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.
We welcome your feedback! Please be sure to tell us how we're doing and give us suggestions for improvement. Please leave a comment below. We look forward to hearing from you!
Happy Birthday this week to: Crone Grimalkin, Sandra Kee, Debra Blasey, Mitzella Artist, Stef Dunaway, Dawn D. Bengel, and Catherine J. Copple. May this be your best birthday ever, and may this next year of life bring you joy, peace, happiness and success in abundance!
The Sunday Stew is looking for people with good writing and grammar skills to join our Crew. Specifically, we need writers in the following areas:
1. Interviewer: This person will interview people within the Pagan community who are authors, activists, artists, musicians, teachers, etc... must have effective communication and people skills, and have a flexible schedule to work with those being interviewed.
2. Sage/Crone age topics: This position pretty much speaks for itself. We're looking for someone in the 48+ age group to write about issues affecting your peers, as well as to impart wisdom for the younger generation.
These are non-paying positions at this time.
If you are interested, please send an email expressing interest, along with appropriate writing samples to stewsubmissions@gmail.com
Please do not send anything through Facebook or to Kallan's personal email address. Thank you.
Pagans wonder 'witch' way for the next generation
Rapist with 'witchcraft preoccupation' jailed for eight years
Meet the Controversial Brazilian Church Behind Flagler Street "We Undo Witchcraft" Sign
Woman branded witch, stripped and paraded naked
10 people wanted for killing three in Eastern Cape
Pagan High Priest Finds Few Believers Inside an Arkansas City Hall
'Witch hunters' cited for trespassing in FDL County
Lessons in local history: Fairfield witchcraft trials fascinate teachers
Witchcraft, Mass Hysteria and Uncanny Behavior in Namibia
Ebola outbreak: fight against disease hampered by belief in witchcraft, warns British doctor
Police: Pair held witchcraft ceremony after killing man
Margot Adler, Witty NPR Correspondent, Put the Witch in Jewish
Granddaughter of Psychoanalyst Alfred Adler Dies at 68
Here we are, just passing Lughnasadh and heading straight for Mabon. Can you believe it? This is one of my favorite times of year -- maybe it's yours, too. I can almost feel those fresh fall winds blowing! Ready for this week's Pagan Lore? Here you go.......
Sunday, August 3
The harvest season begins on this date in Japan with an annual festival called the Aomori Nebuta. Bamboo effigies with grotesquely painted faces are paraded through the streets in order to drive away the spirits of sleep.
Monday, August 4
Each year on this date, it was believed that the waters of Scotland's Loch-mo-Naire became charged with miraculous magickal powers to heal all who drank from it or bathed in it. For many years it was a custom for those who visited Loch-mo-Naire to toss in a coin of silver as an offering to the benevolent spirits that dwelled within the lake.
Tuesday, August 5
Many folks still believe in this ancient superstition: if you make a secret wish while looking up at the new moon (which normally begins on or near this date in August), your wish will be granted before the year is through.
Wednesday, August 6
On this date in the year 1817, a huge creature described as a sea-serpent was spotted in the ocean near Gloucester harbor in Massachusetts. Coincidentally, on this same date in the year 1948, a similar creature was seen by the crew of the British naval frigate, Daedalus.
This day is also sacred to the Cherokee Earth-Goddess Elihino and her sister Igaehindvo, the sacred Goddess of the Sun.
Thursday, August 7
In ancient Egypt, the cow-headed Goddess Hathor was honored on this day by an annual festival known as Breaking the Nile. The festival, which was also dedicated to all water and river Goddesses, celebrated the rising of the fertile waters of the mystical River Nile.
In ancient Greece, the annual mourning ceremony called the Adonia was held on this date in honor of the dying hero-god Adonis.
Friday, August 8
The Eve of the Festival of Venus was celebrated annually on this date by the ancient Romans. On this night, the Goddess of love and beauty was honored and invoked with prayers, love songs, libations, and passionate lovemaking. It was also a time when sorceresses performed all forms of love magicks and marriage-mate divinations.
Saturday, August 9
On this date, many Wiccans from around the world celebrate the annual Feast of the Fire Spirits. Dried mandrake root or yarrow herb is cast into fires as offerings to the Salamanders.
Quite an interesting week! See you next time,
Karen
Independent Avon Representative
Serving all your Avon needs -- come see what's new!
http://www.youravon.com/karenszabo
As we say goodbye to Lughnasadh and wait patiently for Mabon, there must be some sort of stuff in the middle. I think it is fun to check out what other cultures, religions, or just people in general are celebrating.
So, for the month of August I have the following list of celebrations and awareness items:
National Immunization Awareness Month – Raising awareness and encouraging people to vaccinate.
National Water Quality Month – Raising awareness on water usage, conservation, and quality.
National Black Business Month – Focused on fostering positive environments for black-owned businesses.
Happiness Happens Month – Focused on being, you guessed it, happy.
Audio Appreciation Month – Focused on showing how important hearing is.
Panini Month – A month long celebration of hot bread and melty insides.
National Goat Cheese Month – Who cares why? We love cheese!
What’s a month without a week; and August is no different. Here are two of the dedicated weeks in August:
Breastfeeding Week – Raising awareness on the benefits of breastfeeding.
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally “Bike Week” – Annual motorcycle rally held in Sturgis, South Dakota.
And of course, a week couldn’t be a week without days. So here are just a few of the special days in August:
Aug 01 – Swiss National Day
Aug 06 – Independence Day in Jamaica
Aug 12 – Festival of Hungry Ghosts
Aug 13 – Festival of Diana
Aug 14 – Independence Day in Pakistan
Aug 15 – Indian Independence Day in India
Aug 16 – Festival of Krishna
So, that’s a look at some of the celebrations in August. Remember that even we owe it to ourselves to open our minds and hearts to welcome those who welcome us. Take a moment to learn about someone’s culture and they’re much more willing to learn about yours.
Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna
)O(
www.sosannascloset.com
www.confessionsofamodernwitch.blogspot.com
This week has been pretty hectic. I teach part-time at a nearby learning center, and it seems like chaos has become the norm. Well, at least my definition of chaos. I am the kind of person who likes to stick to routines. In the beginning my schedule looked like this:
Tuesday
4:00 p.m. - get ready for students
5:00 p.m. - one student
6:00 p.m. - two students
Friday
4:00 p.m. – one student
5:00 p.m. – three students
6:00 p.m. – three students
Then, a couple of weeks ago, enrollment was growing enough to warrant adding another day. My schedule now looked like the above plus:
Thursday
5:30 – get ready for students
6:00 – two students
Starting last week, students began showing up at 4 p.m. on Tuesdays when I previously had no student. Another student started coming at 5:30 instead of 5:00. Students who were supposed to come on Friday were coming on Tuesday (without giving me notice), and students who were supposed to come Friday were coming on Tuesday. Needless to say, I have been frazzled.
This past week a little voice in my head reminded me that I was not being mindful. I was attempting to control situations that I simply could not control. I was allowing the present situation to affect my mood. I was becoming upset and not being as effective as I could have been with my students. Once I took a few deep breaths I was able to accept the situation and work with it instead of against it.
The same holds true for my personal and spiritual lives. If things do not go according to plan, I get frustrated and upset, and I lose sight of the here and now because I am projecting. When I project or pre-live the future, I make myself think negatively and then I hold onto those thoughts, which allows depression to thrive. This causes my personal and spiritual lives to suffer.
Friday, I decided that things will only be chaotic if I allow them to be. By accepting things as they are, I open myself up to being in the moment. I have noticed that when I am in being mode instead of doing mode, things fall together.
I am thankful for this past week and its lesson. I had begun slacking off in my practice and this was the Universe’s way of bringing me back to the present. It is amazing what can happen when you remember to stop doing and just be.
So many dandelions this year! Giant and beautiful. My mint exploded, as everyone said it would. “Mint takes over.” Um, good, I want it to take over. The parsley reappeared on its own, the sage went hog wild, the oregano threatens to consume small children if they get too close, and the basil had to be planted again, but the weak-looking plants went mad, mad, MAD! So much stuff! I have way too much thyme on my hands.
And I SUCK at doing anything to preserve any of them.
I waited all winter and spring for that first pop-up of purslane. I danced in patches of chickweed, which were surprisingly, gratefully everywhere. I rejoiced over every golden dandie head. Plantain is a pure joy - huge and plentiful this year. I love my yard and I know the value of almost every “weed” out there. I make gallons of sun tea with a plethora of mint. I look at these things and know I need to get on drying them. Their time with me is short and I must seize the day. They won’t wait on me. They’ll do what they do and soon be gone.
Have I harvested mint? No. It went to flower. I can’t keep up with the basil; it wants to flower every time I turn around. I gave up on the oregano early on because I needed something for the bees. (They are grateful.) Fall will be here before I know it, and I will not have dried, frozen, pickled, or otherwise made into a tincture one single leaf.
What’s my deal? I have the know-how and the ability to look up what I don’t know! I have the desire. I HAVE THE PLANTS. What I don’t have is an answer as to why I cannot get around to doing anything! My husband keeps saying, “You need to do something with the mint.” I KNOW!
If you are waiting for some great revelation to break through by the end of this piece, please prepare to be disappointed. As I will be in December when I think how I could have my own dried mint leaves for a lovely hot cup of tea. I have no idea. Last year I was positive I would do it right this year. This does not seem to be the case. I’m open to outside guesses.
I regard my many green tomatoes with a bit of fear. What if they all turn red at once and I drop the ball on them, too? I’m not worthy. Of course, with the weird weather, I may be lucky if they ripen at all.
Time is fleeting. How can I be this aware and still be too lame to do anything about it? Please don’t be like me. Please be the brilliant herb-harvester I am in my dreams. Feel free to come by to rescue my plants from me and smack me upside the head while you do it. And that’s it. That’s all I got. Thanks for reading my lament.
Leather Bindrune Bracelet for Wisdom and Insight
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.![]()
Since we can all use wisdom and insight (the more the merrier, right?), I'll create a simple bindrune to help bring those.
This will be a simple and quick craft with simple activation incantation.
You will need:
A simple leather bracelet for crafting
A blade tool & remodeling spoon for leather
A small bit of red paint
I've picked the following runes:
Tiwaz- this one is for personal goal realization
Ansuz- for wisdom
Ingwaz-for common sense (the best type of wisdom)
To read more: http://sagascottage.blogspot.ca/2014/08/leather-bindrune-bracelet-for-wisdom.html
My spirit boards: http://lapuliabookofshadows.com/product-category/spirit-ouija-weejie-boards/
Broome Shtick' was born out of cartoonist Rob Houck's desire to hear less crickets at night, and more cackling witches. Check out more of his witchy/toony goodness on Facebook, and find out why the Reverend John Hale is saying, 'God save us all from Rob Houck.'
Planets in Retrograde (Rx):
Weekly Horoscopes from AstroStyle
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!
The rubber meets the road this week, particularly for those in business. It's going to be a good week for business transactions, and these will require you to use your intellect; set your boundaries and stick to them; and to play tough negotiator when it comes to contracts. If you find yourself dealing with legal issues, this is the time to call upon an expert or adviser (such as an attorney) for assistance.
This card is a no-nonsense kind of energy that speaks with authority. Associated with air signs (Aquarius, Gemini, Libra), the King of Swords is the ultimate strategist. He is focused, direct and clever. He is driven by intellectual curiosity and pride and loves a battle of words. Not to worry, call upon this King for assistance. He will give you perfect clarity of thought, directness of action, and eloquence of speech.
Have a successful and productive week!
Ram has long been associated with leadership, power, force, drive and energy. Just take a look at the list of gods associated with ram:
Agni
Amun-Ra
Apollo
Baal
Cernnunos
Hermes
Indra
Zeus
Rams of the bighorn sheep family live above the timberline. They eat tender grasses and the flowers of certain herbs. Throughout the spring and summer they build up layers of fat and a thick coat which enables them to survive the winters.
The horns are a predominant feature of the ram. In individuals with this totem, they stimulate great mental activity. There is a curiosity and an active imagination that must be constantly fueled and that gets stronger with each passing year, just as the horns of the ram grow larger with each passing year.
The horns of the ram are weapons, a form of defense and a status symbol. They grow throughout the life of the animal, eventually forming a full curl or spiral. The spiral is a symbol of great creativity, and because it is associated with the head in the case of the ram, it has even more significance. For those with this totem, there will occur a new stimulation of mental faculties, imagination, and inspiration--along with the energy to act upon it. The Jewish people use a ram's horn to make their "shofars", which are blown during festivals and celebrations.
For those with this totem, autumn may bring a time for you to assert your strength and move to new challenges.
A ram can live to about 14 years of age, but the life expectancy decreases with the size of the horns. The larger the horns the more frequent the duels. The rings on the horn actually mark the age of the ram. The number 14 will be significant to those with this totem.
Bighorn sheep, like mountain goats, have toes that pinch. The hooves are covered with an elastic material that helps absorb the shocks and aid the grip. The joints of the sheep act as miniature shock absorbers when they make their great leaps down. The bighorn sheep only need a two-inch space to get a foothold.
This is very important for those with this totem. It is a reminder that the openings for new beginnings may be small, but if acted upon, they can be secured. Those with this totem must learn to trust in their ability to land safely on their feet as they make new moves and new beginnings.
Overall, the ram's message is to take the "bull by the horns" and make things happen. This is a totem of action and now is the time to do something.
Reminder: There are still slots open if you want to get in on this!
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.
We welcome your feedback! Please be sure to tell us how we're doing and give us suggestions for improvement. Please leave a comment below. We look forward to hearing from you!
Happy Birthday this week to: Crone Grimalkin, Sandra Kee, Debra Blasey, Mitzella Artist, Stef Dunaway, Dawn D. Bengel, and Catherine J. Copple. May this be your best birthday ever, and may this next year of life bring you joy, peace, happiness and success in abundance!
The Sunday Stew is looking for people with good writing and grammar skills to join our Crew. Specifically, we need writers in the following areas:
1. Interviewer: This person will interview people within the Pagan community who are authors, activists, artists, musicians, teachers, etc... must have effective communication and people skills, and have a flexible schedule to work with those being interviewed.
2. Sage/Crone age topics: This position pretty much speaks for itself. We're looking for someone in the 48+ age group to write about issues affecting your peers, as well as to impart wisdom for the younger generation.
These are non-paying positions at this time.
If you are interested, please send an email expressing interest, along with appropriate writing samples to stewsubmissions@gmail.com
Please do not send anything through Facebook or to Kallan's personal email address. Thank you.
In the News
This segment features news from around the world. The articles do not reflect the views of the staff of The Sunday Stew, nor the blog owner. We believe you should be informed as to what is going on in the world where the terms Paganism and Witchcraft are concerned.
Pagans wonder 'witch' way for the next generation
Rapist with 'witchcraft preoccupation' jailed for eight years
Meet the Controversial Brazilian Church Behind Flagler Street "We Undo Witchcraft" Sign
Woman branded witch, stripped and paraded naked
10 people wanted for killing three in Eastern Cape
Pagan High Priest Finds Few Believers Inside an Arkansas City Hall
'Witch hunters' cited for trespassing in FDL County
Lessons in local history: Fairfield witchcraft trials fascinate teachers
Witchcraft, Mass Hysteria and Uncanny Behavior in Namibia
Ebola outbreak: fight against disease hampered by belief in witchcraft, warns British doctor
Police: Pair held witchcraft ceremony after killing man
Margot Adler, Witty NPR Correspondent, Put the Witch in Jewish
Granddaughter of Psychoanalyst Alfred Adler Dies at 68
Pagan Lore with Karen Szabo
Good Morning!
Here we are, just passing Lughnasadh and heading straight for Mabon. Can you believe it? This is one of my favorite times of year -- maybe it's yours, too. I can almost feel those fresh fall winds blowing! Ready for this week's Pagan Lore? Here you go.......
Sunday, August 3
The harvest season begins on this date in Japan with an annual festival called the Aomori Nebuta. Bamboo effigies with grotesquely painted faces are paraded through the streets in order to drive away the spirits of sleep.
Monday, August 4
Each year on this date, it was believed that the waters of Scotland's Loch-mo-Naire became charged with miraculous magickal powers to heal all who drank from it or bathed in it. For many years it was a custom for those who visited Loch-mo-Naire to toss in a coin of silver as an offering to the benevolent spirits that dwelled within the lake.
Tuesday, August 5
Many folks still believe in this ancient superstition: if you make a secret wish while looking up at the new moon (which normally begins on or near this date in August), your wish will be granted before the year is through.
Wednesday, August 6
On this date in the year 1817, a huge creature described as a sea-serpent was spotted in the ocean near Gloucester harbor in Massachusetts. Coincidentally, on this same date in the year 1948, a similar creature was seen by the crew of the British naval frigate, Daedalus.
This day is also sacred to the Cherokee Earth-Goddess Elihino and her sister Igaehindvo, the sacred Goddess of the Sun.
Thursday, August 7
In ancient Egypt, the cow-headed Goddess Hathor was honored on this day by an annual festival known as Breaking the Nile. The festival, which was also dedicated to all water and river Goddesses, celebrated the rising of the fertile waters of the mystical River Nile.
In ancient Greece, the annual mourning ceremony called the Adonia was held on this date in honor of the dying hero-god Adonis.
Friday, August 8
The Eve of the Festival of Venus was celebrated annually on this date by the ancient Romans. On this night, the Goddess of love and beauty was honored and invoked with prayers, love songs, libations, and passionate lovemaking. It was also a time when sorceresses performed all forms of love magicks and marriage-mate divinations.
Saturday, August 9
On this date, many Wiccans from around the world celebrate the annual Feast of the Fire Spirits. Dried mandrake root or yarrow herb is cast into fires as offerings to the Salamanders.
Quite an interesting week! See you next time,
Karen
Independent Avon Representative
Serving all your Avon needs -- come see what's new!
http://www.youravon.com/karenszabo
Sparkle & Shine with Sosanna
What’s in August?
As we say goodbye to Lughnasadh and wait patiently for Mabon, there must be some sort of stuff in the middle. I think it is fun to check out what other cultures, religions, or just people in general are celebrating.
So, for the month of August I have the following list of celebrations and awareness items:
National Immunization Awareness Month – Raising awareness and encouraging people to vaccinate.
National Water Quality Month – Raising awareness on water usage, conservation, and quality.
National Black Business Month – Focused on fostering positive environments for black-owned businesses.
Happiness Happens Month – Focused on being, you guessed it, happy.
Audio Appreciation Month – Focused on showing how important hearing is.
Panini Month – A month long celebration of hot bread and melty insides.
National Goat Cheese Month – Who cares why? We love cheese!
What’s a month without a week; and August is no different. Here are two of the dedicated weeks in August:
Breastfeeding Week – Raising awareness on the benefits of breastfeeding.
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally “Bike Week” – Annual motorcycle rally held in Sturgis, South Dakota.
And of course, a week couldn’t be a week without days. So here are just a few of the special days in August:
Aug 01 – Swiss National Day
Aug 06 – Independence Day in Jamaica
Aug 12 – Festival of Hungry Ghosts
Aug 13 – Festival of Diana
Aug 14 – Independence Day in Pakistan
Aug 15 – Indian Independence Day in India
Aug 16 – Festival of Krishna
So, that’s a look at some of the celebrations in August. Remember that even we owe it to ourselves to open our minds and hearts to welcome those who welcome us. Take a moment to learn about someone’s culture and they’re much more willing to learn about yours.
Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna
)O(
www.sosannascloset.com
www.confessionsofamodernwitch.blogspot.com
Tiffany's Gumbo with Tiffany Newson
We, as Black women, are known to be survivors. We are celebrated for our ability to keep going despite having everything set against us. The question, then, lies in how do we teach our children, specifically our daughters, how to be strong with beauty and grace?
My heart ached talking to my daughter's friend, 8, Ms. M. She has attitude for days. This is something commonly equated to being strong, which we all know isn't strength. Ms. M had it set in her mind that if she has an attitude, if she says a certain thing, or if she fights those that she perceives to be wronging her, then she is strong. At 8, she had it in her mind that if no one could handle her personality, then she didn't need friends. At EIGHT! This is not strength!
A major problem with this Black woman mentality is that she must have attitude in order to be strong or she must fight everyone, including her own, in order to be strong. Society already has us pegged as angry, unapproachable, defensive, self-destroying and self-hating. We then get mad, stating that it is an overgeneralization of the real struggle. All of this is very true.
So, how do we overcome that stigma and teach our own daughters to be strong and still be beautiful?
We love ourselves. We show love first. We don't assume everyone is out to hurt us. For those that do hurt us, we step outside of ourselves and do not default to anger or attitude. We put them in their place with a smile.
Black women are known to be the anchors of families, neighborhoods, and communities. There is the Black mother taking in the extra kids because her momma can't. There are the Auntie and Grandma who made the extra plate of food, brought clothes when other kids were teasing you, the shoulders to cry on.
We are love, so therefore, we need to show our daughters this. A queen not only rules and shows strength for her people, but shows love and beauty. We need to raise strong loving Queens not angry, mean-spirited women.
There and Back A-hen: Just a bunch of clucking nonsense with Melissa "Chicky" Cassick
Ask a [Stupid] Question
I have read several articles lately (I really need to get out more) along the lines of “Questions that [insert group of people] are tired of hearing.” Buzzfeed seems to thrive on these. Google it, and you will find that any number of groups have had it with your nosiness: moms, moms-to-be, married women, gay men, vegetarians, weight-lifters, trans people, Latinos, feminists, atheists, people with tattoos, Indian Christians. People are growing weary of being quizzed about their condition as a human being; a human, being anything at all, I guess.
Some of the entries are understandable. The female weight-lifter is tired of men at the gym asking her, “Can I help you with that?” as she racks her weights. She wants to answer, “I just did three sets of 12 reps, but I just can’t possibly lift them that last time to put them away properly? My goal here today was to lift heavy things!” I think that’s just what she should reply, actually.
Other lists, though, simply come off as whiny.
The married woman complains that people ask when she’s going to buy a house. Her hypothetical response is, “Are you giving me money for a down payment?” I’m not really sure that query merits a sarcastic rejoinder -- and that’s ME, actually saying there’s no call for sarcasm. A simple, “We are saving money,” or “We prefer our apartment,” would suffice. Responding rudely will ensure that no one ever tried to engage you in polite conversation again, if that’s your goal.
According to another list, vegetarians are tired of answering, “Where do you get your protein from?” That seems a legitimate question to ask, and a chance to educate people on how many plant products are excellent sources of protein and iron.
Any number of celebrities has their own list of things they are tired of being asked. If you are a person in the public eye, I could understand growing weary of it, and wanting to say, “Did you read my book? See my press conference? Catch me on ‘Ellen’?” It must be tiring. But I’m not a celebrity -- and I never hope to be one -- so if a person asks me a question, I can’t direct them to my Wikipedia page, or hand them my publicist’s business card.
My guess is that if you’re pagan, you have fielded a question or two -- or a thousand -- about your jewelry, your tattoos, your clothing, your books, your entire path, really. Sometimes it’s tempting to snap at the curious person. You might roll your eyes internally and think, “Ignoramus!” but that’s rather the point: they are ignorant. And a question, even if repetitive, poorly phrased, or posed in an unappealing tone of voice, is a chance to educate.
Give people the benefit of the doubt. It may be the tenth time you have heard the question, but it’s the first time they have asked it. Answering honestly and respectfully can change the way that person views you -- and other members of whatever your particular subset is -- for the rest of their lives. And that’s the way positive change happens -- one person at a time.
From Madness to Mindfulness with Jennifer Rasmussen
Gentle Reminders
Tuesday
4:00 p.m. - get ready for students
5:00 p.m. - one student
6:00 p.m. - two students
Friday
4:00 p.m. – one student
5:00 p.m. – three students
6:00 p.m. – three students
Then, a couple of weeks ago, enrollment was growing enough to warrant adding another day. My schedule now looked like the above plus:
Thursday
5:30 – get ready for students
6:00 – two students
Starting last week, students began showing up at 4 p.m. on Tuesdays when I previously had no student. Another student started coming at 5:30 instead of 5:00. Students who were supposed to come on Friday were coming on Tuesday (without giving me notice), and students who were supposed to come Friday were coming on Tuesday. Needless to say, I have been frazzled.
This past week a little voice in my head reminded me that I was not being mindful. I was attempting to control situations that I simply could not control. I was allowing the present situation to affect my mood. I was becoming upset and not being as effective as I could have been with my students. Once I took a few deep breaths I was able to accept the situation and work with it instead of against it.
The same holds true for my personal and spiritual lives. If things do not go according to plan, I get frustrated and upset, and I lose sight of the here and now because I am projecting. When I project or pre-live the future, I make myself think negatively and then I hold onto those thoughts, which allows depression to thrive. This causes my personal and spiritual lives to suffer.
Friday, I decided that things will only be chaotic if I allow them to be. By accepting things as they are, I open myself up to being in the moment. I have noticed that when I am in being mode instead of doing mode, things fall together.
I am thankful for this past week and its lesson. I had begun slacking off in my practice and this was the Universe’s way of bringing me back to the present. It is amazing what can happen when you remember to stop doing and just be.
The Good Greenwitch with Rhonda De Felice
Lamentable
So many dandelions this year! Giant and beautiful. My mint exploded, as everyone said it would. “Mint takes over.” Um, good, I want it to take over. The parsley reappeared on its own, the sage went hog wild, the oregano threatens to consume small children if they get too close, and the basil had to be planted again, but the weak-looking plants went mad, mad, MAD! So much stuff! I have way too much thyme on my hands.
And I SUCK at doing anything to preserve any of them.
I waited all winter and spring for that first pop-up of purslane. I danced in patches of chickweed, which were surprisingly, gratefully everywhere. I rejoiced over every golden dandie head. Plantain is a pure joy - huge and plentiful this year. I love my yard and I know the value of almost every “weed” out there. I make gallons of sun tea with a plethora of mint. I look at these things and know I need to get on drying them. Their time with me is short and I must seize the day. They won’t wait on me. They’ll do what they do and soon be gone.
Have I harvested mint? No. It went to flower. I can’t keep up with the basil; it wants to flower every time I turn around. I gave up on the oregano early on because I needed something for the bees. (They are grateful.) Fall will be here before I know it, and I will not have dried, frozen, pickled, or otherwise made into a tincture one single leaf.
What’s my deal? I have the know-how and the ability to look up what I don’t know! I have the desire. I HAVE THE PLANTS. What I don’t have is an answer as to why I cannot get around to doing anything! My husband keeps saying, “You need to do something with the mint.” I KNOW!
If you are waiting for some great revelation to break through by the end of this piece, please prepare to be disappointed. As I will be in December when I think how I could have my own dried mint leaves for a lovely hot cup of tea. I have no idea. Last year I was positive I would do it right this year. This does not seem to be the case. I’m open to outside guesses.
I regard my many green tomatoes with a bit of fear. What if they all turn red at once and I drop the ball on them, too? I’m not worthy. Of course, with the weird weather, I may be lucky if they ripen at all.
Time is fleeting. How can I be this aware and still be too lame to do anything about it? Please don’t be like me. Please be the brilliant herb-harvester I am in my dreams. Feel free to come by to rescue my plants from me and smack me upside the head while you do it. And that’s it. That’s all I got. Thanks for reading my lament.
The Witches' Cupboard with Autumn Earthsong
How to Dry Herbs and a Recipe!
As we just celebrated Lughnasadh/Lammas, the First Harvest, I have already hung all my herbs up to dry and thought I’d tell you how I do it. For me, it was actually my second harvest of some of my herbs, as they are having a great year with the wonderful weather we’ve had!
I like to harvest my herbs in the morning, when they are still covered in dew from the night. That way they aren’t dry or limp already when I cut them. If you want to dry them the way I do, you’ll need a pair of scissors or herb shears, a basket to hold them after you cut them, a big roll of twine or string, a pen, paper or labels, and some place ready to hang them. I hang them right from the ceiling in my kitchen, but I’ve seen some who hang them on peg boards, clothes drying racks, clotheslines strung across the ceiling of a porch, or garage or attic…whatever works for you.
When you cut your herbs, especially for the first harvest, you want to leave some behind so they can grow again…and they will! There is still plenty of summer left for it. Just bundle them up gently in your hand and snip until all the stalks are cut, leaving a few inches above the ground. You can, of course, just cut as much as you want to dry if you’re still using your herbs fresh as well.
Once you’ve cut, shake out the herb bundle to clear it of loose dirt and bugs. Yes, I’ve been known to bring all sorts of little crawlies into the house with my herbs. J If your herbs are really dirty (perhaps it’s rained and splashed dirt up on them), then you will want to give them a rinse, gently, in cool water to clean. Then, pat dry or allow them to dry before proceeding. If they don’t look too dirty, I leave them as is.
You will then want to remove all the leaves from the bottom inch or two from each stalk. Put all those bits and pieces from the bottom to dry in a basket…more on that later. This gives you a good place to wrap your twine or string. Now, some books say to only bundle 6 or so stalks, and that’s fine. I, however, wrap all of each herb together, no matter how big the bundle and they do just fine.
Cut a long strand of your twine (several feet). I leave about a 6 inch tail, hold it in my hand, and then start wrapping the string tight around the bundle several times. I add knots here and there within the wrapping as well. Then leaving another 6” or so tail, I put a final knot when I’m done wrapping.
I then take a piece of paper or label and write the name of the herb on it and perhaps the date. I hole-punch it, place it on the string, and then tie the two ends together to form a loop for hanging. Easy peasy!
Now do this to each bundle and hang them up. Each herb takes a different amount of time to dry but they are generally all dry in a couple of weeks. When you are ready, just strip the dried leaves and flowers off the stalks, jar them (or bag them), and label them and you have dried herbs for the winter to use in cooking, medicines, and of course Magick! I tend to leave some hanging all year round, as I just love the way they look hanging in my kitchen!
There are other ways to dry. Some people spread them out on screens in the Sun, some place them in baskets and turn them every couple of days, and some use a food dehydrator or oven. I don’t use those methods so I won’t speak to them.
However, remember those bits and pieces of herbs you have in the basket I suggested? I do leave those in the basket to dry. I set them outside on my table on my porch and just use my hands to turn and rotate them from time to time. Once they are good and dry, I throw them in my mortar, along with some resin and something woody to make a loose incense. Examples of a resin would be dragon’s blood resin,
frankincense, myrrh, copal and gum. Something woody would be white willow bark, cinnamon bark, pine bark, and star anise. Even small twigs will work. You need the wood to help flame the incense and you need the resin to slow the burning (not to mention, both add beautiful scent to your mixture). Grind it all up with your pestle and put it in jars or bags. You can then burn it using a charcoal in your cauldron at your altar. I’ve even been known to just throw the loose herbs on my fires whether outdoors or in.
Ok, so now that you have all those lovely dried herbs, I thought I’d give you another recipe to use them in to make a delicious herbed bread. This is an easy recipe and quick to make and sooooo good with hot soup or salad! Give it a try!
Rustic Herbed Bread
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 Tbsp sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dried sage
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried dill weed
3 Tbsp cold butter
1 egg
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp poppy seeds
In a large bowl, combine the first nine ingredients. Cut in butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. In another bowl, whisk the egg, yogurt, and milk. Stir into dry ingredients until just moistened.
Spoon into a 9-in. round baking pan coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with poppy seeds.
Bake at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into wedges.
Makes 10 servings.
*To make this bread healthier…you can substitute the cheese, yogurt and milk with fat free! It’s still good!
Happy harvesting!
Blessings and Love, Autumn
To read my blog visit www.autumnearthsong.com
To visit my herbal shop go to www.etsy.com/shop/verbenalaneshoppe
Saga's Spirit with Loren Morris
Today while I was thinking about what to make for the Stew craft, I realized that I had not made a bindrune craft in a while, and I thought that it would be a fun thing to make. Just the other day, I had picked up a couple of cheap leather crafting bracelets thinking that I could find something fun to make with them.
Leather Bindrune Bracelet for Wisdom and Insight
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Since we can all use wisdom and insight (the more the merrier, right?), I'll create a simple bindrune to help bring those.
This will be a simple and quick craft with simple activation incantation.
You will need:
A simple leather bracelet for crafting
A blade tool & remodeling spoon for leather
A small bit of red paint
I've picked the following runes:
Tiwaz- this one is for personal goal realization
Ansuz- for wisdom
Ingwaz-for common sense (the best type of wisdom)
To read more: http://sagascottage.blogspot.ca/2014/08/leather-bindrune-bracelet-for-wisdom.html
My spirit boards: http://lapuliabookofshadows.com/product-category/spirit-ouija-weejie-boards/
Broome Shtick with Rob Houcke
Broome Shtick' was born out of cartoonist Rob Houck's desire to hear less crickets at night, and more cackling witches. Check out more of his witchy/toony goodness on Facebook, and find out why the Reverend John Hale is saying, 'God save us all from Rob Houck.'
This Week in Astrology
Planets in Retrograde (Rx):
Weekly Horoscopes from AstroStyle
The Week at a Glance
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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!
This Week's Tarot Card: The King of Swords
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| Tarot of the Hidden Realm |
This card is a no-nonsense kind of energy that speaks with authority. Associated with air signs (Aquarius, Gemini, Libra), the King of Swords is the ultimate strategist. He is focused, direct and clever. He is driven by intellectual curiosity and pride and loves a battle of words. Not to worry, call upon this King for assistance. He will give you perfect clarity of thought, directness of action, and eloquence of speech.
Have a successful and productive week!
This Week's Totem: Ram
Ram has long been associated with leadership, power, force, drive and energy. Just take a look at the list of gods associated with ram:
Agni
Amun-Ra
Apollo
Baal
Cernnunos
Hermes
Indra
Zeus
Rams of the bighorn sheep family live above the timberline. They eat tender grasses and the flowers of certain herbs. Throughout the spring and summer they build up layers of fat and a thick coat which enables them to survive the winters.
The horns are a predominant feature of the ram. In individuals with this totem, they stimulate great mental activity. There is a curiosity and an active imagination that must be constantly fueled and that gets stronger with each passing year, just as the horns of the ram grow larger with each passing year.
The horns of the ram are weapons, a form of defense and a status symbol. They grow throughout the life of the animal, eventually forming a full curl or spiral. The spiral is a symbol of great creativity, and because it is associated with the head in the case of the ram, it has even more significance. For those with this totem, there will occur a new stimulation of mental faculties, imagination, and inspiration--along with the energy to act upon it. The Jewish people use a ram's horn to make their "shofars", which are blown during festivals and celebrations.
For those with this totem, autumn may bring a time for you to assert your strength and move to new challenges.
A ram can live to about 14 years of age, but the life expectancy decreases with the size of the horns. The larger the horns the more frequent the duels. The rings on the horn actually mark the age of the ram. The number 14 will be significant to those with this totem.
Bighorn sheep, like mountain goats, have toes that pinch. The hooves are covered with an elastic material that helps absorb the shocks and aid the grip. The joints of the sheep act as miniature shock absorbers when they make their great leaps down. The bighorn sheep only need a two-inch space to get a foothold.
This is very important for those with this totem. It is a reminder that the openings for new beginnings may be small, but if acted upon, they can be secured. Those with this totem must learn to trust in their ability to land safely on their feet as they make new moves and new beginnings.
Overall, the ram's message is to take the "bull by the horns" and make things happen. This is a totem of action and now is the time to do something.
Reminder: There are still slots open if you want to get in on this!
I am in need of car repairs, and I don't want to do a typical fundraiser. Instead, I want to do something fun. My friends jumped in to help me on this, and so I'm going to raise this money by doing an online raffle!
The Prize is worth $565.00 and here's what the winner will receive:
•A deluxe Tarot/Totem reading package from Secret Services
•An Italian leather journal with Size 5.5”x7.7”; Pages are acid-free/organic, blank.
•A signed copy of Samantha Curtin’s book, "Summer's Hollow"
•A beautiful Amethyst Pendant from Sosanna's Closet
•A lovely painted plaque from artist Loren Morris at Hemlock and Garnet
•A gorgeous hand-crafted wrap and hat set from Leave Them in Stitches
•Design 2: Basic Package JotForm integration plus Facebook or Etsy Package (winner's choice) from Exclusively Yours Designs
How it works:
There are 50 slots total.
Your buy-in is only $21.00 for a chance.
Send your money via PayPal to info@secret-services.net and I’ll put your name into the next available slot. Be sure your name is attached to the email address you send from!
When we fill that 50th slot, it’ll trigger the drawing.
You are welcome to buy-in to more than one chance, and sharing with friends is not only appreciated but welcomed, as it’ll make the raffle happen faster, and put me on the road again sooner.
The raffle will take place via random number generator and will be announced via the Secret Services Facebook page. (Disclaimer: Facebook does not endorse this raffle or Secret Services in any way).
You’re both helping me be mobile again, and getting a chance at a really great prize.
That's it for this week's Stew. Mull. Digest. Enjoy!
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