Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Black Widow Mermaid ~ by JFM
Do not listen to her call
you must ignore her plea
do not answer, do not follow
when she calls you toward the sea
she has a dark, ebony beauty
while sitting on the rocks
where she has lured many a sailor
from the safety of the docks
she will enchant you and bewitch you
then take you by your hand
where she will lead you into deep, dark waters
far away from land and sand
there she will become her true self
the Black Widow that she was meant to be
where she will drown your cries and sorrows
deep in her lair below the sea~
-JFM
you must ignore her plea
do not answer, do not follow
when she calls you toward the sea
she has a dark, ebony beauty
while sitting on the rocks
where she has lured many a sailor
from the safety of the docks
she will enchant you and bewitch you
then take you by your hand
where she will lead you into deep, dark waters
far away from land and sand
there she will become her true self
the Black Widow that she was meant to be
where she will drown your cries and sorrows
deep in her lair below the sea~
-JFM
******************************************************
A very special THANK YOU to my dear friend and very talented artist, Jan for being so kind as to allow me to share her beautiful painting and poem with all of you on our blog. She knows what a mermaid lover I am! Please feel free to visit her at her blog, All Mingled Together.
Monday, January 30, 2017
The History of Groundhog Day
German tradition holds that if the sun comes out on Candlemas, the precursor to Groundhog Day, the hedgehog (or badger) will see its shadow and six more weeks of winter will follow. When German settlers came to Pennsylvania they continued this tradition, using groundhogs instead of hedgehogs to predict the weather.
The first official Groundhog Day was celebrated on February 2, 1886 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, with a proclamation in The Punxsutawney Spirit by the newspaper's editor, Clymer Freas: "Today is groundhog day and up to the time of going to press the beast has not seen its shadow." The legendary first Groundhog Day trip to Gobbler's Knob was made the following year by a group of spirited groundhog hunters who dubbed themselves "The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club." Clymer, a member of the club, used his editorial clout to proclaim that Phil, the Punxsutawney Groundhog, was the one and only official weather prognosticating groundhog.
Phil with one of his long-time handlers, John Griffiths. He is one of only two of the Inner Circle members who take care of Phil all year round.Where does the name Punxsutawney come from?
Punxsutawney was first settled by the Delaware Indians in 1723 and its name comes from the Indian name for the location "ponksad-uteney" which means the "town of the sandflies." The name woodchuck also has Indian origins, coming from the legend of "Wojak, the groundhog."
Where exactly is Punxsutawney?
Punxsutawney is located in Western Pennsylvania, about 80 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.
How did Phil get his name?
The groundhog's full name is actually "Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators and Weather Prophet Extraordinary." It was so proclaimed by the "Punxsutawney Groundhog Club" in 1887, the same year they declared Punxsutawney to be the weather capital of the world.
How do you know it is really Phil at Gobbler's Knob?
For most of the year, Phil lives in a climate-controlled home at the Punxsutawney Library. He is taken to Gobbler's Knob and placed in a heated burrow underneath a simulated tree stump on stage before being pulled out at 7:25 am on Groundhog Day, February 2, to make his prediction.
How old is Phil anyway?
Phil is reputed by townspeople to be more than 100 years old, surviving beyond a marmot's normal life span thanks to the strong constitution of his wife, Phyllis, and a steady diet of Groundhog Punch.
Was the 1993 film Groundhog Day really filmed in Punxsutawney?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Columbia Pictures decided to film the movie in a location more accessible to a major metropolitan center. Punxsutawney is located in a very rural area with few highways, so Woodstock, Illinois was chosen as the site for the movie. As a result adjustments had to be made for the production. The actual Gobbler's Knob is a wooded hill with a beautiful view; the Gobbler's Knob in the movie is moved to the town square though it is recreated to scale based on detailed notes and videos the crew made on its visit to Punxsutawney.
I can't make it to Gobbler's Knob this year? Is the ceremony going to be on TV?
Most major television stations across the country, as well as the big screen in Times Square, broadcast the official Groundhog Day ceremony.
A German poem:
"For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day,
So far will the snow swirl until May.
For as the snow blows on Candlemas Day,
So far will the sun shine before May."
Source: http://pittsburgh.about.com/cs/punxsutawney/a/groundhog_day.htm
Saturday, January 28, 2017
A girls day out!
Greetings my dear friends! I hope your weekend is going well. Today I had a lovely lunch date with four beautiful gals! I finally had the chance to take my goddaughter, Kyli, out for her birthday celebration at Applebees. In addition, my long-time lovely friend (and Kyli's grandma) Kiki joined us along with Kyli's little sister Kayleigha and Kiki's goddaughter Mya ...
Kayleigha, Mya & Kiki
Kyli's complimentary birthday hot fudge sundae!
Sometimes, you just need a girls day out!
Friday, January 27, 2017
Imbolc
Imbolc or Imbolg (pronounced i-molg), also called (Saint) Brigid's Day (Irish: Lá Fhéile Bríde, Scottish Gaelic: Là Fhèill Brìghde, Manx: Laa'l Breeshey), is a Gaelic traditional festival marking the beginning of spring. Most commonly it is held on 1 February, or about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Historically, it was widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. It is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals—along with Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhain—and corresponds to the Welsh Gŵyl Fair y Canhwyllau. Christians observe it as the feast day of Saint Brigid, especially in Ireland.
Imbolc is mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature and there is evidence it has been an important date since ancient times. It is believed that it was originally a pagan festival associated with the goddess Brigid and that it was Christianized as a festival of Saint Brigid, who is thought to be a Christianization of the goddess. At Imbolc, Brigid's crosses were made and a doll-like figure of Brigid, called a Brídeóg, would be paraded from house-to-house. Brigid was said to visit one's home at Imbolc. To receive her blessings, people would make a bed for Brigid and leave her food and drink, while items of clothing would be left outside for her to bless. Brigid was also invoked to protect homes and livestock. Special feasts were had, holy wells were visited and it was also a time for divination.
Although many of its customs died out in the 20th century, it is still observed and in some places it has been revived as a cultural event. Since the latter 20th century, Celtic neopagans and Wiccans have observed Imbolc, or something based on it, as a religious holiday.
Neopaganism
Imbolc or Imbolc-based festivals are held by some Neopagans. As there are many kinds of Neopaganism, their Imbolc celebrations can be very different despite the shared name. Some try to emulate the historic festival as much as possible. Other Neopagans base their celebrations on many sources, with historic accounts of Imbolc being only one of them.
Neopagans usually celebrate Imbolc on 1 February in the Northern Hemisphere and 1 August in the Southern Hemisphere. Some Neopagans celebrate it at the astronomical midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox (or the full moon nearest this point). In the Northern Hemisphere, this is usually on the 3rd or 4 February. Other Neopagans celebrate Imbolc when the primroses, dandelions, and other spring flowers emerge.
Celtic Reconstructionist
Celtic Reconstructionists strive to reconstruct the pre-Christian religions of the Celts. Their religious practices are based on research and historical accounts,but may be modified slightly to suit modern life. They avoid syncretism (i.e. combining practises from different cultures). They usually celebrate the festival when the first stirrings of spring are felt, or on the full moon nearest this. Many use traditional songs and rites from sources such as The Silver Bough and The Carmina Gadelica. It is a time of honouring the Goddess Brigid, and many of her dedicants choose this time of year for rituals to her.
Wicca and NeoDruidry
Wiccans and Neo-Druids celebrate something based on Imbolc as one of the eight Sabbats in their Wheel of the Year, following Midwinter and preceding Ostara. In Wicca, Imbolc is commonly associated with the goddess Brigid and as such it is sometimes seen as a "women's holiday" with specific rites only for female members of a coven. Among Dianic Wiccans, Imbolc is the traditional time for initiations.
A Solitary Imbolc Ritual
Hundreds of years ago, when our ancestors relied upon the sun as their only source of light, the end of winter was met with much celebration. Although it is still cold in February, often the sun shines brightly above us, and the skies are often crisp and clear. As a festival of light, Imbolc came to be called Candlemas. On this evening, when the sun has set once more, call it back by lighting the seven candles of this ritual.
** Note: although this ceremony is written for one, it can easily be adapted for a small group.
First, set up your altar in a way that makes you happy, and brings to mind the themes of Imbolc. You'll also want to have on hand the following:
Prior to beginning your ritual, take a warm, cleansing bath. While soaking, meditate on the concept of purification. Once you're done, dress in your ritual attire, and begin the rite. You'll need:
Seven candles, in red and white (tealights are perfect for this)
Something to light your candles with
A large bowl or cauldron big enough to hold the candles
Sand or salt to fill the bottom of the bowl/cauldron
If your tradition requires you to cast a circle, do so now.
Pour the sand or salt into the bowl or cauldron. Place the seven candles into the sand so they won't slide around. Light the first candle. As you do so, say:
Although it is now dark, I come seeking light.
In the chill of winter, I come seeking life.
Light the second candle, saying:
I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.
I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.
I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.
Light the third candle. Say:
This light is a boundary, between positive and negative.
That which is outside, shall stay without.
That which is inside, shall stay within.
Light the fourth candle. Say:
I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.
I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.
I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.
Light the fifth candle, saying:
Like fire, light and love will always grow.
Like fire, wisdom and inspiration will always grow.
Light the sixth candle, and say:
I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.
I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.
I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.
Finally, light the last candle. As you do so, visualize the seven flames coming together as one. As the light builds, see the energy growing in a purifying glow.
Fire of the hearth, blaze of the sun,
cover me in your shining light.
I am awash in your glow, and tonight I am
made pure.
Take a few moments and meditate on the light of your candles. Think about this Sabbat, a time of healing and inspiration and purification. Do you have something damaged that needs to be healed? Are you feeling stagnant, for lack of inspiration? Is there some part of your life that feels toxic or tainted? Visualize the light as a warm, enveloping energy that wraps itself around you, healing your ailments, igniting the spark of creativity, and purifying that which is damaged.
When you are ready, end the ritual.
You follow up with a Cakes and Ale ceremony.
Sources: Wikipedia, About Religion.
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Thursday, January 26, 2017
Saturday, January 21, 2017
This and That ...
Happy Saturday everyone! Whatever you have planned, I hope you are enjoying your weekend. Today was a rather lovely day for me as I had a surprise visit from my sister, Robin (Aurora Skye). We spent the day shopping at our local Barnes & Noble bookstore and having a wonderful chat with Dark Elf. All in all a very relaxing day.
Speaking of relaxing, my cats took full advantage of the lazy Saturday as well ...
Kiki and Tabitha sharing the couch
Lazy Leo lounging on his cat condo
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend and until next time, Brightest Blessings!
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Throwback Thursday
Greetings friends! This week's 'Throwback Thursday' is dedicated to my long-time and very dear friend, Kiki. Tomorrow is her birthday so ...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KIKI!! I love you!
My Kiki-girl and me back in 2008 take at a company Christmas Party
And a pic just taken tonight before her birthday dinner - 2017
And finally, a pic of Kiki and my cat Kiki whom was named after her because she was given to us after her cat, Jinx, had kittens.
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Birthday Blessings!
Just a quick shout out to my lovely little (although not so "little" anymore) god-daughter Kylianna who celebrated her 11th birthday this past week. I am so very proud of this gal. She is definitely growing up too quickly. LOL!!!
My Kyli-girl!
Kyli and her little sister Kayleigha loving on her beloved cat, Neicy
Kyli with her mom, Brit
Next week, I am planning to take her out to her favorite place to eat for lunch, Applebees.
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Update to our blog ...
Greetings everyone and Happy Saturday!! Just a quick message regarding our blog - I have recently added a playlist feature from Hypster.com for your enjoyment. It is turned on automatically when you open our blog link up BUT if you do not wish to hear the music you may feel free to STOP the playlist by CLICKING on the PAUSE button on the left-hand side at the bottom of the playlist box. If you scroll down the blog page, the playlist is to the right-hand side of the NetworkedBlogs widget/feature.
The song list includes:
Loreena McKennitt
"The Mummer's Dance," "Marco Polo," and "All Soul's Night"
Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac
"Nightbird," "Rhiannon (live version)," "Sisters of the Moon," and "Crystal," and "Never Going Back Again"
Van Morrison's "Into the Mystic"
Sophie B. Hawkins - "As I Lay Me Down"
The Beatles - "In My Life"
Songs from "The Craft"& "Practical Magic" ~
Jewel - "Under the Water"
Lisa Hall - "Is This Real?"
Matthew Sweet - "Dark Secret"
Juliana Hatfield - "The Witches Song"
Love Spit Love - "How Soon is Now?"
Evanescence - "Bring Me to Life"
And, a selection of Celtic songs by Connie Dover and Kevin Burke
Brightest Blessings All!!!!
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Throwback Thursday
Well my friends, it has been a while since I shared a 'Throwback Thursday' post with everyone so here goes ... :)
An old pic of me officiating for Lady Sabrina Rhiannon in 2003. She is a Wiccan High Priestess who married a Christian and so she decided to have an inter-faith ceremony. Ironically, it was held at the little Sunday School which I grew up in.
Me hanging out with friends in 1992 ...
in 2002 ...
and in 2009!
Posing for a pic in my first apartment in Shillington, PA (a suburb right outside of Reading, PA) while having lunch with a very dear friend of mine in 1991.
Saturday, January 07, 2017
Drawing Down The Moon
Blessed be thy feet, that have brought thee in these ways.
Blessed be thy knees, that shall kneel at the sacred altar.
Blessed be thy womb, without which we would not be.
Blessed be thy breasts, formed in beauty.
Blessed be thy lips that shall utter the Sacred Names.
We invoke thee and call upon thee, Mighty Mother of us all,
Bringer of all fruitfulness: by seed and root, by bud and stem,
By leaf and flower and fruit, by life and love do we invoke thee
To descend upon the body of this thy servant and Priestess.
Hail Diana! From the Amalthean Horn
Pour forth thy store of love; we lowly bend
Before thee, we adore thee to the end,
With loving sacrifice thy shrine adorn.
**********
Of the Mother darksome and divine
Mine the scourge, and mine the kiss;
The five-point star of love and bliss-
Here I charge you, in this sign.
All ye assembled in my sight,
Bow before my spirit bright
Aphrodite, Arionhod.
Lover of the Horned God,
Mighty Queen of Witchery and night,
Morgan, Etoine, Nisene,
Diana, Bridgid, Melusine,
Am I named of old by men,
Artemis and Cerridwen,
Hell’s dark mistress, Heaven’s queen.
Ye who would ask of me a rune,
Or who would ask of me a boon,
Meet in some secret glade,
Dance in my round in green wood shade,
By the light of the Full Moon.
In a place, wild and lone
Dance about mine altar stone;
Work my holy mystery.
Ye who are feign to sorcery,
I bring ye secrets yet unknown.
No more shall ye know slavery,
Who give true worship unto me.
Ye who tread my round on Sabbat night,
Come ye all naked to the rite,
In token that ye be really free.
I teach ye the mystery of rebirth,
Work ye my mysteries in mirth.
Heart joined to heart and lip to lip,
Five are the points of fellowship,
That bring ye ecstasy on earth,
For I am the circle of rebirth.
I ask no sacrifice, but do bow,
No other Law but love I know,
By naught but love may I be known.
All things living are mine own,
From me they come, to me they go.
I invoke Thee and call upon Thee
Mighty Mother of us all.
Bringer of Fruitfulness by seed and by root.
I invoke Thee by stem and bud.
I invoke Thee by life and love
And call upon thee to descent into the body
Of this Thy Priestess and Servant.
Hear with her ears, speak with her tongue,
Touch with her hands, kiss with her lips,
That thy servants may be fulfilled.
**********
http://sacredwicca.jigsy.com/drawing-down-the-moon