Samhain and Imbolc Photos!

These have been posted in our photo album... more Ostara and Beltane to come! I'll post a bit about Beltane once I get the photos... :)

Here are a couple from Imbolc:







And a few from last Samhain:

Coven Meeting 4/18/09

This recent weekend, we had our coven meeting and it was really nice. We did a few of the energy exercises described in my recent blog, as well as one that Aislin had tried before. In addition to being fun, it was really good to practice moving our energies around within our bodies, and from one person to another.

Energy Pushing Exercise
Aislin said that she thinks that this exercise might be in Penczak’s Inner Temple book.

One person is the ‘pusher,’ the other is the ‘receiver.’ Both parties stand facing one another and they might close their eyes to improve their concentration. The pusher begins to direct energy toward the other person with the intent to push the receiver, making her lean back. The other people act as observers, as both pusher and receiver will probably have their eyes shut.

This was a great exercise. We switched partners throughout the exercise, which was my original plan- but time really flew by quicker than expected- so we’ll have to do the other exercises next time.

We also discussed our plans for Beltane! :)

Ostara 2009

This years Ostara ritual was led by Bloodrose- who did a great job! Our theme was the growth that spring brings, and our preritual activity is obvious if you look at the above picture. Lots of fun!

Imbolc 2009

Well, Mother Nature changed our plans for Imbolc. Our original plan was to "create" a well, and tie clooties to the trees around it, as well as include a processional lit by many candles. But Mother Nature had other plans in store for us. Rain. And more rain. And still more rain. So, inside we went. Instead of our dressing of the well, we created Brighids crosses.

The rest of the ritual went as planned. We blessed and consecrated flower bulbs that we will soon plant at Ostara. We chose the Iris, because of its association with the Fleur de Lis, our coven symbol. We honored Brighid, and we enjoyed a kitty guest in our circle. Pictures will be posted this week!

Dedication (Aislin and Beth)

Let it be known that Aislin and Beth have dedicated themselves to the Coven of the Twilight Moon! Blessed be, new (official) outer court sisters!

Prayer Beads

Tonight, we had our February meetings. We went over our goals for this year, and how we will try to achieve them, as well as introduced our monthly theme aspect. Each initiate will take a turn researching and presenting about a goddess- her lore, activities, and more, and this will also tie into our esbat rite. We're really excited and looking forward to this. Tonights discussion was about personal practices, and devotions. Our craft this evening was the creation of prayer beads. We each created a set of prayer beads that were personal to us, and then, also created a small elemental mala for each sister. Pictures are uploaded here!

New Yule Pics Posted

New Yule Pictures have been posted!

http://s368.photobucket.com/albums/oo126/twilightmooncoven/Yule%202008/

Festival of Lights

Invocation to Brighid

Great Lady Brighid!
Daughter of the Dagda,
Wife to Bres,
Exalted One,
She who makes her home at Kildare,
Bright Fiery Power!
She who inspires poets and writers, hearth Mother,
She who honors, Heals and promotes the family,
Patronness of the arts, and smithcraft,
Bright Maiden!
Come to us tonight!
As we honor you on your festival day!

Mistletoe- Not Just for Kissing

Mistletoe- Not Just for Kissing
(from our 10/06 newsletter)
by Ivy Artemisia

Did you know that Mistletoe- one of the holidays most inspiring traditions- is really a parasitic plant named for bird feces?

Mistletoe grows on hardwood trees, such as oak and apple trees. It’s parasitic, and as it grows, it thrusts its roots into the bark of the tree. While this rarely kills the host tree, mistletoe sucks nutrients and water from the host tree and uses this to further its growth. The berries of the mistletoe are eaten by birds, who then deposit their droppings on the branches where they’ve feasted, thus ensuring the cycle of life of the mistletoe plant. Actually, the name “mistletoe” is derived from the Anglo-Saxons. Their word for dung was “mistle” and the word for twig was “tan.” “Mistletan” was Old English for Mistletoe, and that reminds us that it was named for the bird droppings.

Bird crap aside, the Druids believed the mistletoe plant was of divine origin. In serious Winter Solstice rituals, druids would lead long processionals through the forest, until they came upon mistletoe growing on an oak tree. The head Druid would cut the mistletoe away from the host tree with a golden sickle. It was then caught upon a white linen cloth and was not allowed to touch the ground. The Druids believed that this plant was able to cure illness and other maladies and gave it the Celtic name “uile” or All-Heal. They also believed that it was a fertility plant, given to them by the Gods. You can still find All-Heal in many herbal shoppes, though it is poisonous and can cause stomach issues and it may even be fatal.

In rural Sweden and Switzerland, people believed that in order to get the full potency of mistletoe, one had to collect it in a special way at a certain time. The sun had to be in Sagittarius, and the moon must be waning. Also, the mistletoe had to be shot or knocked down and caught before touching the ground. It was also believed to protect against witchcraft and sorcery and was used in counter magic, in order to counter curses and hexes.

The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe most likely came from the associate of the plant with the Scandinavian cultures. Frigga, a Norse Goddes,s had taken the oath of every person and plant that they would not harm her son, Balder. All, except the mistletoe plant- she thought it too young, small and inconsequential. Loki found the mistletoe and, steering his hand, convinced Balder’s blind brother, Hod to heave the mistletoe at Balder. The dart of mistletoe went through Balder, killing him instantly. Frigga’s tears turned the red berries of mistletoe to white, and with his mother’s kiss Balder was restored to life. Frigga was so grateful that she declared that anyone who walked under mistletoe shall be bestowed upon them a kiss.

Mistletoe is one of the most revered and holy plants of the ancients. Transcending cultures and geography, this herb is known for its powerful healing and harming properties. So, next time you kiss someone under the mistletoe- remember just how powerful the herb above you might be.

Yule 2008

We had a beautiful sunrise Yule circle this year, and welcomed friends and family to it. It was held in Silverlake at the home of two of our sisters, and we welcomed the sun and the new year. Click the photo above to be taken to a few photos (more to be uploaded this week).

Pagan Pride Day!

We had a blast at PPD this year, and made a decent amount of money for our group. :) Click the photo below to be taken to the album- there are lots of pictures!

Looking Forward to October...

Sabbatical...

... seeing as there has been no activity on the blog for sometime, I feel that its necessary to mention that we as a coven are taking a short break in order to rest, regroup and then re-manifest in the early fall.

Our classes are postponed until that time.... and we should be resuming classes in late August/ early September.

Willow's Departure

Let it be known that Willow's sabbatical has come to a close, and she has made the decision to leave our circle to find her place on a Dianic path. We will miss her, and we appreciate all of the hard work and dedication that she has put forth on behalf of the coven. As one of the founders, she's been instrumental in getting us to where we are. We will miss you, Willow, and we wish you the best of blessings as you pursue your path.

February Esbat 2008

This Wednesday night circle honored Brighid. On Her festival day we created candles, and it took much longer than expected. So, we honored Her on this moon, and asked for her blessings. We have an Imbolc tradition, and we continued this tradition at this circle. Here are a couple photos from this circle. Click here for a few more pictures.

Craft Night

We had a craft night last night- our first for 2008. We tried some new things with polymer clay. Some came out good... some not-so-great. Click here to see the rest. :)

Rose

Be it known that Nahimana has taken a new Craft name- Rose.

Yule 2007

Every year we host an open ritual for Yule. The number of people involved, the venue, and theme usually changes, but two things stay the same. We invite our family and friends and we have a great time! This year, we hosted a sunrise circle at a local park. We got a permit that stated that we were allowed to use candles- very exciting stuff. :)


Here are two pictures... one of our altar before the sun rose, and one of our friends after the ritual! For more pictures, click here!

Exciting News!

In February 2008, we will be opening our Wicca 101 classes up to all women who are interested in taking them. This is the first time that we've done a thing like this, but we are very excited about it. These "Open circle" sisters will be taking the classes along with our Dedicants.

That being said... we are also opening our Outer Court to those who are interested in dedicating to our coven (which will entail extra classes, meetings, ritual attendance, social events, fun, laughter, etc. :). We will be hosting a small gathering and orientation for both aspirants (sisters interested in joining the coven) and for open circle students on January 26, 2008. If you are interested, feel free to email Ivy at barefootwitch at hotmail dot com.

Have a great day!

November's Rune Workshop/ Esbat

Blessings to all who might be reading this during the beginning of holiday crunch time!

I just wanted to share what we did last weekend at November's meeting. Willow led an awesome rune workshop, and we made runes out of glittery fimo clay. They all turned out fabulous! Here is a picture of Nahimana's runes.





If we keep this up, we'll have a cupboard full of handmade tools. :) Our full moon ritual, led by Willow ended our really late evening.