I started reading Margot Adler's Drawing Down the Moon today, and even though I'm not twenty pages in, I'm in love! This fascinating text is a completely revised and updated history of the Pagan movement in the United States, including information on the many paths of Paganism, how Pagans apply their beliefs to "real life", and what festivals and rituals are like. She draws from thousands of interviews, includes pictures, and generally writes in a style that thus far is unbiased and relatable. Can't wait to read more!
In other news (I use that expression a lot, don't I?), my AP Environmental class went outside today, just to enjoy the 70+ degree weather. My school has a restored prairie on one side, containing native grasses, wild flowers, and some trees, and it was through here that we got to walk. It's very pretty, even though many of the plants won't put out leaves until late May, and we saw several ducks swimming in a puddle. Right now, our class is growing various native plants indoors, and once the last chance of frost is over, we'll plant them out in a new section of prairie. It's really cool to get to connect with nature in a way that is actively restoring habitat, and it's even better to be able to do so in a way that promotes further human interaction with the landscape. Most people don't understand the need to conserve nature until they've been out in it.
Tuesday
Monday
April 29th, 2013
Due to a musical festival going on at my school this afternoon, we were released early, and I got home at 11:30! I was struck while walking back from the bus stop by just how nice today's weather is. In my little corner of the world, it's a balmy 70 degrees with a gentle breeze, birds singing, trees budding, and dozens of perky dandelions popping up to see what's going on. I get grumpy during the winter, being cooped up inside all day, and now that we're getting deep into spring I just feel like opening all the windows and drinking in the fresh air.
In thinking of all things Pagan, it occurred to me just now that Beltane is this Wednesday! It looks like the good weather hit just in time for the sabbat, folks. I won't be doing a big Maypole dance or anything (non-Pagan parents and all), but I have a miniature version I crafted last year that's both cute and simple.
other desired mediums. This is an easy projects for kids, so feel free to get the little ones involved. Hold the finished dowel firmly in place. If you have a narrow vase you can put it in, or a ball of play-doh in which to stick the end, that works too (1). Lay the middle of the two ribbons over the end of the dowel, crossing each other, so that the halves of each ribbon hang down the sides in equal length (2). It should look like you have four shorter ribbons attached to the pole's top. Then secure the ribbons in place by driving the thumb tack all the way into the dowel through the ribbons (3). Depending on your dowel size, it looks something like a little cap on the rod's end.
That's all there is to it - in ritual or at another desired time, braid the ribbons around the dowel as you would a larger Maypole. I only used the two long ribbons because four shorter ones were all I could handle alone. If you plan to use your altar Maypole with a friend or two, add more ribbons as desired.
In thinking of all things Pagan, it occurred to me just now that Beltane is this Wednesday! It looks like the good weather hit just in time for the sabbat, folks. I won't be doing a big Maypole dance or anything (non-Pagan parents and all), but I have a miniature version I crafted last year that's both cute and simple.
~~~~~~~~~~
To make an altar-sized Maypole, you will need:- One wooden dowel
- Two ribbons
- One red, one white, and both double the length of the dowel
- A thumb tack
- Any desired paints or decorations
That's all there is to it - in ritual or at another desired time, braid the ribbons around the dowel as you would a larger Maypole. I only used the two long ribbons because four shorter ones were all I could handle alone. If you plan to use your altar Maypole with a friend or two, add more ribbons as desired.
Thursday
April 25th, 2013
.....
I got my books today!
The left book is Scott Cunningham's Earth, Air, Fire, & Water, a book about
elemental magick, and the one on the right is Drawing Down the Moon, by Margot Adler, which is about the history of Paganism in the United States. I'm finishing up the last book in The Lord of the Rings right now; these are on my list-of-things-to-read as soon as I'm done! In the meantime, I'll just have to sit and stare at them...
I got my books today!
The left book is Scott Cunningham's Earth, Air, Fire, & Water, a book about elemental magick, and the one on the right is Drawing Down the Moon, by Margot Adler, which is about the history of Paganism in the United States. I'm finishing up the last book in The Lord of the Rings right now; these are on my list-of-things-to-read as soon as I'm done! In the meantime, I'll just have to sit and stare at them...
Wednesday
April 24th, 2013
At long last, spring seems to be getting settled. We had clear skies today and relatively warm weather, the daffodils are blooming, and Hazelnut's cat, Gypsy, just had kittens! I can't wait to see pictures!
Due to big standardized tests today and yesterday, our school was let out at 12:40 instead of 2:55, so I have a little more free time today than I usually do, especially now that I have my homework all done. I think I'll use some of that time to set up my Beltane altar, and then... I don't know. It's such a novel experience to not have things to do!
This picture is from a few days ago - we don't have snow anymore!
Due to big standardized tests today and yesterday, our school was let out at 12:40 instead of 2:55, so I have a little more free time today than I usually do, especially now that I have my homework all done. I think I'll use some of that time to set up my Beltane altar, and then... I don't know. It's such a novel experience to not have things to do!
This picture is from a few days ago - we don't have snow anymore!
Tuesday
April 23rd, 2013
Happy belated Earth Day! My family celebrated in a couple of ways - on Saturday, we went to a forest preserve nearby where they were working on restoring the area to its natural Oak Savannah state. We ripped out invasive plants - buckthorn, honeysuckle, and non-native wild rose - to allow native wild flowers and grasses to grow in around the Oak trees. Since Oak Savannah is home to more endangered plants than any other terrestrial biome, this was an especially important project.
Here's what it looked like after a few hours of work. We burned the invasive plants in a giant bonfire - that's why it's so smoky. Then yesterday, my mom and brothers went to another forest preserve to pick up trash. I'd have gone with, but I had a ton of homework to do.
It also occurred to me yesterday that I had several Barnes and Noble gift cards to use, so I ordered Scott Cunningham's Earth, Air, Fire & Water and Margot Adler's Drawing Down the Moon. I love Scott Cunningham, and I've heard a lot about Alder's work, so I'm extremely happy with my choices. Hopefully they'll arrive this week!
Here's what it looked like after a few hours of work. We burned the invasive plants in a giant bonfire - that's why it's so smoky. Then yesterday, my mom and brothers went to another forest preserve to pick up trash. I'd have gone with, but I had a ton of homework to do.
It also occurred to me yesterday that I had several Barnes and Noble gift cards to use, so I ordered Scott Cunningham's Earth, Air, Fire & Water and Margot Adler's Drawing Down the Moon. I love Scott Cunningham, and I've heard a lot about Alder's work, so I'm extremely happy with my choices. Hopefully they'll arrive this week!
Sunday
April 14th, 2013
I don't even know what to do with myself right now. After four and a half months of some of the hardest work I've ever done, my high school's production of Les Miserables was absolutely astounding. Our final show out of seven was last night, and frankly, it was Broadway-quality. We were all crying backstage before the show (I don't think there was a dry eye in the cast), and some of us continued to cry while we were performing. Luckily, Les Mis is a show where that's totally in-character.
Last week Wednesday we had a preview rehearsal-show where kids from local elementary and middle schools came in to see us perform. Before we started that day, I took a little bottle of blessed salt water and sprinkled it around the stage to invoke creative positive energy and all that good jazz. Before each show, I also called on the Lady Minerva and Lord Dionysus, Goddess and God of theatre, to keep everyone's voices sounding awesome, to keep the microphones working, to have the lights be correct, for the orchestra pit to be awesome... The list goes on. It was probably a five to ten minute little ritual of mine, and in the end, it totally paid off; in my time at that school, we performed The Phantom of the Opera and West Side Story, both of which were fantastic shows, but Les Miserables blew everything my school has ever done out of the water. Almost a third of the cast is graduating this year, and I'll miss everyone terribly - if you're reading this, it'd be great if you could send them all some positive energy for their life at college and beyond.
Last week Wednesday we had a preview rehearsal-show where kids from local elementary and middle schools came in to see us perform. Before we started that day, I took a little bottle of blessed salt water and sprinkled it around the stage to invoke creative positive energy and all that good jazz. Before each show, I also called on the Lady Minerva and Lord Dionysus, Goddess and God of theatre, to keep everyone's voices sounding awesome, to keep the microphones working, to have the lights be correct, for the orchestra pit to be awesome... The list goes on. It was probably a five to ten minute little ritual of mine, and in the end, it totally paid off; in my time at that school, we performed The Phantom of the Opera and West Side Story, both of which were fantastic shows, but Les Miserables blew everything my school has ever done out of the water. Almost a third of the cast is graduating this year, and I'll miss everyone terribly - if you're reading this, it'd be great if you could send them all some positive energy for their life at college and beyond.
March 31st, 2013
I was reading a book today about the Japanese Tea Ceremony, called (somewhat obviously) The Book of Tea. To illustrate a point, the author, Okakura Tenshin, related a traditional Japanese parable. I so enjoyed it that I thought I'd share it here:
Once in the hoary ages in the Ravine of Lungmen stood a Kiri tree, a veritable king of the forest. It reared its head to talk to the stars; its roots struck deep into the earth, mingling their bronzed coils with those of the silver dragon that slept beneath. And it came to pass that a mighty wizard made from this tree a wondrous harp, whose stubborn spirit should be tamed but by the greatest of musicians. For long the instrument was treasured by the Emperor of China, but all in vain were the efforts of those who in turn tried to draw melody from the strings. In response to their utmost strivings there came from the harp but harsh notes of disdain, ill-according with the songs they fain would sing. The harp refused to recognize a master.
At last came Peiwoh, the prince of harpists. With tender hand he caressed the harp as one might seek to soothe an unruly horse, and softly touched the chords. He sang of nature and the seasons, of high mountains and flowing waters, and all the memories of the tree awoke! Once more the sweet breath of spring played amidst its branches. The young cataracts, as they danced down the ravine, laughed to the budding flowers. Anon were heard the dreamy voices of summer with its myriad insects, the gentle pattering of rain, the wail of the cuckoo. Hark! a tiger roars - the valley answers again. It is autumn; in the desert night, sharp like a sword gleams the moon upon the frosted grass. Now winter reigns, and through the snow-filled air swirl flocks of swans and rattling hailstones beat upon the boughs with fierce delight.
Then Peiwoh changed the key and sang of love. The forest swayed like an ardent swan deep lost in thought. On high, like a haughty maiden, swept a cloud bright and fair; but passing, trailed long shadows on the ground, black like despair. Again the mode was changed; Peiwoh sang of war, of clashing steel and trampling steeds. And in the harp rose the tempest of Lungmen, the dragon rode the lightning, the thundering avalanche crashed through the hills. In ecstacy the Celestial monarch asked Peiwoh wherein lay the secret of his victory.
"Sire," he replied, "others have failed because they sang but of themselves. I left the harp to choose its theme, and knew not truly whether the harp had been Peiwoh or Peiwoh were the harp."
I liked the story for a couple of reasons: the evocative language and beautiful description of nature, and that moral that those who do best are those who are humble. I also thought (did anyone else do the same?) that the description of the tree in that first paragraph could be easily employed as the basis for a grounding and centering meditation. Maybe that's just the nerd Pagan in me. ;D
The Taming of the Harp
At last came Peiwoh, the prince of harpists. With tender hand he caressed the harp as one might seek to soothe an unruly horse, and softly touched the chords. He sang of nature and the seasons, of high mountains and flowing waters, and all the memories of the tree awoke! Once more the sweet breath of spring played amidst its branches. The young cataracts, as they danced down the ravine, laughed to the budding flowers. Anon were heard the dreamy voices of summer with its myriad insects, the gentle pattering of rain, the wail of the cuckoo. Hark! a tiger roars - the valley answers again. It is autumn; in the desert night, sharp like a sword gleams the moon upon the frosted grass. Now winter reigns, and through the snow-filled air swirl flocks of swans and rattling hailstones beat upon the boughs with fierce delight.
Then Peiwoh changed the key and sang of love. The forest swayed like an ardent swan deep lost in thought. On high, like a haughty maiden, swept a cloud bright and fair; but passing, trailed long shadows on the ground, black like despair. Again the mode was changed; Peiwoh sang of war, of clashing steel and trampling steeds. And in the harp rose the tempest of Lungmen, the dragon rode the lightning, the thundering avalanche crashed through the hills. In ecstacy the Celestial monarch asked Peiwoh wherein lay the secret of his victory.
"Sire," he replied, "others have failed because they sang but of themselves. I left the harp to choose its theme, and knew not truly whether the harp had been Peiwoh or Peiwoh were the harp."
I liked the story for a couple of reasons: the evocative language and beautiful description of nature, and that moral that those who do best are those who are humble. I also thought (did anyone else do the same?) that the description of the tree in that first paragraph could be easily employed as the basis for a grounding and centering meditation. Maybe that's just the nerd Pagan in me. ;D
Saturday
March 30th, 2013
It's been a nice, quiet day - nowhere to go, no company, not much to do. I'm enjoying it while it lasts, because the next two weeks are going to be nuts. My mom is decorating for Easter, and we're going to dye eggs this afternoon. I don't mind, since it's basically a belated Ostara celebration. I don't think mom would be too happy if I drew pentacles on the eggs, though.
I'd love to make some eggs like this one day!
These were found on DeviantART - credit goes to here.
Thursday
March 28th, 2013
Wow, I'm starting to get really excited! After months of intense rehearsal, construction, and yet more rehearsal, my high school's spring musical, Les Miserables, is coming together! Even though I'm on spring break I've been at the school every day practicing; today, we had our first full makeup and costume run through, and we open next week Thursday. I'd been going to use the little shell bottle that I got at the Fairy Fest to bring some blessed water to school and thus dedicate our auditorium properly, but apparently a little hole has opened up in the shell's bottom, causing it to leak. I'll fix it this weekend, but my dedication will have to wait until Monday.
In other news, the weather here has finally turned warm, and for the first time this year I have the windows open in my room. It feels so good to air the space out that it's almost an entire room cleansing on its own. We also have some flowers growing, here and at the high school: crocuses, daffodils, and tulips are all pushing up in the garden. What signs of the changing seasons have you noticed?
In other news, the weather here has finally turned warm, and for the first time this year I have the windows open in my room. It feels so good to air the space out that it's almost an entire room cleansing on its own. We also have some flowers growing, here and at the high school: crocuses, daffodils, and tulips are all pushing up in the garden. What signs of the changing seasons have you noticed?
Saturday
March 23rd, 2013
I feel like I ought to get a medal for being so busy all the time! Wednesday was my birthday (I'm 17 now - I'm so old!), I had rehearsal for the musical and work on Thursday, I had rehearsal until almost 10:00 last night, and I had rehearsal from 8:00 to 3:00 today. I love Les Miserables, and I love all my cast-mates, so I enjoy all that time I put into it, but now that I don't have practice for the rest of the day or tomorrow, I hardly know what to do with myself. I hadn't even had a chance to think about performing an Ostara ritual, let alone actually getting around to doing one, so I think that's going to be on tonight's schedule. I also have some laundry to do, I need to clean my room... It's never ending.
If I have a chance, I'm going to knit a pouch that I can carry my new Moonstone, and maybe my Sodalite, in for our performance nights. Both are great choices for actors to stimulate creativity and the Throat Chakra. Also, perhaps on Monday, I want to officially consecrate the auditorium and our set to Dionysus, Greek god of theatre. I'll likely just do something basic - a bit of salt water sprinkled around with a simple invocation, and maybe a little food offering if I can come up with some grapes or other appropriate victuals. It's getting to the point where I'm simultaneously excited and nervous. I'm even having dreams about it. All I can say is that I hope everyone loves the show!
If I have a chance, I'm going to knit a pouch that I can carry my new Moonstone, and maybe my Sodalite, in for our performance nights. Both are great choices for actors to stimulate creativity and the Throat Chakra. Also, perhaps on Monday, I want to officially consecrate the auditorium and our set to Dionysus, Greek god of theatre. I'll likely just do something basic - a bit of salt water sprinkled around with a simple invocation, and maybe a little food offering if I can come up with some grapes or other appropriate victuals. It's getting to the point where I'm simultaneously excited and nervous. I'm even having dreams about it. All I can say is that I hope everyone loves the show!
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