Autumnal Equinoxes and Their Old Mysteries...or is it?

Hi its not been that long since my previous post, but so much has happened the previous weeek. That I find it important to tell you. Some might not even know what an Autumnal/Fall Equinox is...do you? Perhaps you do after all and if you do not know. No worries! Because that is exactly what I will tell you

What is an Equinox? (Bit of Science)

On any other day of the year, the Earth's axis tilts a little away from or towards the Sun. But on the two equinoxes, the Earth's axis tilts neither away from nor towards the Sun.  This occurs every March (Vernal/Spring Equinox) and September (Autumnal/Fall Equinox)

Information borrowed  from .. http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/autumnal-equinox.html

What does the word Equinox mean exactly? 

e·qui·nox

  [ee-kwuh-noks, ek-wuh-]  Show IPA

noun

1.

the time when the sun crosses the plane of the earth's equator, making night and day of  approximately equal length all over the earth and occurring about March 21 (vernal equinox orspring equinox)  and September 22 (autumnal equinox)

2.

either of the equinoctial points.

Origin: 
1350–1400; Middle English  < Medieval Latin equinoxium,  for Latin aequinoctium  the time of equal days andnights ( aequi- equi- + noct-  (stem of nox ) night + -ium -ium)

Ah ha! Clever medieval latin.... you had us there..

So if we are to understand this correctly  Autumnal Equinox is the exact balance between night and day? Quite amazing isn't it?

Harvest Celebrations:

Close to the Autumnal Equinox nears also close to the last harvest from long ago. The last harvest would indicate, that one would get the remainder of the last crops that grew at the end of August, sheered,cut, plucked and butchered (need meat for the winter months!) Prepared for conservation through salt, herbs, smoking, pickled fruits and vegetables in vinegar or alcohol. And lasltly for thousands of years brewing spirits or beer/ale or meade in the northern parts of Europe. Southern Europe had more than enough grapes to make excellent wine from their harvests. 

Why did people use soo much time on just harvest? One because they had no refrigriator, no freezer, they had barrels, clay pots and a bit later glass artifacts especially blown to hold a specific kind of liquid or food. Many homes row upon row with jars, and prepared for the cold winter when all is close to dead. People had to survive didn't they?

Many odd rites and rituals were done,

after the leftover grains had been stomped on the fields. Some traditions say one had to leave some sheaves of grain to the fae or nature spirits who resided in the area. So that they could help with good crops next year. Other traditions include setting out food and some form of alcholic drink to honour and "bless" the field. As it has been taken from the earth a portion is returned in gratitude.

 

Now I happen to know some Wiccans and some Pagans would argue in the modern sense. Due to the fact that they celebrate the first and second harvest as apart of their calendar "The Wheel of The Year."  One cannot fully understand unless one lived in these older days, life was simpler and yet not as simple, many struggled between enough scraps on the table and avoid the next epidemic. However the fact is that thanks to a tiny bit of christianity (believe it or not) the sense and spirit of Harvest Festivities has survived throughout the centuries. Not many longer credit the nature spirits but the christian God. 

I'm most certain you have attended a mass/sermon or ceremony in church around October/November? You have haven't you? You have most likely thanked God at every meal you had with family and I believe Halloween and Thanksgiving..would be the modern versions of these gatherings. 

I will just say this all corners of the world have their own forms of  harvest festivals, Europe,Asia, Oceania, North America, South America, Africa...the whole world...

My personal traditions with the harvest is church sermons. Though in recent years I have tried a more pagan approach. And preffered to give blessings to all the farms in my surrounding area, since I live in the country its only fair to support my community.

Until next time enjoy your Autumn it will stay awhile! 

Starseeds What are they?

Hi everyone its been awhile. And now I will tell you a few things about these Starseeds, what are they? Mm yes thought so...I found it confusing to...well I still find it confusing!

Alright now ready? Good!

Starseeds are "people" who claim to not have had reincarnations on this planet we call earth. Though I have come across some, who do say they have been to Earth a few times already. Their souls are not human in the sense we usually grasp it, they have had lives in other dimensions, galaxies and even on the stars in some constellations we might know all too well...

I will mention some of the ones I have "learned of" though I cannot promise you to believe this right away.

Pleiades/ Pleiadian Starseeds (The Seven Sisters; Star Cluster): 

I'm most certain that you have come across  The Seven Sisters up in the sky, did you ever think that someone else lives there?





Arcturians ( Arcturus is the brightest star; in 
the constellation Boötes ):













Draconian Starseeds: From what I have learned Draconians were originally from another dimension/galaxy. I don't remember exactly where though. The Draconians appears well versed in warfare, magic, politics, wisdom and well some good amounts of ego. But which species doesn't?

Dragone Starseeds: When it comes to Dragones, they seem to have aquired a keen interest in becoming quite power hungry, and even going as far as incorparating human DNA into their own genetics to become a hybrid between human and dragone. And also have a history of clashing with their Draconian opposites.

Orion Starseeds:  I'm not that familiar with Orion Starseeds, but they do claim to have been born in the constellation of Orion the Hunter. If my understanding is accurate they had smaller communities strewn across the eight other stars making image of this hunter we humans know so well.

Sirian Starseeds: 

The Clearest Star in the sky and apart of the constellation Canis Major.Although I'm not certain about what culture nor what language once was apart of this place.















Lyran Starseeds/ Lyra Constellation:

Although a small constellation Lyra has the second brightest star Vega after Arcturus.
Not to familiar with these starseeds either, though perhaps they had a large music and artistic inspired culture?


Andromedan Starseeds/ Andromeda Galaxy: 

We have gotten this far. And now this is a galaxy not just a few clusters of stars in a constellation. But a whole Galaxy, however my knowledge of this society is unknown to me.

Reptilians: Like the other Starseeds I'm sure there are some good and some not so good reptilians. Though if I am to believe what I have heard, one group of Reptilians decided to start a huge war that if they had won. Would have crumbled the universe to ruins, which appears to be the reason why so many starseeds seek to reincarnate on earth. 


Their purpose for being here?

Reason 1: Quite many of the Starseeds I have spoken to. Seems to be on Earth to help humans into something called ascension, or a higher purpose if you will. This ascension will then lead to the earth moving into another dimension of energy frequencies.. According to them, once we have reached this goal. Our planet will become a lot more peaceful. 

Reason 2: Something the Starseeds call the Intergalatic Federation. From what I have gathered floats just above our planet, and we don't even notice them? It appears they protect the Earth from attacks of other Aliens with the goal to destroy or taking over our planet. 

Reason 3: This I just learned of quite recently. Some kind of aliens, are feeding off from the energy of humans. As if we were a wandering buffet. Now I don't understand why? Nor whom these aliens might be. 



At this point in time. I'm still very insecure and uncertain about these Starseeds, I mean I believe in otherkin so why not starseeds? Right?
 Could it be because I'm so fond of this planet and its energies. Outer space is always interesting and fun from planets,stars and constellations, however starseeds living in human bodies...aliens have been helping humans way back in history? That does not fit right with me, I believe us humans of Earth have managed well on our own until now. Is it that wrong to believe we humans are capable of standing on our own two feet..

And let us say these aliens did help us. Why did they leave us then? So we would have to rediscover into even more primitive technology then what these Aliens had spoiled us with ideas? Kill each other in order to expand our cultures...yet we have evolved on our own I'd boldly claim.





Until I find a new box of a bit little less known knowledge to share. Have a good time ahead.

Fairy Magic and its Wonders

 Short Introduction:

I'm sure some of you have already come across the wonderful realms and adventures of fairies and fairytales when you were younger? If you are of european descent surely your grandmother told you about the sweet fairies who guarded the flowers. And who could grant you a wish?

Well I will mention this that sweet gentle fairies with wings is romantic image the victorian era made an appeal for. Around the same time, more and more countries became concious of their wandering folktales, myths, lore and mystical beings. A few bright men such as The Brothers Grimm (From Germany) and Asbjørnsen and Moe (From Norway) gathered these tales into printed books. However wonderful and different this was for children and adults of the day, these tales not only held moral lessons, but also how one might be able to help your own self growth spiritually.

In older times this role had been significant for Cunning Men and Hedge Witches, Faerie Doctors or the cunning folk as a gathered term some places on the British Isle's

 - Hedges signified the outskirts or forest boundary
from a city or most commonly a village.
 - They were called Cunning Folk because they knew the forest and outsides of the village.
- Well versed and trained in herbal remedies, ointments,salves, potions and tinctures.
- These various cures were for both humans and animals alike.

- Well known for their connection to the lands.  

  - Old kings and Queens usually had a Cunning man or Cunning woman by their side (also known as seers) 

- Nature Spirits, Unseelie and Seelie and general fae. - Was apart of the guardians these Cunning Folk had to appease

 Various Types of Fae:
Tuatha De Annan; So called Giants who invaded Ireland once upon a time. They eventually gained a godly status and soon took up various roles for their descendants.

Leperchaun: Similar to dwarves and gnomes but more inbetween size wise. These are said to have a pot of gold near the rainbow

Kelpie: A shapeshifting kind of fae who lures unaware travelers into the depths of their deep waters.

Dwarves: Known as the Elementals of Earth in modern times, in fantasy novels and lore they are well known for their skills in crafting great swords, jewelry, keeping treasures. And that they live in caves or in mounds

Sidhe: A Gathered term for "The Little Folk" "People of the Mound"

Fire Elemental:  Well known Salamanders are considered fire elementals. This ties its roots to the earlier forms of Alchemy. Though I have come across small fairies with flame like dresses dancing in the flames of candles.

Water Elemental: Nymphs (water nymphs), Sirens (Greek), Mermaids (English and French origins) Margygre (Norse version of a mermaid and siren though awfully ugly), Water fairies These are Water Elementals due to their mythical associtations with water, such as wells, springs,ponds,lakes and rivers.

Air Elemental: Sylphs are also associations with forms of Alchemy,Vila/Veela, Wind fairies. These elementals love to rustle your hair into a mess. They can make your umbrella go foom!

Mind you this is just a rough list of some of the fae you may come across in your practice and spells.

Now there are certain kinds of fae who may follow families or buying old houses in some countries. That entitles themselves to watch over said families. All they may require is a small offering of honey and milk or rice porridge in Scandinavia.

Some names for these house fae are: Brownies , Hus Nisse , Nisse, Tomte, Wayward Spirits (Slavic lore), Banshee (known to be spirits who warn their families of misfortune)

Where can you find Fairies? 

- Houses (dark corners, or attics)

- Mounds

- Mushroom rings (Witch circle, Faerie ring)

- Bushes

- Flowers

- Tree roots

- Wells

- Rivers

- Under Bridges


- Caves

How do I attract Fairies ?

To Start off you can plant a special plant in your garden. (Or purchase one plant you think a faerie might like) Place this plant somewhere you think it might enjoy being, make a separate corner or patch in your garden (shelf or window sill if you bought a plant)

if you want to attract Scandinavian fairies you can offer them Rice Porridge, Porridge, ale or beer to drink they also like fruit.

if you want to attract Celtic fairies you can offer them: Milk, Honey, Fairy cakes (There are recipes for these in the books I will have at the bottom)

Contacting The Fae: 

Ok you have followed me this far have you? Good, now before I give you my very simple method on how to contact these wonderful fairies. Every book will have their own version of Path working to contact them (Path working is another word for Guided Meditation) I am going to merely write down a few simple tasks that may or may not work.

Method One: Air Fairies:
Stand outside where wind is accessible. Then mumble to yourself or say it out loud if you wish.

Fairies of Air will you grant me understanding of your whispered tales? I ask if you wish to grant me this humble honour if so tell me so when you rustle my hair..

Method Two: Fire Fairies

Light a Candle preferably red or orange. Watch the flame for awhile and breathe slowly. Then ask; Fairies of Passionate Fire will you show yourselves for me? If you see a figure inside the flame, then you might have a fire fairy visiting.


Now I only show you two methods because I want you dear reader to make your own way for these workings. Best of Luck




Recommended books : 

Working With Fairies: Magick,Spells,Potions & Recipes to Attract & See Them


Faery Craft: Weaving Connections with the Enchanted Realm

Fairy Folklore

Of course you are free to look in your own library about local fairies as well.

Enjoy and bye for now.

What is an Altar and Altar Themes

I can suspect as much by this time that you have come across the mentions of an altar. But isn't that solely to christianity you might question yourself? Well yes christianity does use altars, but so does many Pagans, Heathens, Wiccans and Witches of many beliefs, ecclectic blends in many forms and sizes not always physical and not always just "here" in front of your curious eyes.

Now what is my definition of an altar?

An altar connects "me" to the outer realms and closer connections to elementals, deities and spirits I work with during certain times of the year. 
I do not use my altar without  a significant purpose. If there is a full moon and I have planned to do a ritual I will do it. If I'm feeling under the weather I will not risk of messing it up and rather wait another month so I know it will have a better chance at reaching its potential of success.

What kind of altar would someone like me have?

As I know of mine have elements of nature and "broken" things by my own clumsiness. The Altar "table" I have is one large slate tile covered in rough velvet cloth entirely black.

I can wander around the forest and see a piece of fallen piece of pine bark laying on the ground conveniently with a hole in it. "Oh! Incense burner".

I have walked along stony beaches, looked how the waves brush softly back and forth against the rocks suddenly my eyes are fixed on one stone in particular tumbled and polished by the raw powers of the sea.

This specific stone is the lead role during my many cleansing and enlightening rituals for myself and for those who ask for it. My blue "chalice" was originally apart of a set of drinking glasses which I had gotten for christmas, I had it down in my room and conveniently on the floor (I know I know not very smart) and one morning.

I dropped my school sack down on that one glass, the weight of the books crushed a quarter of it and a few weeks later I had what some call a "chalice". Ok this is becoming to long but you see what I mean right?

Alright instead of going into another long explanation I'll show you a few pictures instead.

Very simplistic and naturalistic? If I so say so myself...

- Willow wreath with rowan berries  as decorations, and crow feathers (not raven feathers they are too shy)
- A sea shell as incense burner (lower picture) Pine a bark incense burner
-  And my fantastic blue chalice (upper picture)

Just this simple is my altar...

But as I mentioned at the beginning of this post. There are different kinds of altars mine is one example. I know of others who have whole ROOMS dedicated to their path! Isn't that amazing devotion?

Others set of certain parts of their gardens and create their own "stone circles" and sacred spaces...where they do their rituals and spells. I do know some who pour their whole energy and devotion into the kitchen. They make offerings and their spells relfects in their cooking just perfect is it not?

One of the most amazing sacred space and altar ways I have come across in the past year is music...yes you read it...A select amount of people don't see the need of a physical altar like many others do. The melody the octaves, the energy vibrations in music create their own unique kind of spells different from the written words in a book of shadows, a magical journal or even a grimoire.

I'll use a drum as an example: See before yourself while closing your eyes you tap your fingers against the drum can you "feel" the sound expanding out from you and your drum, everything around you becomes one with that sound. When the sound ends it returns to a neutral space.

I'm 100% certain you have your own theme and sacred space/altar or perhaps even a shrine?

until next time I'll sweep in with another blog post we will see...have fun. Hope you enjoyed my observed rambling.

When my 101 Occult books...

After a certain amount of time. Dependant upon your level of learning abilities, majority of us tire of the factual beginner books. Written by hundreds of various authors perhaps your bookshelf space is getting sparce?

That is when many might have concluded as much as... "Hm I might need to find more advanced books and spend more money?" But do you really need to spend that much?

 In my young and nearly four years within witchcraft and pagan studies I have dipped my head into so many cultures, beliefs, communities. Although not actively done anything from these study subjects. But from a merely mundane "muggle view" "Oh this culture did that, instead of what that other culture. Did with that animal, instead this culture used just that amount of grain..." See what I'm trying  to do?

Oh I know just the thing! You might be one of those who purely study matters within your OWN tradition or personal spiritual communities? Fine you can for all I care continue on your journey of security. Are you eclectic by chance or just one who doesn't believe in anything specific at this very moment not had your ideal WOW! Moment just yet?

Can I merely suggest that you try some of these things then?  That is if you truly are bored with all the common facts in this mix & match umbrella term many of us hide underneath?

- Find a book in your local library about old myths, legends perhaps even ghost stories? Become more familiar with YOUR place. The property you do your crafting and rituals on. I'm quite certain your village/town/community have something?



- Find a book or books on animals, trees,bushes, flowers, herbs, mushrooms, bugs, rocks and minerals, stars,planets and the constellations... yes those boring fact books.

And NO by all means NO I cannot be reffering to Cunninghams numerous listed books. I mean find the "scientifically handheld field books" for the common reader.

- Lastly when you have read through some of these books is when your exiting new exploration reveals itself. Connect and Combine from these scientific books, then you can use the worlds most expandable encyclopedia...(world wide web?) find symbolism, myths, and lore behind all these things. Just because one of your books mentioned that the southern cross is required to find south? If you live in the northern hemisphere...that can't help you much now would it?  I'm sure the logic isn't that dusty open up once again...


bye bye for now and until next time 

Seidr The Hidden Way

The time for me to share a lesser known spiritual life path, has made itself available for me to properly explain the combination and distance away from other similar life paths around the earth. But before we begin, you need to get an insight into the 9 noble virtues or guidelines the Vikings lived by.

The 9 Noble Virtues:
• Courage - the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.
 • Truth - the state or character of being true.
 • Honour - honesty, fairness, or integrity in one's beliefs and actions: a man of honor. a source of credit or distinction: to be an honor to one's family. high respect, as for worth, merit, or rank: to be held in honor. such respect manifested: a memorial in honor of the dead.
 • Fidelity - strict observance of promises, duties, etc.: a servant's fidelity. Loyalty: fidelity to one's country.
• Discipline - the rigor or training effect of experience, adversity. behaviour in accord with rules of conduct; behavior and order maintained by training and control
 • Hospitality - the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers. The quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.
 • Industriousness - working energetically and devotedly; hard-working; diligent • Self – Reliance - reliance on oneself or one's own powers, resources.
 • Perseverance - steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

 These are meant as simple guidelines on how you can live your life in the most honourable way. By following the wisdom of these words, but think a bit what does these words really mean to you? Before you embark on this new journey, into new grounds of mysteries.

What is a Seid/Seidr?

By now you might be curious and have repeated the title a few times already. Now then I’ll stop the chattering and get on with the actual explanation; In Norse times was Seid, a type of magic. Majority being women and men, who took up the role of Seid, was frowned upon by society. And were accused of “ergi = unmanly” which would mean in modern translation one who is homosexual. Seidr does have many similarities with shamanism.

The Seidwoman was called “volve = the one who carries the staff” Her main tool would be a staff. Seid had the form of a séance were the volve would put herself in the state of a trance. With the help from a certain song performed by her helpers, in this state of mind the seidwomans and seidmans soul. Was freed from their physical bodies, in this state they were capable of causing other people harm other times it could divination or seeing into the future. One example would be to see if the harvest would go well or turn poor.

This would be the classical description of Seid, now for those of you familiar or acquainted with modern views. And attempts of renewing old religions that have been gathered under the umbrella term “Pagan/Paganism” although popularly known as “Neo Paganism” which had its early re-emergence at the turn of the century.
Some books about Seidr/Seid have been published and are available on http://www.amazon.com/ if you wish for a more traditional approach the Edda’s or The Elder Edda (Pre Christian sagas of old kings and their lineage. Including some religious rites and examples of seid) The Younger Edda (Gathered norse/teutonic lore and mythology. http://omacl.org/Heimskringla/

Can everyone become a Seid/Seidr?

  I’ll be honest with you here No not everyone have the patience and stability needed to become a Seidr. You need to be able to read the history, understand the practical approach, knowing the land you live on. Being able to know the changing of tides, phases of the moon, when and where to gather the proper herbs. Studying out of curiosity will be very fulfilling, but living and practicing it is a whole other level of experience.

Connections with other known pathways:

  Now I will simply list the pathways that I have come across with similar boxes of knowledge and practice.
 • Green Witchcraft
• Hearth Witchery
• Hedge Witch
 • Cottage Witch
• Kitchen Witchcraft
• Native American Shamanism
• Celtic Shamanism
• Druidic Magic
• Grey Witchcraft
• Sea Witch
• Folk Magic
• Faerie/Fairy Magic- Witchcraft
• Storm Witch

Gods & Goddesses of Seid/Seidr:

This little paragraph is for those who would like a more spiritual experience than just reading a dry books how to’s and why’s.
 • Freya – Freyja; Norse Goddess of Love, Poetry and Seidr

o Odin – Wodin – Wotan; Known in Norse lore as the Allfather and a seeker of knowledge. Taught by Freya in Seidr, often teased in the sagas by the other gods for learning an “unmanly art”. But he is also known to have mastered the ways of Seidr.
•Hel – Norse Goddess of the Underworld, also the realm most Seidr will visit as a volve.
Which one is most suited for you?

 

Male Seidr:

Now I did mention above that Seidr was usually females but also that males if they showed early in life the “destined gifts” for becoming a proper Seidr. In Modern day speech this would come within the terms of, Medium – Psychic – Clairvoyance and Seer however within the Teutonic/Germanic tribes, along with some Saxon shamanistic ways. “Galdr = to sing loudly“ Was used as songs of sorcery, songs with magical properties.

Later known as sorcery in general, there are many accounts of Galdr in the Edda’s one “kvad = a form of norse poetry” Where Odin mentions that he knows a whole of 18 Galdr Kvad. They have found so many rune inscriptions of Galdr, that it can be considered as a whole branch within the ways of Seidr. A role which it seemed males were accepted to partake in.