tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83452601229379858262024-02-20T12:11:33.895-08:00The Antlered RoadSam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-57403272120014480342015-07-13T03:13:00.000-07:002015-07-13T03:14:59.937-07:00The Goddess Circle - A Winters Creation ('06/07)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08rJ-be3htsc6KyqEQPjsxqnCrZwepwmPPd5u6ZEkji2o4WSIAhKQ52QVq3fuD5NravkKWFSeDyW9IJ1srkbKL__KNYzIjhjt7MXO4kqAXqnDe6zqIgfQVJm3mKYNAvxwNP2KPCsLCN8/s1600/Circle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08rJ-be3htsc6KyqEQPjsxqnCrZwepwmPPd5u6ZEkji2o4WSIAhKQ52QVq3fuD5NravkKWFSeDyW9IJ1srkbKL__KNYzIjhjt7MXO4kqAXqnDe6zqIgfQVJm3mKYNAvxwNP2KPCsLCN8/s320/Circle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Circle</td></tr>
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So please bear with me regarding this blog.....<br />
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This weekend a project has been returned to me, that if I'm honest I'd forgotten about, well not so much forgotten about....but something I'd passed onto a sculptor for its next stage.....lives took over and the next journey never begun. <br />
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So over the winter/Imbolc of 2006-2007 I created a circle of 9 very simplistic Goddesses. Once I started one.....the seed for the next one was sown and they just kept flowing. Once completed.....I then found out I was expecting our second child.<br />
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Personally I prefer a Deity Statue where 'less is more' not really into faces and that kind of thing. I prefer to be able to visualise those things myself rather than someone elses 'vision' if that makes sense. Theses 'girls' are very raw....they are the first sculpt, the journey and ritual creation. The plan was these were going off to be 'fine tuned' and reproduced in someway.....but alas it never came to be......so here we go, let me just put them here and see what happens :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Shroud</td></tr>
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<b><u>The Shroud</u> - Spirit/Circle Centre</b><br />
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She represents that place we all need to go to sometimes, to wrap ourselves in, to recharge our batteries.<br />
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<b>I am The Shroud,</b></div>
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<b>Come close, Draw up near.<br /><br />Your Path is well travelled,</b></div>
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<b>There's nothing to fear.<br /><br />Snuggle deep in my cloak,<br />I'll cleanse you anew.<br /><br />Then when you move on,</b></div>
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<b>Your light will shine through.</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seed<br />
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<b><u>Seed</u> - Imbolc</b></div>
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The beginning, the spark, the start of all new life and new ideas. Those first burst of energy we feel after Winters dark.<br />
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<b>I am the Start,</b></div>
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<b>The Beginning.<br /><br />I am the Spark,</b></div>
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<b>The flame in the dark.<br /><br />I am the stirring,<br />The quickening.<br /><br />I am the Seed,</b></div>
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<b>Waiting to grow.</b></div>
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<b>Feel my power,</b></div>
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<b>Beginning to show!</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Spring</u><b> - Ostara</b><br />
She is Maiden, but ripening. Watching life unfolding in front of Her. New ideas put into plan. The start of things to come.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">She is Spring,<br />She is Eostara.<br /><br />She is Maiden,</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Waiting to become Mother.<br /><br />She is Seed,<br />Bursting through the ground.<br /><br />She is the egg,<br />Waiting to hatch.<br /><br />She is the milk,<br />Waiting to flow.<br />She is Spring!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flame<br />
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<b><u>Flame</u> - Beltane</b></div>
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She is Lover, ripe and bursting with passion! Full of Life and Creation. A flaming embodiment of sexuality!<br />
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<b>My fires of passion,</b></div>
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<b>Spark to life.</b></div>
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<b>My sacral flame,<br />Burns deep inside.<br /><br />A fertile blaze,</b></div>
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<b>Between my thighs!<br /></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-ViNUstXJD6ppJGo1D0Jrqf6oecRV35z-fNxJPq0njRmerq9eqwzCnJwcAnmSXECwBQ4oEtn6u0HTP6URFFBSlc-25oqstBf9rGivldHJ7piWFAu2uMQRGDFDwTZpT6V7KeBe8Abiv4/s1600/5+Ebb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-ViNUstXJD6ppJGo1D0Jrqf6oecRV35z-fNxJPq0njRmerq9eqwzCnJwcAnmSXECwBQ4oEtn6u0HTP6URFFBSlc-25oqstBf9rGivldHJ7piWFAu2uMQRGDFDwTZpT6V7KeBe8Abiv4/s320/5+Ebb.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ebb<br />
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<b><u>Ebb</u> - Litha</b></div>
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She is the full flow of emotions, where everything starts life from. The journeying river carving out Her Path.<br />
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<b>The Oceans water of power and might,</b></div>
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<b>Streams and rivers running bright.<br /><br />The ebb and flow of emotions pull,<br />The clouds that rain, I fill them full.<br /><br />All that flows, starts through me.</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother</td></tr>
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<b><u>Mother</u> - Lammas</b></div>
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The full, ripe<b> </b>and pregnant Great Mother, from where we're all birthed.<br />
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<b>Great Mother of us all.<br />Spiral weaver, <br />Lady of our Earth.<br />Spinner of Life,<br />Giver of birth.</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gaia</td></tr>
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Gaia</u><b> - Mabon</b><br />
Mother Earth, Protectress of our Lands. All seeing guardian. Fate weaver.<br />
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<b>Mother Earth,<br />Guardian of our Lands.<br />All seeing protectress,</b></div>
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<b>Our fate rests in your hands.</b> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scry<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Scry</u><b> - Samhain</b><br />
Thinning veil, darker nights, winters beckoning. A time to turn inward, focus and reflect over the passing year. </div>
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<b>All seeing, All knowing,</b></div>
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<b>In my cauldron I stare.</b><br />
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<b>All seeing, all knowing,</b><br />
<b>Look inward, do I dare? </b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cave<br />
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<u>Cave</u> - Yule</div>
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The place we all start our Journey from.....and the place we all return to.<br />
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<b>From me is where you all start,</b><br />
<b>A small spark in the dark.</b><br />
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<b>From me is where you journey,</b><br />
<b>A glowing light burning bright.</b><br />
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<b>Back to me is where you return,</b><br />
<b>A dimming flame waning in.</b><br />
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So there you have it......like I say....not sure where to go with them now.....I feel something needs to be done with them. They weren't for 'me' if that makes sense. They came from that deep channelled place. So any feedback will be gratefully received.</div>
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Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-63420454216447625452015-05-08T10:18:00.000-07:002015-05-08T10:18:08.023-07:00Adi Shakti Mantra <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For those that have been to any of my workshops, over the years, or been at a festival with me, you have probably done this practise at some point. Adi Shakti Mantra and Mudra is one of my absolute favorites! So myself and Emma from <a href="http://goddessyoga.co.uk/" target="_blank">Goddess Yoga </a> decided to finally get round to filming us practising the Mantra with the Mudras. Its actually quite hard to find videos of it!<br /><br /> The Adi Shakti meditation and
mudra practise is very liberating; it helps to clear paths towards our
goals, in part, by helping us to release insecurity. It’s very positive, empowering, makes you feel great and is FUN.
I tend to practise this before workshops, fayres where I’m working a stall and
can generally over worry myself and be my own worst enemy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Adi Shakti Mantra tunes one into the frequency of the Divine Mother, and to the primal protective, generating energy. It is said that chanting it eliminates fears and fulfils desires. I appreciate this practise has a very feminine focus but this meditation plants the seed in the consciousness of every man and woman that the Adi Shakti is a force to be reckoned with. She is. She exists. She moves. She sees. And She is in all of us.<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Adi Shakti means, literally, the primal, first power.
Feminine in its aspect, it divines the future—both known and unknown, and is
the embodiment of creativity, balance, and completion. As a Priestess of Elen I
love the betwixt time….dusk, dawn, equinoxes and the wild edges, it’s probably
why I love this practice so much. I have written the translation as ‘I call
upon’ but it can also be ‘I bow to’ depending upon intention.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are the words to the Mantra and below is the Video Emma and I filmed today. According to Kundalini lessons, this is best practised for 11 minutes and if you buy the music we used by Sada Sat Kaur - Angels' Waltz, which includes the Adi Shakti Mantra, its recorded for that amount of time.</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Adi Shakti</span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Adi Shakti, Adi Shakti, </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Adi Shakti, Namo Namo</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">(I call upon the
Primal Power)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Sarb Shakti, Sarb Shakti,</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> Sarb Shakti, Namo Namo</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">(I call upon the
all-encompassing Power and Energy)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Pritham Bhagvati, Pritham Bhagvati,</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> Pritham
Bhagvati, Namo Namo</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">(I call upon that
which the Devine creates)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Kundalini Mata Shakti,</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> Mata Shakti, Namo Namo</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">(I call upon the
creative power of the Kundalini, the Divine Mother Power)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-59403143758894867292015-04-17T04:13:00.001-07:002015-04-17T04:13:58.829-07:00Magical Malas - So what are they??? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I began creating Malas, in the form of wrist mala,
about 6 years ago as part of my 'Immerse in Elen' Retreats. Having practised yoga
for a number of years (although off and on more recently) I had learnt the art
of Mantra and Mala Beads as an aid to meditation, plus I’d always loved Chant
as part of my Pagan/Spiritual Path. Knowing that quite a few religions use
prayer beads/rosary I decided to devise my own. I wanted attendees of the
Retreats to be able to take home some daily devotionals; tools they could use simply
to connect with Elen. So over the course of the weekend we make ‘Elen of the Trackways’ wrist malas and learn
Her devotional Mantra together. <br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
</span>Mala are generally made from different materials such as tulsi (basil)
wood, sandal wood, rudraksh seeds or crystal. Each type of material has certain
properties which subtly affect the subconscious mind of the practitioner. In
the construction of the Elen Mala Bracelet I wanted to incorporate natural
things that I strongly associate with Elen. So I created the bracelet from wood
(oak), amber and antler.<span style="color: #333333;"> It
can then be worn as a wonderful accessory to meditation, which when used
regularly with a personal mantra, absorbs the vibrations of the practice. It
becomes like a close friend or a comfortable piece of clothing.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333;">Meditation can be quite a tricky practice
because the mind is like a naughty child. By its very nature, the mind tends to
wander off during meditation practice. If ones energy is low at the time of
meditation, falling asleep can result. If the energy is too high, fantasy and
distraction become the barriers. At such times, the mala provides the much
needed anchor. The mala beads are moved in rhythm with the breath and the
mantra, so that both-sleep as well as excessive mental distraction-are
prevented by this action upon the beads. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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So wrist malas, the Retreat and personal practise was as far as Magical Malas went for a few years. I’m one of those arty/creative folk who has one of those ‘to make’ note books, a place where I can scribble down any inspirations or ideas I get, but don’t have the time to do them right then. Full 108 Malas sat on that list for a number of years, until last year. I got in a bit of a creative funk (technical term) over the winter of 2013/14 I was flat, miserable and very teary. I still can’t tell you the whys, triggers or reasons it just was…..I was taking supplements, vitamin D spray in case it was SAD…all sorts but just couldn’t get out of it. In the end my Deer friend Suzi Edwards Goose of <a href="http://www.inkwitch333.co.uk/" target="_blank">inkwitch333</a> gave me a bit of a kick up the bum….said I need to do something different, said I needed to challenge myself, suggested I try something new….she asked me to go through my ‘to make’ note book and see if anything took my fancy. When I mentioned the full malas she got all excited and bounced ideas around with me about the different themes I could make, an Elen one obviously, Tundra and Cerh came next. So I sourced some materials and started practising the knot working….not as simple as I thought but it challenged me none the less. It took some practise but I got there in the end, by having a knot between each bead it gives space to move the beads and also means <i>should</i> your Mala ever break you won’t lose loads of the beads. SO......<br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span>
<b><u><span style="color: #333333;">Why
108?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<b><u><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></u></b>
On a traditional Mala there are 108 beads….there are so <i>many </i>suggestions and reasons for the reputation use of 108…..too
many to list here. But if you look into this <a href="http://www.swamij.com/108.htm" target="_blank">website</a> there is a huge list from many religions, cultures and studies. 108 has been
used for an awfully long time so who am I to argue with this! Here are a few a
like though….<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">9 times
12</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">:
Both of these numbers have been said to have spiritual significance in many
traditions. 9 x 12 = 108. Also, 1 + 8 = 9. That 9 x 12 equals 108.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Heart
Chakra</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">:
The chakras are the intersections of energy lines, and there are said to be a
total of 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra. One of them,
sushumna leads to the crown chakra, and is said to be the path to
Self-realization.</span> <o:p></o:p><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Time</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">: Some say there
are 108 feelings, with 36 related to the past, 36 related to the present, and
36 related to the future.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><u>How Do I Hold/Use Mala?<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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The mala is traditionally held in the right hand and used in two ways - In method one; the mala is hanging between the thumb and the ring (third) finger. The
middle (second) finger is used to rotate the mala by one bead towards oneself
with each repetition of the mantra. In the other method two, the mala is
hanging on the middle finger, with the thumb used to rotate the mala just as
explained - one bead at a time. Either way, the index finger is never used to
touch the mala.<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-r94E-zxARQ29HIp2Rm7aes3asN58EoIayTVtCBgpLjibeucyz-qqyRF2PMHHtF7lhZmhMSJT4dqGPsBVsOx_72-kLgWYdWUOXKMcNrvReUaSgdQAWkkwiCVDL7CxMesOkVBgIyZaO4/s1600/HoldMala1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-r94E-zxARQ29HIp2Rm7aes3asN58EoIayTVtCBgpLjibeucyz-qqyRF2PMHHtF7lhZmhMSJT4dqGPsBVsOx_72-kLgWYdWUOXKMcNrvReUaSgdQAWkkwiCVDL7CxMesOkVBgIyZaO4/s1600/HoldMala1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Method 1<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKcBMiT0DRr0s-bfPflXXxrIdoAOv6ZLYCMW2_7HNRAby8bneaIIGej3J0tqpVwnjGSm7b6F45DC0Q3ytFxg5qxwZ2X5glqN7iL9ttXU0Mg-okMleki3n4lbyCPM4Eo4MQpunrN5wKsY/s1600/HoldMala2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKcBMiT0DRr0s-bfPflXXxrIdoAOv6ZLYCMW2_7HNRAby8bneaIIGej3J0tqpVwnjGSm7b6F45DC0Q3ytFxg5qxwZ2X5glqN7iL9ttXU0Mg-okMleki3n4lbyCPM4Eo4MQpunrN5wKsY/s1600/HoldMala2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Method 2 </td></tr>
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<b><u>What’s a Guru Bead?<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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So as well as the magic 108 beads each Mala has a ‘Guru’ bead, on my Magical
Malas these can be made up of a number of things depending on the theme of the
Mala itself. The deer related ones tend to have a piece of antler, some have a
larger bead or a silver spiral and some recent ones have fossilised ammonites’.
The Guru bead is said to represent the student-guru/deity relationship and this
is where you start your practise, it’s a contemplation point, the place to
breathe and focus before you start working your Mantra/Chant. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>Why a Tassel?<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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Magical Malas come
with a coordinating tassel on the end; I create mine using 21 binding threads.
Most of my Malas are made with a combination of 3 wooden beads and 1 gemstone,
3 x 7 = 21 hence why I use 21. The significance of the Tassel is purely decorative;
although on a practical level once you reach the tassel you know you have
completed the practise. The more you use your Mala the more embedded with your
intentions and energies and the Tassel picks up those too, so once you have
completed your round you can touch the Tassel to your 3<sup>rd</sup> eye and
heart space silently giving thanks. <o:p></o:p></div>
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All my Mala themes and accompanying Mantras are of my own
design. Inspiration comes from the Land, Deities and Animal Guides; and the
call to make a particular design can come from a customer commission or seeing
a fox/heron/hare whilst out walking. The call can come at any time and I have
to create it! Every Magical Mala comes with its own hand painted natural cotton
pouch, instructions and art card with Mantra printed on it. If you’d like to
know more please comment or check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MagicalMalas" target="_blank">Magical Malas Facebook page.</a><br />
<br />
Thanks for reading xxx<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-31953633207430539472015-04-14T04:33:00.001-07:002015-04-14T04:34:26.846-07:00Talking to my Inner Critic - Part of my SheStory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><span style="line-height: 115%;">I'm currently part of a writing group called SHE Stories mentored by the
lovely Lisa Lister from </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.thesassyshe.com/" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The Sassy She</span></a></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">. It’s an arse kicking 28 day cycle of getting our book out of our head
and into an actual hold in your hand book. I'm a struggling author....with a
horrendous self-critic! I have oodles of fab ideas for writing, blogs, posts,
articles and my book.....BUT....my self-critic is a dick! </span><br />
<br />
Now as part of the SHE Story course we have to talk to our self-critic....the
nitty gritty business.....I've journaled with this for a couple of days
now....but have decided to post it here. Now please don't take this blog as me
looking for support or looking for 'bigging up', because it’s not. It’s a
journey I can only do on my own if I want to write in any decent way....but I
think to tackle my self-critic and take it head on....I need to put it here! So
here goes........<br />
<br />
<br />
My self-critic is snappy and quick, like a Jack Russell
snarling through a fence. She jibes and digs, a pointing finger jabbing at my
shoulder. When I think about writing she tells me I'm no good, that I'm not
academic enough to write on any professional level. She says my grammar and
spelling are rubbish! She makes me procrastinate the what if's. She
tells me that nobody wants to hear what I’ve got to say and I can’t back it up
either….so therefore I’m just airy-fairy.<br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">She
tells me I should get a ‘proper job’ or that rather than sitting writing or
making my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MagicalMalas" target="_blank">Magical Malas</a> I should be cleaning the house. I’m not contributing
enough to my family by doing what I’m doing self-employed. She tells me I’m
disorganised and that I don’t use my time effectively. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">BUT HEY, YOU
KNOW WHAT SELF-CRITIC???</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I AM good enough!!!!</b><br />
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I might not have a degree, but I do have lessons to share. So I didn’t go to
university, but I spent years at college, I improved my grades. I studied and
trained to become a forest school teacher. I’m running a home, raising kids and
doing my damndest to do it as best as I can!<br />
<br />
I worked a shitty job that I hated and made me miserable for 11 years. That is
no longer holding me back! I have the chance to do what I love, to chase my
dreams and leap after the life I want!<br />
<br />
Accepted, I may not be a Stepford Wife house proud type, but I cook wholesome
fresh food, I keep my kitchen and
bathroom clean, so what’s the problem? Just don’t look at my dust or judge me over my
unmade bed. And whilst we're at it…..I don’t iron! Life too short for that shit!<br />
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So there you have it self-critic! I’m gonna write this bloody book if it’s the last
thing I do! And you and me missy are gonna live with it ok??? And as regards to
grammar, spelling and layout…..that’s what my editor is for yes??? </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-23137196011164440452015-04-13T01:33:00.000-07:002015-04-13T01:33:25.252-07:00This Land Knows Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiChmAja_fnZmZ5ZKbwYrexrZvhVo049Nz71-FGHP3fVRotmOswyTD9GNJ_6GOCW6RBdSfSByUGtBFmM3H-s_Qh4V0r-IEX8N0MWu26Th2HSVsNRonNUuZTd_LhWBj3qslhWz0otPVeLI/s1600/11150287_10152831077297939_2467311544259961340_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiChmAja_fnZmZ5ZKbwYrexrZvhVo049Nz71-FGHP3fVRotmOswyTD9GNJ_6GOCW6RBdSfSByUGtBFmM3H-s_Qh4V0r-IEX8N0MWu26Th2HSVsNRonNUuZTd_LhWBj3qslhWz0otPVeLI/s1600/11150287_10152831077297939_2467311544259961340_n.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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I suppose my journey to the Inchnadamph Bone Caves, in the Highlands of Scotland, began this time last year. I had travelled to Dartmoor for one of <a href="http://www.seventhwavemusic.co.uk/" target="_blank">Carolyn Hillyer's</a> Shaman Weavers women's workshops. That particular weekend we journeyed deeply with Tundra....with Reindeer, Blue Ice and the tribe people who walk that Land. One of my fellow Tundra Sisters spoke deeply with me about our love of The Highlands and how she was visiting in the summer and would be specifically visiting The Bone Caves, I shared with her that I planned a visit too, but it wouldn't be till October. As we left Dartmoor, said our goodbyes and hugged she whispered to be me "I'll tell The Caves you are coming."<br />
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A similar tale can be told involving a Deer Sister Michelle. She too was heading to The Highlands in the summer, whilst there they sang Elen Chants and mentioned I was coming to visit. Those poor caves that hold so many tales, must have raised their eyebrows, metaphorically speaking. <br />
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I had read a little about the place itself and the finds that had been excavated over the years. Within the caves the bones of Reindeer, Wolf and Bears have been found including a Polar Bear! It's a beautiful limestone valley carved out from the Ice Age melt. The glen sides are full of Red Deer and the majority of the walk is following a very free running river which further on becomes a dry river bed. The river itself is fed from natural springs; these can be seen on numerous occasions bubbling up in the river and pools. It is deliciously icy cold to drink from and refill bottles at. The whole landscape is amazing but nothing prepared me for the caves themselves, so awe inspiring and the ancestor energy is intoxicating at times. I sat in different spots within all the caves and each definitely has its own feel and energy, I'd love to know if the different bones were found in the different caves. One in particular drew me to take out my Cerh Mala and practise Her chant.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiemoVR3SvWflHJU9B3Hr9PpniXFK9FlRk5ia8oLCbxOc4Q1fcvLovwTts25knKaSBKoGJUllwFedQtVMO8_faVFZeennH5UGC85e176eFUvlCBXNYGN69whjCT5S0-Fjc0mo-uHDQfRs/s1600/11150829_10152831437317939_6216994927719810247_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiemoVR3SvWflHJU9B3Hr9PpniXFK9FlRk5ia8oLCbxOc4Q1fcvLovwTts25knKaSBKoGJUllwFedQtVMO8_faVFZeennH5UGC85e176eFUvlCBXNYGN69whjCT5S0-Fjc0mo-uHDQfRs/s1600/11150829_10152831437317939_6216994927719810247_n.jpg" height="320" width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cerh Mala in the Bone Cave</td></tr>
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After spending a great deal of time in the Caves we started our walk back. I felt a real pull on my heart and solar plexus, tears started to flow and a song sprang from my lips. I can only explain the moment as a gift from the Land, a place which knew I was coming and had heard my name.<br />
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This Land She Knows Me,<br />
She Calls my Name.<br />
This Land She Knows Me,<br />
She Calls my Soul.<br />
This Land She Knows Me,<br />
She Calls my Name.<br />
This Land She Knows Me,<br />
She Calls my Soul.<br />
<br />
And She Breathes Out,<br />
And I Breathe Her in.<br />
And She Breathes Out,<br />
And I Breathe Her In.<br />
And I Breathe Out,<br />
And She Breathes Me In.<br />
And I Breathe Out,<br />
And She Breathes Me In.<br />
And She Breathes Out,<br />
And I Breathe Her In.</div>
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I Breathe Her In, Deep Within.<br />
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If you'd like to hear the song actually sang, you can hear it <a href="https://youtu.be/wTF8MUZiTYc" target="_blank">here</a> on YouTube. *She mentions bravely* I'm hoping to post more chants and Magical Mala practises via YouTube in the future. </div>
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Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com6Maldon, Maldon, Essex CM9, UK51.731804999999987 0.6714480000000548951.692462999999989 0.59076700000005489 51.771146999999985 0.75212900000005489tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-82018273827813973392014-12-28T13:23:00.000-08:002014-12-29T01:40:56.822-08:00and so it's begun......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHVRtp4-J4zBomIE_CEgw6UmSmGKuYRNR4rXrCgkGX3wqyrTX8zIHbQnLqXj_J17Uxgxf92B7imyyTtEOXOXm4Gc99RHKH2I20_F8myUb8mGPR7Wp2e9h019lCYhgwqYntaEzrbi0xL4/s1600/mind+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHVRtp4-J4zBomIE_CEgw6UmSmGKuYRNR4rXrCgkGX3wqyrTX8zIHbQnLqXj_J17Uxgxf92B7imyyTtEOXOXm4Gc99RHKH2I20_F8myUb8mGPR7Wp2e9h019lCYhgwqYntaEzrbi0xL4/s1600/mind+map.jpg" /></a></div>
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Yep......the seeds are being sown for 2015.....Plotting and Planning has begun!!!<br />
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The New Moon showed Her pretty little face on Christmas Eve and since then the need to de-clutter, streamline and get organised for the new year ahead has beckoned.<br />
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2014 has been an amazing year I have to say!!! What started out with a definite 'January/February Funk' got kicked (ie up the arse) into touch by my Deerest Suzi. I've been to Dartmoor, my Highlands twice, done a sweatlodge (no words amazing), had wonderful times with Elen Clan, made over 100 sets of Malas (didn't see that coming lol), joined the 'Singing over the Bones' writing course and generally had a very busy but great year.<br />
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As always, this time of year gets me a thinking.....what areas in my life do I wish to be rid of? What things do I wish to improve? And what new things do I want to get out there???<br />
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My Blog is always a bit of a grey area....I always have the best intentions but never the discipline *hangs head in shame*. So here's me pledging to try again!<br />
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I want to post my 'Singing Over the Bones' Journalling/Writing here.....I want to do regular postings about my 'Magical Malas'.....share more Elen musings....and eventually share images and in-depth posting from the 'Oracle of the Antlered Road'.<br />
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I cannot promise that my writing will be great, but it will be <b>passionate. </b></div>
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I cannot promise it will be grammatically correct, but I write quickly when <b>enthused.</b></div>
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And often my tablet or phone causes me to spell badly, <b>you have been warned</b> :) </div>
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So hopefully, if you can over look those couple of foibles then my blogging of 2015 might be of interest.</div>
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So I raise a glass (actually its a piece of ice) to 2014, I say a massive<b> thank you</b> to all you've given me and mine. </div>
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<b>2015 I'm coming to getcha!!!! </b></div>
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Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-9536103072631334982013-08-01T01:30:00.000-07:002013-08-01T01:30:26.541-07:00Lammas<h2 style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIp8Q0BBfNcTCqK1QPyahdfkefXMWB3fbyhss1zs4SxzqRRrPD3PXpThyEa3y5lLITBn1I9CE9mTQkgcmchoNfuFrtywmJvG1ZipBw_9U_ah_NrFdoiQ0_w2rrJp06btu1WR69GScCko/s1600/1077439_10151583328112939_1705610912_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIp8Q0BBfNcTCqK1QPyahdfkefXMWB3fbyhss1zs4SxzqRRrPD3PXpThyEa3y5lLITBn1I9CE9mTQkgcmchoNfuFrtywmJvG1ZipBw_9U_ah_NrFdoiQ0_w2rrJp06btu1WR69GScCko/s320/1077439_10151583328112939_1705610912_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lammas is hanging heavy in the air, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Heavy, thick, like the pendulous breasts of a ripe rounded woman.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The dust from John Barelycorn fills the air,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Making it almost misty in the sunshine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The balmy heat of the first risen sun,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Brings the promise of what's to come.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A glorious day filled with golden eared corn.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The white heart shaped dog rose petals, fallen upon the path.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Filling my journey with <span style="color: #e06666;">LOVE </span>as I walk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dew covered cobwebs dance across the barleys beard,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The sunrise filling the fields with amber light.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A deer takes flight, bouncing across the field,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">White tail held high, magic dancing from its hooves with every leap.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Crow soars above holding court and a heron glides past, carrying his message on the wing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The beauty of this morning sings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The land at this harvest is spectacular. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Without meaning to repeat myself, balmy, hazy and golden. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Don't waste these days of summer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fill them with folly, lovers, family and friends. </span><span style="font-size: large;">These are precious times, make memories. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Be grateful for that which we have, w</span><span style="font-size: large;">e can always dream for more, but take time for now!</span></div>
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Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-9007944679759301292013-05-21T05:47:00.000-07:002013-05-21T05:54:50.225-07:00Immerse in Elen Retreat 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8n4KNtHcLunN7lBPMSmJ7_UbIr8ElMdAvsxxZq7lOERUXeLQoxMvYhloElDrXvPpRZ-uZfCq6ZvPAoZy0oanShwDBX3DdO4QP_aQJiDv2tgsP8DPeEQ_LQEFDG5WmtbwNMsIadYfJ-U/s1600/DSC_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8n4KNtHcLunN7lBPMSmJ7_UbIr8ElMdAvsxxZq7lOERUXeLQoxMvYhloElDrXvPpRZ-uZfCq6ZvPAoZy0oanShwDBX3DdO4QP_aQJiDv2tgsP8DPeEQ_LQEFDG5WmtbwNMsIadYfJ-U/s320/DSC_0073.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Temple of Elen</td></tr>
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*<i>sigh</i>* and so another 'Immerse in Elen Retreat' is over.......I'm still coming back down to earth to be honest but wanted to sit and take a few moments to take it all in and share some of the experiences.<br />
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This year saw the Elen Retreat move from its home, of four years, at Retreat Farm to a new venue on the edges of Danbury Woodland. Leaving behind Tipi's, Barns and Farmland and moving into heated en-suite log cabins, bigger workspace, ancient woodlands, debut of the Temple of Elen and catering!!!<br />
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Our lovely Elen Clan started arriving on Friday evening and once settled in to our cabins we headed off to a local pub for dinner and socialising.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selection of delicious food from the Griffin</td></tr>
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After an enjoyable evening in The Griffin we headed back home to the cabins to bed. Suzi and Julia were this weekends 'Tine Sister' and we rose bright and early to set up the Temple of Elen and the workspace. More Elen Clan began arriving and the start time drew nearer. <br />
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We spent the morning in our lovely large workspace surrounded by Elen artwork and with a central hearth. We lit candles for each of us, marking our space in the circle, and lit two special candles for Esther and Sarah who for very personal reasons couldn't be with us. We shared our stories, Elen's stories and journeyed in deep meditation and after a shared lunch (which could have fed us the whole weekend lol) we gathered in our circles....Spiral Heart, Shed Antler and Spiral....to create Incense and Anointing Oil to honour Elen and create Elen Mala Bracelets. We then headed out to spend time in the Temple of Elen and to share as a community learning and chanting the Elen Mantra. This was the first time our portable space had been erected and used for this sacred purpose. Thanks to donations, art sale percentages and generosity from <a href="http://www.belltent.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bell Tent UK </a> the dream of a Sacred Elen Temple was born, and here this weekend we saw the dream become a reality. </div>
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<u>Temple of Elen</u></div>
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<u>Altars of Elen's Maiden, Mother, Crone</u></div>
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After time spent in the Temple we headed out into the ancient woodland. We had been SO blessed with good weather and the early evening light was loaded heavy with magic. We wondered the tracks and spent time with the trees and on the banks of the streams and lakes. Everyone had been given a small Confetti Offering Token, biodegradable and loaded with wild flower seeds, to leave as thanks along the way. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emma Moon Breeze's Offerings</td></tr>
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We collected kindling for our fire and headed back to site to gather our drums and voices. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kindling Collection</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sunny Sunday saw us gather after Breakfast in the Temple. We shared our experiences and feelings from Saturday and we sang the Elen Mantra together with our bracelets. We journey further with Elen of the Tribes and gathered in circles again to create deer leather Journey Pouches. As the afternoon came round we headed back to the Temple and gave those, that wished too, a loving space to dedicate themselves as </span>Priestess's of Elen or walkers of The Antlered Road. WOW what can I say.........its at these times I realise how open and loving the Elen Clan completely are. The love, healing, tears, community and support that radiated with that 5 metre Temple Space was absolutely mind blowing. It humbles me, I feel so blessed to be part of and witness these moments that each of them bring......WOW</div>
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We took some time to gather and ground ourselves, then began to create our wonderful 'Footprints Along the Trackway'. Using ancient earth pigments, we started to track our journey as Clan along a piece of natural cloth. This is something I wish I'd had the inspiration to do from the first ever Retreat. We supported each other as we stepped into the Ochre and felt it squidge between our toes, we then stepped onto the cotton trackway and left our footprints/hoof prints (?lol) behind. Marking our journey together over the weekend as Clan Community.</div>
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After taking time to sit in circle one last time, to say our farewells and send the love and gratitude we'd built over the weekend, with each other and the wider community. We gently headed home......<br />
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Much love and thanks must go to Suzi and Julia, my 'Tine Sisters' for this Retreat. The Tine Sisters idea was born after I realised I can't always be in 3 places at once. So by having sisters, by my side, that I know I can trust and ask to help and support both me and the rest of the Clan over the course of the days, makes things a whole lot easier....especially as we moved into a new venue. So THANK YOU ladies!!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suzi and Julia Tine Sisters </td></tr>
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And so I will end this as I started with a *<i>sigh</i>* another 'Immerse in Elen' Retreat is over, but its only 16 weeks till Elen's Equinox Reunion, where I can gather the Clan of 5 years worth of these wonderful and deeply profound Retreats and Workshops. How grateful I am to be able to do this.......I'll leave you with a few words the wonderful Anya wrote about the weekend.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Immerse in Elen Clan 2013</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"What a wonderful weekend that was, sharing so much
beauty and inspiration in the sunny countryside with my lovely new friends and
soul-sisters! We came together from far-flung places, to share our
merry-making, deep-diving, life-enhancing new connections ... feasting and
crafting ... singing & chanting ... meditating and track-making ... out in
the spring-green woodlands, and then drumming & singing as twilight came
& night fell, and the fire blazed & the sparks flew upwards to meet the
summer stars. That delightful, relaxed feeling is still upon me, that comes
from deep sharing from the heart, head and imagination ... mutual support as we
wove our stories, dreams and visions, crafted our treasures, made our
dedications and left our ochred footprints ... sharing food, fun & frolics
in free, female open-heartedness and good humour. This was the best
clan-gathering I have ever experienced. I have always longed for a sister - and
now, by Magic, I feel I have 20.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Powerful, primordial,
profound ... connecting us to our distant ancestors and the ancient
herds-people and hunters of our land and the far northern forests - quite
wonderful!”</span></div>
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Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-81380938198736586642013-05-01T04:52:00.000-07:002013-05-01T04:52:03.970-07:00My BeltaneA 3.30am start!!!!<br />
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As I always tell myself....must be mental ;o) But after making a phone call to the local tourist information to gain Sun Up and High Tide times, yesterday. I found out one of our local Morris Groups the <a href="http://www.maldonmorris.org/maldonGJ.htm" target="_blank">Maldon Greenjackets</a> Met on Mayday to 'dance up' the sun. Well it would have been rude not to go along huh??? I had no idea the group did this, so was very excited to go along! Suzi, JoJo, Lily, Rain and Lisa decided to come join me too. So with drums, many layers and blankets we headed to Maldon Prom to wait the arrival of the Sun.<br /><br />It was still fairly dark when we arrived but the false dawn was brewing. So we huddled into a shelter and had ourselves a coffee. The waning moon was still very much in view and sat beautifully on show above one of the trees.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">The Morris started arriving, along with fiddle, squeeze box and recorder players, plus a lady from another village with a white pony and trap! Rhiannon's energy brought to the fore too. We had a little drum every now and again....although my drum wasn't very happy about the early start and was REALLY flat. After a couple of dances the sun started to show itself on the horizon, so we turned and watched as it crept up the sky. One of the ladies from the Morris came over to wish us all a Happy Beltane, which was lovely! </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I went and stood on the beach/shore line as the sun emerged and made my own silent honouring before going back to watch a little more of the Green Jackets as they continued to dance up that sunrise. We couldn't have asked for a better morning in all honesty! A bit nippy yes, but so very clear! </span></div>
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<br />After a little bit more drumming and bidding farewell to the girls, I did my usual morning routines and then took my dogs out onto my land. My usual trackways and lanes. The sun was well and truly up and it was really warm. There such a fantastic amount of bird activity around at the moment, unfortunately as I came out of my house we found a very, very tiny baby bird dead on my cars bonnet. Then out on one of my lanes a brown speckled egg smashed open on the ground but, on a more positive note, the hedgerows are so full of their song. The air was alive and almost crackling with energy this morning and the air so thick with the scent of 'the greening'. That smell of the new, fresh green shoots and leaves that have been warmed by the morning sun, so deliciously fragrant!!!<br /><br />As I continued my walk I was all of a sudden distracted by a call, a very distinct call....I say distinct because I didn't instantly name the bird but it resonated really deep within me. When I looked up to see what had made it, a Jay flew, no glided above my head. A real moment, I could see him so clearly, each feather and colour and he gently called as he continued along his journey! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.natureconservationimaging.com/images/Jay-flight.jpg">http://www.natureconservationimaging.com/images/Jay-flight.jpg</a></td></tr>
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<br />I now realise completely that the Jay is my totem bird, I have others, but right now he is at my forefront. I must set some time aside to work more deeply with its energy, but they obviously have a very powerful message for me right now. I'm seeing them more and more this year and having stronger and stronger connections every time I do see them. Beautiful, beautiful bird. very, very blessed!<br /><div>
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Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-77054407095251948772013-03-12T04:38:00.000-07:002013-03-12T04:38:16.346-07:00Winters Kiss<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />As the days started brightening</div>
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and the Spring dance began.<br />The Snow Dragon had other ideas,</div>
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so hatched out a plan.<br /><br />He watched as the flowers came forth</div>
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and the bird song was sang.</div>
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As the land began quickening</div>
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and the ewes dropped their lambs.<br /><br />He wanted not, to give up his winter white crown.</div>
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Or allow the Land to wear her bright greening gown.</div>
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So as the clouds grew and the night it drew in.</div>
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To the sky he did take, beating his wings.<br /><br />Dragon touched each cloud with an icy white breath,</div>
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and as he flew higher a biting wind blew.<br />But try as he might the flowers they still bloomed,</div>
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and in sheer frustration he knew what to do.<br /><br />To prove he was mightier, a grand Winters King,</div>
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He threw himself down and blanketed Spring.<br />His white scales they did glisten, oh how they did span,</div>
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A last Winters Kiss across the whole land.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow Dragon Scales<br /></td></tr>
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Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-29189309307911810862013-03-06T00:14:00.002-08:002013-03-06T00:14:53.316-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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Couldn't get this poem out of my head, whilst walking, this morning....with Heron and Barn Owl messages.....so thought I'd share......<br />
<h2 class="title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #f88000; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.583em; margin: 42px 0px 12px; text-align: center;">
Leisure</h2>
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by </div>
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William Henry Davies</div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-top: 20px; min-height: 570px; text-align: start;">
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<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;">What is this life if, full of care,</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;">We have no time to stand and stare.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;">No time to stand beneath the boughs</span></div>
</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;">And stare as long as sheep or cows.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;">No time to see, when woods we pass,</span></div>
</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;">Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.</span></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;">No time to see, in broad daylight,</span></div>
</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;">Streams full of stars, like skies at night.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;">No time to turn at Beauty's glance,</span></div>
</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;">And watch her feet, how they can dance.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;">No time to wait till her mouth can</span></div>
</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;">Enrich that smile her eyes began.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;">A poor life this is if, full of care,</span></div>
</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;">We have no time to stand and stare.</span><span style="font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5;"> </span></div>
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Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-87241642010584751642013-03-05T08:11:00.001-08:002013-03-05T08:11:15.278-08:00Acceptence<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6.30am 05/03/13</td></tr>
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I do love this time of year, the snowdrops in their little clusters, daffodils tightly waiting to burst with golden colour and the blackthorn coming out into its frothy splendor. It also means that we start taking the dogs out for their walk earlier in the morning, which in turn means we start seeing the beautiful sunrises and catch a glimpse of the local beasties starting and finishing their days. We're more likely to see the rabbits scampering around, heading to their warrens as we turn a corner, or catch a fleeting glimpse of the Roe Deer as his head goes up when he catches a whiff of my dogs or see Mr Fox in all his copper glory as we disturb his rabbit hunting.<br /><br />I'm always being very hard upon myself as to my daily practice How I 'should' be rising at 6am and sitting in front of my altar, chanting, meditating or saying my mantra, which I do enjoy doing but struggle to actually do! Or not running around preparing lunches and breakfast, picking up the pj's my kiddies leave strewn on the floor as we dash out the door on the school run! Which means I don't feel like I've done any spiritual practice at all!!! BUT I am beginning to realise that I DO have a daily spiritual practice, but it can be eclectic.<br /><br />Everyday, at some point, I am out walking on my local land. Everyday I give honour to that land and its creatures, the Jay, Green Woodpecker, Heron, Roe, Rabbits and Fox (plus many other birds too). Its even more magical those mornings I am up at 6am and you catch the sunrise, especially through the misty haze. At that time of the morning I'm pretty much the only one out there, I can walk around in pure reverence. Sing songs and chant to the land or use my Elen Mantra to add a depth to my walking meditation. Because that's what it is. My daily walking meditation, witnessing the changing of the seasons and the turning of the wheel.<br /><br />I have my beautiful Source statue in the kitchen and whenever I'm cooking there's always a candle lit in Her. My Altar in my dining room has incense and candles a-burning too. Sometimes, when I have a few quiet minutes to myself, I might journal or blog which are always of a spiritual nature. So I do have to be a bit kinder to myself really and accept that my 'ideal' of a daily practice, obviously isn't ideal and what I do actually do everyday is what comes naturally and therefore right for me.<br /><br />So what's right for you? </div>
Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-63438008980248091272013-02-20T14:24:00.000-08:002013-02-20T14:24:00.423-08:00In Servitude....<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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So a blog post by the lovely Joanna <a href="http://octopusdance.wordpress.com/2013/02/19/pagan-monasticism/" target="_blank">The Belly Dancing Druid</a> has had me musing....Pagan Monasticism.<br /><br />Something a few, openly admit to striving toward and others have no interest in. Its something that crops up in conversation often with my nearest and dearest girls.<br /><br />In principle the idea does sound wonderful. A scheduled life or with other like minded spiritual folk, a life in servitude of your chosen God or Goddess, daily ritual, prayer, chants etc Time spent working and living on the land. I've often joked about living in a hut in the woods devoted to Elen......but then in all honesty would I do it nowadays???<br /><br />I think in days gone by, for our ancestors, that kinda of life was very achievable. A wise wo/man was a highly revered part of the community. The herbalist who healed the sick, midwife that birthed new life and also birthed souls into the next. A shaman, a spiritual guide, someone to turn to in life's ups and downs. A celebrant and see-r over life's rites of passages. A daily life spent devoted to their Path, living on the edge...in all spaces and forms.....edges of society, edges of sanity, edges of hunger, edges of material wealth. But cash wasn't the currency then. Community, self sufficiency, energy exchanges of a different nature. Of payment in respect, maybe a coin here or there, but actually it'll of been whatever the family could have afforded. A meal on the table, a chicken, some veg, whatever they specialised in I suppose.<br /><br />My life now, as a Devotee/Priestess of Elen, is also a life of a Mother, a Partner, an Artist and Workshop Facilitator. Combining, more often juggling, all the areas of my life is no easy task, but I'm not entirely sure I could give it all up for a devoted life of servitude to Elen either. Not in the traditional Monastic sense. I certainly wouldn't walk away from my partner and children and my man is my grounding ;o) My best friend is a yogi disciple of the Satyanada Yoga Tradition, a <a href="http://www.yogamag.net/archives/1983/isep83/ks.shtml" target="_blank">Karma Sannyasa</a> (I have linked that into an article which will describe better than I can). It makes a lot of sense to me, I want to achieve the best I can for myself, my man and my kids, but I also want to be in Servitude to Elen and be the best I can be in that too. To be fair, I think trying to achieve the life of a nun, monk, ashram life in our western society <i>is tough! </i>Really tough! But that doesn't mean my spirituality and daily practise doesn't strive to have that monastic devotion. <br /><br />In reality I think the only way we can do it is, to do the best we can. Live our daily life in Honor of our chosen 'god' be that deity, land, planet, life. Incorporate prayer, chant, song, dance, drumming into your daily life. Be it small gestures of lighting candles and incense, eating wholefoods, using Eco friendly products, journal-ling. <br /><br />Some of these tools I share on my Elen Retreats, suggestions of daily devotions. I'm hoping this year, along with Suzi, to give folk a deep sense of the work I've been led to do with The Temple of Elen. A sacred space to retreat to, even if only for a short period of time. Many things are on the brew at the mo with my work devoted to Elen....magic really is happening and it blows me away. The community is something really special and I'm blessed to have met these wonderful folk that hold the Antlered ways so close to their hearts!</div>
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And thanks again Joanna for making the musing juices flow........ </div>
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Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-78370213011513457402013-01-07T03:22:00.001-08:002013-01-07T03:22:46.594-08:00Healing Sunday's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This Sunday was spent blitzing the house, making sure all the decorations from Yule were down and away. Working through the washing mountain, food shopping for the week ahead....back to school, back to routine! So scrubbing and a cleaning as a family team effort, the kids gained reward tokens for helping out, we cleaned the house within an inch of its life.<br /><br />The above photo is my wonderful Source statue which, since she was gifted to me by my fab girls, has lived in my kitchen....my home's hearth space. I often light a candle whilst cooking or spending time in there and if needs I will light a candle especially for healing to be sent somewhere. </div>
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Having blitzed the kitchen, then washed my Source and refreshed Her rose petals. I wanted to dedicate a healing candle to a couple of my friends.This Sunday, one of my dearest friends had a tough day ahead of her and another recent friend wasn't very well at all. So whilst lighting the candle I sent out Love and Healing Energy to them both and then left the candle to burn down. Whilst I was taking the above photo to share on Facebook and let my friends know I'd been thinking of them, I was inspired that this is something I should do every Sunday with my Source. So I'm putting it out there......if anyone would like a candle dedicated to them on a Sunday, receiving Healing from the Source, She's there for that use just let me know.<br /><br />Brightest Blessing upon your week ahead xxx</div>
Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-26602930617982130592012-12-31T08:52:00.000-08:002012-12-31T08:53:01.155-08:00My 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">My 2012</span></u></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clan Witney atop The Cairngorm Mountain </td></tr>
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So, as per usual, its been a while since my last blog. My blog is something I really want to try and keep going again into 2013....so I will try my hardest to keep on top of it better throughout 2013 :o)</div>
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Its been a funny old year....generally good I hasten to add....but very speedy with some funny areas. Now where shall I start? Family stuff I reckon!<br />
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<b><u>Family Stuff</u></b><br />
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The biggest news being the addition of not one but two doggies into our family!!! Asha, a Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer, came to live with us in mid July. I had been wanting a dog for many years but the timing hadn't been right. I have grown up with German Shorthaired Pointers all my life, so had always wanted another Pointer, ideally a German Weirhaired Pointer....I had never heard of the Slovaks before but within a week of uttering those words we had found one (or she found us) and she came for a trial weekend on my birthday and hasn't left ;o) We'd met Hattie when we'd been to see Asha for the first time but she was only a few weeks old.....and I had no plans to have a Pointer (English) let alone two dogs....although Hattie stood out of the litter for me with her 'hat' spot right in the middle of her head. But we went home with Asha and onto settling her in. Asha settled in with us well....but was really missing being part of a pack (she'd lived in a multi dog household all her life) So after a couple of months we decided it would be best for Asha to get another dog and low and behold Hattie was still around......so that sealed the deal ;o) But as Hattie was still so young, 4 months old, it wasn't wise to take her to Scotland with us. So she came to stay for a week, went back to Sue (her breeder) and then moved in with us after then!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfgyn9x6YssvrmIVZen8HJ8b351PnJcdjG9EjV00XoIVDePaXdp1IzrIENhXzWCvgXT_DUcKjOnZ1PSv77enl7k_NRpW70Xj37CmgOFzgVknboWubIkFj7OiatFanfUvuT0DNNm-ogF8/s1600/175783_10151109969887939_489694272_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfgyn9x6YssvrmIVZen8HJ8b351PnJcdjG9EjV00XoIVDePaXdp1IzrIENhXzWCvgXT_DUcKjOnZ1PSv77enl7k_NRpW70Xj37CmgOFzgVknboWubIkFj7OiatFanfUvuT0DNNm-ogF8/s320/175783_10151109969887939_489694272_o.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asha and I at the top of The Cairngorm Mountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hattie 4 months old</td></tr>
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So the main photo of this blog was taken in our beloved Scotland. It had been an 18 month wait for us to get back there. I began to realise as October loomed that the reason my summer had been a bit emotionally odd for me was I hadn't had my High/Soul-land fix. I'm so lucky that we manage to get up here annually....to be honest if we didn't I'm not sure how I'd cope :o/</div>
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We decided to try a different area this time to our normal West Highlands. Seeing as we always head over to The Cairngorms to see the Reindeer, we thought we'd give that area a go. We booked a beautiful cottage just outside Aviemore...up a secluded private road that headed past the house and up the side of a mountain and woodland. As you can imagine Asha hated that walk everyday ;o) Badgers, Red Squirrels, Red Deer and masses of other wildlife right on our doorstep!<br />
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We visited the reindeer, a golden sanded Loch, Lily Loch, climbed The Cairngorm Mountian, heard the Red Stag rutting around our cottage, walked along the beautiful Findhorn Bay, honoured the ancestors at Clava Cairns and one of the most memorable parts for me....Seeing the Northern Lights!!!! AMAZING!!!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EqiwdVCHt_wCV8LROYwLZtIFOZVw9wstEW-vhKcdt9NPpxY9HtsnlXLbDS_0UwGrUkk9I9HS9kUAWjx0OtQSaTQsuv1sJu5S6iVtDUe_KuzHKFV9hKf9vRHnoJiuVpxixgqXeYtTgGg/s1600/DSCF0747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EqiwdVCHt_wCV8LROYwLZtIFOZVw9wstEW-vhKcdt9NPpxY9HtsnlXLbDS_0UwGrUkk9I9HS9kUAWjx0OtQSaTQsuv1sJu5S6iVtDUe_KuzHKFV9hKf9vRHnoJiuVpxixgqXeYtTgGg/s320/DSCF0747.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Cottage in the Cairngorms</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNSCu_47TEmiTGbAXh_-MVmHFdzYoop-4rykEsdSxWhClpEwBEheOTFDaWL_n2khGJ2IwOboRpun2TCweHTYkylRhpCyncoEFS9sQB7Vj3uA1cVOyMPsiMZcyT0xi6hYrTVDRZ2s6Js4/s1600/DSCF0823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNSCu_47TEmiTGbAXh_-MVmHFdzYoop-4rykEsdSxWhClpEwBEheOTFDaWL_n2khGJ2IwOboRpun2TCweHTYkylRhpCyncoEFS9sQB7Vj3uA1cVOyMPsiMZcyT0xi6hYrTVDRZ2s6Js4/s320/DSCF0823.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fynlay at Clava Cairns</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7MPE2n0BYmrycgYT2aywQNI_afXUaTeLKX6zqj6SrFaJm5kJOHi2dfiOtGkLQWu2aHaY6RioKCqnmug9nP3ihL8D33MJN7PIgnV3CiB4_77Jpu8SCcRBaicw4eTvZRWZa4QqWI1AHCk/s1600/DSCF0843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7MPE2n0BYmrycgYT2aywQNI_afXUaTeLKX6zqj6SrFaJm5kJOHi2dfiOtGkLQWu2aHaY6RioKCqnmug9nP3ihL8D33MJN7PIgnV3CiB4_77Jpu8SCcRBaicw4eTvZRWZa4QqWI1AHCk/s320/DSCF0843.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moody 'otherside' of Loch Ness</td></tr>
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Workshops</u></div>
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I've had the wonderful pleasure to run two Elen Retreats this year, firstly 'Immerse in Elen' in June and then the Clan Gathering 'Elen's Equinox Reunion' at Mabon in September. Plus I had the blessing to run a 'Sacred Scars' Workshop with the wonderful Suzi Goose!!!<br />
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I'm so blessed to be able to run these wonderful workshops and meet/gather such fantastic groups of folk! Junes 'Immerse in Elen' is a wonderful gathering, a time to bond with other like minded souls who journey or are starting to journey along Elen's Antlered Road. Time spent in meditation, ritual, crafting and out on the land....sleeping in Tipi's and sharing deeply!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BdrgNuLGpS6D3zLN-ouJ8qJEc5oQrGXz76syxPEijdz66oQqFnsWwGvnaGauwJPdhj2FimqIMsIIGwj6wVMqOt9WHd8QgU4QK5nUHJH5bOOS2OK-_F0KnyssDU_2mFUkTCObI1eYf5I/s1600/544725_10150888765712939_1241467649_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BdrgNuLGpS6D3zLN-ouJ8qJEc5oQrGXz76syxPEijdz66oQqFnsWwGvnaGauwJPdhj2FimqIMsIIGwj6wVMqOt9WHd8QgU4QK5nUHJH5bOOS2OK-_F0KnyssDU_2mFUkTCObI1eYf5I/s320/544725_10150888765712939_1241467649_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandfather Oak</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Releasing the Old</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tipi</td></tr>
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The wonderful gathering of the Clan that is 'Elen's Equinox Reunion' is a time when the previous attendees of the 'Immerse' Workshops are invited to gather as a deep connection and community. Not so organised and more about spending time together and partaking in some wonderfully facilitated workshops. This year we had the wonderful Blacksmith Nick bring along his Forge for us to create wonderful Copper loveliness and Herbwise Emma who led us on a herb walk within the local land and took us on a deep journey with Elder. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working at The Forge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out on the Herb Walk</td></tr>
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And here's a pic of the lovely Sacred Scars Girls </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sacred Scars Girls</td></tr>
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Artwork</u><br />
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Its been a strange old year for me and my artwork. I had got to a point with taking my artwork to shows and festivals, where I wasn't enjoying it. Prices for pitches had raised and I felt I was putting too much pressure on covering costs and this took some of the pleasure out of it for me. I made the decision at the beginning of 2012 to not do so many shows and give myself a break. This worked positively in some ways but not in others ;o) I booked one show, Leaping Hare in Colchester, which was an AMAZING success....probably one of the best shows I've ever done in every-way shape and form! New work was debuted, commissions taken and generally spent time with amazing people and a huge part of the Elen Clan were there too! FAB DAY.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aurora Hare debuted in March<br />
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I was SO blown away by how well 'Aurora Hare' was received. The Aurora Series is strictly Limited Edition to 15 and the first purchase was bought as a wedding gift for the lady's daughter. So grateful my work goes to such wonderful homes! I was FULL to the bring with gratitude positivity and inspiration! But the downfall of not booking shows and festivals and taking a break from all that. Lead to complacency and lethargy ...I had all these ideas buzzing but no reason to do them...so I didn't It wasn't a great summer for my artwork :o( But, luckily, I got accepted onto The Maldon Art Trail this year....which took place in October...this gave me the much need kick up the arse I needed!!! The feedback was fantastic!!! The venue I was given couldn't have been better and it fired me up again!!! Off the back of the Art Trail success, plus another kick up the bum from a friend of mine, I booked my Open Studio event. I had never thought to open my 'studio/house' up before and so with four weeks preparation time, it was booked and I started advertising! The local paper gave me the most fantastic story and so many friends old and new came along!!! It also made me realise that I need DEADLINES I work so much better under pressure and with dates looming! Five new pieces were birthed within that four week time period.....all pieces had been on my 'to do' list this year but I hadn't had a reason to do them! So Aurora Hare, Reindeer, Polar Bears, Reindeers, Spirit of the Woods and the copper guild-ed 'Luna Fox' came into metal being. Once set up for the Open Studio I had such a proud moment....a realisation....I love what I do, sharing my art and Elen work with those that feel the same way! This is one of the main lessons I shall carry fourth into 2013......seeds are planted and most need their own story/blog. So as they fruit I will share! Especially the Temple of Elen....it wouldn't do it justice to quickly add here....so I will devote a blog to it soon!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a great picture....But Aurora Hare, Reindeer's and Polar Bears</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Born into slate Reindeer</td></tr>
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So I think for now I shall end this particular blog post.....thank you if your still reading! More than anything I wanted this post to get me back into the swing of things.....I want to tell you about Yule/Time spent at sunrise with my wonderful friends and my Gratitude Jar. My plans for 2013 and the Temple of Elen.....but there's probably at least two or three blog post there so it'd be a shame to squeeze it all in now wouldn't it ;o)<br />
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I'm not making a big deal out of New Years Eve....I'm working till 10pm but have a good one whatever your up too! My 'New Year' starts on the 7th January when the kids go back to school and we start getting back into a routine! So bye for now xxx</div>
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Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-81203786588093428012012-03-09T08:19:00.001-08:002013-03-05T14:12:09.362-08:00D is for Daily Practice<div style="text-align: center;">
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Still playing catch up on the <a href="http://paganblogproject.com/" target="_blank">Pagan Blog Project</a>.......<br />
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But I have a question to put to all the lovely readers of my blog?<br />
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<b>Do you have a Daily Practice within your Spiritual path???</b><br />
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Now, when I'm being good.....like <i>REALLY</i> good....I have a daily practice.......now don't get me wrong....I have been on this Path a while, its a wonderful and mysterious and I'm ever learning. All I do with my work, life and faith is as a Priestess of Elen. So weather I'm creating my artwork, weaving words, washing clothes/dishes, helping to raise my kids etc etc Still at my very core is my Spirituality.<br />
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But I'm also an all or nothing gal.....a perfectionist about my work....and BUSY! *phew* So and definitely right now my daily practice, as I would like it to be in its 'ideal' form, is pretty rubbish! So would you like to hear what my ideal day sounds like??? Well and remember this is all <i>ideal</i>, and on a good day does happen.....<br />
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<b>I wake at 6am, everyone in the house is still a sleep, I sneak downstairs. Kettle goes on and I make myself a Yogi Tea of choice (that current choice being Women's Tea) I then either go into my dining room, light incense and candles at my house altar or head to my workshop at the bottom of my garden and do the same (although in the winter its VERY cold for that). I'm then undisturbed for about 45mins to meditate, chant, sing, journal...whatever comes about that I wish to do, on a spiritual level. My day then starts lovely, I get the hubby off to work, the kids off to school and I then start to work. I have a few hours whilst the youngest is at Preschool and then its normal day stuff when he returns....lunch, cleaning, school run etc etc I would then finish my day by going up to my bedroom, lighting my Gratitude Candle and writing a few words in my Journal...all the things I'm grateful for and then sleep.....aahhhhh zzzzzzzzz.</b></div>
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When this happens....my day starts well, I'm set up for the day and generally less stressed. But just recently I cannot get into it.....its the getting up bit that's the prob....and the undisturbed bit too....my four year old is an early riser! So I'm kinda feeling a bit guilty right now....cause it seems SO achievable but seems so far from it. Like I said I still do little things throughout the day, my nods to Elen and my Path. But ^^^ that is the ideal....<br />
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So I'd love to know......what do you do? If anything, as Daily Practice? Would love to hear how you start your day the Pagan Way???? </div>
Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-84081223653172268792012-02-29T03:26:00.000-08:002012-02-29T03:26:08.088-08:00C is for Chalice Well Gardens....by the light of the Full Moon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I will start by apologising for the quality of the photo. At the time I really wanted to capture the atmosphere of the place, at night on the Full Moon......This is the main waterfall within the gardens, lit by candle light....you become very aware of actually how red it is. </div>
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<i>Chalice Well is one of Britain's most ancient wells, nestling in the Vale of Avalon between the famous Glastonbury Tor and Chalice Hill. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and orchards it is a living sanctuary in which the visitor can experience the quiet healing of this sacred place. For over two thousand years this has been a place where people have gathered to drink the waters and find solace, peace and inspiration.</i><br /></div>
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I have been a visitor and companion of Chalice Well for a number of years. Since I first went to Glastonbury, my heart was lost to this beautiful and peaceful place. Every time I go, I become aware of a new little corner I haven't spent time in or a new tree speaks to me and I spend time with it.<br /><br />The most magical experiences I've ever had there have been at night and especially on the Full Moons. Having only visited the Well and Gardens in the daytime, before my first Full Moon experience. I wasn't prepared for the change it had at night. The gardens are gently lit by only natural light, candles, garden flares and lanterns. So from the moment you step in your senses are used on a different level. Rather then the sight of plants and flowers capturing your vision its their smell....gentle wafts of jasmin and honeysuckle especially hang in the summer evenings air. I found that no matter how well I knew my way around the garden in the day at night your bearings are not the same....it really is like being transformed into another world.</div>
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So peaceful at the best of times but if you can, try and stay at their accommodation. This privilege also gives you special access to the Well and gardens 24 ours. Their are so little other people around at those times when you stay there and it really is personal time. especially again at night or dawn. </div>
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<i>The Chalice Well is among the best known and most loved holy wells in Britain. Many legends are attributed to its chalybeate waters, which flow ceaselessly at a steady rate and temperature that never varies. Not least among these is that they represent the blood of Christ miraculously springing forth from the ground when Joseph of Arimathea buried or washed the cup used at the Last Supper. For others the waters are acknowledged as the essence of life, the gift from Mother earth to sustain its living forms and so a continuous spring like Chalice Well is a direct expression of an unbounded life force.</i></div>
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I like to think of the waters as a direct link to the Mother aspect of the Goddess. the red flowing water of life that connects us all. Bathing, paddling and drinking the waters is a very special experience. I use the waters within so much of my magic and feel they bring a very unique element to my work. If you are ever in Glastonbury then I cannot express enough how important a place this is and what a deep experience you will have there.</div>
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Healing, Nurturing, Spiritual.........</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Passages in italics are directly taken from the <a href="http://www.chalicewell.org.uk/" target="_blank">Chalice Well</a> website.</span></div>Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-2113616929856139022012-02-22T11:53:00.000-08:002012-02-22T11:53:43.738-08:00Elen Prayer Flags<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So if your a friend on Facebook you maybe bored of this blog already ;o) But for the last couple of weeks I've had my head down and been busily creating a new range of Prayer Flags and Goddess Banners dedicated to Elen of the ways.<br /><br />What I thought might be nice, is to blog about them here and show each individual flag and what the symbols represent. So the above picture is the whole set together, nine flags in all their Elen-y glory! I'll start with the central flag and work outwards.....<br />
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<u><b>The Antlered Spiral Heart</b></u><br />
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Elen, Reindeer and Deer are related to Love and specifically
the Heart Chakra. I use a lot of Heart Chakra opening with my workshops dedicated to Elen for this reason too. Nothing like Love to break down barriers! Spirals have always featured heavily and pretty much in every piece of artwork I've created, its one of my signatures. Spirals are the symbol of Life, in my opinion, and hence why they find their way into my animal works especially. This and the main Elen design are the symbols to me that encompass all that is Elen of the Trackways. Meditate upon this symbol to open your Heart Chakra.</div>
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<u style="text-align: left;"><b>The Spiral</b></u>
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As I just mentioned above, The Spiral is a symbol that appears throughout all of my
workings. It’s the essence and energy of life, the ever Spiralling cycle of
Mother Nature. Whenever I think of Life Esscence and energies in the land. I always see it as a Spiral, not sure why, just always have. Spirals and Labyrinths are of HUGE importance to me within my Spiritual Practise. Meditate upon this symbol to bring energy and vitality into your life.</div>
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<u><b>Shed Antler and Tracks</b></u></div>
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A single shed Antler along the Path. A symbol of release, we
all leave our marks/tracks along the road. The shed Antler shows how we all
grow and release along our Life’s Journey. Female reindeer are the only antlered female deer. They also keep their antlers longer than the males before they shed them, so they can protect their offspring during winter from predators. A reindeers antler is akin to a fingerprint and they can be recognised by their shape and style, each year growing the same but bigger. I feel, that Elen's link with reindeer is natural because her being an Antlered Goddess and the female reindeer being antlered. That and deer/reindeer trackways, being repeatedly used over generations, it all links beautifully to Elen. Ancient reindeer trackways can be found deep with UK's land, migrational paths that have probably been present since a time before we became an island. Whenever I dwell on that it gives me goosebumps....Elen's prescence within my lands for all that time, yet so elusive and almost forgotten! Meditate upon this symbol for what needs releasing and what growth you can bring into your life. </div>
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<b><u>Circle within a Circle</u></b></div>
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This symbol was gifted to me at one of my Elen Retreats last Mabon. The lovely Phil and Lynne of <a href="http://ancientkent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Shamanic Druidry</a> came along to lead everyone in a Rattle making workshop. We journeyed to receive symbols to henna onto our Rattles this was one (along with a Antlered Deer head) that I received. Circles are often seen as protective symbols. Standing within a circle shields a person from supernatural dangers or influences outside of the circle. Conversely, a circle can also be containing, keeping that which is inside from being released. Its also the symbol of the sacred hoop/ring, an integral part of the Sacred Drum. Meditate upon this symbol if you feel protection is needed in your life. </div>
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<b><u>Elen of the Track Ways </u></b></div>
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This symbol is the embodiment of Elen. Lady of the Track
ways, Guardian of your Pathway, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Walker</st1:city></st1:place>
of the <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Antlered Road</st1:address></st1:street>. Along Her pathway are a trail of stars, hearts and spirals. This is the symbol I have tattoo'd upon my wrist too....my calling, passion and all I dedicate my works too. Call to Elen when direction along your Life’s Path is needed.</div>
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Elen of the Trackways Prayer Flags can be purchased here at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/93517713/elen-of-the-track-ways-9-spirit-prayer" target="_blank">Etsy</a></div>
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<u><b><br /></b></u></div>Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-52933184265192778052012-02-08T03:31:00.000-08:002012-02-08T03:31:46.477-08:00C is for Challenges Along the Road (and Cleansing)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ok, so I'm late posting my <a href="http://paganblogproject.com/" target="_blank">pagan blog project</a> post, and its also not what I originally wanted to post about either. But the title of this post says it all...this last 5 days has been all about Challenges. Challenges in life and boy has it been tough. I dont think the timing of the 'challenge' was great.....building up to the Full Moon and also my Moontime. So the emotional rollercoaster its brought in its wake has been crap :o( </div>
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A cave is the only place I've wanted to be this last couple of days. Wallow is all I've wanted to do there. All the things I would normally do when such a challenge comes along went out the window. All I've wanted to do is cry....I've had to go into my normal day job and keep myself together. I've been going through my head on how we can over come this obstacle, how we can be ok and how to make it all right. I know we need to stay positive and that the universe (hopefully) has a grand plan in all this. I'm trying to trust and have faith. But sometimes its just plain tough!!! And, yes, actually all you wanna do is wave that magic wand or click those sparkley red shoes and make it all perfect. But hey this is normal life hey!<br /><br />So I'm doing what I can it to make it ok....cutting back, saving pennies where I can, supporting, (and seaking support from my sisters for me).</div>
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Imbolc is still in the air, here in the UK, we're heavy with snow but the melt holds promise.</div>
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Last night we went out into the forest, we drummed, sang and cleansed. I cried and cleared. We sowed some ancient seeds and voiced our wishes. We sent healing and lit candles...light within the darkness. The forest was like Narnia, quiet, white and magical. We found deer tracks in the snow, always a welcome sign for me.</div>
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So how am I gonna move forward from this challenge, you might ask?</div>
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As the snow melts I shall start to physically and spiritually clean the house. I'm gonna move these negative vibes outta my house and outta of ours lives! they are not welcome here....nothing to see....move along!!! I'm gonna smudge my house and whisper positivity into all the corners. I'm gonna put some salt and rosemary by my front door, to catch those nasty negavibes, if they so much as sniff at my door they'll be absorbed! That metaphysical tree thats laid across our Path at the mo....well as they say with lemons and lemonade....well that tree will make great firewood!!!! </div>
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Universe you can bring on that amazing new wonderfulness you have ahead for me and my family....we're making way for it....we'll be ready....</div>
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<br /></div>Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-13619929665589344882012-02-03T02:28:00.000-08:002012-02-03T02:28:11.786-08:00Imbolc<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Last night I spent an amazing time amongst the ancestors. </b></div>
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In a very unknown, unused ancient Temple of East Anglia, a site of great importance in days gone by. With excavations showing it to have been used in the Bronze Age and Iron Age, by Anglo Saxons, Celts and most obviously the Romans. I say most obviously because its the the Roman temple remains that stand out the most. An ancient rivers flows near by, a grand oak stands watch near (many a story to be told from that old man) and processions of people can be seen and felt amongst the land.<br />
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There was a feeling of great importance, of triangular energy, spirals and the stirring of ancestors been woken from their long sleep. A warriors breath on the back of your neck and the wiry, guarding energy of youth and protection. Shadows moved in the corner of your eye, but the residing feeling was that of peace and gratitude for people returning to honour those gone before us. Drum and voice were brought along, but no raucous celebration was needed. This was a place of rediscovery, quickening and awakenings, a gentle rebirth was all that was required. Imbolc being that ideal energy. <br />
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Above us the waxing lady moon was luminating bright with Cassiopeia, The Plough and Orion hanging in the inky sky, joining in the triangle of energy. At times you could stand at the Altar Stone, the pond barrow to your right, the celtic works to your left and Minerva's Temple in front and see the rippling of an ember coloured light surrounding the whole area. Almost acting as a protection from the untoward energise that may seep from the modern industrial structures surrounding its outside edges.<br />
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We laid offerings upon the Altar Stone, our drums, swan feathers, cauldrons of incense, flowers and crosses of Brighid. The Ancestors knew we were there, you could almost feel them opening one eye from their sleep just to keep a check on us. But realising we had just come to give our Blessings to The Land. They snuggled back down to rest again, waiting for that energy to keep burning brighter, waiting for the right time to fully awaken.<br />
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<br /></div>Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-33720754963980168222012-01-28T06:55:00.000-08:002012-01-28T06:55:19.004-08:00Small Ripples......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"The bottom line is......I believe I can make a difference. Not necessarily a big one, but a difference none the less. And if enough people like me make our little differences, one day we're going to wake up and find we really did manage to change the world!"</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">- a slightly re-worded passage, from a book of short stories by Charles de Lint.</span></span></div>
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<b>We can all create small ripples of change! We are the difference!!! </b></div>Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-79205913602304437142012-01-27T07:08:00.000-08:002012-01-27T07:32:14.573-08:00B is for Belly BlessingAfter last weeks post on Blood Mysteries, I've been drawn to write about another magical journey along a Woman's Path. That which is the beautiful ceremony of a Belly Blessing.<br />
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Within Pagan, Goddess, Wild Woman's spirituality we often hear the terms Maiden, Mother, Crone, the Triple Goddess. Sometimes a fourth aspect, Lover, is added. Carolyn Hillyer has written about the eight phases of womanhood Girl Seed, Blood Flower, Fruit Mother, Spin Mother, Mid Woman, Earths Crone, Stone Crone, Bone. All very valid journey points through a girls/womans life and ones which I use a lot for chanting and honouring ceremonies.<br />
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<b>Girl Seed </b>- Our Pre Moontime Maiden Years</div>
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<b>Blood Flower</b> - Our Bleeding Maiden Years</div>
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<b>Fruit Mother</b> - Our Years of Creation (not always meaning a physical birth of child)</div>
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<b>Spin Mother</b> - Ours years of child/project rearing, 'the juggling' years lol</div>
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<b>Mid Woman</b> - Pre Menapouse</div>
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<b>Earths Crone</b> - Menapouse</div>
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<b>Stone Crone</b> - Elder/Wise Woman</div>
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<b>Bone</b> - The final journey of Death back to the earth.</div>
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So we bleed, then the wheel turns towards ovulation. The promise of fertility, that bright spark of life which stirs within us. The journey towards motherhood is a massive Path of change...changes in your emotions, your body, relationships, outlook, priorities you name it, it changes! But a great blessing and joy it is too!<br />
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For the first trimester, the first three months, a tiny seed has been brought into life. But from that small seed great trees grow, as the saying goes! To the on-lookers eye changes are small, subtle. You may feel the best you've ever felt, completely elated, but on the other hand you may feel as sick as a dog and constantly tired. I personally have been very lucky with both my pregnancies and wasnt too sick, I suffered with nauseau yes but wasnt puking all the time which was nice ;o) Come the second trimester around 12-15 weeks for me I would feel fairly normal and start to bloom. This is when I would start to think about my Belly Blessing.<br />
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If you've not experienced a Belly Blessing or have never heard of such a thing I can promise you after reading this you'll be wanting to convince the next pregnant friend you know to have one! In <i>some</i> ways it can be seen as a Spiritual Baby Shower.....but really its not. Its more about the coming together of your girls, and that can be friends, sisters, mothers, grandma's etc etc. A ritual celebration of your journey into Motherhood and the safe travel of you and your child during this enormous rite of passage. My first Belly Blessing was done at Summer Solstice 2003 and I was about 35 weeks pregnant. We camped in my friend Pam's family orchard (yes I camped that late in my pregnancy lol), we'd planned to see in the Solstice Sunrise and then do my Belly Blessing later in the day. I was throned in a lovely seat and crowned with a circlet of flowers. Stories were shared, prayers offered, spells of protection cast and I received wonderful gifts too.<br />
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My second Belly Blessing was preformed in 2007. Since my inital Belly Blessing we'd had a few other pregnancies within my circle and so had come up with a few new ideas to incorporate. As part of the celebration we now incorporated Belly Painting. Using safe Face Paints or Henna. Such good fun and all the girls present got involved and added a bit of their creative selves to the piece of art created on my Baby Belly. As you can see in this pic of the gorgeous Natalie, we painted her belly to match that of the Gaia statue she's holding. The other picture is from Lucy's Belly Blessing, we used Henna that time. <br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">As well as gathering together our sisters and girlfriends to show the circle of support you have through this transition. We normal share birth stories and aspirations on the kinda birth we hope to have. Old stories from different tribes and cultures about their creation tales are shared. On some occasions we've created birthing bracelets or necklaces. These are a beautiful way of drawing on the power and energy during labour. Each sister is asked to donate a specially chosen bead to make into the choice of jewellery. This bead has to have been picked out especially for its birthing journey. When everyone has gifted their bead the mum-to-be can then wear it during labour and know she can draw on her collective sisters energy to help her through the birth. Another lovely idea that Lucy did through her first pregnancy was give everyone who came to her Belly Blessing a small white candle to which she had painted a spiral bellied Goddess onto. Attached was a little label which said 'please light when I'm in labour'. A simple and powerful energy projection. As a group we tend to all pool our money and buy the mum to be some special gifts. For Pam and Nat we made some cute baskets, Pam was having a little girl and Nat was having a little boy. So we created gorgeous colour co-ordinated baskets full of muslin cloths, nappies, bottles, creams, teddies etc Plus we gifted them some extra pampering goodies for mummy, bath oils, massage oils and the such like. I remember for my first birth Emma created a lovely birthing pouch for me. A small felt bag filled with crystals, herbs and charms for me to hold during the birth of my daughter.</span><br />
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I preformed a ritual some years ago for a lady and her husband. To mark her transition from Maiden to Mother. A very simple ceremony in their lounge with a small altar. We cast a circle and called in the elements and Lord & Lady. We used a dark sheet to represent the birth canal and I guided her through a meditation with the finale being her uncovered and re birthed as 'Mother'.<br />
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A Belly Blessing can be as great or small as you desire. Its also something which you can honour on your own or with your partner. Hopefully I've given you a few ideas on how you can honour another part of your or another Wild Woman's journey! Then once the lovely baby is born you can look to planning the baby Naming!!! Tee~Hee!Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-26437724129754184602012-01-26T08:32:00.000-08:002012-01-26T08:40:00.059-08:00Walking the Antlered Road<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><u>Walking the Antlered Road</u></b></div>
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<b>By Mother Earth</b></div>
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<b>And Father Sky.</b></div>
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<b>By Raging Waters</b></div>
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<b>And Mountain High.</b></div>
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<b>By Ancient Landscape</b></div>
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<b>And Ancestral Birth.</b></div>
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<b>By Blood and Bones</b></div>
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<b>And Clan Fire Hearth.</b></div>
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<b>By Wolf Packs Song</b></div>
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<b>And Owls' Silent Wing.</b></div>
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<b>By Deer Trodden path</b></div>
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<b>And Crows' Raucous Ding.</b></div>
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<b>I Walk The Antlered Road, </b></div>
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<b>Strong and True.</b></div>
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<b>With Respect For Me and Respect for All of You.</b></div>
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<b>Today I have purchased my new website name and domain. A further commitment to My Path and Journey along The Antlered Road. Its all very exciting!!! Nothing there at the mo...but there will be soon. Its a Road for my artwork, my workshops and retreats, my word weaving and my Elen Priestess-ing. Watch the Journey unfold! </b><b style="background-color: white; line-height: 12pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8.5pt;"></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.theantleredroad.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.theantleredroad.co.uk</a></b></div>Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-2935885394829552042012-01-20T02:07:00.000-08:002012-01-20T02:07:25.110-08:00B is for Blood Mysteries<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'myriad pro', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Transformation Mysteries by Judith Barr</span></span></div>
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Blood Mysteries, I feel as a woman, is a very personal, powerful and magical journey, that not enough magical women embrace! Some will definitely see this as a very yukky subject but actually one that I feel should be covered more and tried at least once in some way shape or form! The very basic form of this is starting to be more positive about your 'moontime' (periods). We are fed SO many negative adverts and expressions about our Moontime, that its not surprising its a unwanted and painful time. 'The Curse', 'Bloody Axe Wound', 'On the Rag' are all terms I've heard it referred too, how can it been seen as a blessing when people deem it in those terms? Our Moontime shows us to be fertile and the creatrix of our world! Its should be embraced and seen only as a positive!</div>
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I understand that for some women its isn't a positive time, but I don't believe it can be when we're constantly being told to "Have a happy period" or make our lives better by using chemical laced products internally. Which can sometimes contain chemicals that dry you out and draw on you, actually making you bleed heavier. Therefore making you have a more painful period than you should.</div>
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Within tribal communities women are revered, and feared, men think their power and magic is most potent at this time. Women within tribes and close communities often bleed together, synchronised and also follow the cycle of the moon bleeding at Full or Dark moons. Having their own spaces or 'Red Tents' where they can take themselves away, nourish and support each other during their 3 or 4 day cycles. Emerging energised and refreshed ready to take on whatever the rest of the month will bring them. Ideal as this all is, within our very busy western society its not so easy. But more and more wild women are reclaiming their 'Moontime' and seeing it in a much more positive light. 'Red Tent' is becoming a more recognised term within magical circles with groups forming in communities, to gather once a month and offer nourishment and support for one another. </div>
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So whats an easy way, a small way, that you could start honouring your 'Moontime'? Maybe you could start by using a <a href="http://www.mooncup.co.uk/">Mooncup</a> or other such natural, reusable menstrual cup (something on this years 'to do' list for myself). Research has shown that by switching to one of these, your Moontime becomes shorter, lighter and less painful. Ladies I know, that already use one of these, swear by them and I've heard wonderful stories of their sacred blood being used in magical workings. Women using their sacred blood in their art, painted onto their drums or given back to the earth in a ritualistic way. I'm sure there are many out there that find this a very touchy subject or are even repulsed by it. But I must admit, its VERY, VERY empowering, once you start to honour yourself and see your Moontime as a positive and empowering time you'll be amazed at how you view those days within a month. You could start by just taking some YOU time on the first day. Drawing a large bubble bath, pampering yourself in some way, having an indulgent treat or wearing red knickers for those days. Just some small way to acknowledge this powerful time, having a special candle and lighting it over the course of your bleeding time or even find out if you have a local Red Tent Group in your area.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> First Bleeding Moon by Suzi Goose </span></div>
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Another form of blood magic, to me, is ritual tattooing. I'm not going to go into this subject massively because its something I will go into in more detail in another blog. But as a wild, witchy, tattoo'd woman, it cannot be mentioned! The act of ritual, sacred tattooing, the choosing of a design to be carved onto your skin, chant, drumming, sometimes with sisters, sometimes alone, always in reverence...a very deep spiritual experience. I'm lucky enough to know the amazing Suzi Goose, a ritual tattooist (and Elen Sister) here in the UK. I have my needles,and blood art (the first clean of my tattoo's absorbed onto paper) to work whatever powerful magic I wish with them. I know of a lovely lady who has weaved her needle into the strings on the back of her drum, mine are hidden with my Journal. As far as I'm concerned there isn't a more powerful way to acknowledge significant moments along your Path, than by getting a tattoo to represent that. All but one of my Tattoo's have a story behind them and a reason for getting them done....and I have 6 in all. Like I say though I will do a more in-depth blog on Sacred Tattoo's in the future.</div>
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</div>Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345260122937985826.post-52621912402655779032012-01-13T14:19:00.000-08:002012-01-13T14:32:07.360-08:00A - Art is part of my Spiritual Journey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hare of the Moon Luna Fox</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Luna Stag</span></div>
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This is my second post for the <a href="http://onewitchsway.com/pbp2012/">pagan blog project</a> and I'm realising that they're going to be quite personal and I hope that's ok? </div>
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So for my second focus on the letter 'A' I've chosen Art. As a Pagan and an Artist, art is a very important part of my spirituality. My inspiration and influences generally come from my Faith and the Land around me. Be it our moonlit skies, dawn horizons and mostly our Sacred Animals. I use a very unusual medium though, as well as paint, which the backgrounds of my canvases are painted with. I use Mother of Pearl, Pewter and other gemstones. The Moon's that feature within my work are all created from Mother of Pearl and the Animals Pewter. They're then married together upon canvas.</div>
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My first solo exhibition was titled 'By The Light of The Moon' the Moon is a very important part of my spiritual practise and a fantastic inspiration. From the breathtaking way, on a Full Moon, She hangs in the sky lighting the land and creating moon shadows. To the dark limitless sky when She's hidden away, till the evening you catch that first tiny sliver in the sky and I generally exclaim "look, the first crescent!!!" She's a fantastic muse indeed! My other big draws, no pun intended, are our Sacred Animals and Gods and Goddess....although I have tended to focus more on the beasties. Within my titles you'll find Hares, Stags, Crows/Ravens, Wolves, Horses, Bee's....a real menagerie! Mainly British beasts so far....but this years focus will be looking at more far off lands, the snowy places to be more precise and the haunting, dream filled sky that the Aurora Borealis creates. Very much looking forward to what that adventure in art brings!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Luna Hare</span><br />
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My images come to me within my dream states and meditations (but sometimes also doing the most mundane jobs too). I then tend to sit and draw, working out the proportions and placements of Spirals. Spirals...another big influence for me...but that's another story ;o) Spirals are, in my opinion, Life Force, the very essence of our beings and every piece of my work contains them, because its the depth of our very being...The Spiral of Life. I then start to work the animal into pewter. I use a very special, soft sheet pewter that has taken me many years to source. No presses or moulds are used to produce the pewter beasties, just tiny wooden tools and many hours of work. Sometimes eyes of haematite are added depending on the profile. The pewter process is the most fluid and relaxing part of the process, the painting the most joyful and passionate. In the end its a work of balance as well as a work of art. <br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Luna Corvid</span><br />
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This is just a small taster of what my art and spirituality combined mean to me. Pagan artwork, like the Pagan pathway is such a personal journey for each and every artist and art lover a like. Its a very exciting field to work within, with so many wonderful and inspiring people creating within it. Its always wonderful seeing through each artists eyes how they see the moon, stars and sun. How a Sacred Hare may come to them or how Brighid may present herself. Beauty and Spirituality all rolled into one creative piece!<br />
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You can find more of my work available in Etsy <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheAntleredRoad">The Antlered Road Shop</a><br />
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<br /></div>Sam Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052048797512324723noreply@blogger.com8