October 30th, 2016

Yesterday was a wonderful, busy day. After volunteering at Habitat for Humanity in the morning, I got changed and ready to go to SIPA's Samhain ritual. Tara met me outside my dorm around 2:45, and we drove over to Crab Orchard Campground for the event.

The ritual had originally been going to be at Devil's Kitchen Lake like Mabon, but apparently that area is now undergoing construction, so the parks department gave us the Crab Orchard spot instead. Quite honestly, it was probably a better site, anyway - for one thing, the peninsula was huge, and we had the whole thing to ourselves. There was no designated shelter, which, granted, would have been less fun had it been raining like last year, but fortunately, the weather was perfect. The sky was clear, and it was 80 degrees in the afternoon.

I explored the site a bit, and found this strawberry plant growing a baby strawberry! It seemed a little late in the season, but as warm as it was, I suppose the plants didn't mind.

Because the area was so large, we had a lot of options for where we held ritual. Tara originally wanted to use this spot, right on the lake, which had a cool, star-shaped tree stump in the ground. However, it was quite windy, and there was some concern about whether or not things would blow over, so she decided instead to use an area further back in the trees, but which still had a view of the lake.

As always, there was a potluck. I brought soda, since there hadn't been enough drinks at the last ritual, and enjoyed pizza, vegetables, pasta, cupcakes, and cookies. There was also a home-grown watermelon which I had some of later - very tasty - and apple cider.

Look at these cool Samhain cupcakes! They were filled with raspberry sauce, too, mmmm....

I hadn't been expecting to get to use my construction skills at all at the ritual, but as it would turn out, there were some pieces to construct for the Circle setup. Sean designed these elemental doorways, built out of 2x2s and fabric, which we put together using his battery-powered staple gun. This was Air, in the East.

A close-up of the elemental altar beyond the Air doorway; people had the opportunity to banish from their lives anything relating to the element Air by writing it down and then tying the paper to the wreath like a dreamcatcher.

The Fire doorway; problems relating to the element Fire were written down and the papers burned in the cauldron.

The Water doorway; problems relating to the element Water were written down and drowned in the water inside the vase.

The Earth doorway; problems relating to the element Earth were buried in the tray of potting soil.

There was also a central bonfire for burning any problems related to Spirit, or to issues not clearly covered by one of the other elements.

These were the items I brought for the ancestor altar; we've had some deaths in the family this year, so I had quite a bit more to bring than I did last Samhain.

We held the ritual after the sun went down. It was windy enough that it was impossible to keep the candles lit, but I saw a shooting star right after everyone had finished honoring their ancestors, and it was a really good, contemplative ceremony. There were also some reporters from a local newspaper who came to talk and photograph, so I may be in the newspaper sometime this week!

October 28th, 2016

As a relatively difficult month wraps up, a lot of really good things have been happening. For starters, I carved a pumpkin!

The owl felt appropriately Pagan while remaining subtle. I'll be taking it to SIPA's Samhain ritual tomorrow, and I bought a red candle to go in it today, plus some soda for the ritual potluck.

I also "roasted" the pumpkin seeds in the microwave with some oil, salt, and garlic. That's how we always make them at home, and boy are they tasty!

Then today, I was in a play, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in the style of Shakespeare. While I was walking over for the performance, I saw the geology club was having a rock sale - I got this beautiful Quartz cluster for only $1. It was sold as plain Clear Quartz, but the yellowish tone makes me wonder if it could be Tangerine Quartz or maybe even natural Citrine. I'll have to ask around.

I'm really looking forward to the ritual tomorrow evening; pictures to follow, as always.

September 30th, 2016

I never got around to setting up much of a Mabon-themed altar, but with October starting tomorrow, I started decorating for Samhain tonight. Not only is my dorm room covered in spooky things, but so is my altar.

The skeleton arms in the chalice are probably my favorite bit. They're actually meant to be tongs for salad or what-have-you, and I got them for a buck at the Dollar Tree. I'll probably be adding more to it as the month goes on, but I figured I would start strong.

September 25th, 2016

I just got back from camping out after SIPA's Mabon ritual - it was a very nice evening!

The site for this ritual was over at Devil's Kitchen Lake, on a little peninsula. It was sunny, and very hot - almost 90⁰!

Near the tip of the peninsula was a little shelter with picnic tables, where we eventually set up food for our potluck.

There was also a big stone fire pit, so some of the guys got wood together to build up a ritual fire later in the evening.

This is more of the lake - it was a very pretty view!

Somebody brought bubble wands, so a couple of us stood around for a while blowing bubbles.

I was borrowing the group leader's tent after she kindly agreed to lend it to me, and I ended up pitching it to the side of the trail with a nice view of the water.

There ended up being quite a good amount of food for the potluck, between cakes and mashed potatoes and pasta and fruit. I brought peanuts in the shells, because they're fun to crack open and also make good offerings.

One couple brought this large cow's skull to rest among some of the harvest offerings people brought.

There were also two little dogs, who quickly became good friends!

Starting the fire...

Sunset...

Some toads, who all things considered were pretty good-natured about being handled.

The ritual Circle, outlined with tiki torches and with the fire pit in the center.

The focus of the ritual was balance, recognizing the things which we meant to accomplish this past year and did not, and releasing that energy. It was simple and to the point, which worked well for the intended goal in my opinion. I volunteered to do Quarter calls for West; it was my first time taking on a role like that for a public ritual, so I was a little nervous, but I think it went well.

The stars last night were beautiful - there were so many, and it was such a clear night that there was really good visibility.

And then this image is from this morning, standing on the fishing pier and looking out over the lake.

View from the pier back towards the campsite.

The Samhain ritual will be held at this same spot, so I'm looking forward to that.

September 24th, 2016

Yesterday, I discovered something really cool on my desk in studio. Apparently one of my professors had been cleaning out her office and found it; she wasn't interested in keeping it, so she brought it into the studio room and a friend suggested that it might be something I would like. It was a nice surprise coming back to class. My grandpa passed away Wednesday, so I needed the smile.

According to my professor, this is not any sort of ancient artifact by any means, but it was actually produced in Egypt on papyrus - probably a touristy souvenir, but there's not really anything wrong with that. A bit of digging around on the web told me that the image is of the goddess Hathor and the pharaoh Seti, who is offering her food. The original image comes from a carving in the Temple of Abydos.

The scroll sort of likes to curl in on itself, so I'm not really sure what the best way to display it is. Right now I have it sitting on my desk, but that may change.

As for tonight, I'm gearing up to go to SIPA's Mabon ritual in about an hour, after which the current plan is to camp out. The weather's supposed to be great, so I'm looking forward to it.

September 22nd, 2016

O Autumn, laden with fruit, and stain’d

With the blood of the grape, pass not, but sit

Beneath my shady roof; there thou may’st rest,

And tune thy jolly voice to my fresh pipe, 

And all the daughters of the year shall dance! 

Sing now the lusty song of fruits and flowers. 

“The narrow bud opens her beauties to 

The sun, and love runs in her thrilling veins; 

Blossoms hang round the brows of Morning, and 

Flourish down the bright cheek of modest Eve, 

Till clust’ring Summer breaks forth into singing, 

And feather’d clouds strew flowers round her head.

“The spirits of the air live in the smells 

Of fruit; and Joy, with pinions light, roves round 

The gardens, or sits singing in the trees.” 

Thus sang the jolly Autumn as he sat, 

Then rose, girded himself, and o’er the bleak 

Hills fled from our sight; but left his golden load. 

- William Blake 

A happy Mabon to all; may the coming season bring you abundance, while the growing dark offer you rest and transformation.

September 20th, 2016

Every time I think 2016 can't get worse, it does. I know I haven't been very active of late, and I can't say that that's likely to change what with how busy school's been, and on top of that, my grandfather, who has leukemia, is in a very bad state and the doctors are guessing he only has a few days.

In light of that, I decided I needed to do something today to try and deal with everything. I've noticed over the past few weeks, a very specific labyrinth design kept popping up. First I saw it on a field trip to the Antheneum, and then there was a display in the theatre building using the same graphic, shown below.

I recognized it as being a slightly smaller version of the labyrinth at Gaia House, which is itself based on the labyrinth in the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France. Since the imagery kept reoccurring, I walked over to Gaia House this morning to spend some time walking their labyrinth.

The geodesic dome sculpture is in homage to Buckminster Fuller, who lived in this town for many years, while the labyrinth turns an old concrete slab into a peace park. It really was nice to enjoy the fresh air for a while before the day got really hot, and I've attended at least one ritual in this space, too, so that brought back good memories. I'd like to spend more time there if I can manage it, I feel like it would be healing.

There's also a really nice fountain and pool just beyond the dome, which is pretty.

The other thing I've noticed a lot lately is bird signs. This is a photo of three crows all sitting on top of a street light taken last week. I saw the trio a second time this morning. Birds always seem to show up at important times in my life. It's nice to see them.

I have done nothing to get ready for Mabon, and it looks like I'll be travelling on Thursday anyway. However, I am planning to attend the SIPA ritual this weekend, so I'm looking forward to that - I daresay I need it. We might even be camping out after the ritual, which would be cool.

August 29th, 2016

Rhodonite

Physical Characteristics: This Manganese-containing mineral occurs in a rosy pink along with blacks and browns formed through surface oxidation.

In Nature: Rhodonite crystals are thick and tabular, but are rare. More commonly, it occurs in masses. It is found in metamorphic rocks where other Manganese-bearing minerals are common. Other varieties containing Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, and/or Zinc also exist.

Chemical Composition: (Mn⁺², Fe⁺², Mg, Ca) SiO3

Mohs Scale Hardness: 5.5 - 6.5 (middle)

Can be Found: Russia, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Sweden, Peru, England, USA

Healing Properties*: Considered an ideal crystal for healing minor injuries (cuts, insect bites, etc.), Rhodonite is also thought to heal serious illnesses like auto-immune diseases or Parkinson's. For these purposes, one might pair Rhodonite with Rhodochrosite. The stone also strengthens the internal organs and can assist the body in passing gallstones or kidney stones.

Magickal Properties: With a name that comes from the Greek "rhodos" meaning "rosy", Rhodonite is a stone of the heart and the emotions. Its primary use is for dispelling anxiety, envy, and jealousy. Nurturing love, Rhodonite increases self-assurance and provides calming energy in a strained environment. Rhodonite offers equilibrium after a major upset of any kind, and can restore energy which has been drained as the result of emotional trauma. Victims of physical or emotional abuse may find working with Rhodonite a helpful coping mechanism.
Another name for Rhodonite is "Orletz"; allegedly, the crystal was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia, where the locals had noticed eagles carrying pebbles of it up to their nests. The name Orletz translates to "Eagle Stone". Finding documentation of this is difficult, but at least one Russian mineralogy site lists Orletz as an alternate name, lending the story some credence. The story goes on to say that it became custom to put Rhodonite in the cradles of babies and the pockets of travelers for protection. It is the national stone of Russia, and incidentally also the state stone of Massachusetts in the USA.

Chakra Association: Heart (Fourth) Chakra

Element: Fire

Energy: Projective

Planetary Association: Venus

*Magickal healing should never take the place of seeing a doctor and following any recommended prescriptions, actions, or other advice. Magick works best in tandem with physical efforts, anyway, so don't skimp on those check-ups!

August 27th, 2016

It's been a pretty good week back at school. I like all my classes and professors so far, which is a plus. As usual, it's been hectic, but I'm hoping to take some time this weekend to get a bit more crystal research done.

Walking back from a meeting Thursday night, one of my friends spotted this little baby snake sunning themself on the pavement. They look good-sized in the photo, but were actually only about seven or eight inches long. Another of my friends identified it as a Prairie Kingsnake, and said they're a sign that fall is on the way.

I looked them up, and I guess Prairie Kingsnakes are known for eating other snakes, as well as small rodents, lizards, etc. They're constrictors (their bite is harmless), and they're actually immune to Copperhead venom. That being said, baby Kingsnakes are sometimes confused with Copperheads because the markings on their backs are similar. Kingsnakes have round markings, while Copperheads' are hourglass-shaped. Additionally, Kingsnakes have a more oval and less triangular head.

It seems that during the summer, Prairie Kingsnakes are nocturnal, but during the spring and fall, they turn crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk), so I can certainly see how coming across one at twilight could be a sign of autumn.

Not long after seeing my reptilian friend, I saw this little Red Admiral butterfly sunning their wings.

Altogether, it was a good evening for wildlife!

August 21st, 2016

I've moved back into school, and start classes again tomorrow. While I still have a little time, I've been trying to research some more of my stones for you all.

~~~~~

Sunstone

Physical Characteristics: Sunstone is a type of plagioclase feldspar, and can be colorless, yellow, red, or copper-colored.

In Nature: Goldstone has been sold as imitation Sunstone, due to the fact that Hematite inclusions common in Sunstone can have a similarly glittery effect. This effect is more properly termed Aventurescence, as it is in Aventurine.

Chemical Composition: (Ca, Na)(Al, Si)2Si2O8

Mohs Scale Hardness: 6 (medium)

Can be Found: Southern Norway, Sweden, USA, Siberia

Healing Properties*: Sunstone increases bodily warmth, and improves metabolism and digestion. Use it to relieve Seasonal Affective Disorder and nightmares, as well as chronic sore throat, cramps, and other aches and pains.

Magickal Properties: Sunstone is a crystal of originality, revealing and nurturing one's talents. It is similarly a stone of independence, and can help one to reduce emotional dependence on others. It helps people establish boundaries and learn to say "no". Use Sunstone to remove emotional "hooks" or "cords" from the energy field binding oneself to others.
Sunstone offers energy and vitality, and as such can be of use to those developing an exercise regime, or whose careers are fast-paced and high-energy. In the workplace, Sunstone fosters opportunity and promotion.
This stone alleviates stress and fear, including fear of the dark, small spaces, and other triggers.

Chakra Association: Root (First) Chakra

Element: Fire

Energy: Projective

Planetary Association: Sun

*Magickal healing should never take the place of seeing a doctor and following any recommended prescriptions, actions, or other advice. Magick works best in tandem with physical efforts, anyway, so don't skimp on those check-ups!