Throwback Thursday

If you have been following my blog for any length of time, you already know that I used to sing in a band. Ever since I was a very small child, I have always loved singing. In fact, I loved Tanya's Tucker's voice and songs so much that I used to practice singing her songs all the time. To this day, she remains my favorite country/western singer of all time!  ...

American country and pop singer, Tanya Denise Tucker, was on born October 10, 1958. She had her very first hit, "Delta Dawn", in 1972 at the age of 13. During her career Tucker became one of the few child performers to mature into adulthood without losing her audience; she had a streak of top-10 and top-40 hits. She has had several successful albums, several Country Music Association award nominations, and hit songs including 1973's "What's Your Mama's Name?" and "Blood Red and Goin' Down", "Texas (When I Die)", "I'm the Singer, You're the Sing," etc.

Tucker made her debut with Mel Tillis, who was so impressed by her talent that he invited her onstage to perform. In 1969, the family moved to Henderson, Nevada, where Tucker regularly performed. Eventually, she recorded a demonstration tape that gained the attention of songwriter Dolores Fuller, who sent it to producer Billy Sherrill, the head of artists and repertoire at CBS Records. Sherrill was impressed with the demo tape and signed the teenage vocalist to Columbia Records.

One thing worth mentioning is the fact that not only did Tanya have a "mature" voice which made her sound much older than she actually was at the time she established her first hit song, but rather the way she pulled off the amazingly mature themes to these wonderful songs so very well! Here are a few of my personal favorite Tanya Tucker tunes...

"Blood Red and Going Down" - 1974

That Georgia sun
Was blood red and goin' down
That Georgia sun
Was blood red and goin' down

Daddy said
Now come, girl
We headed down the road to Augusta
And faintly through his clenched teeth
He called Mama's name and
Then he cussed her
He said
Girl, you're young
But some dude has come along
And stole your mother

But you can't steal no willing mind. 'Cause mama's always looking for a lover

That Georgia sun
Was blood red and goin' down
That Georgia sun
Was blood red and goin' down

With dusty teardrops on his face
My daddy cried in big steps he was taking
Halfway running to keep up
My shorter legs were so tired and shaking
Where did I go wrong, girl and
why would she leave us both this way?
At times like these
A child of ten never knows exactly what to say

That Georgia sun
Was blood red and goin' down
That Georgia sun
Was blood red and goin' down

We searched in every bar room
And honky-tonk as well
And finally, Daddy found them
and Lord, you know the rest is hard to tell
He sent me out to wait
But scared I looked back through the door
And Daddy left them both
Soaking up the sawdust on the floor.

"What's Your Mama's Name?" - 1973

"Teddy Bear Song" - 1973

"I'm the Singer, You're the Song" - 1978

"Horseshoe Bend" - 1975

It's been a Saturday everyday and a whole month of Sundays
And I get sadder every day he's gone.

Horseshoe Bend old friend it's been so long since we saw him
When he laid me down upon your banks and made this girl a woman
As your Virgin daughter sang us a song,
Horseshoe Bend he's just like you old river he'll keep rolling
And I'll keep praying someday he'll come home.
It's been a Saturday everyday and a whole month of Sunday's and I get sadder every day he's gone.

Here comes spring again old friend and there ain't no sign of him, but just because I can't see him don't mean I forgot him. And I'll keep praying someday he'll come home. 

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It's been a Saturday everyday and a whole month of Sunday's and I get sadder every day he's gone ...

"Texas (When I Die)"  Live - 1985

Throwback Thursday!

Happy Thursday, my friends! Very recently, one of my Blogger friends, reminded me of just how much I love the soulful music of Motown! Gladys Knight & the Pips, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, The Four Tops, The Ronettes, Martha & the Vandellas, The Supremes, The Platters, The Temptations, and so very many, many more great artists. I wanted to share one of my favs with you on Throwback Thursday! Enjoy ...

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TBT: Pet Protection Blessing/Spell

Several years ago, I used this blessing/spell to help my mother’s cat, Snowball, to get better - and thankfully, the Lord and Lady heard my prayer and it surely worked. I also use this particular ritual from time to time for my own pets as well. My husband, although he “claims” to be agnostic ;), has been studying the ancient runes for quite a few years now and gave me the idea to use them in this ritual. If they are sick, I use it as a “spell” and even if they are not, I like to use it as a blessing at Midsummer.

For each you will need: 

One 6 inch piece of square black felt

Fur or nail clippings and/or name tag (vaccination tags will also do)

Fabric paint (white) and brush

2 teaspoons of catnip (even if you have a dog or other kind of pet!)

¼ teaspoon garlic

2 teaspoons of dried cedar

One bay leaf

Cotton balls

Thread and needle

One brown candle

Protection Oil (see below)

 

Protection Oil: 1 part Sandalwood, 1 part Lavender, 1 part Rosemary and 1 part Dragon’s Blood

 

Fold the piece of black felt in half and sew two sides of it, leaving one side open. On one side of the bag paint your pet’s name and the rune symbols:

  

 = Algiz  (rune of protection)

= Eihwaz/Koad (forest rune) 

= Sowilo/Sigel (strength)

Pentacle symbol

_________________________________________

Let it dry. Then charge the herbs to empower them and pour them into the pouch. Add the pet’s fur, etc.  Stuff the rest with the cotton balls to which you have added THREE drops of the Protection Oil. Sew the remaining side of the pouch closed and repeat the following incantation:

 

“O GRACIOUS LORD AND LADY, PROTECTORS OF ALL CREATURES WHO WALK THIS EARTH, GUARD MY PET (pet’s name) AGAINST HARM AND ILLNESS. WATCH OVER (him/her) WITH EVERY STEP (he/she) TAKES. HELP ME TO PROTECT (him/her) AND STRENGTHEN THE CONNECTION OF LOVE BETWEEN US. LET THIS CHARM BE BLESSED WITH PROTECTION. BLESSED BE!”

 

Keep the bag in a safe place, perhaps on your altar or where your animal can’t get to it.

TBT: A Matter of Faith

 

As a Wiccan, I faithfully celebrate Ostara and the Spring Equinox. As a daughter; however, I still spend the Easter holidays, church aside, with my Christian family. There may be a few of my fellow Wiccans who might believe that in doing so, I am in conflict with my Wiccan beliefs. As I see it, I, myself, am not celebrating Easter - I am merely respecting the fact that my family does.  I love spending time with my family and friends and since that does not interfere in any way with the fact that I am Wiccan and celebrate the sabbat of Ostara, I certainly do not see any problem with it. 

For example, my husband is agnostic, but he has always respected my decision to be a Wiccan. Even though he does not actually participate in our circles and sabbat celebrations, he is still there with me and he helps me in any way he can.  He has always stood by me and supported me throughout these many years. The fact that he does not follow my own personal religious beliefs, does not mean that he can not be accepting of them.

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As a Wiccan Priestess and teacher, I am also a strong advocate of religious tolerance, and as such, I truly believe in “practicing what I preach.” After all, it is a road which runs both ways.  It is important for us to remember that, ultimately, we all breathe the same air and we are all a part of the same universe – regardless of our various faiths and diverse religious beliefs.

Throwback Thursday: The Wheel of the Year Turns On and On

The Wheel of the Year consists of the eight Wiccan holy days which we call sabbats and it is the seasonal cycle of life. These Pagan celebrations are directly linked to the Goddess and God in all their aspects and they are divided into two separate groups – the Greater and Lesser sabbats.

The Greater Sabbats are:

Samhain literally means “summer’s end” and is pronounced “sow-in” or “sow-een.” It is the Wiccan New Year and the third harvest of the year. It is the sabbat from which Halloween was born. The Goddess is in her Crone aspect and the God will die and enter the Summerland only to be reborn again at Yule.

Imbolg means “in the belly" (of the Goddess) and is also known as Imbolc (“in milk”).

It is the sabbat which honors the on-coming of Spring. Candlemas (“candle night”) is the Christianized version of this celebration. The Goddess is in her Maiden aspect and the God in his youth. The Celtic goddess Brigid (pronounced “Breed”) is honored at this time.

Beltane is the sabbat which celebrates the sacred marriage of the Goddess & God. The name was taken from Irish-Gaelic meaning “Bel Fire” or “fire of Bel.” Bel was the God of Light and was also known as Beli or Belinus. It is only one of two times a year that the veil between the world of the living and the world of spirit is thin. Samhain is the other.

Lughnasadh literally means “the chase of Lugh” (Lugh was the Celtic Sun God) and it celebrates the first harvest of the year. This sabbat is also known as Lammas (Irish for “old style”) and is also a mid-evil Christian holiday meaning “loaf mass.” The Goddess is in her Mother aspect, but beginning to age. The God is also getting older.

The Lesser Sabbats are:

Yule is the Winter Solstice. The word Yule was taken from the Norse “Jul” which means “wheel.” This is the sabbat from which the Christian holiday of Christmas originates.  The Goddess is a “Triple Goddess” – Maiden, Mother & Crone and the God is born once again of the Goddess.

Ostara which is pronounced “o-stara” is the Spring Equinox and the sabbat from which the Christian holiday of Easter evolved. Much of the Easter lore i.e. rabbits, colored eggs, etc. stems from this Pagan holiday. The goddess Eostre, who was the Teutonic Lunar Goddess of Fertility, is honored at this time. Her sacred animal was the hare. Ostara also celebrates new life with the rebirth of the sun. The Goddess is in her Young Mother aspect and the God, the Young Father.

Mabon, pronounced “may-bone” or “may-bon” is the Autumn Equinox and the second harvest of the year. The name was taken from the Irish “Mabon ap Modron” which means “son of the mother” (Earth). The Goddess and God continue to grow old.

Litha, also known as the Summer Solstice or Midsummer, celebrates the long days and warm weather. Litha is Anglo-Saxon for “before summer” (Aerra Litha). “The Fae” (faeries) are honored at this time and animal blessings and protection spells are usually performed at this time as well. The Goddess is at her peak as Mother and the Father God at his.

Depending upon the tradition, the names of these Pagan sabbats may vary. However, the basic meanings and symbolisms of these ancient earth-based celebrations, for the most part, remain the same.

TBT: Did you know that ...?

It may well have been the movie, "Groundhog Day" starring Bill Murray which made Punxsutawney Phil a public figure in the first place, but it is Phil himself who keeps the fans coming back to Gobbler's Knob every year for more! Not just for a day, but for an entire week-long array of fun and activities for everyone.

The top-hat wearing Inner Circle members feed and take care of Phil and also travel with the prognosticating groundhog throughout Pennsylvania for various engagements. "He's been on television shows in New York City before, but we sometimes have problems with bringing him across state lines. Some states don't want Phil's type brought into their state, we have learned." Says Phil's co-handler John Griffiths, "I always say we're the men behind the hog."

Phil and his 'Inner Circle' member friends keep very busy, not only for annual Groundhog Day festivities, but throughout the year as well ... 

Groundhog Club Inner Circle member, Ron Ploucha, pets Punxsutawney Phil while visiting him inside his burrow at the Punxsutawney Library. "Phil's diet consists of various types of lettuce, iron-rich kale, celery and rabbit feed," explained Ploucha. "A special treat for Phil is a honey & oat granola bar. They are hard and crunchy which helps him keep his teeth healthy, sometimes we will even throw in a piece of wood for him to chew on."

Phil's co-handler, John Griffiths has been a member of the Inner Circle since 1999.

There's no manual for becoming a handler for the Seer of Seers. "We go through a very extensive training for this," said Ploucha jokingly. " It's a learn-as-you-go thing, and it takes time to get to know each other and develop trust (with Phil). Everybody smells and sounds different."

Groundhog Club Inner Circle member Ron Ploucha, with co-handler John Griffiths, transports Punxsutawney Phil from a "Meet Phil" event at Punxsutawney High School. 

Kids visit with Punxsutawney Phil in the halls of Punxsutawney High School during a youth wrestling match on in Punxsutawney, Pa. "They really see that Phil's not actually a puppet, or just something they saw on television," said Inner Circle member Ron Ploucha. "I get to see the looks on their faces with eyes as big as 50-cent pieces, it's my favorite part about being Phil's handler." While Ploucha appreciates watching kids enjoy Phil, he sometimes gets a little apprehensive when Phil is around large groups of people. "I'm worried that somebody — even though I tell them not to — will come up and put their hands near Phil's face. Sometimes those fingers of theirs looks like carrots to him. It's never happened fortunately, but there can always be a first time, so I am very careful with having him out in the open around people."

So, where did Punxsutawney Phil get his name from? This name is actually the shortened version of his official title which is "Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators and Weather Prophet Extraordinary." The groundhog got his name from the editor of the The Punxsutawney Spirit newspaper.

(source/photos): Punxsutawney Phil, the Other 364 Days of the Year

TBT: Appreciating Differences

I remember shopping at a local flea market a few years ago looking to buy a book on Jewish culture for my Wiccan friend as a Yule gift. I saw a used book stand and confidently walked up to the saleswoman and said, "Good day! I was wondering if you would happen to have any books on Christmas? I have a friend who wishes to learn more about his Jewish heritage." Of course, after I misspoke I immediately realized my "slip of the tongue." But before I had the chance to correct myself, she very sternly replied, "No, no it's Hanukkah, my de-ah, Hanukkah!" I promptly apologized and we both shared a little chuckle, deservedly so, at my expense.

The friend whom I am referring to is my very dear friend and our long-time solitary group member, Matthew.  When it comes to witches, some of us are what are considered to be a hereditary witch - meaning a witch who can trace his or her bloodline back at least three generations. Some of us are natural witches and some of us are even mixed with another faith.  Such is the case with my friend Matthew. He is a Wiccan; however, he also chooses to acknowledge his Jewish roots.  Traditonally in the Jewish religion, it is the mothers' side of the family which determines the faith of the next generation of children. Even though Matt's mother does not choose follow the Jewish faith, his grandmother did.



It is interesting to note that the six-pointed Jewish Star of David was originally a Pagan symbol known as the Seal of Solomon. In fact, the menorah, which is also associated with the Jewish religion, is often used by many Wiccans (myself included) during esbat rituals. The main reason for this is because of the number "9" which has long been considered a magickal symbol.*

(*Reference: "The Sabbats" by Edain McCoy)

Although I have been Matt's teacher in Wicca for all these many years, I am now finding myself learning from him as well. To me, one of the most beautiful things about Wicca is its' open-mindedness and willingness to learn from others. It is not solely a matter of education; however, it is also a case of appreciating each others' differences - whatever our heritage.

Throwback Thursday: What are Laryngospasms?

Has anyone ever had what is called a laryngospasm? For many years now, I have experienced only what I can describe as "air going down my throat/windpipe the wrong way." I am not eating food nor drinking anything when this happens - it is merely catching air down my throat/larynx which I have breathed in via my mouth that triggers a reaction to my body in which I CAN NOT BREATHE neither through my nose or through my mouth! Consequently, I can not speak either until it passes about 60 seconds later. During this time, it feels as though I am suffocating/drowning and it is THE scariest feeling in the world!

Here is some info I have found on this condition: What causes laryngospasm?

~  (Edward C. Rosenow III, M.D.)

Laryngospasm (luh-RING-go-spaz-um) is a brief spasm of the vocal cords that temporarily makes it difficult to speak or breathe. The onset of vocal cord spasms is usually sudden, and the breathing difficulty can be alarming. However, the problem is not life-threatening, and it's generally brief and self-correcting as the condition typically lasts less than 60 seconds.

Your vocal cords are located in an upper part of the airway called the voice box (larynx). A vocal cord spasm limits the flow of air through the larynx. The cause of laryngospasm is often not known, but certain conditions may be contributing factors or triggers:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which acid from the stomach backs up into the food pipe (esophagus)
• Laryngopharyngeal reflux, in which the stomach acid backs up into the throat or back of the nasal passages
• Anxiety or stress

Fortunately, these "spasms" do not happen frequently, but I do get them once in a while. My friend's aunt had this as well and she told me she had to have minor surgery in order to correct it. 

Memories of Yule Past ...

One of the things I love most about our sabbat celebrations are the memories we create for ourselves when gathering together for ritual, food and fun! Needless to say, I have cherished each and every one of my many memories of friends and family throughout the years. The Goddess and God bring special people into our lives for a good reason and, in that respect, I have been truly blessed.

Rhiannon's new ritual robe.

The Oak King & The Holly King dual.

"The Gang"

Richie and mom Judy.

With High Priestess Lady Sabrina Rhiannon at her Yule celebration ...

Mike 'n' Waterfae attending Lady Sabrina Rhiannon's Yule Celebration.



   Just chillin'

Yule gifts!

With Willow and her kitties Domino and Patchouli on Yule Eve circa 1997.

After Yule is over, we can happily look forward to Imbolg and the promise of spring. I must admit, next to Samhain and Beltane, Imbolg is perhaps my favorite of all the Wiccan holidays. I really love the way the light from our candle flames illuminate my home during ritual as we all stand inside the sacred circle - holding our single white candle in our hands in honor of the Goddess Brigit. It is truly a lovely sight to behold!

Throwback Thursday: The Legend of The Yule Cat

The oldest written sources on the Yule Cat are from the Nineteenth Century. These refer to the fact that those who do not get a new item of clothing for Yule are destined to become offerings for the Yule Cat. It may sound strange that the deprived ones will also become prey, but this tradition is based on the fact that every effort was made to finish all work with the Autumn wool before Yule. The reward for those who took part in the work was a new piece of clothing. Those who were lazy received nothing. Thus the Yule Cat was used as an incentive to get people to work harder.

As I walked out on Yuletide,

The winter winds blew cold

I saw the Winter King a-standing,

Grey and grim and old

His cloak was pulled around Him,

A child was in His hand

And He sang, “Blessed Be and Blessed Be

And Blessed Be again!”

                                 -Joe Bethancourt

Throwback Thursday: Blessed Be Again

..

Blessed Be Again

Upon a dark and windy hill,

On Samhains’ eldritch night

I saw the Crone with withered hands

By balefires burning light

Her eyes were full of wisdom,

The threads of life She span

And sang, “Blessed Be and Blessed Be

And Blessed Be again!”

As I walked out on Yuletide,

The winter winds blew cold

I saw the Winter King a-standing,

Grey and grim and old

His cloak was pulled around Him,

A child was in His hand

And He sang, “Blessed Be and Blessed Be

And Blessed Be again!”

Upon the morn of Bridgit’s Day,

I saw a lovely sight,

The Goddess standing by me

All crowned in starry light

The crescent moon beneath Her feet,

The stars were in Her hand

She sang, “Blessed Be and Blessed Be

And Blessed Be again!”

Upon the first of April,

I saw the Holy Fool

He was a merry prankster

The Lord of all Misrule!

He looked at me and winked an eye

And danced and sang and then

He sang, “Blessed Be and Blessed Be

And Blessed Be again!”

Ostara came with blossoms,

Life flourished everywhere

I saw the Mother smiling,

With flowers in Her hair

She stood among the growing fields,

In heather and in glen

And sang, “Blessed Be and Blessed Be

And Blessed Be again!”

As I walked out one May morning,

‘Twas on the blooming heather

I saw a Maiden dancing there

In fair and sunny weather,

The Beltane fires were burning high

The dancers round did spin

They sang, “Blessed Be and Blessed Be

And Blessed Be again!”

Upon Midsummer’s heady day,

I saw John Barleycorn

Walking proud and tall there

In the sunny, shining morn

His beard was long and golden,

He looked at me and then

He sang, “Blessed Be and Blessed Be

And Blessed Be again!”

Upon a singing Summer day,

At dawn on Lammastide

I saw the Craftsman smiling

On sunbeams he did ride

He brings us light and knowledge,

To help our fellow men

He sang, “Blessed Be and Blessed Be

And Blessed Be again!”

Upon a chilly autumn day,

All sheltered from the storm

I saw the Harvest safe at home

The families snug and warm

They sat and gave their thanks

And laughed and smiled and then,

They sang, “Blessed Be and Blessed Be

And Blessed Be again!”

The Spiral Dance goes on and on,

The King and Youth and Child

The Gentle Mother, Aged Crone

And Maiden meek and mild,

And so the yearly circle

Turns in eternal spin

So sing, “Blessed Be and Blessed Be

And Blessed Be again!”

-Joe Bethancourt

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And just for the record ...