructions for a great Thanksgiving Alter to Honor Mother Nature made by Renee Willoughby here at Hidden Realms!

Place an Orange cloth over your space, this will cleanse negative energies and infuse your alter with happiness.

At the center place a Pentacle to represent Spirit.

Just above the Pentacle place a bowl of Earth. This bowl of earth represent both the Element Earth and Mother Nature.

On each side below the bowl of Earth place a Gold and Silver votive candle, representing God and Goddess.

On each side above the bowl of Earth place a Violet and Beige taper candle. Beige for balance and Violet for strength in the coming winter.

To the left of your Pentacle place a chalice of Water, this represents the Element Water.

To the right of your pentacle place your cauldron, in it place peach incense, this represents the Element Air as well as restoration and rejuvenation.  

Just below your cauldron place a Pinecone, representing the everlasting cycles of nature. With it place an Item from your Harvest, representing thankfulness for the abundance you have received. Also place a picture or other item that represents your ancestors, for your thankfulness for the growth of your family. Include any other items to represent what you are thankful for.

Activate your Alter and place your Wand/Athame in the bottom left corner with the point towards the Pentacle.  

 

~Shine Boldly~

Mary

 

 

 

 

 

Hallow's Evening Altar Ideas

This special time of year calls for a special look for your altar.

Reflect the colors of late Autumn and the dying earth in your setting. Cover your altar with a dark cloth to welcome the darker nights. You can use black, deep purple or any other rich color. Select candles with deep rich colors such as...
Orange for strength and endurance
Deep purple for power and wisdom.
Burgundy for love and passion
Black to represent death
Don't forget a silver or white candle to represent goddess.

Symbols of death, like skulls, a scythe, ghosts and grave rubbings should be used to honor the spirits of your ancestors.
Set a basket as an offering filled with products from your final harvest as well as apples, squash and root vegetables and of course a pumpkin.

As well as setting up your formal altar, you can set several small spaces around your home. I have found that me and my daughters do this without even realizing it. Look around you may already be doing this as well.
You should keep your altar and spaces set until sunset November 1st.

Remember to be creative. You should always personalize your altar to reflect you.

13 Little Known Facts About Halloween

Here are some little known facts about Halloween...

1.According to legend, if you see a spider on Halloween, it is a spirit of a loved one watching over you.

2.The first Jack-O-Lanterns were made from turnips not pumpkins.

3.The worlds larges pumpkin weighed 1,872 pounds

4.Six million American adults, (including us here at Hidden Realms), dress like witches for Halloween.

5.Witches were thought to hide their wands in their broom.

6. In the 19th century pumpkins were thought to cure snake bites, freckles, facial wrinkles and constipation in cats and dogs.

7.In medieval Britain people went from door to door begging soul cakes in exchange for prayers for the dead.

8. A special witches brew was said to be rubbed into the wood of a broom to give it powers of flight. (Sorry recipe not included)

9. During the ancient celebration of Samhain people would leave food and wine on their doorsteps to keep returning spirits at bay.

10. Witchcraft has been around throughout history in All parts of the world.

11. Candy corn was originally called "Chicken Feed". A picture of a rooster was on the box of this candy invented by George Renninger.

12. Young Scottish girls believed that hey would see their boyfriend's faces while looking into a mirror while walking downstairs at midnight on Halloween.

13. In mediaeval Europe, owls were thought to be witches. If you heard the owl's call this meant that someone was about to meet their demise.

All Hallows Eve- Samhain,

All Hallows Eve or Samhain is the celebration of the dying year. It is the third and final of the harvest festivals. This is the time of year when the earth is going dark.

The celebration begins at sunset on October 31 and continues through to sunset on November 1st. It marks the halfway point between the Autumnal Equinox/Mabon and the Winter Solstice/Yule.

Special bonfires were set alight, deemed to have protective and cleansing powers. Ashes from the fires were rubbed onto the face for protection.

Many important events in Irish mythology either happened or began on Samhain. Like Beltane, it is the time when the doors to the Otherworld are open, often this is referred to the veil being thin. The souls of the dead were thought to visit their homes on this night.

Feasts were had where places were sat for dead ancestors to join the celebration. The large feast consisted of beef, pork and lamb. There were also products of the final harvest including root vegetables, fruits and nuts.
Divination rituals were an important part of the celebration. Apples and nuts were often used in these rituals. Apples were peeled and tossed over the shoulder and studied to see if they formed the first letter of your future spouse. Nut were roasted on the hearth and studied to see if they stayed together or if they separated, as the couples fate would be the same. The shape of egg whites dropped in water foretold the number of future children the couples would have.

Dressing in costume way referred to as guising. People would go from door to door often singing in exchange for food .People used their "guises" as a way to hide from spirits. They would also wear their clothing inside out and carry salt  and iron if they had to leave their homes after dark. This would keep spirits at bay.

Hey!

Hi Everyone!!! Sorry it's been awhile!
Hope all is well in your part of the world!!
     If it is anything like around here it is super busy! My days have been filled with teaching my son, taking classes of my own, and working on expanding our shop!
     My Sister is back from her trip out of state! Yea! We have missed her greatly!
Mom has been offline for awhile do to tech issues, but will be up and running as soon as her new tower arrives. I've missed her too!
     This is the busiest time of the year for us, and our favorite too! As I'm sure it is for many of you as well. We have harvested, stored, and canned our crops, and began putting out all our favorite decorations. YEAH!! I have started cooking! Tonight I will be making my Hunters Stew!!! YUM!
     Also this time of year I think of how much I appreciate all that my family and friends do for me! I often show it by cooking for them! Getting quite a list of favorite Samhain brews going!
     I know there are many others out there that are as busy as I am, taking care of family, home, and working. Often times leaving very little "me time", especially in today's fast paced world. This can be overwhelming at times. More so for those who are not feeling like what they do is appreciated.
So for everyone out there that is "the glue" of their families I would like to say,
 For all the boo boo kisses, bedtime stories, words of advice, loving embraces, clean homes and clothes, full bellies and warm beds, just to name a few. Thank you for all that you do!
~Shine Boldly~
Mary

Mabon/Autumnal Equinox

     Mabon, the Autumn Equinox! The second of the Harvest Festivals! Marking the first day of Fall!!
     So named after the Welsh god, Mabon. The Great Son, Child of Light!
The Great Hunter upon his horse, always with his hound Drudwyn by his side.
      One of the earliest literary references to Mabon comes from the Tenth century poem Pa Gur. In which Author recounts the many feats and achievements of he and his knights to gain entry into a Fortress.
     On one quest with his cousin Culhwch, Author and his knight's must complete a number of impossible tasks in order for the Giant Ysbaddaden to allow his daughter Olwen to marry Culhwch. The only one he can marry due to the curse placed on him by stepmother.
Among these tasks, they must find and free the exalted prisoner Mabon and track the Twrch Trwyth! He may then marry his Daughter.
     Mabon, is the only one who can track the dog Drudwyn.
Drudwyn is the only way to track down the Twrch Trwyth, an enchanted wild boar who was once a king.
They learn that Mabon was mysteriously stolen from his mother when he was just three nights old.
 Traveling the land they ask the oldest and wisest of animals for information leading to Mabon.
Finally, they are lead to the Salmon of Llyn Llyw, the oldest of all! They then ride the Giant Salmon up the River to Mabon's Prison at Gloucester. Where they free Mabon from his prison and he joins them on their Quest!
     References to Mabon can also be found in other Autheran Tales. Such as the Battle of Bodon. Just a few of the places where we can read of Mabon and his deeds.
 
     The Druid celebrate Mea'n Fo'mhair, honoring the The Green Man, God of the Forest. Giving offerings to the trees.
     Wiccan Honor The Triple Goddess at this Festival. Celebrating the change of the Mother to the Crone. During the Spring and summer The Mother brought growth and abundance. We have now Harvested theses great gifts and She now becomes the Crone, the wise one. With the Crone comes the cold winds of winter, the darkness, and the withering earth.
     Today the hours of light and dark have become equal again and we Honor this balance. From this day on the hours of light will be overcome. Our sun will continue its slow descent in the sky until it reaches its lowest point at Winter Solstice.
     We give thanks for the bounty we have harvested and make our preparations for winter. Apples, grapes, nuts, gourds, and berries are common foods during this festival. Most all of our crops have been harvested and we make our jams and wine! The Celts are known for making some Exceptional Blackberry wine!
     Other names for this Festival are, Harvest Home, Festival of the Vine, Pagan Thanksgiving, Wine Harvest, Alben Elfed, and The Feast of Avalon.
     Traditionally, the Full moon Closest to the Autumn Equinox is the Harvest Moon!


~Shine Boldly~
Mary

Friday The 13th!

This one falls in 13th year of the new century!
 One of the most feared days of the year. Because of the combined fears of Friday's and the number 13,
 Loads of lore and superstition surround this day of dread. And you especially don't want to befall any other superstition on this day, such as walking under a ladder, breaking a mirror, or having a black cat cross your path! The effects are said to be greater on Friday the 13th!
Its myths are rooted in history and personified in pop-culture. Where exactly it originated depends on who you ask. In fact there is so much misfortune associated with this day I could fill a book! Almost all cultures have myths and legends for today. From religions to politicians, everyone has a tale.
Millions of people in fact believe so much in the Un-Luckiness of this day they will not do business deals, travel, shop, and many other things due to this fear. If they do get out today many carry various charms hoping they will bring them good luck. Charms like a rabbit's foot, horse shoe, feathers, and of course the four leaf clover.
Many Hotels and other High-rise buildings do not have a thirteenth floor, or room!  Many Airports do not have a thirteenth gate. Even some grocery stores do not have and isle thirteen. You can find this avoidance of the number 13 throughout architecture.
One of the names for this Fear of Friday the 13th is,
Friggatriskaidekaphobia, (Frigga-tris-kai-deka-phobia)
Frigga (sometimes spelled Frigg) The Norse Goddess, Tris meaning three, Kai meaning and, deka meaning ten, and phobia means fear.

However,
For some this Day is quite the opposite. For Witches, Wiccan's, and other Neo-Pagans today is a day full of magic! A Spell Prime Time! Thirteen can be associated with positive aspects in the Craft. Such as 13 moons in the year,  and the moon travels 13 degrees across the sky each day.  Also there are traditionally 13 members in a coven.
I believe this day is very lucky indeed. 13's have always brought me luck! I look forward to it. My favorite Day, Next to All Hallow's Eve!

Friday December 13, 2013 Will be the next one!
Good Luck!

~Shine Boldly~
Mary

In The Study

     Well, it is that time of the year again. School time! This year of Home-school is going to be GREAT! It's our second year and today is the start of our first week. Lots of fun planned. Project time here we come! I Love being a Parent-Teacher!
     I have found that keeping the "schoolwork" playful and creative takes the "work" right out of schoolwork.
In fact I try to avoid using the word work all together. Learning should be FUN not work.
   There is no need to spend loads of money on a massive pile of supplies to achieve your goals. Lots of online resources are available that you can use to get free worksheets. The Library is another great place to go, they have all the books you'll need. Many libraries have groups and activities you can join. Our local library even has a Magic show from time to time.
    Take it outside! There is nothing like being in the field! I say the best way to learn is doing it yourself. Just because it's called home-school does not mean you have to be at home. That's right. Field trips! Get out of the house. Not only is this an easy way to keep learning fun it's a great way to get social!
     Everything can be a tool for learning. Your classroom is the World. What will you learn today?

~Shine Boldly~
Mary

Hibiscus Page

Here is the Hibiscus Page I made!

I used the glass from the picture frame to help press my flower in!

Tip: if window screen is unavailable a pair of hose can be used!

Home-made Paper

As Unique as You!
This easy recipe is a great way to personalize your parchment!
You will need:

• Old newspapers, or other non-waxed paper
• Window screen
• Frame, use a size to fit your needs, this is how big your paper will be (a standard picture frame is fine)
• Sm. tub, or aluminum pan (big enough for frame to fit into)
• Mortar & Pestle, or Blender
• Water
• Bowl

Tear your newspaper into quarter to dime size bits.
Place in bowl of water and let it soak over night, or two nights if you like.
Drain off most of the excess water.
Take your now soggy paper fibers and grind'em to a pulp! :)
After you feel you have significantly pulverized the pieces set to the side.
Fill your pan with warm water deep enough to submerge your frame well.
Add in your pulp and mix, distributing pulp evenly in the water.
Place in your screened frame.

Lightly, raise your frame up and down, moving from side to side until your pulp has become fairly uniform in the screened portion of the frame.
Remove any clumps as necessary.
Add your own unique flare! Maybe some pressed flowers or herbs?
Who knows, the possibility are endless!

Once you are satisfied with the thickness and uniformity of your page slowly raise your frame out of the pan, allowing the excess water to drain off.
Place in a warm area for drying, or you can use a hair dryer.
Once dry peal off and,
Ta-da!
You made your own paper!

~Shine Boldly~
Mary

#recycledpaper

Last Light

Shine Boldly as you travel your path, you never know what you will find!!
 Many small steps equal a Great magical journey!

Photo By: M. Willoughby 2013

Gwyl Awst/Lughnasadh

The Feast of August!  The beginning of the Harvest festivals.
    This ancient holiday is traditionally celebrated on July 31st- Aug 1st. Mid-point between Summer solstice/Midsummer and the Autumn equinox/Mabon. Unless you strictly follow astronomical calculations for your celebrations. This year (2013) August 7th will be the astronomical mid-point.
     The Welsh call this day Gwyl awst or Calan awst, feast of August.
     The Celtic call this day Lughnasadh named for Lugus.
     In Ireland Lughnasadh is celebrated with festivals of skill and craft. Some historical Irish traditions include, trading, making contracts, and matchmaking.
     Wiccan call this day Lammas, meaning "loaf mass", or Lughnasadh, Wicca celebrations vary including aspects of multiple harvest traditions. For many this is a time of handfastings.
     Many families use this time of year to hold reunions. Fortifying traditions and also sharing and learning new skills. T-shirts, games, and activities. Always fun!
    Harvesting grain, fruits, and berries is the tradition of this holiday.
Baking bread from your first grain harvest is a commonality of many. This holiday is a time of giving thanks, a time when we see the ripening of the crops over which we have labored, reaping what we have sown.               We honor the cycles, giving thanks for the life which the Sun and Earth provide; as all of the ancient celebrations do.
     During harvest we contemplate the end of one cycle bringing life to another. Start gathering seed for the next years planting.
    As we break our bread giving thanks for this cornucopia brought forth from working with the cycles, this is also a good time to reflect on what we have sown into our life's. What we have sown into the lives of others. What skills would we like to improve on? Are the seeds we're sowing and "growing" helping us to reach our goals?
      What will you "harvest" from your "soul crop"?

~Shine Boldly~

The Unfinished Art

Hello All!
Feeling a lot of love today!!!!!!!
And wanted to share it!
I know that most Artist don't like to share a painting before it is finished......but...today that's the point.

We can love this creation (All Creation)
AS IT IS. 

Finished or not.
Love unconditionally!
I am unfinished just as this painting.......I share myself with you in the same way everyday.
I LOVE YOU AS YOU ARE!

~Blessed Be~

Mary Willoughby

Radiate Your Light On The World!

There are No limits!
Shine Boldly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~Blessed Be~

Summer Solstice/Midsummer

     The Fire Festival, the longest day of the year, another ancient tradition stretching back to neolithic times, and is shared by cultures all over the world. Fertility rituals and bonfires abound across the globe on this sacred day.
     Celebrations occur between June 21st and 25th depending on the culture. In some places it is one of the most celebrated holidays of the year next to the Winter Solstice/Yule, which occurs in the southern hemisphere as the northern has summer solstice, and vice verse.
Also called Litha, a word that can be traced to the Anglo-Saxon name for the month of June. A Sabbath in the wheel of the year, one of the many celebrated by today's growing Wicca community. Golden flowered midsummer plants like Calendula and St. Johns Wart were celebrated for their healing powers and are picked on this night. Many people gather yearly at Stonehenge for this occasion.
     Vikings visit wells thought to have healing powers.
     Greeks celebrated Cronus the god of agriculture. 
     For the Egyptians, this coincides with the raising of the Nile. Festivals in honor of Isis and Osiris celebrate abundance and fertility. 
     In Latvia they jump over the bonfires, (a commonality seen in many different cultural festivals). There are many traditions as to what one should do here regarding good harvest, attracting a spouse, and predicting the future. People make wreaths of birch and oak for the celebrations. For the women, wreaths of flowers and the men, wreaths of Oak. Since the year 2000, in the western town Kuldiga, part of the Midsummer Latvian festival of Ligo, they mark the day by running through the street nude!
     In Poland wreaths are very popular also, and young maidens cast them into the Baltic sea, lakes or rivers.
     In Lisbon it is custom to celebrate multiple marriages. These marriages could be well into the hundreds
     In some areas an important feature is the midnight sun which is an occurrence during this time of the year. 
The Midnight sun is a natural phenomena that occurs at the Earths most southern and northern regions.
 Most accessible to view in the Arctic circle, in places like, the United states (Alaska) Canada (Yukon, Northwest territories, and Nunavut), Russia, Sweden, Denmark (Greenland) Finland and extremities of Iceland.  
     Norwegians celebrate this day by lighting bonfires along the coast. They would keep the fire burning through out the few hours of darkness so the legendary trolls could not return from the stones were they had been trapped.
These are just a few of the cultures that hold festivals honoring these ancient traditions.There are countless others.What traditions are held in your part of our wondrous world ? 

Marigolds

Buds are starting to open!

Started from seeds.

Will be planting more flowers ASAP.

Need some more Bees!

Wiccan, Witch, Pagan. Which are you?

So whats the difference? Is there one? Yes.
     If you are Wiccan you are a Witch, but if you are a Witch that dose not necessarily mean you are Wiccan. Wicca follows a rede, and the path is most often associated with the teachings of Gerald Gardner and/or Alex Sanders.
    Witches do not follow this rede and the path is not associated with the Gardnerian or Alexandrian teachings. It follows a hereditary path and its teachings are not shared among the public.
     Being Pagan could be associated with both or neither.
   
     Witch, in Old English was Wicca, (masculine), Wicce ,(feminine), and in Middle English was Wicche.
In ancient times, to be the Witch, or the wise one in the village, was someone that was prized by their community. People went to the Witch for many many reasons including divination, rituals and medicines for healing, fertility, protection. They were the midwives and healers of the land, applying their knowledge of roots, herbs, barks and minerals and evoking the great cyclic energies of the universe, and/or calling to the spirits of their ancestors to the benefit of those around them.
To be a witch and employ the use of witchcraft is now known as the practices of the Pagans.
     Pagan in ancient times was used to describe a person that lived in a rural area or village then called paganus, coming from the Latin pagus which meant village district.
     Over time it came to be a term used to describe a civilian in the community as opposed to a soldier.
Further through time it was used to refer to a person that worshiped the old gods, as opposed to worshiping the Christian or Jewish monotheistic god.
Still, these terms are used synonymously with someone that dose not follow the Abramatic beliefs and follows the polytheistic system. It has further come to be used to refer to a person with no religion or no belief of god/gods such as an Atheist.
   

     In my opinion, being one, two, all or none of the above doesn't make a person stronger or better than the other. The path you choose does not determine your worth.

Random Thoughts

     Everything is made of energy, each atom a various expression of it. Each one with its own unique frequencies and vibrations. Allowing all energy to manifest into physical/visible form, or life. What we “see” depends on its frequency or level of vibration, and our perspective of it.
Matter collects in space where there is the least vibration, similar to the experiment I posted the other day the sand/salt collects in the areas that have the least vibration, and creates visual patterns. Just like what we “see” when we look outside.
     Life, expressions of energy slowed down enough to be seen in form, creating works of art before our eyes.
We are ALL are part of this “song”! The silver linings of the greatest symphony ever composed!

Mary Willoughby

To The Readers

Thank you all for reading and sharing! You all are so great! You inspire me!
I hope you all have found inspiration too!!!!!

THANK YOU!
~Blessed Be~

Yesterday in the Garden

Wow! We have been Blessed! The Garden is looking great! Shout out to my Husband, Great job babe!

Peppers

Tomatos gone wild, and some herbs.

This one found a spot all his own!

Wow!

We'll be having fresh veggies tonight!

Yum!

May you all be blessed with the full bounty of Nature!

~Blessed Be~

First Harvest

     First Harvest! In the bags on the back row and to the right are four different kinds of lettuces, and one bag of cabbage. Radishes, beans, and pickle cucumbers to the left and center! These were grown by my husband, great job babe!

     

     The culmination of elements giving life to all the universe! I am ever grateful to be a participant in this grand design.

     Divine reality, living nourishment from a Living Earth, an oasis of life in the heavens.

~Blessed Be~

Purple Hibiscus Blooms

     Well the first flowers bloomed today, among my trees that is. I have a grand purple hibiscus tree in my back yard that is about 9 ft tall by now! Here are her first blossoms!

Had to hold my camera over my head to get these shots!
Wow! Beau has grown!
And yes Beau is her name.

Hope that you all had a wonderful day!
May Magic Blossom All Around!
~ Blessed Be ~

~Spiral Garden~

   

This morning

I just had to do it! I have been clearing my energies all week and when I got up this morning I had to be OUTSIDE!  So I found some bricks I could recycle and Here it is!
                                                                                                                   

Almost halfway

About twenty more bricks to go and I can start filling and planting!

Filling up Nicely! 

 ~ Blessed Be ~

Blue Lace Agate

  
Agate comes in many varieties producing every color known on earth, all having qualities unique to each, yet similar. Agate has been called the gem of ecology and has sometimes been called the earth rainbow because of its various forms and colors. It is classified as microcrystalline quartz, a type of silica of the chalcedony group. It forms in nodules in volcanic rock and ancient lavas.
     Blue lace agate vibrates at a lower frequency than all other stones. This stone was used by ancient peoples in a variety of sacred ceremonies. Neolithic people used it as healing amulets and ornaments. Agates healing qualities are still used all over the world today. Blue lace agate is a highly guarded staple in the home for its calming and strengthening influences.
     Blue lace agate is not know as the protection stone among the agates but as the support stone.

     Magical Properties of Blue Lace Agate;

     Balances emotions, promotes intelligence, and balances yin and yang. Helps one connect to their feelings, helping men to accept their feelings and sensitivities. Wards off evil as it has the blue and white color combination. Aids with arthritis pains and growth of bones, relives headaches and digestive disorders. Helps one to think before they speak. Good for children to help them discern whether an event is real or imagined. Great to wear during pregnancy. Helps to alleviate post-partum depression and when worn between the breast helps to promote lactation.
     It is an emotional healing stone. Resonates with the throat and heart chakras and brings empathy into your heart. Brings tranquility, alleviating anger and bitterness. Helps to relieve anxiety bringing calmness. It clarifies thoughts accesses spiritual thought and helps you to use them to your benefit. Helps to amplify the power of positive thinking and works especially well with sound. Boost ability to communicate with others and with your higher self.
    It can be carried in your pocket, worn as an amulet or any other piece of jewelry.

Faery Spotlight

Hayward-The Guardian of Gateways.

This Faery has the permanent position of guarding the gateways to other realms.He will sense when you are ready to peek inside the different realms.Hayward has many eyes all over his body. There is even an eye on the tip of his tongue.This may be the reason that the other faeries have a hard time looking at Hayward. But Hayward doesn't mind this as he is always very busy.

If you feel that you are ready to have a look into the realm of Faery you can try and manifest Hayward yourself. Find the most appealing spot in your garden and add a small faery door to it.Make sure that you open the door.Hayward has a fondness for beer so you would do well to place a thimble of beer inside the doorway.Hayward will make an appearance if he senses that you are ready to pass through the gate. I must warn you however, once you pass through, you will be changed forever.

Crystals and Colors

Cosmic Ray Therapy- Nine colors are radiated by the nine planets onto the Earth through sunlight which forms an integral part of a living beings environment. Each body has a distinct combination of these nine colors based upon the positions of the planets at the time of their birth. Due to the changing positions of the planets, a shortage of one or a group of colors is created in the body resulting in physical, mental and enviromental ailments referred to as "color hunger". The precise method of "pendulum dowsing" identifies this color hunger and crystals of different colors are used to balance the vibrations in the body. The crystals must be worn in direct contact with the persons skin and must be exposed to light..

Today we will be looking at the emerald and it's symbolic and healing properties.The emerald is the birthstone of May as well as the stone for the astrological sign of Taurus. It was the favorite stone of the ancient Roman goddess Venus.The brilliant green color of the emerald represents life and love, springtime and healing. It coveys love of life and love of the Earth Mother.Wearing emerald rings is one way to show tribute and honor to the Earth Mother.

Emeralds can be used in the healing of most ailments and will balance psychological and emotional harmony.The green of the emerald links with and stimulates the heart chakra. It also helps with high blood pressure and cures hormonal inbalances.. Wearing emeralds also harmonizes the digestive system, stomach, liver and gall, and has a healing effect on the kidneys. Emeralds also increase immunity killing germs and bacteria They also stimulate the nervous system and build bones, muscules and tissue. Wearing emerald promotes inner peace.

Magick elements are earth, water, nature fertility, growth,  rejuvenation, recovery, healing, harvest and abundance. Counteracts greed and jealousy.You may want to keep your distance from those with an aversion to green. These people are more concerned with independence and self development..

Mystery Plants

     Well today brought a cold front in with it. The wind is howling and the trees are dancing! Carried in all the plants,(above) it will be near freezing here tonight. Everything is looking great! That's our dog Grim Charlie Brown laying in the jungle of plants, his favorite spot! My mystery plants are doing great.(below)

I know they are an eatable plant. They were separated from the outer packaging with the label. They are big enough now that I can find out what they are.
Stay Warm tonight. Till next time.
~ Blessed Be ~

May Day/Beltane

     This holiday stems back to ancient time. May day is celebrated by many different cultures.
Known to many as one of the Celtic Fire Festivals, Beltane, celebrated half way between Spring Equinox/Ostara and Summer Solstice/Midsummer festivals.
     Beltane is also mentioned in the earliest of Irish literature. Rituals were preformed for protection of animals, crops, and people. Special bonfires were lit and their smoke, fire, and ash was believed to have protective powers. It was also believed the Beltane dew had powers to bring youthfulness and beauty.
     In Wicca tradition it is one of the Sabbaths on the Wheel of the year. The Wicca Beltane unifies practices from many cultures including the Maypole and closely resembles the Germanic May day celebrations.
   The Maypoles symbolism is debated upon. However, they were mostly found in Germanic Europe, where, Germanic paganism was practiced in many forms, this leads to speculations that maypoles were somehow a continuation of Germanic pagan tradition. It is also believed they were symbolism for sacred trees, or the world tree. The world tree or tree of life symbolizes the great connection of all things.
     Here's to all of us feeling the connection we have to the light on this May day as we celebrate life.
~Shine Boldly ~
Mary

Flowers

CHANGE

You feel it slip, Nothing to grip.
You feel your life start to tip.
A rolling journey before your eyes, rockin' you like a lullaby.
You fly across this endless rift, you feel your thoughts start to drift.
All your logic rearranged.
You can not stop this thing called change.

By: Mary E. Willoughby

Faery Spotlight

Surina-The Wise Old Woman

She is as old as time itself. Her skin hangs from her frame and is very wrinkled with age. It is so thin that she is almost transparent. She looks very fragile but do not let that fool you.Her hair is wild and looks just like spanish moss.She is bent in stature and her hands are knarled. She moves through realms with the help of a staff and is often seen with an owl in her company. Like Aydin, Surina has no boundries and moves through the realms easily camoflauged by the colors of that particular season.

Let's talk about Surina's eyes. One is as brown as the earth and always moving, taking in all the cycles of life at once.The other is as blue as the sky but blind and unmoving
She wears the most meager of rags as clothing . Her lifestyle is that of a hermit.She searches for wisdom from within and has wealthed a mass treasure trove of that wisdom. Any true seeker that comes to her is granted the benafit of listening to her share this wisdom.

Even the other Faeries respect Surina's solitude.They often leave her small gifts of food and drink. If this powerful elder graces any faery gathering with her sagely company she is treated like royalty by the others. When she speaks, all stop to listen.

Surinna is quick to defend love and compassion. She leads the way by teaching with gentleness and understanding. She can always see the connections between things and even the consequences they will bring .Surina turns her blind eye to punishment. She believes that you are to learn from your mistake and not to repeat them.

You must have patience in order to manifest Surina. You must be willing to listen and to contemplate. You will be encouraged to look within for wisdom, weighing the situation carefully with love and compassion.

Sky light

Light cast as the sun bid fairwell to my patch of the earth.
Ahhh, what a beautiful world.

Cute

Thought  this dog shirt at cafepress was cute!
The Mother Goddess Rocks!
A shirt for your special furry friends.cafepress.com

Natural Magic

All around us, connecting everything, there is a great energy.

This energy has been given many labels and manifest in many forms.

We are all born part of this energy ever connected to its light.

As we grow we can suppress this light blocking it from view, or we can embrace this energy and let its light shine brightly through us allowing the blossoms of our natural magic to radiate on the world.

Each having our own natural gifts unique to ourselves we also each have unique ways of letting the light grow within us.

I hope you all embrace your light and share it with the world.

~Shine Boldly~

Mary🦋

Faery Spotlight

Aydin the Enlightened One.

Aydin is a brilliant faery with skin that shines like gold. His hair has no color as it is pure light and his aura pulsates with energy. Light brightens even more as he moves through it.At night, he appears in the whitest part of the flame.He is a very powerful being with no boundries like other faeries. He transends the realms with ease gathering all of the aspects of light.

Aydin has tremendous faith in the human spirit and he is always available to us. We just have to ask.

Aydin's presense may be felt as a gentle tug of the heart or a swelling of pride and a lump in our throat When his help is being used, your mind feels unusually alert. Things tend to become more clear to you than they were before. Quests are begun and ideas are born

Without Aydin you are dwelling in shadows. Things are foggy and just don't make sense. You may feel that you are walking around without purpose. You may even feel alone. This state of being can attract some of the darkest faeries.

Aydin is always there ready and waiting to fill your heart with light. He can help light up your path on the way to enlightenment. He encourages us to stand on our own two feet and to recognize our own good qualities.He tells us to listen to our inner spirit for wisdom given freely by the Light and that we are stronger than we think. Aydin reminds us that we too are beings of Light and to go forth and shine brightly.

Rays of sun

Faery Rings and the Pink Moon.

This is April 25 2013, the night of the Pink Moon. Now the moon isn't actually pink but it is full and bright. Native Americans called the full moon of April the Pink Moon. There was a specific name for the full moon of every month of the year. They are listed below;

January- The Wolf Moon. Wolves were out and about in the brightness of the full moon at this time, howling for their next feast.
February- Snow Moon. Some of the heaviest snowfalls came at this time. Also known as the Hunger Moon because often this was a hungry time of the year.
March-Worm Moon. The worms were know to begin to surface at this time.
April- Pink Moon. This indicates the sprouting of seeds and the flowers making their spring debut.
May- Flower Moon. The flowers are said to even grow at night and dance to honor the moon.
June- Strawberry Moon. Strawberry picking time. Picking by moonlight honors the crop and insures a bountiful crop next season.
July- Thunder Moon. This is the time of the year for the biggest thunderstorms. Also known as the Buck Moon because the deers antlers began to develope.
August- Red Moon. The moon is quite often a reddish huge at this time. Also known as the Stergeon Moon because this fish was caught at this time.
September- Harvest Moon. The Native Americans knew that they had a little extra light in which to bring in their harvest.
October- Hunters Moon. The time of the year for prime hunting.
November- Beaver Moon.Beavers are coming into their fullness at this time of year. Time to set traps.
December- Cold Moon Also known as the Longest Night Moon. This is the month of the longest and coldest nights.

So as you can see, we are in the month of the Pink Moon.and as sure as it's name suggests, the wild flowers are in abundance. Spring is everywhere.There are more birds singing and more butterflies fluttering. There is newness in the air. A time for a fresh start. A time for the faeries to gather and bring spring into it's fullness. In the morning look at your gardens and in your yard. If you see a circle of mushrooms or clover you will know that the faeries have been there planning their next masterpiece of natural beauty for our eyes to behold.

Thank you for reading. Until next time, Fill your heart with light and Blessed Be.

Today in the Faery Garden

Even more flowers are blooming today and almost everything has buds!
It is beautiful.

Garden in the heavens

     Today we planted some marigolds, strawberries, and various other eatable plants in honor of our earth.
   As we planted today we talked about how our planet was an oasis in the universe. How its cycles were never ending grandly designed to sustain life without waste throughout nature with more than enough to go around for all.
     How thankful we are to have this eminence garden in the heavens.

EARTH DAY!

    Earth day 2013. Over a billion people around the world are going to be celebrating today by taking action to help our earth.
     We will be planting some flowers and a least one tree; more if I can help it. Then we'll go check out some local events.
     Help protect our planet every little bit counts. What will you do?

Heroes all around

     In the aftermath of the past weeks events we see a nation of communities pulling together in the face of disaster.
     Friends, neighbors, and total strangers reaching out to one another with open arms. Giving in so many ways with unconditional love and bravery.
   Again as one the people have banned forces bringing hope and healing to the hearts of the nation.
There are heroes all around us.
   Thank you!

Thank you

Thank you to all the first responders of the recent events in Boston and West.
Our hearts and prayers go out to you!

Explosion in West Texas

     A fertilizer plant exploded around 7:50pm Wednesday in West Texas.
   The blast leveled the plant and surrounding area and has devastated this small community. Many people have lost their homes and dozens are injured. There will be no official reports on the number of fatalities until 6:00am.
     If you would like to help they are in need of blood. There will be blood donation centers opening in the Waco area at 9:00am to help those in need. There is also a web site set up with Baylor where you can find links to donate to Central Texas Red Cross. baylor.edu/relief
   Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families affected by this disaster.

Getting prepared

 Well today I dug out the tent I bought last year so it can air out a bit.
Just started sorting through my bag of supplies to make sure we have everything we need including the basics in our emergency survival kit.These are some of the things we pack when we go camping, however many of them are good to keep around all year in case of emergencies. I like the individual back packs and the family kits.
    Some of the most basic things you need are:
water/ water purifying tablets:
     at least three days worth for each person.
food:
     at least three days worth for each person
water proof matches or other fire starter
First aid kit
Tools, this includes things like:
      flash lights, batteries, multi-tool, whistles and other signaling items.
Just to name a few.
  You can buy all these things separate and make your own or there are many places that you can find pre-made packs. Just surf around and find what works best for you.
 And don't forget if you have a family pet you'll need items to care for them as well.

    

It's Always Good to be Prepared

    
Just from recent events alone we should all know by now that being prepared is improtant.  An emergency supply of food and water and a first aid kit are good to keep in a bag that is easly acessable, or a "go bag" as some call them. If your just getting started there are many places that sell survival kits and gear.

Tax Return

Well here it is folks the last day of the tax season. If you haven't filed yet then today is your last day. That is unless you filed for an extension. Yup,  you heard right an extension. You can file for up to a six month extension on your income tax. So for those of you out there who still haven't filed your taxes and are now in a rush, remember next year if you feel like you need more time to file your tax return all you have to do is request an extension.
     I have already filed, received, and spent mine. there are lots of e-file programs if you choose to do them your self or you can have a tax service prepare them for you. Happy filing!

Focusing on my craft

     Now that my role as second grade teacher has shifted down a few gears I can focus on my craft, writing. It has been so great working from home and getting to be my sons teacher. So during the summer my plan is to get my writing back into full swing.
     Checked out a few cool sites to write on where I can earn a little extra cash, nothing big mind you, but who knows. The sky's the limit.

Keep the Momentum

As Spring in blooming all around us so must we allow our minds to bloom.
Just because school is over doesn't mean that we have to stop learning. on our upcoming vacation I'm sure nature will have more than enough to teach us.
   One thing I want to show my son is how important our plant truly is. After all there's not another one like it. The Earth is unique as unique as each of us.
 So I checked out earthday.org and found some great resources for us to get involved. there are already so many people fighting to help our planet. So that's our plan to join in and help keep the momentum going!
  

Vacation

Well now that we've got our first year of home school under our belt it's time to get ready for vacation!
     most public schools still have about six weeks left of school, but having your child in home school means you decide what the schedule is.
     I personally scheduled us to get out just a bit earlier that we did in public. I am planning to take us on a camping trip! got a great tent, more than enough room for us and our stuff, clothes etc. to fit inside. I just need to pick up a few things and we are all set!
     I haven't told my little fella yet. He is going to be so excited. I want it to be a surprise. We can really get back to nature and have some good family time.
    

Graduation

     So today we officially celebrated Second grade graduation!
We played outside in the sprinklers, ate hot dogs and mac~n~cheese then had a really big sponge bob cake! it was lots of fun!
    Shortly after I let my little guy go check the mail for a special delivery!
He was so excited when he pulled out the big Manila envelope. His eyes just lite up when he opened it.
   "Wow", he said jumping up and down. "Cool"!
  It was his awards and diploma for Home school this year.
"Awesome", he shouts throwing his fist in the air.
It was fantastic.      
    
     So where did I get Certificates for Home school you ask?  Well, we are just like any other school we are just at home. So now my Writing office is now my Teachers office as well. I just used my home photo printer and personalized them for our Home school! It was Fun and easy and seeing the look on his face when he saw them, the confidence and success he felt was Priceless!
I Love Homeschooling. Best thing we ever did!

Our first Year of Homeschool.

     When we first decided to home school our son we had so many questions and no one around to give us a direction. We were leaving the public school system for many reasons. we had went through a difficult time through out kindergarten and first grade years there. each day we went became more difficult until it started to get just down right traumatizing. we received multiple calls from the school daily telling us that we were a problem again and again. saying this to my son. Using every method they could including intimidation to try and "control" my son and we could see that it was beginning to damage his self esteem drastically. They had made him feel that if he wasn't just like everyone else then he was BAD. They even went so far to say that we needed to see a Doctor. because they felt that he may need medication in order for them to be able to deal with him. of course we went along (in protest) going to appointments for months. only for them to tells us what we already knew, that everything was fine and he was "normal".
 BAH! "normal". That is when I knew for certain that the school system had failed us. Cast us to the side as a discipline problem and said they didn't have the resources to teach the way we needed.
   So away I go researching on the Internet. Looking up the laws for my state. seeing what was required and looking at a dozen different curriculum's that we could order online. I was surprised to find that I could design our own curriculum we were only required to have a few basic core classes.
     We were so excited. We ordered some work books and some CD ROM games got all the supplies and all the extra stuff and he was excited to be involved with helping pick out the curriculum, this was SO great to see. He was excited about school again!
 As the school year went on we used the work books and supplies and they were great. all year long we, as we call it "played school games". I found that we were less stressed,  in fact no stress, more confident and I was not having any of the problems from the previous years of school. He was ready to get started each day and if we ran into trouble we could quickly switch gears and move on to something else. I loved this our own schedule. We could do what we want when we want. Want to take science class to the field? Go for it!
     I found learning comes without effort when you are learning for just discovery instead of just making sure you are "passing the standard test".
     Best tip I can pass on that I learned this year? Keep it relaxed. There is no reason to wake up at the crack o' dawn putting pressure on not only your kid but you too. Work when you work best we are all different and that IS a GOOD thing.