Beltane Rite

Blessed Beltane.

As promised here is a breakdown of how I celebrated the holiday.
I had work all of May Day, so all of my ritual was performed on Beltane Eve.

Firstly I collected my supplies;

And I began to set my ritual space.
Due to not owning our own house yet, I could not have a full Beltane Bonfire! (One day...One day...)
So, I gathered a collection of candles in a circle, to represent the fires of Beltane.
Fire is a huge part of this rite, as is the Sun God.
The fires of Beltane are said to hold healing, magical properties. For thousands of years, people have jumped the bonfire flames, to rid themselves of illness, to receive mental clarity, or simply to make a wish.

Light all but one candles, and set your incense going.
Cast your circle.

Meditate a little, and ground yourself here.
A common tradition for those not living in towns with pagan traditions is to make their own mini maypole.
The maypole represents the union of the Lord and Lady of the Greenwood, and dancers take ribbons and dance around the pole intertwining them around the pole.

To make my own, I set out this morning with the sun beaming down on me, to the nearby woodland, and collected an appropriate size stick.
Then coming home I collected my ribbons.
Now in this sacred space I've made, I set about wrapping these ribbons around my chosen stick. My mind truly focused on the task, the braiding of the ribbons a therapeutic rhythm.

With this completed, I can set my maypole aside.
Now rise.
And dance in my circle. If you decide to do this ritual; Don't feel silly, or embarrassed, just dance freely. Put on music if you have to, or if you're outside, sense the rhythm of the earth.
Dance for as long as you feel comfortable, and smile while you do so.

Sitting back at my candles, I began to chant.

" I dance delight
On Beltanes Night.
All senses freeing,
I dance for being.
Sun, embrace the earth, Bright
I ask you with this Rite."

I light my one remaining candle in the name of the Sun God, and drink from a chalice of Wine in the name of the Goddess.

And to close my rite, I jumped my candle DIY bonfire, and made a wish!

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Something like this could easily be tailored to your own Beltane celebration.

Enjoy.
Much Love,
Jade

xx

Yuletide

Yule.
My second favourite holiday!
The winter solstice, and the days of Yule represent the shortest day of the year. It is a festival of bright lights and fire, in the middle of the darkest season.
Most people whatever their religion, now accept that the 25th of December is not Jesus's birthday - and even more people view it as a commercial way of money making by companies, which may be true, but it does not diminish the ancient rites of a pagan festival...which as far as we can tell is where 'Christmas' descends from.

So Yule, to most witches, falls on the 21st of December. The word Yule, and the general festivities, relate back to Germanic paganism, with the first recorded use of the name Yuletide being found in 1475. In it's earliest form the term yule, or yuletide, was significant to a 12 day festival in the month of December, or sometimes just a referral term for the month itself.

As with most of Witch tradition, the true origins and rites are rather jumbled - but the general belief is that the days of Yule, are a celebratory festival during the Winter festival, rejoicing in the rebirth of the SUN, and/or the Great Horned God.

In simple terms, you are thanking the gods/goddess that you have survived a long hard winter, and are joyful that the sun is being reborn. The longest night is behind you, and their is hope.

So as a witch, you might ask why I have so many christmas related things in my household. A decorated tree? mistletoe? holly and ivy?
Why do I cook so many rich, cinnamon treats, and yule logs endlessly all month?

You might be surprised to learn some of their origins, and how they date back to our wonderful pagan and druid ancestors.

A Tree

That possibly tacky thing in the corner of the living room, covered in twinkling lights, and brightly coloured baubles, actually has some deep seated roots!
The evergreen tree was sacred to the Celts, because it did not die! Its boughs became a symbol of the eternal divine. Your gods and nature have not abandoned you, when all the greenery around you cannot penetrate the hard earth. Bringing full trees into your house is a more recent tradition, but it held the same basic priniciple. This tree would live the winter, and so would you, and when the sun returned to the earth, you would replant the tree back to nature. 


Mistletoe

Druids revered the oak tree, and the mistletoe that grew from it. During the winter when all other signs of nature had vanished, the green twigs of mistletoe and their white berries, were seen as a sign of eternal fertility.
They travelled far, and climbed high for this mistletoe to clear couples of infertility.
Often hung over their doorways, over the years we have developed the tradition of kissing beneath it.
So...don't kiss too passionately, now you know the supposed effects ;)

Yule Log

Originally not a scrummy, chocolate cake at all!
Can you believe?!
The Yule log was just that, a log. Harvested with your own hands, and placed in the fireplace. The log would be decorated, for the season, and then put in the fire as the main kindling, at winters end. The fire here, representing the newborn sun.
Nowadays, what with fireplaces being hard to come by. Many witches, use their yule log as a base for three candles. The candles still represent the coming sun, it's a lot safer. and you can reuse the same log year and year again.

Nativity Scene?!

Yes.
I know.
The nativity is about the birth of christ? Yes. It is.
However, originally called the 'crib', the first such scene was made in 1224, to remind people of the religious side to christmas.
But for thousands of years, us magical folk, have been carving things into wood, making sculptures from clay, wheat poppets, even voodoo dolls. Their techinical name is 'santons', and making a santon of those you love is very powerful magic. Creating physical, visual images of your family and friends, and keeping them together, in a set-up similar to that of the nativity, forms strong bonds between you, and keeps you connected even over great distances. 

Holly And Ivy

A sprig of holly near the door is said to invite nature sprites. It is a deterant for evil beings, and a welcome to positive entities.
It is also a symbol of remembrance for the historic battle of the Holly and the Ivy. 

That Family Meal

This ones simple.
Harvest was over, times were hard. Getting everyone together for festive meals, around the fire, kept everyones spirits up - it shut out the dark, and laughter and good cheer, held away the negativity.
                                                         ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So there you have it.
Christmas is a bit more witchy than you thought isn't it?


I will be back on Thursday for more tarot for you guys,
But I am already wishing you the happiest of  Yules with your nearest and dearest.

Much love,
Jade
xoxo

Tarot Thursday

Things are getting a bit festive here in the Addis household.
I LOVE christmas!
Yule is my favourite time in the pagan calender to celebrate - it brings people together, keeps the dark and cold from bringing us down, and promotes a load of baking.

Sat in my freshly decorated living room, with my twinkly lights on the tree, with spicy candles glowing, pinecones and tinsel everywhere, I poured myself a cup of tea, and did a one card pull for all my followers.
That's right - You.
If you read this blog, then this pull is for you, the spirits are sending me guidance to pass onto you.

King of Swords

You may need to exercise judgement, power and force of will in the near future. This king represents clear thinking, authority, the truth and intellectual power.
What with the hectic season upon us, the King tells us we need to find a way through the chaos to calm clarity. We must heed others advice, and listen to what they are saying to uncover truths.
When you're debating whether you can afford that last present, think of the King of Swords and what he'd tell you!

I plan to be back soon, with a blog showing the role of the ancient winter solstice and Yule celebrations, in our current modern day christmas.
You might learn something new, and have more appreciation for some of that tacky goodness.

See you all soon.
Jade
xoxo

The Wheel Of The Year Reading

The Veil is thinning -
The invisible curtains are being drawn aside.
Whispers filter through.
Voices of those long passed, are carried on the wind;
Caught in the tumbling leaves.
Ghostly presence occupies space,
The Spirits walk among us.
Now is the time for divination,
The hours to ask for guidance.
When the moon is high in the night sky,
Raw energy can be harnessed.
Loved ones beam at you unseen from the curtains shadow,
Opaque and shimmering.
Answer the voices,
Hone in your power,
This shared energy...
The bewitching hour.
Feel them
See them
Use them.
Be grateful and reward them.
Pull your cards knowing that today they have decades, centuries, of magic and energy penetrating them from the Otherside.
Turn your runes with assertion.
Sip your tea, and gaze at the stories the leaves have to tell.
Open your mind,
But...
More importantly,
Open your heart.
They're waiting...

                                                      ---------------------------------

Hello my loves.
Happy Samhain.
This is going to be one super long reading/blog post to trudge through!

Here today, the first day of the pagan year - I bring you a 12 card reading. Each card represents a month in the year to come. And as I pulled them, I thought of wheels and turning, calenders and dates...all whilst whispering into the darkness;
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.

The table on which I did this reading is magic in itself. Passed on to me from my white witch, great auntie...I can only imagine the things it has witnessed. A round table, just like Arthurs.
In the short year it has been with me, it has been used for many...many midnight tarot sessions. Many early morning tea readings. It's helped me to aid those who've needed my guidance the most in their hours of need.


So - Here is your completed spread.

The first month to start with is of course - October.
And as this month is now at an end, I tend to find that this card will often reflect, your current state. So if you like, this card represents you in the present.

I pulled; EIGHT OF WANDS

This card shows freedom, space to move and breathe. It is often associated with travel. More-so it represents movement and action taking place. Progress has been made. There is an element of home and togetherness to this card.

November
THE WHEEL 

This card represents a turning point in your life. The wheel is ever spinning, cycles are in motion. Things come and go - and the wheel suggest luck and karma are on your side this month.

December
KNIGHT OF WANDS

The knight implies you need to follow an idea. Take action! He has commitment and energy - along with a desire for passion and adventure. You may need to be a little impulsive this December...But make sure that whatever you do, you give it your all.

January
FIVE OF CUPS

Traditionally this card is a card of loss, bereavement and regret. However it is also asking you 'Is your cup half empty? Or half full?' Sometimes we can get so lost in our grief and disappointment, that we miss positive aspects to situations, or other positives happening in the world around us.
You may have these feelings in the month of January, but remember to look at all sides of the coin.

February
KING OF SWORDS

This King is all about clear and intellectual thinking. Decisions may need to be made this month. The King reminds us that a good leader must remain detached and objective. You need to take on the role of an authority figure, and take charge of the truth.

March
TEMPERANCE

This is the card of balance. It reminds us to best take all things in moderation. You need to be able to take the middle road, and avoid extremes. Stay true to your purpose, and remember patience is a virtue.

April
SIX OF PENTACLES

Now is a time to share wealth and prosperity. This card tells you to be charitable to those in need. Your generosity is crucial this month.  This card reminds you to be grateful for what you have, and thankful when your money income and outgoings are in balance.

May
KNIGHT OF PENTACLES

Sticking with money for the month of May. This knight shows you, you need to be efficient and methodical to achieve your goals. And whilst your current goals may not be big and wordly, with focus and patience, everything you set out to achieve will be met with success.

June
EIGHT OF SWORDS

Uh-oh! You're doing it again. Being your own worst enemy? Stop that!
This card suggests an imprisonment and confinement, that resides firmly in your mind. Break free of these bonds, and take off your blindfold. Follow the path you wish to take, and ignore those niggling bad thoughts that restrict your dreams.

July
NINE OF PENTACLES

All that money work you did these prior months are paying off. This card suggests luxury coming your way. You feel that you have reached a point in your life where you are self-confident and self-sufficient. With some self-discipline you can succeed!

August
DEATH

Endings and beginnings. As we near the end of The Wheel of the Year, change descends upon you. A journey is about to be undertaken, as the wheel moves you to another position. The end is near for a major aspect of your life - but remember all endings are a beginning, and this one looks to be fruitful and trans-formative.

September
THE MAGICIAN

You have every thing you need before you.
You are the magic...
Always remember that!
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Have a glorious All Hallows Eve!

Let me know in the comments what you are doing to celebrate this major holiday!

Enjoy it.

Jade
xoxo

Tarot Thursday.

It's tarot thursday!
And I'm on time!

So this week, I simply asked what my fellow witchbabies and blog followers needed to know for next week.

This is the card I pulled for you;


Balance

In your everyday deck that's Temperance.

This card is literally all about finding balance, it's about taking everything you already have and making something wonderful from it. You need to balance work and play, and find a rhythm you are comfortable with.
 The presence of this card in any spread, can represent a catalyst coming your way, a great oppurtunity turning up on your doorstep.
So keep those eyes peeled bunnies! Something may come a'knocking.

Lammas

Happy Lammas beautiful people!
Or Lughnasadh depending on where you're from, or like me how lazy you are ;)

Lammas is a time of harvest, a time of promise of what is to come, but also a time of sacrafice. Bread making and wicker man making are common for celebrating this festival. It is a time to feel mother earths blessings, and think on the cycle of life and the harvest.

Personally every time this holiday comes around, I think of people in Salem during the Pilgrimage - churning butter, baking bread, and making poppets with the children. Feelings of light and warmth are abundant. This Sabbat has a lot of christian origins, especially revolving around the breaking of bread. 

The next Sabbat is Mabon which hits in late September and that is another harvest festival...but it is celebrating the work you are doing now. By Mabon all your harvesting should be finished, and it is a festival of equality.

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A note on Tarot Thursday;
Yes.
I'm late...

Tomorrow I will share a reading done for you, I have not had time to sit down and divulge in the cards for you just yet. But I am giving my WildWood Tarot Deck a break, and am reverting back this once to my old favourite Animal Oracle Deck.
I'm also contemplating on doing a larger spread for you guys aswell.
But,
No promises.
We shall see.
It is The Parlour tomorrow, so I shall be doing alot of divination regardless.

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Enjoy this beautiful holiday! 

New Video!

So I've got a new video up on Youtube...finally.

This one is all about witchy reading! Watch it here, or on youtube now.

Let me know what you think?

Do you have any suggestions for reading in this area?

My first knitting project.

A while back, probably around November last year, I picked up a pair of bamboo knitting needles for the first time and I fell in love. The below scarf is the first thing I ever knitted.

It is a mega-large, super soft, chunky wool knit scarf. The colours are so beautiful - I pretty much wore this scarf for all of December, it's so warm! For every knitting project I've made/I'll make, I want to do a set with the products. I think this is a great way to mix two of my passions. I used Jadene Van Dyk in a mori style shoot, entitles 'Elen of the Way'; a title based on an antlered pagan goddess. This was the first time I'd ever shot anything like this style, and I must say I loved it. I loved the simplicity and tranquillity. Here are some of my personal favourites from that set;

I want to share these shoots of my knitting here, but also want to share some progress images with you all, step-by-step images of my hard work. So from now on when I knit, I'll be taking photos along the way to share with any followers I might have.