12 Days of Mithra-mas: Day 4

Four collie Birds

Three French Hens

Two turtledoves and a

partrdige in a pear tree----

18 Century Carol

This song being in French originally then Old English the words have been of course mangled. According to researchers the word as some Americans sing it "calling" actually is 'collie'. The word 'collie' actually refers to 'coal' or 'Blackbirds'.  

During the Middle Ages, Blackbirds, if you were wondering why someone would give their love, was a valuable meat.  as in the child's nursing rhyme: 

' sing a song of sixpence, ....

four and twenty blackbirds 

baked in a pie"

Now as a Celtic pagan followers I love the thought of Blackbirds, especially as a follower of Morrigan.  We know the blackbirds associated with Morrigan are Ravens or Crows, not exactly birds we would want to eat, 

For those with the totem can find this information worth reading. Raven which are part of the blackbird family are particularly associated with magic, they can be found in the Norse, Celtic, Greek even the Egyptian myths and pantheons.

Seeing the Ravens is to know that the Gods are close, they are messengers to the Spirit World and guides that make it easier for you to find your way there.  In Norse mythology they are Odin's Birds "Thought" & "Memory".

I see Ravens and crows often in my daily journey especially in my walks throughout the new town, they remind me of the ever presence of the Goddess, they also remind me that death is always with us (since New Haven is considered one of the deadliest towns in the North East), which makes me wonder, did the birds bring more death or did the birds show up because of the death?

The Raven reminds us to learn from the past and to not let it hold us back, i also heed the Raven or blackbirds as a warning of things to come.

You can try to find some blackbird feathers in the wild, if you do, wear gloves until you clean them, wash it well with some warm water and soap. I also cut a tiny slit in the end of the tail(the piece that would connect to the bird's body) and soak it in some bleach for a few days.  Once it is clean, place it on your altar and thank the Gods for this Air representative, bless it and use it whenever you need to send your wishes to the Gods, or during ceremonial magic.

Invite the playful spirit of the blackbird especially from the nursery rythme into your life and renact with children or even for yourself as simple or elaborate a play as you can. i notice children seem to love having their noses plucked off, my goddaughter falls over laughing all the time.

If you see the blackbirds before the New Year, use that as a prompt to reflect over the past 12 months and decide what to keep and what to let go into the past. 

Be Blessed and Happy Fourth Day

12 Days of Mithramas: Day 2

   
 "On the second day of Christmas 

my true love gave to me, 
two turtledoves &

a partridge in a pear tree"

--18th century Christmas Carol

December 27


The first time I learned about doves and their connection to love; occurred when I was a part of a  cousin's wedding when I was little. After they said their vows. two doves were released; being a curious child when I asked why, I was told they were for good luck, as they are mentioned within the Song of Songs are considered by most Christians to be a symbol of love & devotion (one of my favorite chapters of the Bible, as it's a poem between lovers; & it's one of the few mentions of dark skinned women.)


According to the books on animal interpretations, the following means are associated with Dove/Pigeon- Understanding peace and love. Gentleness. Warning. Laid back. Speed and agility in air. Community. Strong partner bonds. Travel. It is also associated with feminine energies, prophecy & maternity.  The Cycle of Power (times best to use this totem) is during dawn & dusk.  


This is animal is also associated with Aphrodite, who was born on a shell that a dove brooded (nested) on. In some traditions it was believed that when a person died their sould became a dove, which is where the other association of Doves comes into play.   To early pagans, it was associated with the sacred feminine, the maternal insticts, & yoni (the sexual organs). It was not only associated with Aphrodite, but with Astarte & Isis too.  In some North American traditions it was used as a sacred feather. 


In Celtic tradition,  according to the Ogham it connects to the Aspen tree. Doves often come after a time of suffering because she recognizes our need for sanctuary. The Celts recognized the tenderness of the dove, and so can we. Look to the dove for healing, grace, kindness and peace. She carries all of these attributes and promises safekeeping form the storms of life.  
How you can incorporate the Dove into your day

• you can wake up early enough for dawn, or sneak out during dusk and listen for the cooing of the dove
• If you have some clay and some time, make a dove using the clay and let it dry, add it your altar on the right for the Goddess.
• You could always make pictures and place them on your altar as well,
•  if you can crochet you can make a crocheted Dove to hang on your tree
• You make Dove Bars

Resources 
Celtic Information found here


Be Blessed and Happy Dove Day!!!

Merry Yule

Merriest Yule and Goddess Blessings to you and your family,  A Solstice Poem to help you on this night:

The Yule Log by Robert Herrick

Come, bring with a noise,
My merry, merry boys,

The Christmas log to the firing;
While my good dame, she
Bids ye all be free,

And drink to your heart's desiring.
With the last year's brand
Light the new block, and

For good success in his spending,
On your Psaltries play,
That sweet luck may

Come while the log is tending.

Have a Blessed Yule Night 

Have fun with your Yule Log

21 Days of Yule Day 11: Sacred Pampering Ritual

Welcome to the Yule Edition of the Sacred Pampering rituals. (Yes I know I have missed a few Sundays, but why not catch up now during the crazy, hectic busy season). 

Last year I posted a wonderful Bliss Spell. I enjoy using that during times of high stress and think you can use it as is, or change it to suit your needs, you could add in the name of a Deity of your choice if you think it will help it work better. 
Whenever I have a pretty bad day i use the following:

Soothing Eye Compresses:

Supplies:
Muslin, scissors, dried chamomile flowers, ribbon.

Directions:

• cut muslin into 6 in squares per compress
• place two teaspoons dried chamomile flowers in the centre of each square
• tie the muslin bundles with ribbon

How to use:

• Cover compress with hot water 
• refrigerate until cold,
•  Squeeze excess moisture from bags,
• then place on closed eyes for 20 minutes

Here is a way I have learnt to make this Season a little less of a humdinger on myself, granted I don't have children to deal with but this season is still particularly stressful as a student, a daughter, a partner, and an empath.  This is how I deal, I write it all down, then it won't be floating around in my head and I know I have some direction for what needs to be done, here a few tips and tricks from my book:

• Try today to make a list of all the things that need to be done to pertain to the Yule Season, and look at the list, make a priority list of things that MUST be done in the next 38-72 hours, that can only be accomplished by You. Think hard and long about this because those items should be done first. Make this list no more than 6 items so that you can really knock it out without stressing out.  Once you clear those off the list you can keep going until the list is done.
• Along with that list of priority items make a list of menial tasks that aren't too complicated and don't require your constant supervision and pass those on to your children (if your blessed with them); your spouse/partner-in-crime or whom ever is hosting the season with you.  
• Don't attempt to do everything at once, I always get the menu done around this time so I can shop over the next few weeks for the items that way it doesn't hit the wallet as hard (especially in these lean times). I have also gotten into the habit of asking family members who are coming to do a dish so that it doesn't all fall on Me, my Mom, and My sisters to do all the cooking.
• Once your menu is set and you know what's needed see if there are items you can season now and freeze, make now and freeze or even just store them together in one spot so you don't go searching all over for it.  A traditional Jamaican rum cake soaks the fruit for weeks before so I have to start that around my birthday if you want a REALLY good cake. SO planning ahead is KEY.
• if your hosting several people why not make it a buffet instead of a sit down, so there isn't any real stress about where to place everyone, or you can do what we do which is in waves, the children eat a little earlier than the adults and end up in the family room watching tv by time the adults sit down, which means we have almost no need to watch what we say cause there are no kids int he dining room and the parents get to relax without children whinging that they are hungry.
• Take frequent breaks and hydrate often, if the holidays are starting to grate on your nerves, take a break and do something non-holiday oriented, read a magazine, watch a favourite film, throw on some good music that you love, hide in the bathroom for a few minutes, just take a break so your mentally healthy otherwise you'll snap and freak out on the wrong person, like the partner's boss or his boss's wife (ask me how I know)
• PAMPER YOURSELF DAILY, whether it's the Bliss Spell, the Mid Winter Directional Meditation, a five minute juice break, or using on of the cold compresses mentioned above make sure to take time for you so this season is a great one and not just another stressful time.

Wishing you a wonderful Yuletide Season filled with lots of love, and Blessings and less stress

21 Days of Yule: Day 08

This is one of my favorite holiday traditions, It's a great way to kick off the Holiday Party and it's a great talking piece for you and your 'crafty friends'.  Have fun making this; I love to make this to hang up in door ways for Holiday Open Houses, or parties we have. It's a Kissing Ball (literally). It's easy to make and shouldn't cost more than $12.00 and maybe a half hour of your time.

How to make this sweet treat (hahahha I crack myself up)
You will need Hershey's Kisses: 2-3 Large bags, base this on however many balls you will be doing)
Glue gun and glue sticks
6 in foam ball
wire edged ribbon about 3 yards
20 gauge florists wire
Couple sprigs Mistletoe

Directions:

• You can get the holiday coloured Kisses, pull all the little tabs out
• Determine where you want the top of the kidding ball to be and mark it,
• Heat your glue gun and apply small lines of the glue 
• attach your kisses until the foam ball is covered MAKE sure to leave some space at the top of the ball which you marked
• Create your bow with the ribbon making it as elaborate and ornate as you like 
• Leave a loop to hang
• attach the florists wire to hold the bow shape, create it into a spike and attach at the top of the ball (where you marked)
• Push in the mistletoe, either real or fake and let it hang

Rules of the Kissing Ball

Each person who is under the Ball can get a kiss or forfeit for a real kiss with the person they are standing with.

Remind everyone not to pull too hard the kisses should come off pretty easily.

Resources: Idea came from 30 Gifts under 30 minutes binder

Happy Kissing & Happy Crafting!!!

KWW: Yule Curried Goat

At the beginning of the week I shared with you about the Yule Goat. Tradtionally in Jamaica one of the meals we have with Christmas is Cyrry Goat and I promised to share how to make some. 

 How to Make Authentic Jamaican Curry Goat  

Ingredients:
3lbs goat (or any amount based on your family size)
2 large carrots diced
1 large onion chopped
3 small green onions (escallions)
2 sprigs of thyme
2 Tbsp Jamaican Choice Curry
1/4 cup oil
2 medium potatoes cubed
3 garlic cloves
2 pimentos
1 cup water per lb of meat
1 large scotch bonnet pepper chopped (no seeds please)

Directions:

• Day before (or two hours if not enough time) Season the goat meat with the scotch bonnet, 2 of the thyme sprigs, onion, 1 green onion. Coat well and cover.
• Heat large dutch pot or pressure cooker with oil, allow to get hot, add in curry  allow the curry to brown then add in rest of the chopped onion.
• Add in rest of seasoning and then the meat with all of it's seasoning too. turn and coat everything in the curry seasoning.
• add in water 1/4 cup at a time, NEVER directly onto the meat but onto the sides of the pot. Cover and allow to cook for 1/2 an hour
• Add in veggies and potatoes, pour in 1/4 cup more of water if dry
• Stir frequently, making sure all of meat cooks through
• Meat is done when it easily separates from bones and can come apart with a gently prod from the fork.

Serve with Rice and peas,  or Roti, or even plain white rice

Here are some of youtube videos that make the curry goat similar to this recipe Curry Goat Recipes (each word is a different channel. 

Be Blessed and enjoy!!

Wandering About the Shops....

It's all about Handmade Yule
Last Year there was a Homemade Yule Challenge, where everyone pledged to make as many of their gifts as possible. This year it seems everyone wishes to support small businesses. I myself  love doing so.  I thought I would share with you a few friends who have great businesses for those on your list, in your covens, or even your own needs.
Some of these are pagan, some are not, but they are all small business owners and we should support them as much as we can:

The first one up is Kristeen, my close friend who makes amazing body products, she recently branched out and made some awesome decorations that are pagan themed. I thought those should be on someones tree  I'm buying some as well. She has several different themed ones, but I love the purple ones the most.

I'm a jewelry fanatic, and the ones from this company, owned and created by Nubia  are amazing. I love them and love knowing I'm supporting a small business as well, she too recently branched out and started adding  vintage and  interesting items.  Like the 'genie' lamp from India. 

My other fave friend is Candace, who i follow on blogger as well, she makes the most amazing smelling body butters, and shares so much of herself in her products you just know they are made with your best interest in mind. Check her out here at RedSunFlower Designs

Need Crystals or gems?? You must check out Hibiscus Moon's shop on etsy, she does an amazing job and willingly shares her knowledge as well. She has crystal grids, classes, and some free youtube videos as well. Check her out!!

How about a reading? Perhaps some Hoodoo Oils? Why not check out Den? at her etsy shop. 

this is from her Spirit Guide reading, she is amazing!!
So those are my recommendations for this Season if I find more I will share. Thanks and Be Blessed
Happy Solstice

21 Days of Yule Day 2:

The Yule Goat

The term "Yule" comes to us from the Scandinavian tradition, and many of what we consider as "Christmas" also comes from them.  before there were Reindeer there were Goats.  The Yule Goat is one of the oldest traditions from the Northern Europe Christmas Traditions.  Each year the Goat was slaughtered during the Yule festival.

Within the Scandinavian, myths the God Thor had two  Tanngrisnir meaning gap-tooth and Tanngnjostr meaning tooth grinder, these goats pulled his chariot through the sky.  According to legend each evening Thor would butcher the goats and each morning they would rise whole from the bundled bones.  

The goat is also associated with Joulupukki who is perhaps where the concept of Santa's outfit and his sleigh comes from.  He flew in a sleigh drawn by a goat, his name actually means "Yule Buck", he wore a red suit. He is derived from stories of spirits that would dress themselves up in goatskin suits and demand presents , but his modern version called the Yule Elf who delivers presents on a sleigh pulled by a goat.  

To Bring the Spirit of the Yule Goat into your life, why not try some of the following:

• Create a straw Yule goat it doesn't have to be as big, but a small one will do just fine.  This can be used later as a sacrificial goat just place it in the Yule fire along with the log. Then wrap it in red ribbon all around the goat

• You can get dressed up and follow the older tradition of carolling or Julebukking "going Yule Goat", dress yourselves or the kiddies as a Gnome, Yule Elf, or in goat costumes and go to homes and request a treat for a song.

• You can be like a Jamaican and make a traditional Curry  Goat meal Ill share our recipes next week Wed on KWW for the Holidays.
• You can also make masks and decorate in Honor of the Yule Goats

Fun Fact, the most famous of all the Yule Goats is the Gavle Goat, which is a huge straw effigy built over two days, many towns people make it a game of setting the Goat on fire during the Solstice without getting caught because it's not exactly legal but this tradition also dates back to when effigies were burned as a way to encourage the return of the sun.  

Resources:

Sabbats Almanac Samhain twenty ten to Mabon twenty eleven

HobbyFarms 

Yule Goat article on wikipedia

21 Days of Yule: Day 1

With the Holidays fast approaching many of us will be cooking up a storm. I know I will be doing some serious baking. If you haven't checked out the Recipes tabs at the top there are many different recipes from main courses to desserts especially for the Holiday season. 
Here is a quick look at the list of things you can find:
Mulled Wine
Twelfth Night Cake
Magi Cake
Syllabub
Eggnog
Wassail
How to make A Boar dessert

Those are just some of the ideas for your Yule Feasts and party plans, Any great recipes to share?? Let me know in the comment box and I will swing by and check them out!!
Happy Yule

21 Days of Yule Day 0

Welcome dear readers to another wonderful year of the Yule countdown. If you are just joining us for the first time the previous years posts are linked below. This year is going to be a fabulous time of crafting, cooking and totally witching out, as this is my first year in my own apartment I plan to go ALL out!! and will bring you along with me, I will be reviewing books, making crafts, sharing rituals, making gifts, oh baby it all goes down this Yule season.


Twenty ten Yule List:
 Day 1, Day 2, day3. day 4, day 5, day 6, day 7, day 8, day 9, day 0, day 01, day =, day03, day 04, day 05, day 06, day 07, day 08 day09, day 00, day 001, 

Of course the season wouldn't be complete if we also didn't countdown to Jan 6 or Mithra-mas(or "Epiphany on the Christian calendar", linked below are the posts from last year's eventful = days.
Twelve days of Mithra-Mas countdown:
day 1, day 2,day 3, day 4, day 5, day 6, day 7, day 8, day 9,  day 0, dau01, day =.
Simply  click on each date and it will take you to last years post, hope to see you soon, as we kick off the first day of course tomorrow!!
Be Blessed

Christmas Spirit Blog Post 1

I have to admit I'm a Christmas Movie addict, movies I would give the normal side eye to for being to cliche' or impractical get a Christmas pass, I love romance, I love Yule season, there is nothing more fun than a romantic Yule Movie. Here is a list of some of my favorites which I have been catching up on thus far!!
Holiday in Handcuffs,

I'm a Melissa Joan Hart fan, i've loved her since "Clarissa Explains It All", and I have watched a lot of her movies, and shows for years just because she's in it. Although I have to think 'in real life she would have been arrested long before this' this movie is AMAZING I love watching Slater and Sabrina together in a movie (Gods I just aged myself didn't I??) 

Anyway here is the synopsis:
"A struggling artist working as a waitress kidnaps one of her customers to bring home and meet her parents at Christmas after her boyfriend bails on her on the last moment"

Can I just say she took it to the heart when he dropped her on Christmas Eve?? I'm not sure this was the way to go but it certainly made the movie absolutely hilarious as David attempted to escape adn her Grandma "Don't Call Me that" kept getting into trouble man... a really good Yule movie, just suspend your belief in reality for a while and enjoy!!!

Another good ABC 25 days of Christmas Movie that I liked was Christmas Cupid I watched this one again on Netflix along with Holiday in Handcuffs. 

Starring the handsome Chad Michael Murray and Christina Milan and that girl from Pretty Little Liars as a would be angel and her job is doing what she can so she can get her wings.  This is another feel good comedic Christmas Movie but I love it!!! It's also a unique twist on "A Christmas Carol" Here is the preview below:

Can I say Hilarity ensues?? I personally really liked this one, because right up until the last few scenes you never knew whether to root for her or not.

Well, I hope you check out these two movies, and be aware that ABC is doing some great new 25 Days countdown starting Dec 1st and they will also have a new movie as well I will do a review for that one as well when I see it,

Happy Countdown everyone!!!
Yule Blessings