Thursday, September 19, 2013

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, September 13, 2013

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

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

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