Mediaeval Babes "Undrentide"

An Update

Well, I'm hoping that the employment drought will soon be over. I have a job interview this Tuesday for a salon that's opening up a new shop. I saw their ad on Kijiji last Monday & quickly emailed off my CV. They called me this afternoon & set up an interview for this Tuesday. Yay!!

There was an Imbolg ritual this evening. I didn't go to that, but I am planning on doing my own, privately at home. It's also the Full Moon, I am going to do my ritual tonight after I post this. I'm going to ask the Goddess to guide me with my job interview. I wrote down what I want for this job, from salary expectations, to flexibility with my schedule with my son. Hopefully, the Great Mother will see that I will no longer be jobless. It's only been 2 months, but that's 2 months too long in my books.

I was busy this week doing hair out of my home. I have a couple of friends who came by this week to get their hair cut & flat-ironed. On Lisa's hair, I flat-ironed hers first, as she has very curly hair and then proceeded to give her a trim & put some shape back into her hair. Karen came the next day for a whole new look. She had a basic, all one length bob, to her shoulders. It wasn't really doing anything to her face, but over-power it. I gave her an inverted bob (A frame, asymmetrical bob, etc). I took off about 4-5" off the back, cutting at her hairline at the nape and gradually tapering longer towards the front. I also snuck in some subtle layers to take off some heaviness off her hair on the sides. Now, Karen normally doesn't wear a bang, but a gave her a long side-swept bang that she can tuck behind her ear. Now, stupid me, forgot to take before & after pix of both haircuts. They turned out bomb!! It was a great boost to my ego the reactions I got from both ladies. My former boss thought I should get out of hairdressing, saying I was terrible at it. I just didn't live up to his standards, I guess, but it was enough for me to doubt myself.

I also joined a group on my YoVille game. You can join clubs with like-minded individuals. This one is called, "The Goddess Sanctuary" We are a group of about 7 Witches/Pagans who get together and discuss various topics. Last night's was about grounding & meditation. We all buddy up so we can get together easily. I guess I have inspired some ladies of the group with my virtual ritual room I made in my apt there. It's an indoor garden with a waterfall. I'm glad to see others making ponds, stone circles, etc, as their own way of communing with the Goddess online. I guess this is my way of planting things, in an online garden, nothing dies on me...Lol!!

Anyway, I see that the Moon is in view now, so I shall commune with Lady Luna. May the Goddess bless you tonight with the power of the Moon

Love & Light
Rowan
)O(

Confusion

I've been catching up on a lot of reading, as of late, hence that's why I hardly posted. I was distracted by YoVille on Facebook, but now I got what I needed to get done there, I decided to read. Been reading some of the books I have on my shelf that I bought months ago. I bought them because I felt drawn to them, others, that were recommended for me to read. A lot of the subject matter was Green Witchery. No, not just about being environmentally conscious (which is a great thing to be) but about growing plants and living with nature. Growing your own plants/herbs/flowers. A few of these books were heavily encouraged (see, pushed on) by someone who is no longer a friend. This is what she was interested in. She tried to get me to follow what she was into. I read these books, which were good, but when it comes to growing things, I do not have a green thumb, it's more a beige thumb. Everything I try to grow, ends up dying within a few weeks. Ok, I did manage to successfully grow catgrass last year, but that was about it. Even if I go to a nursery to buy plants, they die in a matter of weeks, even when I do what they told me to do to keep them living.

I've also been reading about Hedgewitchery, something that I find interesting. But again, I'm getting discouraged, my meditations are all wonky, as of late. I can't seem to concentrate on keeping my mind quiet. I had this problem when starting with meditations last year, but over came them back in the summer. Now, I'm back to square one. Does this happen to you as well?? I miss the communion I was having with my guides in the Otherworld. I never thought I would be able to go there, but I had just started when my mind wouldn't stop chatting. Argh!! It's frustrating!! Was I ready to travel there??

Another topic I've been reading about is solitary witchcraft. There are a lot of books out there and the newest one I got last week was by Marion Green. I read it, thought it was a good book, there were some things in it that sounded interesting. It's a sort of "beginner" book if you're new to the craft, but it also lets the adept see things in a new light. I read it through once & now I'm going through it again, as suggested, and reading the suggested reading. The only thing is: I can't find any books by Dion Fortune. I know they are suggested reading, but her books come up a lot when I'm reading. I want to see why they are so special.

I got confused when reading this book, it opened up a vault of info about different paths, healing, divination, hedgewitchery, joining a coven. These are things I have been trying to decide what to do. I know I should feel drawn to something, but I'm not sure which path. Divination is the closest, as I have been reading the Tarot for 18 yrs now. I am trying Runes, but they are hard!!! I know this is something I have to decide for myself, but it's like having to choose between chocolate, great sex and Robert Pattinson (yes, I have a thing for him), can't I have it all?? Oy Vey!!

Avatar

Have you ever had a movie that moved you so much that you cried?? Of course, we all have. I did this quite recently at the theatre. I did get a few looks from other movie-goers. Not because I was bawling during the movie, but I was still crying as I walked out. "Avatar" was this kind of movie for me, as well as many other Pagans out there who have seen it.

I did have the unfortunate opportunity in seeing it just regular, but I'm going this Wed. to see it again the way it was supposed to be seen...IMAX 3D!! Oh yeah!! I'm going to back to Pandora and treat myself to the visual wonder of that planet (and Sam Worthington). I also think it's a good movie for those new to Paganism for the whole visualizing of the Earth's energy when you ground & meditate. Am I telling too much?? Let's just say, I want a halo, too.

It's roughly 2h40min, but you get so immersed in it, that you feel by the time it's over, you just got there. Besides Pandora being a visual wonder, the animals & creatures are just as stunning. In fact, it's the animals that give you the first inkling of how Pagan this movie is...Oops, did I do it again?? I know that there has been a lot of rave reviews, but there have been a lot of negative backlash from those crazy-ass right wingers, but I won't get into it here.

I do have one more thing to say: Go see it if you haven't or Go see it again if you have.

Love & Light from the Na'Vi
Rowan
)O(

Women of Witchcraft Tribute

Saw this on my friend, Sandy's profile. Thought I'd share it with you. Enjoy:

Bridghid's Crown

I found this while surfing. I'm going to make this with my little man, since I have to use his construction paper & crayons for this. I think we'll use it as a centerpiece on the dining table instead of trying to wear it. I found this over at Free Pagan Crafts

Construction paper in 4 colours, two of which are red and yellow
Crayons
Scissors
Glue

Cut a two inch strip of paper, long enough to wrap around your child's head, plus two inches. Your child can decide what colour to make his/her crown.

Cut out 6-10 thin rectangles for the candles. 8 works well but it depends upon the size of the candles.

Using yellow construction paper, cut out as many flames as you need to top the candles. We then use the red construction paper and cut out a smaller flame to fit inside of the yellow. This is a matter of choice. Glue the flames to the candles and then glue the candles around the headband.

I'll try to post pix, if I remember to, to show you how it turned out. ☺

What's new

Oh, I've been a distracted little witch this week. I've been on Facebook playing one of their apps, called YoVille. It's a virtual little town where you go to work, earn coins to buy furniture for you apt, or buy a house, decorate, trade gifts with other YoVillians (nickname). I have a ritual room in my apt and I traded for a cauldron this week. It was a leftover Hallowe'en decoration. If you're on this app, look me up, I'm Silverstar.

Okey-dokey, I bought myself a couple of belated birthday gifts last week. I got a sterling silver Triple moon pendant, that has a moonstone in it. I also bought myself a sterling silver Pentacle ring.. I took some pix of my witchy jewellry which I'll share with you all:

My Pentacle ring

My Lucky Charms

My Ankh

My Pentacle necklace w/ moon phases


My Greenman on a black ribbon

My Spiral necklace

Into the Mystic

I know I really haven't posted a lot this week, been a little pre-occupied with things. My apt got new windows & a new front door, so I really couldn't leave my place or go on the pc (too much noise to concentrate).

On Monday I went out with my friends, Lisa & Julia to go get our Tea Leaves read at Into the Mystic. It's another Pagan store over in Dartmouth, we missed going there on our last roadtrip. When we got there, we found out that the lady who does the Tea Leaves was out on vacation til next week. The owner, Donna, said she reads Russian cards, so we opted for that instead. The shop also has a tea room where we sat & had a cup before our readings. Lisa got a coconut chai, Julia got the chocolate chai & me...well, I could make up my mind, all the teas smelled delicious. I ended up making my decision based on a tied & true method: Eenie, meenie, miney, moe. I had the chocolate chai, too.

Lisa went first with Donna up to the loft that overlooks the shop. They have 2 Arabesque tents where they do readings in. While she was getting her reading done, Julia & I sat & enjoyed our tea, chatting, playing with a magnetic pendulum board & perusing the shop. I found a lot more goodies that I want to get next time I'm out there.

About a 1/2 hr later, Lisa came down & Julia went up for her reading. During her reading, a few customers came in wanting to go upstairs to see the tents, but couldn't as there was a reading going on. Another lady (a regular customer?) came in & got a tea and chatted with the other employee who was cleaning the jewellry. When Julia came down, this lady went up for her reading. I was miffed that she "butted" in the queue. They only do readings from noon til 4pm and it was already after 3pm.

A little while later, even though it felt like forever, they came down, Donna made more tea for us & took me upstairs for my reading. I never saw cards like the ones she had. They were gorgeous!! She said she's been reading them for 25 yrs. The cards are a little tricky to describe, but I'll try anyway. Each card has 4 halves of a picture, the card is divided up with an X shape. After all the cards are laid out onto the table, it becomes like a matching game. You make up a complete picture by moving adjacent cards to complete an image. The cards have to be beside each other or on top of each other, no diagonal matching. Does this make sense?? Donna said that an average reading yields about 4-5 images, I had 6. The interpretation of the images' position, whether reversed, rightside, or sideways give a whole new meaning. I had a good reading, even though my 1st card was in reverse. It was an Anchor,meaning instability, but all the other cards came up excellent. I even got a money card!! That means that money is coming my way, but it's money like a bonus, not like winning the lottery. I enjoyed my reading. I won't post all the cards & the meanings, as that would take a lot of time & you have better things to do than read my reading...lol!!

After that, she read my palm, too, as she is learning how to read them. I have a really great lifeline, very strong then it gradually fades away under my Mound of Venus. I don't know too much about Palmistry, I may have to look into that form of divination, as it is uncharted territory.

So that was my reading from last Monday. I had fun hanging out with Julia & Lisa. Great girls they are (I know they read this so I better be good ;-) LOL!! )

Facebook Fan Page

Yes, I did it. I started a fan page on Facebook. There will be discussions, photos, links, etc, all relating to this blog. I have a Facebook badge that will take you right to it. If you get the chance to become a fan of Candles & Wicks.

Blessings,
Rowan
)O(

Imbolg Incense

For thousands of years, we've been burning dried plants and berries in our homes or outside, as part of ritual. When Imbolg rolls around, we've been cooped up in the house for a couple of months, and although we know spring is around the corner, it's not quite close enough for us to get out and enjoy just yet. Make up a batch of Imbolg incense that combines the scents of the season with the anticipation of the warmer weather to come.

Before you begin making your incense, first determine what form you’d like to make. You can make incense with sticks and in cones, but the easiest kind uses loose ingredients, which are then burned on top of a charcoal disc or tossed into a fire. This recipe is for loose incense, but you can always adapt it for stick or cone recipes.

As you mix and blend your incense, focus on the intent of your work. This particular recipe is one which evokes the scents of a chilly winter night, with a hint of spring florals. Use it during a ritual, if you like, or as a smudging incense to purify a sacred space. You can also toss some into your fire just to make the house smell like the Imbolg season.

You’ll need:

• 2 parts cedar
• 2 parts frankincense
• 1 part pine resin
• 1 part cinnamon
• 1 part orange peel
• 1/2 part rose petals

Add your ingredients to your mixing bowl one at a time. Measure carefully, and if the leaves or blossoms need to be crushed, use your mortar and pestle to do so. As you blend the herbs together, state your intent. You may find it helpful to charge your incense with an incantation or chant as you blend it. Store your incense in a tightly sealed jar. Make sure you label it with its name and date. Use within three months, so that it remains charged and fresh.

~Courtesy of About.com:Paganism/Wicca

Rowan Faery ~ Teresa Moorey

The rowan faery is strong and protective, yet feminine and very magical. Norse myth tells that the first woman was formed from a rowan, while the ash formed the first man. Rowan is reported to have saved the life of the god Thor by bending over a swift river where he was drowning and enabling him to pull himself out. The Druids used incense made from rowan wood to conjure spirits, yet the rowan faery has such a grounding influence that she can connect you with the Otherworld while keeping you firmly in this world. Rowan protects against superstition and fosters a positive attitude. The rowan is planted near homes, for protection and insight.

The rowan faery is one of the most helpful of all, for she values the matters of this world and seeks to establish a connection with the subtle realms. She repels intruders firmly, yet invites interchange between the realms of being. Rowan is very powerful near stone circles and barrow-mounds, for her abilities are enchanced in these places. Her power will come with you if you carry rowan berries in your pocket, to where the water meets the land--and this can inspire you to write poetry.

**Courtesy of Margaret Mullins**

January: New Year, New Beginnings

Today is the FORMAL celebration the Roman God Janus, Rome named this month after Janus himself. But who was he?

Well there’s the hard but easy part because like most deities, their legends and lore grow and change overtime. However, some of the earliest stories concerning this God say that he is the oldest of all and that he brought forth the sun by throwing open the Gates of Heaven each and every day. Because of this, he became the God of all passageways and doors. In fact, whenever Romans built a door, they carved dedications into it to Janus.

When drawn, just like on the Roman coin, Janus was shown as having two faces. One that looked into the future and one that looked into the past.

The Story of Me

Well, this journey all started 36 yrs ago when I entered this world at 1:52am AST. I was born in a small town hospital by the doctor who is still my family's doctor. I am the youngest of 3, the 2nd daughter. I have a brother who's the middle child.

I was named after my uncle who was killed 3 wks after my older sister was born. She was supposed to have this name, but my mom named her something else. My uncle was a little ticked & made my mom promise the next daughter would be named for the 2 of them. She kept that promise, but she did consider calling my Trudy, for a name (ugh!).

So, after a few hours of labour, I came into this world making a huge racket and things haven't changed. On Saturday, January 5, 1974 at 1:52am ADT, weighing 8lbs 6oz, Beverley Anne Nickerson entered into the world. I have the male spelling of the name, Beverley and my middle name is after my mom's, Anna, just drop the 'a' & add an 'e'.

Every year, I either stay up to see my birthday or I set the alarm a few minutes beforehand to be awake to turn another year older. This year, I will probably stay awake. I do this also for my son's birthday in July. He was born at 1:35am AST.

I'm not sure if I'll be on tomorrow, I have some plans to go out with a new friend to go Pagan shopping, then I have my son for dinner, where we'll eat copious amounts of chocolate cake. I hope you all have a wonderful day tomorrow. I hope that the Great Mother blesses you all. That is my birthday wish.

Love & Light!!
Rowan
)O(

Blue Moon Water

So, the other night, during the 2nd full moon of Dec. I did what I usually do, set out a jar of water to be blessed by the light of the moon. Thursday night was extra special as it was a Blue Moon. My usual glass bottle was full, so I did have to settle for a glass spaghetti jar to have my water blessed. I set it before heading off to bed. When I awoke yesterday morning, I went outside in the cold to retrieve it. Of course, it had frozen overnight. The crystal pattern inside was amazing!! Here are 2 pix of my special 'Moon Water":

Candlemas Hot Cocoa

I found this recipe in the 2010 Llewellyn Sabbats Almanac. I made it yesterday to see....as Rachael Ray would say, "Oh, my gravy!!" This warms you up inside & out, must be the cinnamon. Here's the recipe:

1tsp dried fennel
1/2C water
1/2C sugar
1/3C unsweetened cocoa
1/2tsp cinnamon
3C heavy cream
1/2tsp vanilla extract (real is best, but artificial will do)

In a small bowl, gently crush the fennel with the back of a spoon. Combine the next 4 ingredients with the fennel in a medium saucepan. Cook over med. heat, stirring constantly, until the cocoa is completely dissolved. Reduce the heat & simmer for about 5 minutes, occasionally stirring. Add the cream & simmer, again, for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the vanilla & simmer for 2 minutes. Pour into mugs, serves about 4-6. You can also add a shot of Sambuca if you like, the fennel was enough licorice taste for me. Top it off with large marshmallow or a dollup of whipped cream.

Imbolg Postings

Well, another year has past & a new one has arrived. I spent my day de-decorating my place, as my son is at his father's. This has always been a tradition in my family to take down our holiday decorations on the 1st day of January. When I was still living at my parents', we always did it with the Tournament of Roses Parade on TV in the background. We would occasionally stop to glance at the wonderfully decorated floats, going along the road in Pasadena, CA. I could never get over seeing the sun shining bright, looking like summer on the TV. Today, the air was chilly, the sky was overcast and as I took things down & packed them away, the snow started. Fast forward to 4 hours later, the snow is still coming down ever so gently. There is a calm in the air.

I got an email last night from my friend, Lisa, I had posted on my Facebook that Imbolg was only 32 days away. She sent me a link to a video from Lisa Thiel. So, that got me started. I know we just finished with Yule/Solstice, but as we all know, Sabbats occur every 6 weeks. I dug around in my BOS for some info on this Sabbat. I have tons of stuff on it, that I will be adding as it gets closer. I have recipes, chants, lore, crafts, etc. It was my 1st major Sabbat that I observed last year. I have plans for making a wreath this year to hang on my new front door. I will be posting a new slideshow in the upper right-hand corner with some beautiful Imbolg images I've been collecting throughout the year.

I am a blogger who will be trying to post at least once a day, but if I miss a day...no worries. That's why I have a button about "Blogging without Obligation" I don't do the whole automated blogging. It's not me. It's an impersonal way to blog. You can copy & paste info months ahead and on a scheduled date, it magickally appears. There's no personality to it. If you do it, good for you, but I think blogs should have a bit of you in it. Automated blogging is a lazy way of blogging, in my opinion. I can see using once & a while, but for all your postings??

Anyway, I'm sitting at my pc, sipping my Cranberry Green Tea, watching the snow fall. What a perfect way to start the new year off. I hope that you all had a most Blessed New Year's last night and that the Blue Moon energized your spirit.

Love & Light!! )O(
Rowan

Song To Bridghid - Lisa Thiel