As the preparations for this afternoon's or tonight's feasting swirl around us--whether we are the preparers or the casual observers--let us pause a moment to reflect on the festivities. There have been postings over the last few weeks (on Blogger and on TWV) that have been "all over the board" on what Thanksgiving means/should mean/has been corrupted into/etc. Folk have said (and excuse the paraphrasing) that this holiday is the "duty-bound" one to family and familial faith practices...that this is a non-pagan and therefore "put upon us" holiday. And, that sentiment truly bothers this little Lair mistress.
Perhaps, in some views, this is going to put me placed in the "fluffy bunny" category of us. I don't particularly care. IF one come to this day expecting to be put upon by one's family, one is comin to the holiday in the wrong mindset, in my mind.
Yes, this is not a full-out Pagan holiday. "They" did not re-envision it from the Old Times. "We" cannot claim it as lifted property. BUT....don't we all celebrate harvest festivals--regardless of our Paths? Is this not the season of the final harvests being brought in for canning/freezing/putting up? And, regardless of practice or system or Path, do we not all wish a bit of the home fires to warm us and welcome us?
SO, this day, as the turkey turns golden brown, the cranberry-apple chutneys bubble merrily, the stuffing/dressing firms and bakes, and the myriad accompaniments to this feast are created, take a moment to celebrate the connectedness we have rather than the separations we suffer. We might not be un-Broom closeted, but we can thank Her (in this season of thankfulness) for giving us this day of family and friends and feasting.
As the winter draws nigh...feel the warm, welcoming embrace of Her love....
Happy Thanksgiving, my friends! Be safe, be happy, eat heartily, and celebrate with passion!
In the softness of the Moonlight...
26 November 2009
10 November 2009
Settling Down...
We're midway into the Celtic month of "Reed" or "Broom"--the shrub which symbolizes both the mysteries of death and the deep-set roots of life. And, indeed, this is a season--from Samhain to Yule--of recollection of the past and recognition of both one's mortality and the Veil between the worlds.
This is the time when the earth is drawing into itself...it's settling and "nesting" in preparation for the dormancy of winter. The Celtic tree symbolism of this month...this season...is likewise one of preparedness, for this is the month that Broom comes to harvest--the branches being fashioned into brooms.
This morning, through the mists rising ever so gently from the fields which surround me on my morning commute, the last vestiges of Autumn's glory were faintly visible--the dimming golds and russets of the leaves which still cling helplessly to their branches, the furry cows coming into their winter coats, the browning fields which once held such verdant life.
It's a time to pause...to reflect...to reconcile oneself to the quietness which enshrouds this season. Watch the final "V" of the geese as they wend their way southward. Study the foolhardiness of the last leaves as they valiantly cling to their twigs. Breathe in the crisp, smokey air as neighbors gather at the fireplace to ward off the chill of the evenings. Embrace the silence!
In the peacefulness of the Moonlight...
This is the time when the earth is drawing into itself...it's settling and "nesting" in preparation for the dormancy of winter. The Celtic tree symbolism of this month...this season...is likewise one of preparedness, for this is the month that Broom comes to harvest--the branches being fashioned into brooms.
This morning, through the mists rising ever so gently from the fields which surround me on my morning commute, the last vestiges of Autumn's glory were faintly visible--the dimming golds and russets of the leaves which still cling helplessly to their branches, the furry cows coming into their winter coats, the browning fields which once held such verdant life.
It's a time to pause...to reflect...to reconcile oneself to the quietness which enshrouds this season. Watch the final "V" of the geese as they wend their way southward. Study the foolhardiness of the last leaves as they valiantly cling to their twigs. Breathe in the crisp, smokey air as neighbors gather at the fireplace to ward off the chill of the evenings. Embrace the silence!
In the peacefulness of the Moonlight...
31 October 2009
Samhain 2009 (not your normal celebration)
GOOD SAMHAIN, ALL!
The Lair" mistress is not at home (house, room, whatever) this night...we're visiting family and are having a modified Sabbat this night once the children are in bed and the house we're staying in is "ours." We've the barest of essentials, a quiet spot, and a derth of trick-or-treaters in the neighborhood, so the night will be ours.
Today, we had intermittent showers...rather an ambiance-creator here. The leaves have blazened to their top Autumnal glory here in the upstate of SC--golds, canary yellows, russets, and the deepest of burgundies were all battling for prominence during the numerous leaf-storms the breezes created in between rainfalls. The air was chill today--a damp cold pervaded clothes, jackets, and skin. Tonight, all is quiet...the streets are sparkling in wetness, the fallen leaves are deadening footfalls without, and the soft glow of the lamps within have warmed the attitudes of wet, cold children and adults alike.
The worlds are in harmony--the "here" is open and the "beyond" is pleased. It's a good night.
I read a fellow blogger's experience while beginning this one--Albiana's post on "Flying off the Broom Handle" and it made me smile. Seems she had a "connection" which was completely random and surprisingly nice. How many of us who are mostly "broom-closeted" have had such a smile--a moment of understanding from someone we'd never expect because, either planned or not, we had some "emblem" of our belief on us--a pent', triskele, etc? And, how deeply and pleasantly does it affect us when that randomness happens--when someone "gets" us...not just "judges" or "stereotypes" us??
For me, that recognition of understanding...of connection...of respect for difference IS what Samhain is about--to an extend. It's a melding of the old and the new...a letting go of and an opening to that place in yourself that harbours doubt and fear and pain--and making room for the beauty and wonderment all around us. She releases us from our human frailties and welcomes us to deeper connection with Her tonight. The Old Ones are here, this very night, to help us to that embrace.
SO, good evening, my dear, dear Lair "regulars"....and, for those of you who've happened here unexpectedly, may the softness of the Moonlight, this night of all the others, embrace you with Her love and welcome! Good Samhain, all.....!
The Lair" mistress is not at home (house, room, whatever) this night...we're visiting family and are having a modified Sabbat this night once the children are in bed and the house we're staying in is "ours." We've the barest of essentials, a quiet spot, and a derth of trick-or-treaters in the neighborhood, so the night will be ours.
Today, we had intermittent showers...rather an ambiance-creator here. The leaves have blazened to their top Autumnal glory here in the upstate of SC--golds, canary yellows, russets, and the deepest of burgundies were all battling for prominence during the numerous leaf-storms the breezes created in between rainfalls. The air was chill today--a damp cold pervaded clothes, jackets, and skin. Tonight, all is quiet...the streets are sparkling in wetness, the fallen leaves are deadening footfalls without, and the soft glow of the lamps within have warmed the attitudes of wet, cold children and adults alike.
The worlds are in harmony--the "here" is open and the "beyond" is pleased. It's a good night.
I read a fellow blogger's experience while beginning this one--Albiana's post on "Flying off the Broom Handle" and it made me smile. Seems she had a "connection" which was completely random and surprisingly nice. How many of us who are mostly "broom-closeted" have had such a smile--a moment of understanding from someone we'd never expect because, either planned or not, we had some "emblem" of our belief on us--a pent', triskele, etc? And, how deeply and pleasantly does it affect us when that randomness happens--when someone "gets" us...not just "judges" or "stereotypes" us??
For me, that recognition of understanding...of connection...of respect for difference IS what Samhain is about--to an extend. It's a melding of the old and the new...a letting go of and an opening to that place in yourself that harbours doubt and fear and pain--and making room for the beauty and wonderment all around us. She releases us from our human frailties and welcomes us to deeper connection with Her tonight. The Old Ones are here, this very night, to help us to that embrace.
SO, good evening, my dear, dear Lair "regulars"....and, for those of you who've happened here unexpectedly, may the softness of the Moonlight, this night of all the others, embrace you with Her love and welcome! Good Samhain, all.....!
27 October 2009
Samhain Preparations...sort of...
Samhain at the Lair will be altered this year. Our altar is packed away 'til the house sells, our library is likewise boxed up and safely stowed in the storage unit, and our faerie circle (that they kindly let us use in the old backyard) is 15 hours away by car. Additionally, we're traveling to visit family on Friday, so we'll completely be out of even our new environment on Saturday night.
Facing the unfamiliar or the unknown, though, is what this particular Sabbat is all about. It is the one day in the Wheel that She asks us to face our fears, make peace with the past, and open to the possibilities that She offers to us. Doing so is, sometimes, much more frightening than any haunted house or slasher flick. It's facing the reality of "what is" rather than "how I wish it might have been"--it's quitting the second-guessing, self-doubt,and "what ifs" and opening to "just 'cause" being a viable answer. It's death and reconciliation and renewal. It's the reality of what our Path--regardless of focus--means.
There's been SO much change in our life this past Turning--a job change (and for my husband, a job stagnation as no one is currently hiring for full-time here in his area), a relocation, houselessness (though not "homelessness" as we have dear friends who've taken us in without hesitation)... Facing all of that and realizing that all was for a purpose...that, as one of my dearest friends keeps reminding me, "everything happens for a reason"...is a hard lesson. And, it's an ongoing lesson. On the day after Samhain,things are not going to magickally change or drastically improve. If I were to "encourage" such a change, goodness knows what harm I'd ultimately do!
Samhain is a powerful,relentless, and deeply personal Sabbat. It forces us to look within. It makes us acknowledge the darkness inside us and which surrounds us through the negativity of self-doubt and disappointment that is not seen for the educational opportunity offered. It's tough. And, it's exciting.
As the waxing Moonlight wraps us in Her embrace...
Facing the unfamiliar or the unknown, though, is what this particular Sabbat is all about. It is the one day in the Wheel that She asks us to face our fears, make peace with the past, and open to the possibilities that She offers to us. Doing so is, sometimes, much more frightening than any haunted house or slasher flick. It's facing the reality of "what is" rather than "how I wish it might have been"--it's quitting the second-guessing, self-doubt,and "what ifs" and opening to "just 'cause" being a viable answer. It's death and reconciliation and renewal. It's the reality of what our Path--regardless of focus--means.
There's been SO much change in our life this past Turning--a job change (and for my husband, a job stagnation as no one is currently hiring for full-time here in his area), a relocation, houselessness (though not "homelessness" as we have dear friends who've taken us in without hesitation)... Facing all of that and realizing that all was for a purpose...that, as one of my dearest friends keeps reminding me, "everything happens for a reason"...is a hard lesson. And, it's an ongoing lesson. On the day after Samhain,things are not going to magickally change or drastically improve. If I were to "encourage" such a change, goodness knows what harm I'd ultimately do!
Samhain is a powerful,relentless, and deeply personal Sabbat. It forces us to look within. It makes us acknowledge the darkness inside us and which surrounds us through the negativity of self-doubt and disappointment that is not seen for the educational opportunity offered. It's tough. And, it's exciting.
As the waxing Moonlight wraps us in Her embrace...
25 October 2009
Lifting the Veil...
Tonight, the Moon is half lit. I know this not because She is visible in Her maidenhood, but because the widget at the base of my blog tells me this. I cannot see Her soft beauty because there is yet another thunderstorm approaching. The growl of the thunder and the purply-blue lightning is approaching from the southwest. Earlier, the skies were enshrouded in a steely-grey.
It is apt that this is the weather for part of this week, for this is the week which leads to the thinning of the veil between the worlds for those on our Path. It is the week of Samhain--or Calan Gaeaf in the Welsh language--the festival of endings and beginnings. This is the day (Halloween and it's associated days for those of you unfamiliar with the other two terms) when our year ends and begins--it's not a day of time, but separate from time because of this. The veil between those who have passed over to the Summerlands...to that island of light and peace and healing...is thinnest and we can communicate.
Our world is resetting itself. The rains--the storms--are cleansing it tonight. They're making it ready for Her sleep and rebirth into the precious Maiden of spring. Perhaps they are preparing the world for our cleansing to our new concentrations given us through the wisdom of our elders on Samhain. We shall see.
As the storms come relentlessly closer, stay secure...
...in the Softness of Moonlight.
It is apt that this is the weather for part of this week, for this is the week which leads to the thinning of the veil between the worlds for those on our Path. It is the week of Samhain--or Calan Gaeaf in the Welsh language--the festival of endings and beginnings. This is the day (Halloween and it's associated days for those of you unfamiliar with the other two terms) when our year ends and begins--it's not a day of time, but separate from time because of this. The veil between those who have passed over to the Summerlands...to that island of light and peace and healing...is thinnest and we can communicate.
Our world is resetting itself. The rains--the storms--are cleansing it tonight. They're making it ready for Her sleep and rebirth into the precious Maiden of spring. Perhaps they are preparing the world for our cleansing to our new concentrations given us through the wisdom of our elders on Samhain. We shall see.
As the storms come relentlessly closer, stay secure...
...in the Softness of Moonlight.
15 October 2009
Blog Action Day 2009
"Blog Action Day is an annual event held every October 15 that unites the world’s bloggers in posting about the same issue on the same day with the aim of sparking discussion around an issue of global importance" (http://blogactionday.org/). This year's topic is "Climate Change"...a topic one would think is singularly important for someone of my Path.
Guess what--it's not really that much in the forefront of my mind. I do hold that reducing greenhouse gasses is valuable to maintaining our planet and that recycling assists us in reducing our carbon footprint.
My dear friend's blog--"Heartsong's Hymnal"--states this apathy or antipathy best. "Scientists and environmentalists argue; politicians rail about emminent doom or scream that it's all for progress and for the best. Both the science and politics confound me. Since scientists haven't nailed it down completley yet, I don't feel too bad. " (http://heartsongshymnal.blogspot.com/2009/10/blog-action-day-what-can-i-do-from.html)
I downsized my car...I reduced the mileage I rack up going to and from the campus...I live somewhat simply...BUT I don't walk as much as I could...I don't "buy local"...and I use needless electricity. I live, as we all do, as a contradition to myself.
Just a little thought...my "contribution" to today's cause.
Now back to the Lair's business...
Guess what--it's not really that much in the forefront of my mind. I do hold that reducing greenhouse gasses is valuable to maintaining our planet and that recycling assists us in reducing our carbon footprint.
My dear friend's blog--"Heartsong's Hymnal"--states this apathy or antipathy best. "Scientists and environmentalists argue; politicians rail about emminent doom or scream that it's all for progress and for the best. Both the science and politics confound me. Since scientists haven't nailed it down completley yet, I don't feel too bad. " (http://heartsongshymnal.blogspot.com/2009/10/blog-action-day-what-can-i-do-from.html)
I downsized my car...I reduced the mileage I rack up going to and from the campus...I live somewhat simply...BUT I don't walk as much as I could...I don't "buy local"...and I use needless electricity. I live, as we all do, as a contradition to myself.
Just a little thought...my "contribution" to today's cause.
Now back to the Lair's business...
11 October 2009
Geese
The skies have been overcast and "threatening" for days, though since the rains of my last posting, there have been no storms. There's a chill breeze coming from the north that's convinced the leaves to start their final, glorious transformation. The quiet hush of Autumn is upon us finally.
Late this afternoon, as I was coming out of a local shop, I glanced skyward. Above me, in perfect formation, there was a "V" of geese flying south. Silhouetted against the varigated-grey sky, they were a black arrow pointing the way of the departing season. There was no sound (they were too high and too focused on their flight from the cold to the promise of warmth to call out) and no other bird in the air. Just the silent progression of this group on their annual pilgrimmage to their nesting grounds.
The silence of this season--the quiet preparations for the upcoming new year, the introspection as we take account of where we "were" and where we are wanting to go, the very season which is both beginning and ending--is sometimes deafening. We're encouraged to "reflect on the deeds of the past and prepare for the year to come" in hushed meditation.
If we quietly go about our preparations, we open to the sounds of the season...the hushed whisper of wing-flaps, the dry rustle of leaves as neighborhood children jump and giggle, the embracing crackle of a log fire on a chill evening. She grants us Her wisdom through these fleeting moments of peaceful reflection. All we have to be is silent and open to Her teachings.
All we have to do is follow the geese in the grey sky while a bracing breeze blows around us...
In the calm of the waning Moonlight...
Late this afternoon, as I was coming out of a local shop, I glanced skyward. Above me, in perfect formation, there was a "V" of geese flying south. Silhouetted against the varigated-grey sky, they were a black arrow pointing the way of the departing season. There was no sound (they were too high and too focused on their flight from the cold to the promise of warmth to call out) and no other bird in the air. Just the silent progression of this group on their annual pilgrimmage to their nesting grounds.
The silence of this season--the quiet preparations for the upcoming new year, the introspection as we take account of where we "were" and where we are wanting to go, the very season which is both beginning and ending--is sometimes deafening. We're encouraged to "reflect on the deeds of the past and prepare for the year to come" in hushed meditation.
If we quietly go about our preparations, we open to the sounds of the season...the hushed whisper of wing-flaps, the dry rustle of leaves as neighborhood children jump and giggle, the embracing crackle of a log fire on a chill evening. She grants us Her wisdom through these fleeting moments of peaceful reflection. All we have to be is silent and open to Her teachings.
All we have to do is follow the geese in the grey sky while a bracing breeze blows around us...
In the calm of the waning Moonlight...
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