The sun rises early and the land warms quickly in the summer. The cacophony of goldfinches, robins, blue jays, sparrows, crows and seagulls starts right as the sun crests above the mountains and ends when the sun sets behind the mountains.  On these warm summer days, going to the earth, collecting and harvesting from nature is far easier and far more rewarding than any other time.  No ripping, no tearing, no grabbing from tops and slashing at roots.  First, a gentle prayer, than a soothing song, then a thank you and an apology to the insects who have to move on to another source of food and shelter.  It’s beautiful, being gifted from the earth.

To continue reading, please see the original post at “Earth-Gathered, Wild-Crafted, Nature-Given“.

Some witches truly feel like there is a god or goddess out there who looks after and rules all of witchcraft.  For some, that god is Hekate, Ceridwen, Cailleach or maybe even The Morrighan.  Never mind that these gods themselves are not solely associated with witchcraft and that any associations may be debatable.  I see a trend, new witches who involve themselves with certain entities in hopes that, that entity will be their guide to witchcraft and thereby rule all of witchcraft as a practice.  I don’t think I understand the need or the popularity contest of it all.  As far as I know, there is no single deity who represents all of the craft, and many of those who might are cultural deities who ruled over certain archaic views on what we now call “general witchcraft”.

To continue reading, see the original post at “The Witch’s God“.

I finally got around to decorating my personal book of favored botanicals and experiential recipes/guidelines for all manner of interesting herbal work.  It used to be my book of poisons if some of you remember, but now it’s expanded- more artwork, more info.  I’ve been drawing more botanical anatomies and wildcrafting samples, which got me in the artistic mood.

To continue reading, see the original post at “Banes and Betters: A Botanical Compendium“.

A thanks-making altar and rite to Aphrodite under the yellow crescent moon; for success, good luck and strong love through both those blessings.  Good, absolutely perfect news arrived after such a long time, Andrew got the job he was working so hard for and it’s perfect and well paid! Weeks of rites and months of hard work paid off in what must be a most fortuitous day.

To continue reading, see the original post at “Aligena Pandemos“.

Ever get that feeling that your luck is going just a little too well right now?  Heh, I guess I’m just sort of paranoid about positive things, but I try to be positive anyway.  Things seem to be going oddly well, and it had damned well better stay that way!

To continue reading this post, see the original at “Time to face the strange, Ch Ch Changes…“.

If you look in the deep green of the ivy, I’m probably in there having a drink with the spirits…

To continue reading this post, please see the original at “Ivy on the Path: A Drink With the Spirits.

The Standard Tools of the Craft

If you skim through the average book on modern witchcraft, you get some pretty standard information about the supposed tools that witches use in typical practice.  Open up Cunningham, Moura or Beth and you’ll find the same list for the practice- the wand, athame, chalice, cauldron, pentacle and cord.  Obviously, those tools are primarily used in the religion of Wicca, not the general craft but their use has expanded to be used by all types of practitioners  of the craft.

To continue reading, please see the original post at “Ivy on the Path: The Tool Box“.

Ahh, the Space Needle and grey Seattle skies- pretty much all we’re known for

Unfortunately, Andrew and I had to scrap our vacation to Eastern WA, so we decided on an even better vacation, to Bainbridge Island.  I spent a lot of time there when I was a kid- mostly with my Grandma, and I wanted to take Andrew there to see its beauty.  I think of this place as exceedingly powerful; the energy just beautiful and calm.

To continue reading this post, please see the original at “Ivy on the Path: Sky is womb and she’s the moon…“.

Shrine of the Bee Queen

To continue reading this post, please see the original at “Ivy on the Path: Of Altars, Shrines and Spaces“.

I’ve gotta get off work sooner so I can make it to the Zombie Parade in Freemont.  But first… today is rose day!  I love roses so damned much, I felt like showing off my rose garden in the driveway.  Enjoy their fluffy puffy goodness dammit!

To continue reading this post, please see the original at “Ivy on the Path: Zombies and Roses“.