The Sunday Stew
Editors: Jennifer Rasmussen, Kallan Kennedy
The Sunday Stew is a free, e-publication delivered every Sunday as a loving gift to the Pagan community. All submissions are the intellectual property of their authors, and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the blog owner. All photos are used with permission.
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Happy Mid-Summer/Litha/Summer Solstice to all of our friends in the Northern Hemisphere, and Happy Winter Solstice to our friends below the equator! As the majority of our readership is in the North, we'll be featuring articles on the solstice here. The Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year here, which means that the nights will begin to get shorter from now until December 21. It's strange, isn't it? We're just starting our summer here, and it's already beginning to fade on us. The wheel continues to turn, and it seems to move faster each year. No matter how you celebrate, it's a wonderful life here on this planet. Enjoy every moment you have on it! This is a really full edition, with guest-bloggers, recipes, etc... so, we're foregoing the news from around the world this week. It'll be back again for the next edition. Grab your cup and let's dig in!
Announcement:: Detroit and surrounding area vendors!
The Detroit Scots' 165th Highland Games are fast approaching. Do you have wares you would like to sell? Contact Susan Santer, emse1534@gmail.com, for more information. The rent prices are: Tent $225, Table $10, and Chair $2.Founded in the year 1849, St. Andrew's Society of Detroit is a 501c3 non-profit organization and is the oldest benevolent organization in the State of Michigan. Our mission is to provide assistance to fellow Scots and to encourage the love of Scotland through its history, customs, music, literature and national games. www.detroitscots.comwww.highlandgames.com
Happy Birthday this week to Cristiona Nance, Granny Moon, Jennifer Rasmussen, Angela Wilson, Heather Brooks Ray, Annie Nichols, Ramone Woods, Nowell Kern, and Jac Gillard. May this be your very best birthday ever, and may your next year of life bring you joy, happiness, peace, and success in abundance!
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Happy Solstice Wedding Day to Nichole and Ryan (Kallan's daughter and son-in-law)!
May your union be filled with joy, peace, happiness, support, love and kindness in abundance.
May you enjoy each other's company above that of all others, and may you live a long and beautiful life together!!
Pagan Lore with Karen Szabo
Good Morning and welcome to the Summer Solstice edition of the Pagan Lore!
Sunday, June 15
On this date in the year 1648, Margaret Jones of Charlestown, Massachusetts, was executed in Boston for practicing Witchcraft and magickal healing. This was the first pre-Salem Witch execution to be officially recorded in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Monday, June 16
Silver Chalice Day. Every year on this date, Wiccan friends and coven members gather together in a circle to rejoice and share a traditional silver chalice of wine (or fruit juice) consecrated in the names of the Goddess and Her consort, the Horned God. Many Pagan handfastings and Wiccanings are performed by coven priestesses around this time of the month.
On this date in the year 1881, famous Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau died in her home in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Tuesday, June 17
An annual purification ritual to drive away the evil spirits of the rainy season takes place on this date in Nara, Japan. Lily stalks are blessed by seven white-robed priestesses, and a traditional dance is performed. Also on this date, Eurydice (a tree nymph who was transformed into an Underworld Goddess after dying from a serpent bite) was honored annually in ancient Greece.
Wednesday, June 18
The annual Dragon Boat-Festival (which at one time was a Pagan summer solstice ritual to appease the dragon gods of the rivers) is celebrated on this date in China in honor of the martyred poet, Qu Yuan.
In ancient Rome, the Goddess Anna was honored on this day with an annual religious festival.
Thursday, June 19
The Feast of the Holy Ghost, a week-long religious festival, begins annually on this date in Brazil. In ancient Rome, the Day of All Heras was celebrated annually on this date in honor of the Goddess within as well as all Wisewomen.
Friday, June 20
On this day, Pagans in parts of England celebrate the Day of Cerridwen in honor of the ancient Celtic Goddess of fertility. Vervain (the herb most sacred to Cerridwen) is burned in small cauldron pots as an offering to the Goddess, green ribbons are tied to trees, and green candles are lit on altars dedicated to her.
Saturday, June 21
On the first day of Summer (which normally occurs on or near this date), the Summer Solstice is celebrated by Witches, Wiccans, and Pagans throughout the world. Summer Solstice (which is also known as Alban Hefin, Feill Sheathain, and Litha) marks the longest day of the year when the Sun is at its zenith. In certain traditions, the Summer Solstice symbolizes the end of the reign of the waxing year's Oak-King, who is now replaced by his successor, the Holly-King of the waning year. (The Holly-King will rule until the Winter Solstice.) The Summer Solstice is also called Midsummer's Day because in some traditions, Beltane is seen as the beginning of summer and Lughnassadh as its end, placing Litha right in the middle and therefore making it "Midsummer". It is the ideal time for divinations, healing & protection rituals, marriages, and the cutting of divining rods and wands. It is one of the days on the Wheel of the Year when the veils between the worlds are thin, and it is a time of strong magic and empowerment, and the Fey Folk are apt to be about and in contact with us. It's a time of much celebration, revelry, and merriment.
On Midsummer Day, the people of ancient Russia worshiped the fertility Goddess Kupala. To ensure female fertility and abundant crops, she was honored with bonfires, sacrifices of cockerels, and special wreaths that were cast into the rivers.
I hope everyone has a happy and blessed Summer Solstice celebration!
Hugs,
Karen
Sparkle and Shine with Sosanna (Renee Olson)
Honor the Sabbat
My journey from organized religion to Paganism has been a very direct road. I started learning about Wicca some 25 years ago. I learned very quickly that it was not my path. There are very clear rules for the study of Wicca. They have steps to gradually move from one role to the next and they have observances that they include in their practice. In a discussion a few weeks ago a friend of mine posted something to the effect of, “don’t judge yourself by the Wicca measuring stick. If it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t fit.
As we approach Litha or Midsummer many groups may meet and hold ritual on this day. Some don’t. Get over it. Not everyone follows the Wheel of the Year or celebrates every solstice. I’ve been seeing online in groups and in blog posts that people are very quick to judge who is doing things the right way and who isn’t. I’ve even seen posts where people are labeling those that do not do things just so, bad Pagans.
As my dear grandmother used to say, “I’ve got news for you.” No one can tell you who are you inside. No one can tell you that celebrating Midsummer, taking part in the Great Rite or putting on a big fire at Yule is going to make you a good Pagan. People should worry more about being kind to each other instead of worrying about who has the snazziest robe or who posts altar photos.
Our world is so disconnected. Many spend more time in front of a computer than they do outside feeling the wind on their face. This year, I plan to honor the Sabbat. And by that I mean the following: I will open my mind as I sit on the earth and feel the energy pour into me from below. I will spread my arms wide open symbolically embracing the flames of the midsummer bonfire. I will smell the ash and cinder and remember the things that we use to help us in our life. I will watch the embers glow and thank them for the energy they provide me. I may even do this on Litha, or I may do it every day.
I was contacted by a student once who was distraught. She had missed Hecate’s Supper, conducted on the dark moon. She was so worried that she had not set her offerings out by the correct moon that she was in tears. I offered this gentle reminder: when someone you honor and respect comes to you and says, “thank you for all you do. I appreciate at you.” does it mean more to you on Monday or Tuesday?
You see every day is her day. Every moon is her moon. Everyone is her child.
I wish you health, prosperity and Midsummer Blessings.
Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna
)O(
www.sosannascloset.com
www.confessionsofamodernwitch.blogspot.com
Sunshine's Meanderings with Kathleen Lane
Mid-Summer Eve
Mid-summer Eve is my second favorite celebration, right after Samhain. I have so many good memories of the celebrations down through the years. A few of them were bad ones, but mostly good. The first fresh garden fruits and vegetables and honey cakes and sitting around the fire honoring the Mother and the season of growth and life are wonderful experiences. I have never understood how anyone cannot feel the presence of the Mother at such a time.
Living in a city somewhat limits how I celebrate now. An open fire is out of the question, but fresh flowers and fruit and vegetables are certainly available and I make honey cakes and have fresh juice and tea. The evening is spent listening to the music of drumming and chanting and, if the weather permits, sitting out on the lawn grounding myself. Even here in the city the Mother is always present and can be felt. I have to admit that I miss living out in the country where we can have a fire and not hear the sounds of the city traffic, but it is still Mid-summer no matter where we are. This is the time when the bounty of the Mother and the Green Man are so clear and abundant that honoring and rejoicing in the abundance is as vital as breathing.
There and Back A-hen: Just a bunch of clucking nonsense with Melissa "Chicky" Cassick
My Land of Eternal Summer
“The day was 24 hours long, but it seemed longer.” -- Harper Lee
Summer began on the first 70 degree day. Summer began when my mother relocated portulaca, pansies, and snapdragons from their soggy Agway flats. Summer began on my birthday. Summer began the first time Molly and I hopped on our bikes to explore a previously unnoticed path in the woods. Summer began the moment I stepped off the bus for the last time, and watched it wheeze out of sight around the bend. Summer began the first day I walked barefoot across the stony driveway. Summer began when Mom combined sugar and Kool-aid mix to create sunshine in a Tupperware pitcher; cold and refreshing, and tasting nothing at all like actual oranges.
Summer spun on. I weeded the garden in the mornings, beside my mother in her green striped shirt. She had ripped off the sleeves, and her freckled arms worked tirelessly. I lounged and lazed, distracted by groundhogs, spiders, and crows, waiting for the moment she took off her straw hat, pushed back her sweat-soaked hair, and said, “Let’s head in for some lunch.” After that, I was free. Hot sun filtered through the leaves of the apple tree. Withering blossoms fell on my head, unnoticed, as I read of Oz and Narnia, perched on a board, my feet resting on a branch. Catherine and I braved the leech infested waters of the ponds around her house, in search of a welcome chill. We ate popsicles in the yard. In the stifling heat of her attic bedroom, we draped ourselves across the cotton sheets of her bed, aimed the sharp-bladed metal fan at our sticky bodies, and read Peanuts comic books until her mother called to us.
Summer spun on. I plucked grapes, bursting out of their nearly split skins, from the overgrown vines at the south end of the garden. The horses dozed, almost motionless, their tails swishing away the aggressive flies. At the county fair, quarters ran through our fingers like a silver waterfall. We threw darts at balloons to win shiny pictures of cars we didn’t know the names of, which our mothers would not let us hang on our walls. We ate cotton candy, and candied apples, and greasy french fries out of a paper cone. We drove to Lake Ontario, and searched for sails on the horizon through Dad’s binoculars, clutching them carefully under his gaze. We watched the sky for dark clouds, listening intently for rumbles of distant thunder, then stood in the downpours, laughing and sloshing our feet in the muddy grass. At night we slept on a screened in porch, counting the fireflies and pondering the existence of fairies until sleep claimed us.
Summer ended as it began: in many days, in many small ways. Summer ended when Mom opened up the huge garbage tote of hand-me-downs, and watched me parade up and down the hallway, determining if the skirts were long enough, and whether those jeans could be hemmed. Summer ended when we put up the last of our tomatoes in shining jars, and retired the speckled canning pot to the fruit cellar once again. Summer ended when my bike got a flat, and it wasn’t worth bothering to fix it. Summer ended when my purple flip-flops were worn through, and the strap was flapping free. Summer ended when I had to close my bedroom window at night. Summer ended the first morning I stood at the end of my driveway, in stiff, new shoes, clutching a paper grocery bag filled with folders, lined paper, and pencils.
Through the chill of fall, the icy darkness of winter, and the muddy promise of spring, summer waited. Summer waited until shorts were pulled out of storage, bicycles timidly ventured from garages, freeze-pops lined the market aisles, screens were mended and replaced, tomatoes were started in tiny pots on the windowsills.
Summer never really ends.
Summer always waits.
Guest Blogger: Renee Avard
A Personal Journey For the Solstice
Blessed Summer Solstice my friends! This the time of year that marks the beginning of another Texas summer – which can be a bit warm, to say the least. I had never been much of a 'Summer' season person, so when it came time for the Summer, I was ushering it in, yes, but not with 100% joy in my heart because bringing in the time of the year I did not resonate with did not seem to make sense to me.
As the years have gone on, I realize the themes of this time of year, which include love and relationships, health and wishes, actually align perfectly with me as these issues are always most pressing on me on this Solstice. This year, I am dealing with a changing relationship, trust issues and overall confusion, and though most of this is all good, and I am letting go of a lot of what no longer serves me, it is still quite an overwhelming feeling.
During the course of the Solstice, Truth is more easily found daily because this is what the Sun is doing – the high sun, the brighter it is – Truth becomes more illuminated. And I have been learning to face Truth and attempting to make sense of the fact that my world does not reside in the shadows all the time anymore.
The Solstice is also the longest day of the year and brings about more passion and to me, in my life that has a variety of definitions for me. Namely, the passion I have for my work and creating my business is very strong and an amazing motivator. The passion can also show up in other areas, specifically in the themes of the season, and so if you are feeling a bit more …..passionate ….go with that emotion and realize that all aspects of you are to be loved and cherished.
Working with my heart chakra this day, I am trusting and believing and allowing the good to come to me. I have my rose quartz, pink tourmaline and lithium quartz near me. The energies have been quite intense the last few days and I am making the effort to just smile and not live such a heavy life.
I wrote a prayer to show my utmost appreciation for the Divine influence that is a part of my world. The ability to have that Faith and that Hope in their ability to steer Life around is very important to me and I cannot begin to express how much better Life is due to Trusting and Allowing. I am *finally* learning to take comfort in the fact that things, people and places are not always fleeting. I grew up without consistency and it is nice that I am at a place in Life where I can see the past does not have to dictate the present..
"In all of Your ways and manifestations, I thank You, Divinity. From the Sun shining down, kissing my face daily, to the embrace I feel from the Moon (in its many phases nightly.
I feel Your radiance in all things nature and I am thankful for allowing me to be even a small part – even though I Feel and Allow the fact that I am not just a mere 'small' presence in this Life.
The many aspects of such a magical myriad of Gods and Goddesses such as the incredible Hestia; Ra; Apollo; Aten; Horus – and so many others – make themselves known so they remind us of who we are and always have been..
I welcome this day, the longest of the year and I put Faith in the hope that must never be lost and the gifts that are bestowed upon us at the perfect time and the perfect place. Life knows.
I honor You on this powerful day and take in the awareness I have been able to come into and feel the utmost of gratitude and an outpouring of love directly from my heart and soul.
I admire the strength You possess, the ability You have to move on, and, the ability to persevere when needed – and the wisdom to know which is best for the situation.
Blessings and love have been shown to me, so I will show them to the world and always honor where others are on their Paths and acknowledge where I might be in relation.
And for the lessons, people, and course of actions I have been shown – I have so much gratitude and Divine love for the circumstances that brought these things to me.
It's in all of these things I bless you, I bless me and I bless us. And I acknowledge that – it is what it is.
As above, so below, and in heart."
Enjoy the Solstice, and remember to stop and find your smiles in all you come across today. – This will lead to more awareness and “a-ha' moments that in turn will create a more complete and full life.
© Renee Avard worthcatching.blogspot.com
From Madness to Mindfulness with Jennifer Rasmussen
Mindfulness for the Solstice
Last week, I gave you a brief introduction to the practice of mindfulness. This week, we will talk about putting that practice to use. The arrival of summer is a major event for many Pagans and Witches. For those who follow the Wheel of the Year, this means it is time to celebrate the Sabbat commonly called Litha or Midsummer.
Preparing for Sabbats can be a hectic time where we find ourselves running in a thousand different directions in preparation for ritual or even just a backyard BBQ. There is cleaning to be done (if the gathering is at your home), food to be bought/made, friends and family to invite, and so on. This can lead us to get lost in doing mode instead of being mode and miss out on truly enjoying this special time of the year. Now, you might be asking yourself, “What is she talking about? Doing mode? Being mode?”
Doing mode is our tendency to analyze, problem solve, and judge the world around us (Williams, Teasdale, Segal, & Kabat-Zinn, 2007). Here are some examples: Have you ever needed to go somewhere after work and suddenly found yourself in the driveway with that errand still needing to be run? Have you ever driven your normal route to work and not remembered a single car or building you passed? You know the route by heart. You do it every day. It has become so ingrained that you don’t even have to think about it. That is doing mode.
Similarly, have you ever found yourself in an unfortunate situation? Again? Once you realize it, chances are you have a conversation with yourself that goes a little something like this, “Why did this happen again? Why do I keep doing the SAME THING OVER AND OVER? What is wrong with me?” That is doing mode. That is our tendency to judge a situation as good or bad, right or wrong, and then try to analyze it and fix it.
Alternately, being mode is simply living in the present moment (Williams, Teasdale, Segal, & Kabat-Zinn, 2007). Being mode requires us to accept the situation exactly as it is without judgment. When we try to live in being mode, we are able to look at things as they are, not as we hope they will be. An excellent explanation of being mode can be found in this clip from the movie “After Earth” where Will Smith discusses the concept of fear with his son.
As you celebrate the Solstice, try to experience it from being mode instead of doing mode. To use a term coined by Jon Kabat-Zinn (2012), try “awarenessing.” Awarnessing means to be actively aware of your experiences. Be aware of every smell, taste, and feeling. Make this a Sabbat you will remember for years to come.
Guest Blogger: Melissa Williams
Making the Moon and Stars Work for You
When writing a spell or ritual, the very first thing I do is consult the books to find out which day is best for the energy I am needing. My go-to book for this is Llewellyn's Witches Datebook. It contains the lunar phases, sun signs, eclispes and so much more, on a day to day basis. Will the moon be waxing or waning, or even void or course? Will it be in the sign of Leo or Libra? All these factors go into a good spell, to give it all the energy you can to achieve your desired goal.
Taking a look at Litha, June 21st, will prove to be an active day for the stars! The sun will enter Cancer that morning, while the waning moon will go V/C for several hours before moving into Taurus that night. When the moon is Void of Course, it simply means that it is in transition between astrological signs, and some say that any magic done during this time may not come to fruition. The evening of the summer solstice the moon will go V/C at 6:23 pm Eastern Time, and remain there until 11:03 pm Eastern Time. Look online to determine how to convert these times to your time zone, for the most accurate results! It's also good to know that when the moon is Waxing (growing bigger) you want to focus on the things you want to bring into your life, while a waning moon (shrinking smaller) is good for those things you wish to let go of or banish.
Knowing which astrological sign the moon is in, is also great in assisting you with spell and ritual writing. On June 21st the Waning moon will enter Taurus, which is the ideal time for love magic, or for spells that involve real estate, material gains and money. It is also the proper phase for healing rituals for ailments of the throat, neck or ears (The Wicca Spellbook, Gerina Dunwich).
But, what if you are wishing to find a new carreer, and the moon is in a waning phase? A simple change in wording is all it takes. Instead of saying "please bring to me a job I will love" You can say "please banish from me all the things standing in my way of finding the carreer of my dreams". Wording is everything, so take your time and make a spell that is unique to you, and your personal desires. It is a sure fire way of putting all your focus, intent and energy into any magic you weave.
Now that you have all the ingredients for out-of-this world spell-casting, you can put it all together to make a great spell, sure to pack a punch! Always remember to give thanks to the Goddess and the Powers that Be after any prayers or rituals, and don't forget to leave a small offering for the wee ones! Litha Blessings to you all, may it be a day full of love and abundance!
Tiffany's Gumbo with Tiffany Newson
Summer Reminiscing
Its summer time, baby!
This time of year in my house is all about playing in the sun, swimming in the pool, celebrating lots of birthdays. (We have roughly 10 in the next 2 months.) We don't do any extravagant rituals or make a big hub-bub. I enjoy what the day is all about; sun, fun, and food. This year will be extra special because of my ninja baby and my sister-in-law, who also had a surprise baby in March. They are coming down the same weekend as Litha. Woohoo!
This Litha has another added extra because my littlest sister-in-law is going into the Navy. This is the 3rd of my younger sibling-in-laws to have gone to serve the military. Instead of being sad that my littlest sister will be gone, we're going to make it a huge get together.
On a romantic note, because don't those summer nights reminds us of those nights staying up late talking to our summer crushes? The crackle of the bonfire, the fun of dancing under the stars, and seeing those sweaty muscles glistening under the Moonlight.
This year marks 9 years of me and husband being together. We've almost made it a decade.
This Litha holds many things. As I enter this new season with much excitement, laughter, remembrance and fun I can't wait to see what else unfolds before me.
Magic in Motherhood with Autumn Noel
A Simple Summer SolsticeImage may be NSFW.
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I used to think there was something specific I needed to be doing to celebrate each of the Sabbats. But as I grow older.. .and oh so much wiser… and have been walking my witchy path longer, I realize that celebrating each of these celebrations is special in the way that you make it. Litha was the Sabbat I knew the least about when I first started practicing Paganism. But as I researched, I learned that this special day is best celebrated with things I regularly do in the summer, anyway.The day is long and warm. The farmers market is full of fresh and yummy fruits. It’s a day to celebrate Mother in Earth at her height of her beauty. My top three “musts” for celebrating Litha are swimming, cooking out and Summer Solstice Strawberry Shortcake. .. a perfect summer day. We spend the day as a family, enjoying the extra hours of sunlight, and return home at the end of the day sleepy, tanned and smelling of sunscreen.
We then eat our yummy shortcake dessert. It is a celebration in its simplest form and one that I have enjoyed immensely for the past four years with little growing family. I hope that the Summer Solstice finds you happy and warm and that you find a wonderful, even if simple, way to celebrate with your family!!
Don’t forget your sunscreen!!
Brightest Blessings
-Autumn Noel
Gluten Free Summer Solstice Strawberry Shortcake (courtesy of the Bisquick box!!)
Ingredients:
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4 cups (1 qt) strawberries, sliced1/2 cup sugar
2 1/3 cups Bisquick™ Gluten Free mix
1/3 cup butter or margarine
3/4 cup milk
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup whipping cream, whipped
Directions:
-Slice strawberries and mix with 1/4 cup sugar in a mixing bowl; set aside.
-Heat oven to 425°F. Line your cookie sheet with foil and grease. In bowl or mixer combine Bisquick and the rest of the sugar (1/4); cut in butter fork. Mix in milk, eggs and vanilla. Drop large spoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheet
-Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool, and top with whipped cream and strawberries
Guest Blogger: Jenn Hodgson
How will you celebrate the Summer Solstice?
Around the world people celebrate the Summer Solstice; some have festivals, and some have celebrations to honor the goddess. This is something that has taken place for years and years around the world.
The ancient Greeks had several festivals, including one which celebrated the agricultural god Cronus; the ancient Romans had a ritual where they would sacrifice an unborn calf; the ancient Chinese had a ceremony to honor the earth, etc. It is interesting to see how cultures celebrated this solstice years ago and how they celebrate today.
As much as I am excited that this is the start of the summer I also know that winter is just around the corner, however back to the title question. How will you celebrate the summer Solstice? Do you have a ritual that you do every year? Do you have a family gathering? Does the area in which you live have a celebration?
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For my husband and me, we normally have a family/friend get together, weather permitting of course. We have 20 or so people over and we cook inside and grill as well; lots of foods, desserts, and drinks. We have a fire at night and enjoy each other's company. Some of the things that we cook are hamburgers, Italian sausage and peppers, chicken, (baked and fried), corn on the cob, green beans, potato salad, steaks, salad, bread or rolls, chips, black forest cake, strawberry delight, cheese balls, fruits, water, coke, diet coke, beer and margaritas to drink. At the end of the night, however this is my time to meditate and journal. A night where I think about many things, past and present, things that I want to do, things that I have accomplished, etc.1 cup of flour
1 cup of butter (melted)
1 cup of chopped walnuts
Mix together and press into a cake pan to make the crust, bake at 350 for about 15 to 20 min.
1 cup of powdered sugar
Image may be NSFW.
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1 package of Philadelphia Cream Cheese (softened)1 small container of cool Whip
Mix together and put on top of the cooled crust
Mix a box of pudding (directions on package) add to the above layer
Spread cool whip on top of pudding layer, sprinkle with walnuts
Saga's Spirit with Loren Morris
Litha Craft: Tie-Dye Goddess Shirt
Blessed Litha everyone!
I really enjoyed making this craft for you all. I have the step-by-step instructions for you. I hope you like it too.
I had a white shirt that had a couple of marks on it so I decided to make it pretty. I decided to go with a sunburst tie-dye.
I soaked the shirt in soda ash solution for 20 minutes. I wrung it out and let it air dry for a couple of hours while I worked on another craft. It was only a bit damp when I prepared it for the dyes.
To make a sunburst design pull up from the center of the front of the shirt only. At the base put a rubber band.
Read more at Saga's Cottage Blog
My spirit boards: http://lapuliabookofshadows.com/product-category/spirit-ouija-weejie-boards/
The Magical Gardener with Johanna Lawson
A Summer Welcome for Garden Faeries
What magical garden would be complete without a few resident faeries? Certainly my own gardens would be a bit dull without them! When I first started gardening, I never imagined that these beautiful beings would grace my life with their presence. Sure, I had encountered them before – here and there on walks through the local park with my mom when I was a child, a few times in the woods when I was hunting for natural altar décor with my hubby, and occasionally in other people’s gardens – but I never dreamed that they would find their way to my gardens. I discovered them quite by accident and have welcomed them ever since, doing a little something special and magical for them each Summer Solstice.
A few years ago, on a very hot and humid night, shortly after the Summer Solstice, my husband and I discovered some new visitors to our garden. It was late; close to midnight. We were sitting back in our chairs, enjoying each other’s company, talking and laughing, yet trying to keep our voices down. My hubby was staring up at the night sky as he relayed a story, now lost in time, and suddenly stopped in mid-sentence. Even in the darkness, I could see a curious look on his face and knew something unusual caught his eye.
“What is it?” I asked, preparing to bolt from my seat if it turned out to be a huge insect or a bat. He pointed up into the sky. My eyes followed the invisible line from his finger to a spot just a few feet above the patio garden: there was a tiny ball of blue light floating downwards towards the lilac bush and bed of coneflowers, day lilies and other assorted flowers. We watched in awe and silence as it continued to slowly drift downwards, finally blinking out in the midst of the flowers only about three feet away. We looked at each other, mouths agape, and then began to run through all our logical answers for what we witnessed. I had some ideas (Faeries!) but thought, if voiced, my hubby would think I was nuts.
Several days passed and we found ourselves again sitting on the patio on yet another hot night. The air was still, thick with moisture, and it was unusually quiet, except for an interesting sound coming from our patio garden bed. At first, it was a rustling among the day lilies, as if something was moving through them. “It has to be a bug or a mouse,” I whispered. In response, my hubby held up a small flashlight, beaming with pride at coming better prepared this time. He turned it on and did a sweep of the area, even walking out around the perimeter of the patio in case the little critter tried to scamper away from the light. Nothing! He switched off the flashlight and I began presenting my case for faeries.
Then, the sound returned but this time there was a rustle followed by what I can only say were footsteps, tiny footsteps, something small running on two feet from one side of the garden bed to the other. Nothing else moved. Not a leaf, not a flower. My hubby turned to me and said, “I think you’re right. I don’t believe it but I think you’re right.” It was time to welcome our new garden residents. Faeries!
When I think about it now, it only made sense that they were in my garden. What faerie could resist this peaceful magical garden tended to by a nature-worshipping Pagan? Between all the flowers and herbs they love, the sacred space I had created for celebrating Full Moons and Sabbats, and all the critters that found a haven in my yard, it would naturally draw the attention of elemental spirits, if out of curiosity alone. Once they realized who and what I was, they would surely feel comfortable and at home.
So I decided to welcome them to my garden. I did this on the Full Moon right after the Summer Solstice that year and do it every year at Litha since. (I know some like to work with the faerie realm at Beltane but I prefer Litha because it is when my gardens are flourishing and full of life.) That night, I cast a circle around my entire yard, being sure to encompass every nook and cranny of garden space I had and all the wild areas of my gardens inhabited by birds, bugs and other animals. I thanked the elemental spirits and faeries for coming to my gardens and offered them a home there. I asked them to protect all that visited and resided there, both flora and fauna. I placed offerings of milk, honey and small crystals in each garden bed and wild area and then closed the ritual by placing a small plaque on my garden gate that read “Garden Faeries Gather Here”. They gathered, moved in and have been here ever since.
Sometimes I hear them, a rustle from under the plants or the hint of a whisper or giggle. Occasionally they will make a very brief appearance, a flash of movement right before my very eyes as I am weeding or planting. I can feel their joy with the lush foliage and colorful blossoms and their sadness when something goes a bit wrong with a plant. There are times too when I just know they are watching every move I make out there, maybe discussing how terrible it would be to be a human. Faeries can be quite mischievous if they are not treated with courtesy and respect so I always thank them and leave them a little something – a small seashell, a little bit of honey, or a tiny sparkly crystal. The item is never there the next day.
This year for Litha, I decided to create a new faerie house in my patio garden and dedicate it to the garden faeries as part of my ritual. A little over a year ago, my hubby found a huge piece of a tree that was cut down and brought it home. He placed it under my lilac bush in the patio garden, the place where that little blue orb landed on that amazing evening, and told me that he thought it would make a great faerie house. It has sat there ever since, just waiting to become something special. I think it’s about time to make good use of it! Soon my garden faeries will have a little house to play in and around, under my lilac bush.
Make a little time this Summer Solstice to welcome your own garden faeries. Make them a little house or a special garden to call their own, using flowers and plants sacred to them. (FYI: There are plenty of resources on the internet chock full of ideas for doing this.) Have the kids and grandkids help! As part of your Litha ritual, invite them to your garden and ask them to aid in its care and protection. Do so with the utmost respect and plenty of gratitude. Faeries and elemental spirits should not be taken lightly. You’ll know when they are there. You may hear them giggling and dancing with you on that blessed Summer Solstice night!
Wishing you all a blessed Litha!
My Blog: http://johanna-villagewisewoman.blogspot.com/
The Witches' Cupboard with Autumn Earthsong
Lemon Balm Recipe
Happy Sun day to everyone! As promised, I’m back with another recipe that uses Lemon Balm. This recipe is for Carmelite Water. As I told you, Carmelite Water was invented in 1610-1611 by Carmelite monks (some say nuns) in Paris who called it "Eau de Carmes.” Carmelite water was used as a perfume and toilet water, and was also taken internally as a cordial. The perfume was used to “cover” the smell of disease or just the fact that bathing was rare in those days. It was also used internally for digestive complaints and neuralgic complaints such as headache, pains etc.
There are many recipes in herbal books and online for Carmelite Water. I took the basic ingredients used for Carmelite Water and sort of threw together my own concoction. Now, most recipes call for using vodka along with the herbs and spices, and if you want to use it as a “perfume” you will want to do that. However, I got the idea from Rosalee de la Forêt over at Herbmentor.com to use white wine instead of vodka to make it into a spicy, herby wine. I liked the idea, so that’s what I did. On a side note, no idea why they call it water; there’s no water in it. LOL. Maybe that’s what they used back in 1611.
Here is the recipe I threw together.
4 cups white wine
*1/2 cup dried lemon balm
1/3 cup dried angelica
Zest of 1/2 of a lemon
1 1/2 tbs whole cloves
1-2 cinnamon sticks
1 tb coriander seed
1/2 -1 tsp grated whole nutmeg (so much better then powdered!)
*You can use fresh lemon balm if you have it. Mine is not ready to harvest quite yet . Use a full cup if you use fresh.
Place all ingredients in a jar with tight lid. Shake it up every so often.
If you are making a vodka version….I would let it brew for 3-4 weeks, shaking the jar every day!
When ready to partake, strain it and store in a clean jar or decanter. Store it in a cool, dry place if made with vodka for up to 6 months.
If made with wine, you can store it in the fridge!
Hope you’ll give it a try. I found it to be delicious!! It would be a perfect, healthy glass of goodness to enjoy on Summer Solstice night!!
Blessings and Love, Autumn
3.Find me blogging at www.autumnearthsong.com
Find my herbal shop at www.etsy.com/shop/verbenalaneshop
Cooking Through the Seasons with Kallan Kennedy
Apricot season generally runs from May-August in the United States. Unlike hardier peaches or nectarines, apricots are finicky. They like mild temperatures and dislike intense heat, which is why they grow so well in California. When selecting fresh apricots look for somewhat firm (not hard) fruit that is brightly colored (they range from light yellow to a deeper orange-yellow). The skin should be velvety smooth without wrinkles or blemishes, and they should yield slightly when squeezed. If you're still in doubt, then take a good whiff – a ripe apricot emits a sweet fragrance (it's a member of the rose family). Apricots should be stored on the counter top until ripe then refrigerated if not eaten with a day or two. For the fullest flavor, it's best to allow the fruit to come to room temperature before eating.
Apricot Salsa Recipe
Fruit salsas are a popular topping for tortilla chips, as well as for fish, shrimp, chicken, pork and a variety of other dishes. This is a perfect dish for a Summer Solstice celebration, and it's so easy to make!
Ingredients
1 pound of fresh apricots
1 small bell pepper
1 small tomato
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1 clove of minced garlic1 tablespoon of cilantro (fresh or dried)
2 tablespoons of lime juice
Instructions
Remove pits from apricots; cut into small chunks, approximately 1/4 of an inch square each.
Remove seeds from bell pepper and dice.
Dice tomato.
Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Stir to combine.
Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or longer.
Variations
Add fresh diced jalapeno, habanero or chili pepper, seeds removed.
Add 1/2 cup chopped mango.
Add 1/2 cup crushed pineapple.
Add ¼ cup of grilled corn off the cob
And, what Solstice celebration would be complete without mead? Here's a really easy recipe, and if you get on it today, you'll have time to use it for this year's celebration!
Easy Solstice Mead
1 quart dry cider (hard or alcohol-free)*
3/4 cup honey
1/4 cup sliced citrus fruits
3 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
Combine in a container just large enough to hold everything. Seal and refrigerate, shaking or stirring daily for five days. Strain before drinking.
*You can buy dry cider where you buy specialty beers. Commonly available brands are Woodchuck, Hornsby's, and Strongbow. There are other brands that may be available, but they tend to be regional and not necessarily available everywhere.
Kids Summer Solstice Corner
The Pooka Pages is a free e-magazine for Pagan kids. Click HERE to access it for some Summer Solstice Fun!
"Stained Glass Sun Catchers"
Materials:
Wax paper, crayon shavings, colored string, yarn, or thread, lace, leaves, flower petals.
Parental Instructions: To begin, have your child empty crayon shavings from their sharpener, or (adults only!) use a paring knife to create shavings. A cheese grater works great for large crayons. Arrange shavings, and any of the accessory items the child chooses and sandwich between two sheets of wax paper. Iron (adults, of course) the whole package on low setting, just until the shavings melt. Cut the "stained glass" into shapes and hang them with string, in a sunny window.
Here's a version using Tissue Paper
More Great Litha Crafts
Recipes for Kid-helpers
Pink HoneyLemonade for Litha
1 cup water
3 fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon honey
7 cups water
1 3/4 cups fresh lemon juice
2 slices orange
Directions:
1. Mom or Dad: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup water, strawberries, white sugar, brown sugar, and honey. Bring to a boil, and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool to room temperature, cover, and chill.
2. In a large pitcher, mix together water, lemon juice, and orange slices. Stir in cooled syrup; chill. Serve in a tall glass over ice.
Litha Loaf Recipe for the whole family to make together:
http://www.thecrunchycottage.com/2013/06/the-perfect-litha-loaf.html
More Litha Ideas for Kids and Parents:
http://witchery.wordpress.com/2008/04/17/litha-activities-and-ideas/
Broome Shtick with Rob Houck
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This Week in Astrology
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Planets in Retrograde- Saturn (until July 20)
- Mercury (until July 1)
- Neptune (Until November 16)
Weekly Horoscopes from Astrostyle.com
Sunday, June 15
- 6:05am-1:27pm Moon Void of Course (VoC), then moves into Aquarius
- 5:56am Disseminating Moon
- 6:04am Mercury (rx) moves into Gemini
- 6:04am-2:07pm Great Day for Business!
- 2:07pm-2:25pm Moon VoC then moves into Pisces
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Wednesday, June 18- All's Quiet in the Heavens
- 2:38pm Last Quarter Moon
- 3:05pm-5:25pm Moon VoC, then moves into Aries
- All's Quiet in the Heavens
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Saturday, June 21(Happy Wedding Day to Nichole and Ryan!)
- 6:51am Sun moves into Cancer, Summer Solstice occurs
- 6:51am-6:23pm Great Day for Business!
- 6:23pm-11:03pm Moon VoC, moves into Taurus
The Weekly Divine with Kallan Kennedy
Kallan Kennedy is a professional tarot/totem intuitive with more than 20 years of divination experience. She offers private readings to her clients via her website, Secret Services. Order your personal reading today!
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| Sacred Circle Tarot |
This Week's Tarot: The Knight of Cups
The Knight of Cups is a flow-through card. It generally signifies a gift (not usually material) or offer is being made and it can be trusted. He is the essence of water behaving as fire, like a rushing river. This energy is romantic, creative, charming, and beautiful, but can be prone to extremes (water is emotional, after all). With Neptune in Rx this week, play close attention to your dreams when it comes to this energy. If you are about to start a new creative project, direct your imagination into the ‘real’ world. True imagination feeds on ‘action’ so if you do nothing with your dreams they will remain vague and unrelated to the rest of your life. You do not need to go at a lightning pace, but it is important to balance your ideas with action and ensure that you are taking proactive steps to achieve your goals and ambitions.This Week's Totem: Horse
Keynote: Power, Elegance, Victory, Endurance, Telepathy
The horse has evolved over the past 45 to 55 million years from a small multi-toed creature into the large, single-toed animal of today. Humans began to domesticate horses around 4000 BC, and their domestication is believed to have been widespread by 3000 BC.
Horses' anatomy enables them to make use of speed to escape predators and they have a well-developed sense of balance and a strong fight-or-flight response. Related to this need to flee from predators in the wild is an unusual trait: horses are able to sleep both standing up and lying down. Female horses, called mares, carry their young for approximately 11 months, and a young horse, called a foal, can stand and run shortly following birth. Most domesticated horses begin training under saddle or in harness between the ages of two and four. They reach full adult development by age five, and have an average lifespan of between 25 and 30 years.
Horse represents both physical and spiritual power. In shamanic/medicine people practices around the world, it is the vehicle by which they can travel between the planes of existence. Horse is one of the wild animals who befriended humans to help them evolve and teach them about themselves.
We continue to measure car engines in "horsepower". Those who carry a horse totem are powerhouses in many aspects of their lives. They are usually given to leadership positions due to their ability to carry many burdens and get the job done quickly. According to many legends across the globe, horses were given the power of clairvoyance, and those with this totem are highly psychic. They are also "skittish" around strangers and must be approached with confidence and caution. The same is true for those with this medicine. Horses and those with this totem are built for the journey, whatever that journey may be.
Horse teaches us how to balance our lives between the material and the unearthly. True power comes from within and found in remembering our total journey. Compassion, caring, teaching, loving, sharing gifts/talents and abilities are the gateways to accessing our personal empowerment. Horse also shows up when a journey is afoot. Be on the lookout for an opportunity to travel, either in the mundane or in the spiritual worlds.
That's it for this week's Stew. Mull. Digest. Enjoy! And leave a comment to tell us how we're doing!