The origins of April Fools' Day are obscure. The most commonly cited theory holds that it dates from 1582, the year France adopted the Gregorian Calendar, which shifted the observance of New Year's Day from the end of March (around the time of the vernal equinox) to the first of January.
According to popular lore some folks, out of ignorance, stubbornness, or both, continued to ring in the New Year on April 1 and were made the butt of jokes and pranks on account of their foolishness. This became an annual tradition, according to this version of events, which ultimately spread throughout Europe.
A major weakness of the calendar-change theory is that it fails to account for an historical record replete with traditions linking this time of year to merriment and tomfoolery dating all the way back to antiquity.
The Romans, for example, celebrated a festival on March 25 called Hilaria, marking the occasion with masquerades and "general good cheer."
Holi, the Hindu "festival of colors" observed in early March with "general merrymaking" and the "loosening of social norms," is at least as old.
It seems reasonable to speculate that the calendrical changes of the 16th and 17th centuries served more as an excuse to codify the general spirit of frivolity already associated with the advent of spring than as a direct inspiration.
3/31/11
Merry Beltaine
The Return of the Sun
Beltaine is an anglicization of the Irish "Bealtaine" or the Scottish "Bealtuinn." While "tene" clearly means "fire," nobody really knows whether Bel refers to Belenus, a pastoral god of the Gauls, or is from "bel," simply meaning "brilliant." It might even derive from "bil tene" or "lucky fire" because to jump between two Beltane fires was sure to bring good fortune, health to your livestock, and prosperity.
When the Druids and their successors raised the Beltaine fires on hilltops throughout the British Isles on May Eve, they were performing a real act of magic, for the fires were lit in order to bring the sun’s light down to earth. In Scotland, every fire in the household was extinguished, and the great fires were lit from the need-fire which was kindled by 3 times 3 men using wood from the nine sacred trees. When the wood burst into flames, it proclaimed the triumph of the light over the dark half of the year.
Then the whole hillside came alive as people thrust brands into the newly roaring flames and whirled them about their heads in imitation of the circling of the sun. If any man there was planning a long journey or dangerous undertaking, he leaped backwards and forwards three times through the fire for luck. As the fire sunk low, the girls jumped across it to procure good husbands; pregnant women stepped through it to ensure an easy birth, and children were also carried across the smoldering ashes. When the fire died down, the embers were thrown among the sprouting crops to protect them, while each household carried some back to kindle a new fire in their hearth. When the sun rose that dawn, those who had stayed up to watch it might see it whirl three times upon the horizon before leaping up in all its summer glory.
The Rites of Spring
Beltaine was a time of fertility and unbridled merrymaking, when young and old would spend the night making love in the Greenwood. In the morning, they would return to the village bearing huge budding boughs of hawthorn (the may-tree) and other spring flowers with which to bedeck themselves, their families, and their houses. They would process back home, stopping at each house to leave flowers, and enjoy the best of food and drink that the home had to offer. In every village, the maypole—usually a birch or ash pole—was raised, and dancing and feasting began. Festivities were led by the May Queen and her consort, the King who was sometimes Jack-in-the-Green, or the Green Man, the old god of the wildwood. They were borne in state through the village in a cart covered with flowers and enthroned in a leafy arbor as the divine couple whose unity symbolized the sacred marriage of earth and sun.
To Celebrate Beltaine Today
Arise at dawn and wash in the morning dew: the woman who washes her face in it will be beautiful; the man who washes his hands will be skilled with knots and nets.
If you live near water, make a garland or posy of spring flowers and cast it into stream, lake or river to bless the water spirits.
Prepare a May basket by filling it with flowers and goodwill, then give it to one in need of caring, such as an elderly friend.
Beltaine is one of the three "spirit-nights" of the year when the faeries can be seen. At dusk, twist a rowan sprig into a ring and look through it, and you may see them.
Make a wish as you jump a bonfire or candle flame for good luck—but make sure you tie up long skirts first!
Make a May bowl —wine or punch in which the flowers of sweet woodruff or other fragrant blossoms are soaked—and drink with the one you love.
Beltaine is an anglicization of the Irish "Bealtaine" or the Scottish "Bealtuinn." While "tene" clearly means "fire," nobody really knows whether Bel refers to Belenus, a pastoral god of the Gauls, or is from "bel," simply meaning "brilliant." It might even derive from "bil tene" or "lucky fire" because to jump between two Beltane fires was sure to bring good fortune, health to your livestock, and prosperity.
When the Druids and their successors raised the Beltaine fires on hilltops throughout the British Isles on May Eve, they were performing a real act of magic, for the fires were lit in order to bring the sun’s light down to earth. In Scotland, every fire in the household was extinguished, and the great fires were lit from the need-fire which was kindled by 3 times 3 men using wood from the nine sacred trees. When the wood burst into flames, it proclaimed the triumph of the light over the dark half of the year.
Then the whole hillside came alive as people thrust brands into the newly roaring flames and whirled them about their heads in imitation of the circling of the sun. If any man there was planning a long journey or dangerous undertaking, he leaped backwards and forwards three times through the fire for luck. As the fire sunk low, the girls jumped across it to procure good husbands; pregnant women stepped through it to ensure an easy birth, and children were also carried across the smoldering ashes. When the fire died down, the embers were thrown among the sprouting crops to protect them, while each household carried some back to kindle a new fire in their hearth. When the sun rose that dawn, those who had stayed up to watch it might see it whirl three times upon the horizon before leaping up in all its summer glory.
The Rites of Spring
Beltaine was a time of fertility and unbridled merrymaking, when young and old would spend the night making love in the Greenwood. In the morning, they would return to the village bearing huge budding boughs of hawthorn (the may-tree) and other spring flowers with which to bedeck themselves, their families, and their houses. They would process back home, stopping at each house to leave flowers, and enjoy the best of food and drink that the home had to offer. In every village, the maypole—usually a birch or ash pole—was raised, and dancing and feasting began. Festivities were led by the May Queen and her consort, the King who was sometimes Jack-in-the-Green, or the Green Man, the old god of the wildwood. They were borne in state through the village in a cart covered with flowers and enthroned in a leafy arbor as the divine couple whose unity symbolized the sacred marriage of earth and sun.
To Celebrate Beltaine Today
Arise at dawn and wash in the morning dew: the woman who washes her face in it will be beautiful; the man who washes his hands will be skilled with knots and nets.
If you live near water, make a garland or posy of spring flowers and cast it into stream, lake or river to bless the water spirits.
Prepare a May basket by filling it with flowers and goodwill, then give it to one in need of caring, such as an elderly friend.
Beltaine is one of the three "spirit-nights" of the year when the faeries can be seen. At dusk, twist a rowan sprig into a ring and look through it, and you may see them.
Make a wish as you jump a bonfire or candle flame for good luck—but make sure you tie up long skirts first!
Make a May bowl —wine or punch in which the flowers of sweet woodruff or other fragrant blossoms are soaked—and drink with the one you love.
1/17/11
Oshun Spirit Doll
I, like many of you have found myself in need of some financial help, so I was doing some research on money/prosperity spells and came across a spell that mentioned Oshun, Goddess of love, intimacy, beauty, wealth, and diplomacy. Upon reading a bit about her, where else but wikipedia of course, anyway from her story I felt an immediate connection to her, and decided that my money spell would involve her in some way.Then I was reading a spell about a money doll that you could make and carry with you to bring you the finances you need. So I combined them both and wanted to share it with you. So here are the pictures and the instructions if you are so inclined to make one for yourself.
Supplies: Wire (I used 16 ga. for this doll), Hemp Cord, Tacky Glue, & Small square of fabric, some pliers - with cutting edge, and some patience.
Start by cutting 4" of wire, and another 2" for the arms. Fold the 4" wire in half and squeeze it tightly together as shown.
To hold the hemp in place while you begin wrapping it I just squeezed it between the two legs and held it there. I began wrapping the neck, and then went into the head area.
But before you begin wrapping I found that the entire strand of hemp was too thick so I was able to split it into two strands, as shown here.
Once you have the wrapped, move down to the arms and lay the 2" wire across the chest and wrap them on using an X pattern. Once the chest is wrapped go down the legs, I wrapped the legs with a couple of strands to make them a bit thick. Then I wrapped the arms and I went back and forth over the chest a couple of times just because I felt like it. :)
I used a bit of Tacky glue to keep the ends down, and then I used the pliers and curled up the hands and feet. Ta Da! My spirit doll was done, sort of.
Now for the dress, I cut a bit of fabric and just used Oshun to measure the size, then I folded the fabric in half and cut a small opening for her head to fit through. Next I put her dress on her folded the front around her body and brought the back around her front. To hold it in place I wrapped a different color of hemp cord around her waist for a belt.
And now she is done!
10/17/10
Infant Gifting Ceremony
Supplies: General altar setup, four elements, illuminator candles (God & Goddess candles); a new baby blanket; 8 13" ribbons. Sew the ribbons carefully onto the blanket while thinking of what they stand for. Each color represents a special gift:White - The gift of Spiritual success and free will, and purification of Spirit.
Silver - The gift of psychism and the love of the Goddess
Blue - The gift of communication and intelligence.
Green - The gift of healing and attunement with nature.
Yellow - The gift that all needs will be met in a positive way and that joy be a constant companion.
Gold - The gift of wisdom and discernment.
Red - The gift of courage, laughter, and right action.
Purple - The gift of communication with your guardian.
Ceremony
Touch the baby with blessed water saying:
May you be cleansed, consecrated, and regenerated in the name of our Lord and Lady (or Spirit).
May your feet always walk the path of love and enlightenment. So Mote It Be.
Pass the four elements over the baby, asking each for love and empowerment.
Wrap the baby in the blanket and say:
Welcome back little one!
May the Mothers blessings shower you with the love of family and friends by my hand on your head I empower you in this Circle that never ends.
I give you these gifts of life and enchantment: (say each gift and touch the baby with the ribbon)
Draw a pentacle over the baby saying:
These gifts are yours to keep or to discard when you come of age to understand them.
May you use them wisely.
So Mote It Be!
Elemental Blessings
Blessed be your breath.
May your breathing be deep and relaxed.
May you breath in power with every breath you take.
Blessed be each breath you take.
Blessed be the Fire inside you.
May your will be unbroken.
And may it be as strong as Fire, and as supple.
May your passions burn truly and free.
Blessed be your Fire, may it burn strong.
Blessed be the waters of your life.
May your blood be strong.
May the flow from your loin be joyful and fertile.
May your communication come easily and be heard clearly.
Blessed be all your life-waters.
Blessed be the earth of your body.
May your muscles be strong and fearless.
May your heart beat with love, soul, vigor, and courage.
Blessed be your body which is the body of a God/dess.
Blessed be your Spirit.
May you always have health in Spirit.
May you be whole.
May your Spirit guide you throughout your journey.
Blessed be your Spirit.
Both of these were borrowed from other sources, if you would like to know the sources please send me an email and I will be glad to share them with you.
10/16/10
Powerful Message
I see homeless people everywhere here everyday, and I always say a blessing for them, and I always wish that I was in a better position to help them. I understand that some of them don't want help, but there are some that do. I wish that I could give them the kind of help they need, like education, or the tools that they need to get themselves out of the situation they are in.
I hope that someday everyone has the chance to give something to a homeless person, and I don't mean just money, they need more than money, they need education, understanding, and people who can teach them how to manage their situations better.
May all the Gods and Goddesses bless each homeless person, and give them hope to keep them going.
Lyrics to Under Pressure
Umm boom bah day
umm boom bah bay
umm bah boom bah bay day
Pressure, pushing down on me
Pressing down on you, no man asks for
Under Pressure
That burns a building down
Splits a family in two
Puts people on streets
Umm bah bah bay
Umm bah bah bay
Ea day da
Ea day da
That's okay!
It's the terror of knowing
What this world is about
Watching some good friends
Screaming let me out
Pray tomorrow takes me higher
Pressure on people
People on streets
Day day day
Umm... Buh da bah bah bah
O-kay!
Chippin' around
Kick my brains 'round the floor
These are the days
It never rains but it pours
Ea doe bay dup
Ea da doe bah bup
Ea doe bup
Bay lup
People on streets
Ea da dea da day
People on streets
Ea da dea da dea da dea da...
It's the terror of knowing
What this world is about
Watching some good friends
Screaming let me out
Pray tomorrow takes me higher-higher-high...
Pressure on people
People on streets
Turned away from it all
Like a blind man
Sat on the fence but it don't work
Keep coming up with love
But it's so slashed and torn
(Why, why, whhhhhyyyy??)
Love love love love
Insanity laughs under pressure we're cracking
Can't we give ourselves one more chance?
Why can't we give love that one more chance?
Why can't we give love give love give love?
Give love give love give love give love give love
Cause love's such an old fashioned word
And love dares you to care
For the people on the edge of the night
And love dares you to change our way
Of caring about ourselves
This is our last dance
This is ourselves under pressure
Under pressure
Pressure
10/12/10
I have a solution to all your meditation problems, well ok so it works for me, and I really hope that it will work for you.
I have tried all forms of meditation, guided meditation, un-guided, listening to meditation cd's, reading about how to meditate, they are all great resources, but my problem is that I can't seem to get my mind to be still and be quiet.
When I start meditating I find that I am fighting a losing battle with my mind by trying to keep it focused on being still. It's frustrating and annoying and I eventually just give up and go do whatever it is my mind kept thinking about.
So I tried something different the other day, and the result was very interesting, instead of trying to keep my mind still and quiet, I simply allowed it to roam where it wanted, but I did slow it down considerably by examining each thought as it came along.
Let me explain a bit more, I was sitting there with my meditation music playing, my insence burning, and total quiet throughout the house. I told myself that this was going to be a different type of meditation and that I was going to examine each thought that came up, and see why it was that my mind decided to show me that.
So I sat there and the first thought that came up was one of the projects that I have set aside lately, I thought that I really should get busy and get it finished, but then I wanted to examine that a bit more so I started trying to remember why it was I had set it aside in the first place. Was I missing something that it needed like a ribbon, button, or some sort of other embellishment? No that wasn't it, turns out I am not as skilled in that craft as I would like to be and I had reached a point in that project where I really needed to figure out how I wanted proceed with it in order for it to look like it should. I began examining ways that could I complete the project, like if I were to sew here, or cut there, or maybe fold this way or that, the wedding dress for my daughter might turn out better than expected.
Before I knew it I had been sitting there thinking about this one project for an hour. I had been able to make my mind be still and focus on one thing long enough to figure out a possible solution to a problem that I hadn't even acknowledged yet.
That I found was very therapuetic in itself, and I have since begun to do this on a daily basis, and I have found that my mind always knows just what to bring up first.
As for my daughter's wedding dress, now the only problem I am having in completing it is finding the time to work on the solutions that I came up with. :)
If you try this and it works please come back and let me know, I am very interested in the results that you will get from it.
Alright if you can make it work for yourself, I will have to develop it more and teach it in my Witch Craft 101 classes. So please come back and let me know how it works for you.
Blessed Be,
Lewella
I have tried all forms of meditation, guided meditation, un-guided, listening to meditation cd's, reading about how to meditate, they are all great resources, but my problem is that I can't seem to get my mind to be still and be quiet.
When I start meditating I find that I am fighting a losing battle with my mind by trying to keep it focused on being still. It's frustrating and annoying and I eventually just give up and go do whatever it is my mind kept thinking about.
So I tried something different the other day, and the result was very interesting, instead of trying to keep my mind still and quiet, I simply allowed it to roam where it wanted, but I did slow it down considerably by examining each thought as it came along.
Let me explain a bit more, I was sitting there with my meditation music playing, my insence burning, and total quiet throughout the house. I told myself that this was going to be a different type of meditation and that I was going to examine each thought that came up, and see why it was that my mind decided to show me that.
So I sat there and the first thought that came up was one of the projects that I have set aside lately, I thought that I really should get busy and get it finished, but then I wanted to examine that a bit more so I started trying to remember why it was I had set it aside in the first place. Was I missing something that it needed like a ribbon, button, or some sort of other embellishment? No that wasn't it, turns out I am not as skilled in that craft as I would like to be and I had reached a point in that project where I really needed to figure out how I wanted proceed with it in order for it to look like it should. I began examining ways that could I complete the project, like if I were to sew here, or cut there, or maybe fold this way or that, the wedding dress for my daughter might turn out better than expected.
Before I knew it I had been sitting there thinking about this one project for an hour. I had been able to make my mind be still and focus on one thing long enough to figure out a possible solution to a problem that I hadn't even acknowledged yet.
That I found was very therapuetic in itself, and I have since begun to do this on a daily basis, and I have found that my mind always knows just what to bring up first.
As for my daughter's wedding dress, now the only problem I am having in completing it is finding the time to work on the solutions that I came up with. :)
If you try this and it works please come back and let me know, I am very interested in the results that you will get from it.
Alright if you can make it work for yourself, I will have to develop it more and teach it in my Witch Craft 101 classes. So please come back and let me know how it works for you.
Blessed Be,
Lewella
10/10/10
Invocation Pele
Pele is the Hawaiian Goddess of Fire, lightening, dance, and volcanoes. Invoke her to tend your internal flame.
Aloha! Pele!
Come and be with us.
Come and be with us as we invoke your power and protection. From you we learn of the power of creation and destruction, and how both are necessary for the continuation of life. You show us how new life is born from new land.
From you we learn the power of acceptance of your will. We learn how to accept the changes we are given knowing that new opportunities arise out of new circumstances, if only we are aware and ready to take advantage of them.
From you we learn the power of anger released. We learn the power of our anger unleashed, and how it can destroy everything in our path, guilty and innocent alike. We ask you for the wisdom to use our anger constructively, and to release it, today, into your hot water.
From you we learn the power of patience. The power of the sleeping volcano. The power of waiting. We learn that patience can replace anger. That patience can prevent anger. That patience can release anger.
Help us to release the anger we have stored inside us. Help us to release it into your hot water warmed from the center of the earth. Help us to ground ourselves in your energy, the molten lava energy of the very center of the Earth.
Help us to not harm others with our anger, and help us not to harm ourselves with our anger, understanding that words are powerful, and never meaningless, and that those we lover, as well as ourselves, are harmed by unnecessary anger unleashed uncontrolled.
Help us to not harm others with our anger, and help us not to harm ourselves with our anger, understanding that words are powerful, and never meaningless, and that those we lover, as well as ourselves, are harmed by unnecessary anger unleashed uncontrolled.
Help us to find the patience and understanding to not rage at small things. Help us to find the wisdom to deal with our righteous anger with compassion, not hatred.
Help us to release our anger harmlessly, as we feel your Earth power flowing through us.
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