Merry Meet and Merry Part, and Merry Meet again

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Night Storm

Three o'clock in the morning and the wind is sweeping through the neighborhood causing quite a stir. It is loud and rough exploding through the pine trees on the side of the house. It is impossible to sleep with such a magnificent presence swirling past the windows. So much energy in the night air. I rise and steal quietly downstairs as the rest of the household is, remarkably, sound asleep.

Heavy rain is now falling, splashing and crashing against the whole house. I can see shadows dancing across the deck and down into the yard, shadows in the shapes of tree branches. It really is a marvelous sight and a thrilling sound. Listening and watching the night storm, solitary but not alone. So much energy in the night air.


Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Observing Imbolc and Celebrating Oz

Today is the last day to enter the giveaway on my other blog, PurrrrSnicKitty. Click on the image on my sidebar.

Also on my sidebar, I have added a new image. March 15th is the date for Oma Linda's (OldBaggeandStuftShirtblog) 3rd Annual Celebrate Oz blog party. There are many Oz lovers in the blog-o-sphere and we love getting together to honor all things "Wizard of Oz". This year, Linda is shaking it up a bit by hosting an "Altered Oz" party. What is that, you ask? Altered art, of course. You can do anything you want really. By clicking on the image on my sidebar you can read all the juicy details. Always looking for more participants. Come on, it will be Oz-errific! (did I really say, "oz-errific??!)
Now, this is Altered!!!

Here is a bit of information about Imbolc, the Wiccan sabbat which occurs on February 2nd.  The name, Imbolc, means "in the belly" or "in milk", referring to mother ewes ready to give birth.  So Imbolc is a "pre-Spring" observance. It may still be very cold, snowy, frosty, but Mother Earth also has growing things "in the belly" and soon plants will be bursting out. There is renewed hope, more light every day and thoughts turn to preparing for a new season.  Candles are essential, as burning them in a darkened house represents the light returning. Fix a meal featuring dairy products, referencing "in milk". I personally enjoy cheese souffle.
Imbolc is a marking of the passing of Winter. It is good to look forward to new things and warmer weather.

image source





Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Good News Bad News

Some good news today. My husband went back to work this morning. Hopefully, he will get caught up on things over the next few weeks before the major surgery.

Some bad news today. My son got laid off from his job yesterday.

Typical life events, yin and yang.

Like the weather....ice and snow yesterday, warmer today and 58 degrees F tomorrow. What's a groundhog to do?

Looking for silver linings.

Doors close, but windows open.

And I will keep the homefires burning.





Monday, January 28, 2013

Whirling Dervishes on a Monday Morning

Monday morning and it's Wrestlemania here. The dogs are romping and tussling in the living room, with Gwennie racing around the circle between living room, dining room and kitchen. The wrestling grows intense. The kittens watch from under the dining table then begin their own version of "Animals Gone Wild". Why so much flurry and fuss so early in the morning? It is all in good fun, of course, but I am sitting at my desk with a second cup of coffee and whirling dervishes are very distracting this time of day.
image source

The Full Moon was sighted briefly Saturday night during a freak clearing of clouds. She was rising and her appearance was awesome. Sharply revealed in that velvet blackness, such a bold whiteness. Clean, snowy-white, bright and beautiful. And then the clouds swept back in and no sign of Her since. But seen or unseen, a powerful presence.
Saturday's Full Moon as seen from my deck (apologies for blurriness)

This week will be spent preparing for Imbolc, the Wiccan sabbat that falls on February 2nd. Traditionally this sabbat is a precursor to Ostara in March (The Spring Equinox). Imbolc is the mid-way point between Yule (the Winter Solstice) and Ostara. In times gone by, pagans would celebrate this day because the signs that Winter is nearing its end are appearing. Lambs and calves begin arriving, burrowing animals start crawling out of their winter dens and perhaps crocuses and snowdrops are showing their pert little selves. In modern times, Wiccans and pagans take heart that the Winter will be over soon. In my neck of the woods this thought is purely symbolic, as Winter usually lasts past the Spring Equinox. Most of our sabbats are symbolic in nature as we are a Spiritual bunch and observances reflect our traditions in spite of calendars and weather.
image source

More about Imbolc as the week goes on.

It is snowing today and ice is also expected. I am envious of my daughter who flew to Florida over the weekend to attend a business convention in Orlando. Poor thing, it is expected to be 81 degrees F there today, how will she manage?!

Merry Meet and Merry Part and Merry Meet Again!






Saturday, January 26, 2013

Full Moon Magick

A muted winter sunrise this morning. Pale streaks of pink amid a white-ish sky. Looking out the kitchen window you can see the coldness. January's Full Moon, as all full moons, has many names, depending on the culture or country. Cold Moon, Wolf Moon, Winter Moon are just a few.

It is doubtful that we will be able to actually see the Full Moon tonight. Obscured by clouds and snowfall most likely. Last night, I looked up into the night sky and there was a blurry, half-glowing shape up there. I assumed it was the Moon. But whether or not the Lovely Lunar Lady is a-sail for us to see, we can certainly feel her Presence.

Just as the moon affects the ocean tides, Wiccans "attune" to this energy, depending on the phase, to work spells, rituals and other tasks. Full Moons are a perfect time to charge tools such as crystals, wands, athames, spring water, candles, the list goes on. Charging simply means infusing power into an object using the Moon's energies. Wiccans are aware and awed by the energies that exist in Nature and learn how to utilize these energies to achieve a goal/result/change. This is primarily the definition of Natural Magick: directing energies to cause a change.

Each phase of the Moon offers energies for specific tasks. Waning or waxing, New Moon, Dark Moon, Full Moon. There are many books that will help the magickal practitioner learn more, but also, it is important to recognize one's own intuitions. Books are terrific guides, practice is the key.

Esbat is the term Wiccans use for the Full Moon ritual/observance. One can have a simple candle meditation or a formal ritual. Working as a Solitary Practitioner of Wicca, I can decide for myself how I wish to honor the Full Moon and the Goddess.

Full Moon magick is a beautiful way to connect with Nature, the Universe and deity.

How will you observe the Full Moon tonight?

Image Source

Thursday, January 24, 2013

News and Official Information

Can you hear my teeth chattering? It is  minus 3 Fahrenheit. But actually, how can I complain when mrsduncanmahogany, of OctobersNovember blog, in the wilds of Canada is living with minus 45 F!

I have an announcement: my kitty blog PurrrrSnickitty is up and running again, AND there is a giveaway to be entered. If you would like to see some new photos of our 8 month old kittens and take a look at the giveaway, click PurrrrSnicKitty Giveaway  and also on my sidebar here where I have placed a link. The giveaway ends January 30th.

In other news, I would like to send you all over to my friend, Sandy Sandy's blog. She is doing a "30 Days, 30 Paintings" series, using Trees as her subject. Inspired by beautiful poems, Sandy's paintings are amazing. I am way behind in seeing all her work, as I have not really been online during January. But I am catching up and am very impressed with her art. She infuses her paintings with an incredible Spirit. Please click on this link  to view her endeavors.

My husband is feeling much much better. He was due to go back to work this week, but needed some extra time to recover. Still hurts to sneeze, but certainly he is coming along greatly.  Thanks again, for all your good words for him.

If the cold weather has you in its grip, please have a nice hot cup of cocoa and think of warmer days!!

Bright Blessings from Robin.









Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Wordless Wednesday--A Dog for a Dog


"Do you mind? Me and my stuffed doggie are trying to nap."

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Gladsome Time

This past weekend was a much-needed, enervating family gathering. Delicious food was eaten, gifts exchanged and there was much laughter and merry mayhem.  Gladsome times!!

Of course, again I was remiss in my photo-taking! Terrible of me, as I would love to have gotten a nice group picture. I must have been having too good a time to think about my camera.

I do want to share something though, a picture taken after the fact.

My daughter gave me a special present. A book, of course. It represents a favorite subject shared by both her and me. Our love for Tolkien and all things Hobbit.

The Art of the Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, written and edited by Wayne G. Hammond & Christina Scull explores the complete artwork by Tolkien for his book, The Hobbit. It includes more than a hundred sketches, drawings, maps, paintings and plans. Some of the artwork has never been published before. The illustrations added an extra dimension to this amazing work.  I am thrilled to have this book and know I will spend a lot of time with it.

What I wanted to share, though, is the inscription my daughter wrote to me in the book. It is very moving and just makes me so happy. I don't think she will mind if I share it.

You can click on the picture to make it larger. She is referring to my old battered and much-read copies of the Tolkien books, the ones I very first read, and which she read too for the first time.

In other news, it is friggin' cold! Our temps have dropped down into ridiculous numbers, and we are getting a lot of snow. Yes, I know it is January and that it is winter.  And I live in a northern clime. But I would still like to complain, if you don't mind. Being Wiccan I rejoice in all Seasons, taking each day as a Gift from Nature and the Goddess. Thank you, Mother Earth for the gift. Perhaps a bit less gifting would be also gratitude-inducing.

All for now. Bright Blessings from Robin.






Thursday, January 17, 2013

Cunningham, Crone and Cat

Hidey-ho!! Spirits are higher at our home now that my hubby is feeling better. This weekend we are looking forward to a visit from our daughter and her husband to celebrate our delayed Yule/Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas, I had a Barnes & Noble booksellers gift card burning a hole in my pocket. My husband wanted to get out yesterday, so we took a drive to Best Buy first for him, and then to the "library" as we fondly call B&N. I had already used some of the gift card a few days after Christmas, but that remaining balance was haunting me. So to relieve the pressure I simply had to purchase a couple of books (and coffee and a sweet, naturally).

I found a newly released Scott Cunningham book, Magical Sampler, Collected Writings and Spells from the Renowned Wiccan Author with a forward by Raymond Buckland. As I have stated many times on this blog, Scott Cunningham is very special to me; I have developed a large part of my Wiccan Path based on his writings. I am so looking forward to reading this book. If you are interested in learning more about Wicca, Scott Cunningham is the author you must read.

The second book is one that I have seen on several occasions, but never decided to get it, simply because I was put off by the word "crone". That is terrible I know!! I just didn't want to admit to myself that I am in that region of age that categorizes one as Crone. The crone is the third manifestation of the Triple Goddess (Maiden, Mother, Crone) and is regarded highly as a figure of wisdom and insight. Even if I wasn't of an age that qualifies me as Crone, there should be no hesitation to have this book. The book, Crone's Book of Magical Words by Valerie Worth is a beautifully written, poetic collection of spells, incantations, potions and charms drawn from the history of magic. I have read just a couple of the spells so far and am utterly hooked by the beauty, rhythm and meaning of the words. This will be great reading on a dark and snowy night, next to the fire.

Thank you to everyone who have hung in here with me as my family has gone through our crisis. It means a lot to me to have such wonderful people following, and I would also like to welcome all the new followers! You all are terrific. My other blog, PurrrrSnicKitty will be back regularly in a day or two. I am going through a bunch of photos taken over the last few weeks, to pick the best...the cutest...and the very cutest!!

Here is an example:

Pyewacket!! What are you doing on top of the screen door??!!



Sunday, January 13, 2013

Melt, Melt and Drip, Drip

Mother Nature is having a ball. The predicted temperature today is 63 degrees F. It has been mild the last few days. So the massive snow mounds are dwindling, the sound of dripping is constant outside. Watch out when you are walking because a chilling, wet surprise is waiting to freeze your head or face as you pass under any structure.

The meteorologists call this the "January Thaw".  Hello, muddy dog paws. For me, it is a refreshing break from the icy, snowy days. At least for the time being. Winter will be back quite soon. Oh, boy.

On the homefront, my husband is doing better, still some pain, but feeling more human!

I am finding comfort in books and magazines, music, kittens and doggies. I believe I have mentioned before my little "problem": magazine addiction. Magazines literally throw themselves at me, jumping into the shopping cart and some have even tackled me to the floor by the cash register. Totally true, swear to Goddess!

Just a few of my latest
This week's agenda includes organizing my witchy cupboards and drawers.

The incense drawer is a mess (but smells really great!) oh, look there is Pixie peeking up in lower right
The kittens are going to help me smudge at the next waning moon (the new sage sticks from good friend Chris at Yule)
Also, going to be working on my Book of Shadows. I am focusing this year on more herbal information, solar magick and learning more about the goddess Hecate and dark moon magick. It is always exciting to add new areas or, expand old areas, to your path.

I received a question in a comment from Scottii concerning the Book of Shadows. I tried to answer via email, but Scottii didn't have one. So I will say briefly here that a witch's Book of Shadows (BOS) is basically a journal or record of spells, rituals, herbals, personal accounts of spellcasting, history, information that is important to the witch and his/her practice. Truly, anything that one regards as relevant, special, interesting can be placed in a BOS. Stories, ritual chants, tools, cleansing and consecration methods, spells, reflections, etc. It is for use by the witch to assist in remembering, notating what works, what doesn't work. There can be photos, drawings, lists of books, websites, recipes and so forth. It is all up to each witch. I don't show my BOS to anyone, and since I am a solitary Wiccan, there really is no need. My BOS is a very large 3-ring binder. I use all manner of papers, inks, printed, colors. I have index tabs and I add topics and categories regularly. It is for my use so it is not fancy. I can add and subtract things as needed. I love my BOS, it works for me. Many witches have beautiful leather-bound, parchment pages, use calligraphy pens, or quills. You can set it up anyway you want. It is a sacred book, even though it is a working book. I keep it cleansed and consecrated. (Sorry that wasn't too brief, but once I got going I couldn't stop!!)

If anyone has questions regarding my Wiccan path, please don't hesitate to email me; please be sure to leave a way for me to respond. I often get questions from people, and I don't mind answering at all. As long as it is understood that I am a solitary Wiccan, and only speak for myself. There are many traditions of Wicca and other witchcraft practices. A person must choose their own path, and do the things that feel right to them.

All for now! Hugs from Robin. Bright blessings, too!

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Home

After 9 days in the hospital my HB (hunny bunny) is home. It was a late evening discharge on Tuesday evening (communications problems between staff, doctors caused several delays) but home he came. You obviously will understand the feeling of walking into your own house, taking a long shower, and sleeping without the numerous noises and chaos that is part of the hospital experience.

Now the task is to convalesce and get strong. Right now he hopes to go back to work by the 21st of January. I, of course, will be monitoring every activity, crumb of food and proper medicating. We will know more later in the month about the upcoming surgery.

So hopefully I will be a regular presence in the blog-o-sphere again, hurray! I have missed blogging and reading all my wonderful blogging friends!! I can't believe it is already January 10th. I need to get caught up on a lot of things, both blogging and "real life". Off and running (well, driving)!  See you very soon!!

Robin on my Kia's dashboard





Sunday, January 6, 2013

Checking In

Greetings! Sunday morning and a quick post to catch up on what's going on with us. My husband has had a very long, rough week, two surgeries, lots of pain and just plain all-round discomfort. As of this morning, he had his first solid food in more than ten days. He loved those scrambled eggs! The pain level is almost zero and the doctor is expecting to send him home tomorrow. He is facing a major surgery, probably in the next 4 to 6 weeks, which will hopefully permanently fix this problem. It won't be pleasant and I won't go into details at this time. Suffice it to say it will require 10 days or more in the hospital, and a 6-week convalescence at home.  But for now I am so happy he is not having pain.

On the homefront, well, I have not been home much. So when I am here, I lavish attention on the dogs and kittens, talk to the canary and then try to sleep. I have managed some meditation time, and some spell work for healing, but that is about it.

Weather has been frigid and snowy, but today and the next few days are predicted to be a January thaw type condition, temps in the 40's. I will take it as it is a pain going downtown Syracuse in slippery weather.

I have missed reading blogs, commenting and posting, but hopefully things will calm down when my honey bunny comes home. Hope all is well with everyone. Be happy and healthy and safe.

Love and hugs from Robin.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Update

Happy New Year! Hope everyone enjoyed a safe New Year's Eve.

My husband had emergency surgery last night. He is doing better today, but is scheduled for more surgery tomorrow morning. This is all related to the same thing he was in the hospital for in March. Diverticulitis with abscess and now perforation. He is in better spirits today simply because the worst of the pain has been alleviated.

Thank you for your supportive comments, of which I have passed along to him.

Keeping a positive attitude is easier with blog friends like you.