Monday Medley

This book by Dorothy Morrison is an enjoyable reference for learning about the traditions and origins of our Yule celebrations. It is filled with history, customs, craft ideas, recipes and a whole lot more. It is a favorite of mine. I very much like the writings of Dorothy Morrison and highly recommend her books.

The weather outside is not frightful! Mild temperatures are helpful for finishing up outdoor tasks, and getting our 5 little dwarf alberta spruce trees decorated with lights. The lack of snow has some people I know quite aggravated though, as they love snowmobiling and other snow activities. Frankly, the longer without the big snowfalls the better. Not such a fan anymore.

Our front porch this time last year

Good news! A target discharge date for my brother has been set for later this week. He will need home health care for a while, and will need to use a walker and wheel chair, but he has improved enough that he will be able to finally come home after more than six weeks in the hospital. Life will be very different for a while for all of us while he continues the healing process, but it will be such a relief to have him back home. Thank you all for your caring comments and healing thoughts during these last few weeks!

A tip from Dorothy Morrison's book Yule:  "Keep a bayberry candle burning. It not only keeps negative energy at bay, but draws money into the household."

Wishing you a super week. Stay safe and well! 

Good Monday to You

The days are getting shorter, and that includes Mondays!! (inspired by this morning's newspaper comic "Mutts")

Just got an email from Breck's Bulbs (their website) that my spring bulb order is on its way. Sorry to sound moronic, but that makes me giddy! I order my bulbs in April and they are shipped in the fall. Come the Spring and it is giddiness all over again as they bloom for the first time.

Tulips blooming in my Spring garden

Two books to recommend, not just for a good read, but also for good reference books to have for spell work. Dorothy Morrison is one of my favorite authors for all things Wiccan. Everyday Moon Magic Spells and Rituals for Abundant Living (published by Llewellyn Publications, 2003) and Everyday Sun Magic Spells and Rituals for Radiant Living (published by Llewellyn Publications) Both of the books discuss in plain, easy-to-understand language the many aspects of these celestial bodies that are important to our lives in such a variety of ways. They will help you understand how to incorporate phases of the moon into your rituals and spells and the use of both lunar and solar energies to enhance your daily Work. Both books are packed with ideas for celebrations, ways to "boost your magical practice", chants, spells, rituals and good solid explanations of how the Moon and the Sun are vital to a Wiccan's everyday life. I highly recommend these books for Wiccans and pagans, or for anyone interested in learning how to look at the Moon and Sun in a different Light.

Have a super day! Stay well and keep up the good Work!

Preparing for Yule

Approaching Solstice

Yes, friends, the darkness wins, but these

short days so celebrate light:

Today the lemon sunrise lasted a few

hours until sunset, all day the snow

glowed pink and purple in the trees.

This is not a time of black and white,

my friends, outside us. Among us, too,

let's sing what winter forces us to know:

Joy and color bloom despite the night.

We measure warmth by love, not by degrees.

--Patricia Monaghan

Photo credit: http://www.angeliska.com/2008/12/winter-solstice-dark-season/

Poem: by Patricia Monaghan from the book:  Yule A Celebration of Light and Warmth, by Dorothy Morrison published by Llewellyn Worldwide, St Paul Minnesota 2004