Tag Archives: Full Moon

September 9, 2017 · 12:52 pm

I’m back…..And The Wheel turns to Mabon 2017…

Merry Meet my friends!  I’m back. 🙂  I’ve been very neglectful of writing in my blog due to multwelcome septemberiple reasons.  None of which are important enough to talk about.  I think ultimately, I just lost interest.  I’ve been through a lot in the last year….health issues for my daughter and I, busy being a homekeeper, mom, grandmother.  You all know how you have to set priorities and my blog became much less of a priority.  But recently, the writing bug has bit me again so here I am.

As you all know, this time of year is my very favorite!  My energy, mentally and physically start increasing so much!  I thrive in the cooler weather, the change in the path of the Moon and Sun, in harvesting my herbs, in my kitchen, at my altar etc etc.  I’ve been doing my Fall cleaning…..purging, organizing, deep cleaning.  I’ve been perusing my Autumn recipes and cookbooks.  Pulling out warm throws and pillows, washing up sweaters, coats, flannel sheets…..getting ready for those cozy, cold, colorful days of Autumn.

First off, I must introduce you to a new family member….at least part time. lol.  My sister adopted a darling Maltese pup back in March.  However, she works out of town during the week.  So Yuki (Japanese for snow) has become my part time pup.  He’s a busy boy, adorable and we’ve become quite attached.  And, he keeps me busy too 🙂

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One of the things that was going on with me is that I had another ankle surgery at the end of July. I was in a wheelchair for a few weeks, then crutches, and now a brace and I’m able to walk, though I’m uncomfortable still and it’ll take 3-6 months to be completely healed.  Because of this, my herb bed was very much neglected..the herbs left to their own natural growth as I couldn’t really get to them.  Yesterday, I finally went out there expecting to find lots of dead and overgrown herbs.  But to my great delight, I got a wonderful harvest this year.  They are now hanging, smelling delicious, in my kitchen. I’m so happy it worked out!

herb harvest 2017

I also had the great joy of going to my beautiful, magickal Smoky Mountains with my entire family last week.  A great way to end the Summer and welcome in Fall.  It was fabulous being with my hubby, daughters, son-in-law and grandkids and two dear friends there together.  We feasted, visited an animal rescue petting farm, went up the mountains for some fabulous time there and picture taking, and relaxing at the cabin where I was able to read, crochet, and rest my ankle.  It was a great time.  Here are some of the pictures I captured of the beauty of the mountains.  Those who know me and have read my blog for a while, know how much these mountains hole my heart ❤

 

Now that I’m home again, we’re experiencing Fall weather.  Days in the 60’s and low 70’s, and nights in the 50’s.  The Full Moon was brilliant, casting such a glow and so much energy.  We’ve had fires already, enjoying our new gas logs.  Burning wood was just getting too expensive and hard work stacking wood etc.  And frankly, I like the idea of saving trees!  The process of cutting back our garden beds is started too..flowers spent and dead, or overgrown and no longer pretty and vibrant.  There are leaves turning, Fall clothes, mums, pumpkins, and decorations in all the garden centers, craft stores and shops.  My mind turns to baking and cooking good hot meals..done with grilling and cold salads etc. The scent of spices, apples, pumpkins, nuts, breads etc are kicking in at my house lol.

My coven has added a new member and still gathering for Sabbats.  I’m still a ghost hunter and looking forward to another hunt soon.  I shared some recipes for a surprise this October I’ll talk about soon.  And I’m preparing for Mabon as are all my witchy friends and sisters.  I’ll be back soon with some recipes for Mabon, and some ideas on how I celebrate it.

I’m in the process too of putting out new wards and protections, burying witch bottles, setting up my Mabon altar and working on my BOS.  I have to say too…I’m lighting candles day and night and sending out protection with all I’ve got for those of you in the line of harm from fires, floods and hurricanes.  Our poor Mother Earth is being ravaged right now and yes, climate change is real!!  Many of my witchy friends are talking about feeling edgy, jittery, nervous and unsettled.  Many feeling something is coming..maybe something dark and bad.  I’m feeling this too.  With the chaos in the world right now, both politically, in the division of the people, nature releasing chaos etc…..I hope that those who pray are doing that.  I send out my own prayers of safety and love to those in need.  It’s all we can do but ride the ride and do our best not to add to it in a negative way.  Keep being kind to others, caring for others and for our Mother Earth.  I’m speaking to the choir here because I now that you all feel as I do.  Whatever is coming….we have support for each other.

In the meantime, thank you for those who let me know you missed my writing.  And thank you to my loyal readers who have continued to visit here.  I appreciate it and will vow to get back to my writings.  May Goddess bless you and keep you safe and give you comfort in the tumultuous days.

 

 
“Spring scarce had greener fields to show than these
Of mid September; through the still warm noon
The rivulets ripple forth a gladder tune
Than ever in the summer; from the trees
Dusk-green, and murmuring inward melodies,
No leaf drops yet; only our evenings swoon
In pallid skies more suddenly, and the moon
Finds motionless white mists out on the leas.”
–  Edward Dowden, In September

 

Blessings and Love,

Autumn

*Pictures are my own.

 

 

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July 18, 2016 · 9:14 pm

The Wheel Turns to Lughnasadh 2016……

 

IMG_5855Merry Meet my friends.  I know…you are probably thinking..where have you been?  I know I know!  I’ve been very neglectful of my blog and I’m sorry.  I could tell you everything that has been going on in my life…..but frankly, there’s so much going on in the World these days..it would just sound like petty reasons. I have missed writing but at the same time I tossed around the idea of not writing here for a while.  I guess I accomplished that…a needed break.  But I’m back I think and look forward to writing here again.  I thank you for your patience..if you have indeed been wondering 🙂

I HAVE been busy …as many of you have been, I know.  My gardens are keeping me happily busy….planting, mulching, weeding, watering, thinning, deadheading etc etc. ….but I find that a lovely chore 🙂  My in-laws have moved from California to be near us, as my FIL is developing dementia and my MIL requires more help.  This has been a challenge I won’t go into, but we are managing to the best of our ability.  I’ve been still recovering from two surgeries in February that rocked my world too.  Suffice to say that I don’t think I’m going to get back all the way to where I was, but I’m doing as good as it gets lol.  Nothing serious, just irritation stuff.  I have a lot of irons in the fire, and that is why, mainly, that I haven’t written.  It was just an iron I let go for a while.

Let’s see, I haven’t written since Ostara.  Wow.  So I missed Beltane and Midsummer postings but to my delight, I see that many have still come to read my posts and snatch up some of my recipes etc.  I’m glad!  There is some great info there in the last 6-7 years.  I plan to continue sharing recipes as those seem to be my most popular posts.

Now, we are moving quickly toward Lughnasadh or Lammas on August 1st. I so love this Sabbat as it’s that first sign that my favorite season, Autumn, is coming fast!  The first Harvest festival! It’s been so hot here lately with way more high temps coming yet, that it especially makes me long for cool, crisp days and knowing they are coming soon makes me happy!  I have already been perusing recipes..mostly recipes for breads, fresh veggies, canning, and uses for my herbs in oils and vinegars.

Many of us are harvesting yummy produce from our own garden beds.  Red tomatoes, green peppers, peas, beans, zucchini, squash, melons etc etc.  Also, I don’t know about you, but I’ve harvested some of my herbs more than once already!  Big bundles of lemon balm, fever few, catnip, oregano, mint, parsley, sage etc are hanging and scenting my kitchen in a lovely way.  My coven sisters have benefitted a bundle or two as well 🙂  For those who don’t have big gardens of veggies, like me, a farmer’s market is the perfect place to stock up!  They are abundant around your town I’m sure and farm stands dot the corners as well.  Be sure to indulge yourself this time of year.

I have already made a couple of new recipes I’d like to share.  One is for a simple yummy bread that I’m now calling biscuit bread!  The other, a delicious cheese-filled mushroom appetizer, however, it would make a lovely light lunch too.  I think you’ll like them!

 

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Butter Crust Beer Bread

2 cups self-rising flour

3 Tbs sugar

12 oz regular beer (not light)

1/4 cup butter, melted

 

Preheat oven to 350* In a bowl, mix flour, sugar and beer until well blended and a sticky dough forms, about one minute.  Spoon dough into a greased 8″x 5″ loaf pan. Bake at 350* for 30 minutes.  Remove from oven; pour melted butter over the top. Return to oven and bake 30 minutes more, until lightly golden. Cool bread in pan before removing.

 

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Cheesy Mushroom Caps

8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened

1 cup grated Parmesan Cheese (the good stuff, not shaker)

1/4 cup whipping cream

1/2 tsp garlic salt

24 large mushrooms, stems removed and cleaned (I used baby portabello)

1/2 cup butter, melted.

Preheat oven to 350*  In a bowl, combine cheeses, whipping cream and garlic salt; blend well.  Fill mushroom caps with mixture.  Dip bottom of mushrooms in melted butter and place on an ungreased baking sheet.  Bake at 350* for 15 minutes.

*The cheese mixture would fill more than 24 of the baby portabellos.  If you use a larger mushroom, it may fill less than 24.

Enjoy!!

I have put together for the most part my Lughnasadh altar.  The harvest altars are always my favorite to do.  I love the warm colors of browns, golds, rusts, reds, and oranges.  This is my altar this year. 🙂

 

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Lughnasadh or Lammas is all about the last days of Summer, the coming of Autumn, the first harvests, the days shortening, and a reminder for us to appreciate the warmth of the Sun, while it may be too hot some days to be out under that same Sun.  Our ancestors had more to do and worry about…putting “up” food for the winter, praying that Mother Earth, the Goddesses and Gods smiled on their crops and brought abundant enough food for them to survive the long, cold Winter. A good crop and storing said crops was hard work and meant life or death!  For us, putting “up” food perhaps reminds us of our grandmothers or mothers who fantastically canned tomatoes, sauces, veggies, jams/jellies, pickles etc and filled their pantry with colorful jars all in a row.  I sure have memories of my grandmother, in her ever constant apron, doing just that…with grandchildren underfoot trying to help and learn.  To this day, I still like to do some canning…..even if it’s just apple butter or strawberry jam.  It’s lovely sitting on the shelf, to pull out in the middle of a cold Winter day , and slather onto a piece of homemade, hot bread.  Sigh..so good.

Don’t forget to use your fresh herbs to make lovely flavored oils and vinegars.  Baking bread is a big part of Lammas/Lughnasadh as well.  Watch the sunrise or set, sit under a tree and watch the Sun dapple through the trees.  Garden and feel the warmth on your back.  Have a picnic with your family.  Take a walk and enjoy the brilliant flowers in full glory. Heck…even play Pokemon Go if you want…just be sure that you’re walking to catch those little monsters and enjoying being outdoors.  There will come a time when you’ll be indoors watching it snow and you’ll be glad you enjoyed that warm Sun!

Blessed Lughnasadh my friends.  May the Sun warm you. Oh and Blessed Full Moon too!  May She shine on you also. Also, if I may say a word, in this very angry, sad world we seem to be living in right now…..open your heart to others, spread love, be kind…don’t judge.  Be part of the cure, not the problem.  We are all just here to live our lives, in our way, with respect and love for others.  Blessed Be.

“Whilst August yet wears her golden crown,

ripening fields lush-bright with promise;

Summer waxes long, then wanes, quietly passing

Her fading green glory on to riotous Autumn”

      -Michelle L. Thieme, August’s Crown-

 

Blessings and Love,

Autumn

 

 

 

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October 29, 2015 · 11:29 am

Blessed Samhain 2015 and Recipes!…………

Merry Meet my friends!  It’s Thursday morning and Samhain is Saturday. I can’t believe how fast October has flown by! Too fast!  I’m sitting in my family room, listening to a Halloween Radio staA-BLessed-Samhain-To-Yoution on Pandora, watching leaves blowing around my yard, the Sun shining and birds at the feeders and chipmunks and squirrels gathering.  It’s a gorgeous day after two days of much needed rain.  Quite cool, quite autumnal, and I’m feeling happy and blessed.

My gardens are a wild mess. The last of the Autumn flowers are spent.  The tall grasses are brown and dry.  Some herbs have re-bloomed like parsley, thyme and lemon balm.  (I’ll be grabbing those yet)  My rosemary and lavender are still healthy and useful as I trim some rosemary for my ancestor altar and Ancestor Supper table. There are dried leaves gathered in the beds that will remain to keep warm the plants over the long Winter, and fresh, bright colored leaves are still falling, littering the ground and beds with reds, oranges, and golds. I took a walk in my favorite park that has a beautiful pond.  Watching the geese fly over under blue, clear skies,  the leaves floating in the pond, the bright trees and Sun casting mirror images on the water, I’m reminded of how Mother Earth is winding down to the dark, stark season in a blaze of color and beauty. I never have the feeling it’s a death and dying thing..but a show of how beautiful the seasons are.  No matter the season, they each have their own beauty.  While Autumn to me is the most beautiful, Winter too can be stunningly filled with beauty and I am not sad that Winter comes.

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I have enjoyed the energy of the Full Moon these last few nights, even though I couldn’t see Her the night she was at her fullest.  The foggy, rainy days reminded me of the thinning veil. The mystical, quietness of this time of year, if you’re still enough to notice it.  I’ve been having strong, vivid dreams and vacillate between sleeping hard and feeling restless in the night. How are you feeling? Perhaps tired and restless?  Or calm and filled with energy? I find I’m energized most of the time in Autumn, but an evening by the fire can make me feel drowsy and content.  I find my loved ones who have passed on are very much on my mind and I’m trying to be aware of any messages they may be bringing for me, to be aware of their being close to me, and to leave myself open to any other guides/spirits who may be needing my attention as well.  I keep a dream journal and I’m jotting down anything I remember when I awake. My scrying mirror, tarot cards and candle and fire flames are readily available to such purposes of receiving any messages. As I said in my last post, I find being still and meditative, even drowsy, can bring me closer, easier to my loved ones.

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My coven gathers tomorrow night. Always such a high energy, loving, magickal night. We’ll be doing an ancestor ritual, welcoming in the New Year together, with feast and fire. While we enjoy every Sabbat gathering, and every other gathering, Samhain is always just the best one.  The energy of Samhain is very much within us as a Tribe.  I love my sisters!

I have been visiting some books lately for the Season.  Classics like Edgar Allan Poe poems and “The Halloween Tree” and getting ready to read “The Picture of Dorian Gray”.  I also have been enjoying movies like “Hocus Pocus”, “Sleepy Hollow”, and “The Good Witch” movies.  My daughter, our friend and I saw “The Goosebumps” movie last night and enjoyed it very much!  I love both books and movies during this entire holiday season, from Samhain to Yule.  Music too.  They just put me in the mood!  What are your favorite spooky books or movies?

Cooking and Baking also is such a big part of the holidays for me.  Autumn is especially lovely with warm soups and breads, apple and pumpkin desserts, and hot drinks with cinnamon and spice.  If you do a search in the box on the right here —–> you can find previous Samhain recipes for the last 5 years.  I’m going to add a couple more today.  Also, if you saw my last post, you may have been checking out Samhain’s Sirens and The Sunday Stew for other recipes from myself and others for the Season.  For many, All Hallow’s Eve will bring to mind a witch stirring her cauldron 🙂 Well, yes, that’s me!  Conjuring in my kitchen! I may have a soup or hot cider in my cauldron, or I may have herbs and a smoking charcoal just as easily. If you don’t have a nice cauldron to actually use in your kitchen..I highly recommend a Potje pot.  They come in all sizes and are wonderful!

As a reminder of the foods for Samhain, they are :  Apples, pumpkin pie, pomegranate, pumpkin, squash, hazelnuts, corn, bread, ale, apple cider and herbal tea. Here are a couple of new recipes to fit the bill. One is healthy and one is just sweet and yummy!

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Spinach Pomegranate Salad

3/4 cup unsweetened pomegranate juice
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
5 ounces spinach leaves (about 2 lightly packed qts.)
3/4 cup finely shredded radicchio (from 1 head)
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup coarsely chopped toasted hazelnuts
1 large firm-ripe Bartlett pear

In a small saucepan, boil pomegranate juice until reduced to 1/4 cup, 5 to 6 minutes. Let cool. Whisk in lemon juice, oil, salt, thyme, and pepper.
In a salad bowl, gently mix spinach, radicchio, pomegranate seeds, and hazelnuts with dressing. Divide among 6 plates.
Quarter pear and core. Thinly slice crosswise, then stack slices and cut in matchsticks. Arrange pear on salads.

*To make this salad a full meal, add grilled chicken strips onto the salad and a good crusty bread!

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Sour Cream-Apple Pie

a 9″ pie crust…your own homemade or refrigerated store bought

2 cups apples, peeled, cored and chopped (use your favorite baking apple)

1 cup sugar, divided

1/3 cup plus 2 Tbs all-purpose flour, divided

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup sour cream

1 egg, beaten

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 Tb ground cinnamon

2 Tb butter

Place pie crust in a 9″ pie plate; arrange apples in bottom of pie crust.

Combine 2/3 cup sugar, 2 Tbs flour and salt in a large bowl; stir to mix.  Add sour cream, egg and vanilla.  Beat with an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth.  Pour mixture over apples.

Bake at 425* for 15 minutes; reduce heat to 350* and bake 30 more minutes.

Combine in a small bowl the remaining flour, sugar, cinnamon and butter. Sprinkle over top of pie.  Increase heat back to 400* and bake 10 more minutes.  Remove and cool.  Of course, eating it warm is perfect!

*If you’d rather use thinly sliced apples, that is okay too.

Well there you go for a couple of great new recipes.  Again, you can find so many more of my recipes in previous postings.  Whether you’re looking for a simple soup meal, a big feast or just something sweet, you’ll find it here 🙂 Enjoy!

I want to wish you all a very Blessed Samhain and Happy Witchy New Year.  May your ancestors be blessed by how you live YOUR life, how you honor them and how you loved those you knew who have passed beyond the veil.  And may YOU be blessed with a full new year of wonderful things ahead!  Remember to let go that which no longer suits or has meaning or purpose, and find joy in what is to come.  Make it GREAT!

“Between the heavens and the earth
The way now opens to bring forth
The Hosts of those who went on before;
Hail! We see them now come through the Open Door.

Now the veils of worlds are thin;
To move out you must move in.
Let the Balefires now be made,
Mine the spark within them laid.

Move beyond the fiery screen,
Between the seen and the unseen;
Shed your anger and your fear,
Live anew in a new year!”
– Lore of the Door

Blessings and Love, Autumn

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August 28, 2015 · 7:52 pm

Mabon, Super Moons and Odds and Ends……

IMG_1360Merry Meet!  As I write this, it’s a peaceful, cool Friday evening here. We are winding down this month of August and it’s been one of the best ones I can remember in many years. We have been so blessed with unseasonably cool temperatures.  Many of our days in the 70’s and nights in the 50’s..just perfect weather in my book 🙂  Because of it, we have leaves turning already on some trees and our gardens are looking like they would at the end of the season, a bit early.  However, we have upper 80’s temperatures coming back which makes me sad lol. But one thing for sure, Summer isn’t over yet.

I have started my Autumn cleaning in preparation for Mabon.  Today I spent time pulling out throw blankets and giving them a wash and hanging them on the line to dry.  It’ll be nice to have clean, aired out blankets the first night we need them by the fire or in our warm beds. I’ve done our throw rugs too.  Deep cleaning will continue to commence in the next week or two.  I love Fall cleaning even more than Spring cleaning..just because it means I’m getting ready for my most favorite time of year!

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In a couple of weeks, my family will be spending a few days in the Smoky Mountains together…that includes my wonderful daughter and her husband and my beautiful grandchildren. And of course my daughter Sara who lives with us and my husband and two friends too 🙂  We have booked side by side cabins and so look forward to spending time together, relaxing in the beautiful mountains!  Those mountains..they are like home to me..my soul just soars when I’m there.  Having my most loved ones with me makes it even more priceless.

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I have a bit of news to tell about myself.  I’m thrilled to say that I have finally (after wanting to for many years) gotten my Reiki Master/Teacher certificate.  I have a dear friend, Jenn, who helped me by leading me to what I needed to read and learn and practice, and then attuning me for all three levels.  It has been an amazing experience and I’m so happy to be able to use this amazing healing energy on myself and those who are in need.  It’s quite a feeling.  If you’ve thought about it even for a minute…I highly recommend you do it!  Several things have happened to me since getting attuned. I have opened up more to receiving and giving healing, but I’ve also been receiving messages via dreams, empathy and from the Goddess.  I have had spirit animals come to me, I’m discovering new guides and inner wisdom, my Path is much brighter and I’ve gained more knowledge.  It’s a powerful thing indeed.

I’m most anxious for the Super Moon tomorrow night.  The energy already is palpable and strong and with my strengthened abilities, I hope to have a wonderful experience with Her!  I always do, but I expect More this time I think.  I’ll be making Super Moon water, charging crystals and altar tools, and drawing down Her energy and power and reveling in it!  Also, there are three months in a row of Super Moons!  Imagine how wonderful a Full Harvest Super Moon will be next month! And then the one right before Samhain…..the Witches’ New Year! Powerful Magick will abound! I love Autumn and Winter Moonlit nights the most I think.  There is something about being outside when it’s cold and crisp, or when snow is glistening in the light that makes it even more magickal for me..more energy.  Of course being under Her in the warm months is warmer, it’s just not the same for me. I love my seasons are upon us..I can feel the energies swirling!

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Tonight’s almost Full Moon!

Mabon is coming fast..it’s almost September finally!  I plan on attending my first Pagan festival on September 26th..my whole coven plans on going together to it.  It should be a lot of fun!  Some of us have been before, but I’ve always been out of town, so it’ll be my first time. I look forward to the fellowship with my sisters and those of my community who share my Path.  It’s a great way to celebrate Mabon as well. I look forward to meeting some of my Facebook friends face to face. On Mabon, I’ll be harvesting the last of my herbs, finishing my Fall cleaning, and of course having a fire and feast to celebrate the return of my very favorite Season. Beautiful Autumn!  Those words just bring me Joy!

My herbs are OUT of Control! :)

My herbs are OUT of Control! 🙂

Enjoy the Super Moon tomorrow night..wherever you are and whatever you’re doing. Aren’t we Pagans and Witches blessed to have our Sabbats and our Moon celebrations to remind us how beautiful our Path is, how magickal our Craft is and how lucky we are to have discovered who we are?  I do my best every day to remember that. I have found my happiness and peace..I hope you have too! Whatever your Path!

“How like a queen comes forth the lonely Moon
From the slow opening curtains of the clouds
Walking in beauty to Her midnight throne!”
~George Croly, Diana

Blessings and Love, Autumn

*All pictures are my own.

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June 14, 2014 · 10:23 pm

The Wheel Turns to Litha..the Summer Solstice 2014..

 

“it’s a smile, it’s a kiss, it’s a sip of wine … it’s Summertime!”
― Kenny Chesney

 

IMG_0918Merry Meet my friends. I hope this night finds you and yours well! The Full Strawberry/Honey/Mead Moon (whichever YOU call Her) was absolutely incredibly beautiful and powerful. After all, with it being Friday the 13th and Mercury being in retrograde…She had to be! I spent extra time under Her influence…still am!.. as She’s still beautiful tonight. The energy is palpable if you sit quiet and soak Her in. Crystals and tools have been re-charged, Moon water made and rituals done. House was smudged too. 🙂

The Summer Solstice, Litha, MidSummer….it’s just a week away on the 21st! The longest day of the year..but also the start of the days shortening. That’s so amazing to think about..especially since Summer is just starting! But at my age LOL..the Wheel turns fast, so I’ll be enjoying every minute of those daylight hours, Hot Sun, warm breezes, green grass, blooming flowers and herbs, lightning bugs, summer rain showers, etc etc. All the perks of Summer. Even though the HEAT is not my favorite thing..I will enjoy it 🙂

This year, Litha will be a quiet, solitary celebration on the day. My Circle won’t meet til the following weekend. However, my family leaves for the Smoky Mountains the day after..the 22nd. To know I’ll be in my favorite Mountains for the Solstice is just…well…Magickal to me. I can’t wait!! When I travel, I carry a portable altar kit..mostly candles, incense, small crystals to bury, my pendulum, lavender oil, etc. Whatever strikes me I might want or need. Taking a walk into the Mountain woods, results in a bit of Magick for me! My soul just sings when I’m in those Mountains and the woods there.

The Solstice is when I always put out new Witch’s protection bottles on my property, set up and re-fresh my wards and barriers, and make offerings to the Fae…though I do that ALL the time while gardening, I am always sure to do it again. Also, my herbs are usually ready for their first harvesting. That is one of my favorite things to do! Smelling, touching, talking to, harvesting, tying and hanging my herbs just makes me so happy. AND I know most of them…will bloom again one or two more times before the end of the season. They are growing leaps and bounds in our wonderful weather. It’s not been too hot and we’ve had good amounts of rain, which is sooo much better then watering with a hose 🙂 It will be a good harvest!

If you want information on how to do a Witch’s bottle..just type it into the search box on the right. It should come up with how I do it. Also, if you type in Litha and/or Summer Solstice..you will find previous years postings of recipes, correspondence and other info etc. I thought I’d share this recipe with you for now….it’s refreshing and uses healthy produce and herbs that are abundant this time of year!

 

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Strawberry Balsamic Salad

1 (7 ounce) package Baby Spinach or 1 (7 ounce) package baby romaine lettuce
2 cups strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup goat cheese or 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
Balsamic vinaigrette
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped
crushed salt and black pepper

Whisk vinegar and olive oil in small bowl. Add basil and season with salt and pepper.

Combine spinach or romaine and strawberries in large bowl.

Add vinaigrette; gently toss to evenly coat.

Divide salad among 4 plates. Sprinkle each salad with cheese and pine nuts

*Personally, I’d double the the oil and vinegar for the dressing..leaving the basil in the same amount give….if you like  a bit more dressing.  But I like it with JUST balsamic too 🙂
This would be lovely with some crusty bread and a glass of wine..a perfect Solstice feast!
However YOU celebrate the Solstice, I hope you have a beautiful, longest day of the year and enjoy every moment of it. Be lazy, be active, walk barefoot, swim, catch lightning bugs, eat watermelon, take a long walk in the cool woods…Connect and enjoy the Sun! I’ll be back again soon!  Be sure to check out the Sunday Stew again (just click on the Sunday Stew Chef cauldron on the right column.)   My recipe for Carmelite Water..using lemon balm will be posted.  A great sipping drink to enjoy with medicinal value as well! Also lots of other great Solstice recipes and writings and info.  Have a great week and leave me a message about YOUR Solstice plans..I’d love to hear!!
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It was June, and the world smelled of roses.
The sunshine was like powdered gold over the grassy hillside.
~Maud Hart Lovelace

Blessings and Love, Autumn

 

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June 3, 2014 · 8:34 pm

I’m a Happy Garden Witch………..

Merry Meet friends!  Hope this writing finds all of you doing well.  If you live in the Northern Hemisphere..I’m guessing you’ve been enjoying Summer-like weather now! I know we have here in Ohio.  It’s been quite warm, we’ve had adequate rain, and the Garden Centers are booming with busy gardeners grabbing up flowers, shrubs, herbs and veggie plants.  I have made several trips there myself 🙂

This is only the 2nd Summer now in our new home and we are still planning garden beds and fine tuning what we did last year.  We lost some plants from the extreme Winter we had so we had to dig up some dead plants and decide what to do with the space.  I’m thrilled with what we’ve done.  I did most of the bed design and planting..while hubby helped me with the bigger pots and the I helped him with the mulching.

I have more I want to do yet…another bed would be great….but until I can talk hubby into it LOL….we will be planting some flowering trees like Pear and Lilac, installing a trellis or two against our fence and planting climbing flowers and putting in a big Maple tree in the backyard.  Here’s just a few pics of what we’ve done….they are newly planted but growing fast and I’m very happy with the results.  I kept in mind planting for drawing bees, birds and butterflies.  So far…it’s working 🙂

 

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As a Witch…..I have added Magick in many ways.  As I plant….I put my intentions and energy into each plant to grow strong and healthy..infuse it with Magick!  I draw runes and pentacles in the dirt, or even right on the wood of the raised bed of herbs.  I plant crystals in the soil, water with collected Moon Water and ask Goddess to bring Her energy and power to my home and gardens.  For me, working in soil…handling living plants, nurturing them, and watching them bloom and grow…brings me pure Joy, Grounds and Centers me, and allows me to feel one with Mother Earth.

I have many friends who don’t have yards or garden beds because they live in apartments etc.  I have friends who say they don’t have a green thumb..have no luck or desire to garden.   That’s ok too.  Not everybody is into gardening…I’m sure you have some other talent I wish I had 🙂   For those that want to but live in an apartment….it takes a very small space of balcony or patio or patch of dirt to plant a few things to bring you joy.  Pots are wonderful for growing flowers, herbs and even some vegetables.  The Joy is the same!

This time of year, I get such a thrill out of seeing my friend’s gardens posted on social media.  I get such great ideas and inspiration from others.  My friend Sunshine has a wonderful little balcony.  It’s one of the most magickal little places I’ve seen… with her pots of herbs and flowers and veggies, her Goddess statues and faeries….I get inspiration from her too! Though it’s a small space…it’s pure Magick!

It’s only 18 days until the Summer Solstice.  The Solstice is usually when I get to do my first harvest of herbs, and when I re-new my Witch’s Protection Bottles, wards etc around my home and yard.  I’ll be back to talk more about that soon.  In the meantime…get barefoot, go out under the waxing Moon (Friday the 13th She will be Full!) and just FEEL the warmth of the Earth, and the softness of the grass on your feet.  It will fix just about anything that’s ailing you!

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Blessings and Love, Autumn

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April 12, 2014 · 1:53 pm

Blood Moon………..

Merry Meet my friends!  It’s a gorgeous Spring day here! Sun is shining, it’s quite breezy and warm.  I have spent the morning washing all my throw rugs and hanging them on the line.  I’ve jarred up new herbs in those awesome anniversary Ball jars that are GREEN!!  I love them and need more!!

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I’ve made foccachia bread, did some housework and opened doors and windows  to let fresh Air in and stagnate Air out!  Wish I could be outside planting but it’s just not time yet as I’ve said 🙂   I think everyone in the neighborhood is mowing..the scent is amazing!!  Hubby mowed a couple days ago and our grass is greening and lovely!

 

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Picture from Yahoo News

April 15 is going to be an amazing Full Moon.  It will be a Blood Moon!  A lunar eclipse!  Can you imagine the terror this must have brought in ancient times and the Magickal energy it’s going to bring to us in these times? About 2am EST the Moon will cross the Earth’s shadow turning the Moon a copper red….A Blood Moon.  It will last about an hour. This is one Witch who will be up in the middle of the night soaking in the Energy and Power and watching in amazement!

Another special thing about this Blood Moon…. there will be Four of them in the next year and a half. Pretty much unheard of!! There are sometimes 2 a year, but so subtle most can’t be seen.  There was a 300 year period where there were NO Blood Moons before the 21st century.  It shows how non-common they are.  The dates are April 15, 2014; October 8, 2014; April 4, 2015, and September 28, 2015. I for one will be marking these in my calendar.  I don’t want them to escape me!! 🙂

I would try to use this magick to the fullest extent!  Make Blood Moon Water, energize and cleanse your crystals, jewelry, altar tools…. Draw down the Blood Moon energy into yourself…set out powerful wards and protections with the aid of the added energy,  and just sit and bathe in Her Light.  Full Moon rituals will take on a whole new meaning under  a red, red Moon! Don’t you think?

“But about the first watch the Moon in eclipse, hid at first the brilliance of her heavenly body, then all her light was sullied and suffused with the hue of blood.”

From: Curtius, History of Alexander.
These quotations refer to a lunar eclipse at moonrise in Sicily and at Arbela, of 20/21 September 331 BC.

 

I wish you all an amazing Full Blood Moon!  May Her Light shine on you and fill you with Magickal Power!

 

Blessings and Love, Autumn

 

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March 17, 2014 · 3:28 pm

Happy Irish Day!………….

thHello my friends! How are all of you this fine day? All is well here…it’s warmed up a little..into the 40’s and it’s been overcast but the Sun is trying ever so hard to make an appearance. I had errands to run and was able to do them in just a heavy  (my Irish sweater actually!) so that was very nice. The Full Moon was hiding mostly..I got glimpses of Her as She was first ascending the Sky then no more. Hoping for better views tonight!

As you may or may not realize, if you’re seeing lots of green today…..that today is St. Patrick’s Day! 🙂 Now, I don’t celebrate St. Patrick, he’s not a favorite guy of mine at all. But I do take this day to celebrate my Irish-ness, my Irish/Scottish ancestors, and the wearing O’the Green! To celebrate, I popped some Irish Soda Bread into my oven, and while it’s baking, I thought I would drop by here and give you my recipe. It’s easy and quick and makes two loaves which is nice for sharing. I plan to pass a loaf over the fence to my wonderful backyard neighbor Jane. If you’ve never had Soda bread..you should try it. It’s not overly sweet and it’s perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. I also think butter and jam make it really nice and sweet!

 

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Irish Soda Bread

4 cups all purpose flour

1 cup sugar

2 tsps. baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

3 eggs

2 cups sour cream

1 cup raisins

1 TB caraway seed

Preheat oven to 325*.  Grease two loaf pans 8″ x 4″.

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl; add eggs and sour cream and mix just until moistened. (this will be sticky..use floured hands if you need too)  Fold in raisins.

Spread batter evenly in 2 pans. Sprinkle with caraway seeds.  Bake at 325* for one hour or until raised and golden brown,

I was able to remove them from the pan right away by turning out onto a cutting board.

My house smells amazing and you’ll love it!

Hope you all have a great day however you celebrate it..rather it be baking, or drinking green beer or visiting your favorite local Irish pub.  I’ll be taking some time over an Irish whiskey or Bailey’s to send love to my ancestors who watch over me and guide me.

May your heart be warm and happy

With the lilt of Irish laughter

Every day in every way

and forever and ever after!

-Irish Blessing-

Slainte!

Autumn

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March 27, 2013 · 8:05 pm

Spring???………..

Merry evening friends!  Hope that you all had a very Blessed Ostara.  I know I did.  It was just a simple meal and a simple ritual but meaningful.  Did any of you try any of my recipes?  If you did, please let me know!  I’d love to hear about it.  I made my Dilly egg salad for lunch and it was yummy!

Now Spring?  Yea, in Ohio it’s not here yet! 🙂    We, as many of you, just had a huge Winter snowstorm on March 24-25.  We got about 7 inches here in my neck of the woods.  But I am NOT complaining at all.  I loved it!  It was beautiful and magickal.  Fell for about 36 hours straight.  Here’s a pic of the first morning……

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Beautiful isn’t it 🙂   I have seen a lot of complaining about Winter being so long, Spring to slow to come etc.  I hear ya! I too can’t wait to lighten up my clothes, work in my garden, get outside!!   But I believe that Mother Earth knows what she needs more then we do and we should let her just do what she needs to do!!  Complaining won’t change it anyway..right?  I say make the most of each day, no matter what the weather and do something fun to enjoy it.  I made sure to collect some snow water and some nice-sized snowballs.  I will love pulling those out in  the heat of the Summer.  They will be great to let the grandkids play with them, take a chunk and let it run down my hot neck, or use it to make a slushy margarita!!  (Thanks Mike for that idea 🙂   To me, everyday is magickal if you look for it….now stop complaining! LOL!!

Spring..it’ll get here.  We already see the snow melting and will be in the 50’s for a couple days this weekend.  In the meantime, I am planning my garden, getting my lighter clothes ready, and perusing my cookbooks for lighter, healthier meals. I can’t wait to put my hands in the dirt and my face to the Sun and my back to a tree 🙂  I know that is what you all are ready for too!  Take heart…it’s coming!!

Through all the frozen winter
My nose has grown most lonely
For lovely, lovely, colored smells
That come in springtime only.

The purple smell of lilacs,
The yellow smell that blows
Across the air of meadows
Where bright forsythia grows.

The tall pink smell of peach trees,
The low white smell of clover,
And everywhere the great green smell
Of grass the whole world over.”
–  Kathryn Worth, Smells

Oh, and Blessed Full Moon to you all!!  May the Goddess shine Her light and energy on you…always!

Blessings and Love

Autumn

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December 3, 2012 · 10:41 pm

The Wheel turns to Yule 2012……..

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Merry Meet friends!  I can’t believe it’s December already..the Season of Yule and the return of the Sun!  I have been so busy for several months now preparing to move to a new home that the days are blending together in a big blur.  Selling our home then buying one…planning for all the home improvements we’re doing to the new house….packing up the old house which includes a huge amoung of getting rid of stuff since we have bought a much smaller home!…. Well, you get the picture.

On top of that I broke my leg!  Ends up what was thought to be a sprained knee turned into a broken tibial plateau…a serious injury and will take time to heal and time in a wheelchair.  The timing couldn’t be worse!!  Having said that I’m blessed with family and friends who have stepped up to help us pack, help me run errands, take me to doc appts etc.  Thank Goddess for them or we would be very behind!!   We move into our new home in less then 2 weeks!!  We will be settled in just in time for Yule!

Being that we are moving right before Yule..and the fact we’ve had such warm weather so far this Winter…I’m having a hard time getting that feeling of Yule.  You know, the sitting by the fire with a hot chocolate, watching holiday movies, planning a shopping day, kind of feeling.  I have had to do all my holiday shopping online so far as getting out for me is tough right now.  But I’ve done it.  We’ve not had but one fire going because it’s been warm or because we’ve been gone, out shopping for things for the new house like vanities, appliances, flooring, lighting etc.  (ok..that is VERY fun! 🙂   I’ve watched a few movies when I’ve had the time and listen to holiday music alot..but still..the feeling isn’t with me. It doesn’t feel like Yule or the holiday season.

Now, having said that, I realize there is a difference between the holiday commercialism and Yule.  When I think about Yule it’s a whole different thing.  It’s about the turning of the Wheel, the return of the Sun, days lengthening.  It’s about a quiet celebration.  When I think about it that way, I realize that I have been celebrating the coming of Yule.  The Full Snow Moon was amazing! For several days I was wheeled out to the porch to spend time with our Moon Goddess.  Letting Her energy flow over, around and thru me…allowing Her to heal, to raise my spirits, to accept that some things are just out of my control.  I have spent quiet mornings watching the Sun come up and the Sun Go Down…in quiet contemplation.  I have lit candles daily..as always…for those who need healing, including myself.  I have asked for a smooth transition to our new home and prayed the house is Blessed with an abundance of Joy, Love and Positive energy.  So…I guess in fact, I am celebrating Yule..simply and as it should be.

I hope in this time of crazy busyness, massive shopping, dealing with problem family members and worrying about every little detail to make Christmas “perfect”….you take the time to realize that what the Season is truly about is Love and Joy.  Find simple ways to celebrate with your family.  Take a walk on a snowy, star-filled night.  Have a quiet candle-lit simple meal together.  Skip the gifts and give to a favorite charity, adopt a needy family, or give money to an animal shelter.  Start a fire in the fireplace, cauldron or just a simple candle.  Write down your wishes for the next year and burn them in the fire.  Just keep it simple.  The first thing I did when we got the keys to our house this past Thursday..was to hang an evergreen wreath on my new front door!  It was all I needed to remind me of the season. Made me smile 🙂

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I’ve not got much time right now to write a lot of blogs but I’ll do my best to be back again a time or two before Yule.  I hope that you all are having a wonderful Season so far!  Blessings to you and yours!

Autumn

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