Gwendolyn's Posts - Sticks and Stones2024-03-29T14:44:51ZGwendolynhttp://sticksandstonescircle.ning.com/profile/Gwendolynhttp://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2788008448?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://sticksandstonescircle.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=2yhn85k9kffnn&xn_auth=noHello and Happy Spring!tag:sticksandstonescircle.ning.com,2013-04-21:2159258:BlogPost:545592013-04-21T19:30:00.000ZGwendolynhttp://sticksandstonescircle.ning.com/profile/Gwendolyn
<p>We hope you are well and enjoying the new growth all around!</p>
<p>Big announcement - we have Kellianna ( <a href="http://kellianna.com">http://kellianna.com</a> ) in Concert at our store on May 1 for Beltane! See link below - Space is limited, tickets are only $20 a person so get your ticket soon!</p>
<p>Also, we are finalizing another booking for Jenna Greene ( <a href="http://www.greeneladymusic.com">http://www.greeneladymusic.com</a> ) for Wednesday May 8 to teach a workshop and perform…</p>
<p>We hope you are well and enjoying the new growth all around!</p>
<p>Big announcement - we have Kellianna ( <a href="http://kellianna.com">http://kellianna.com</a> ) in Concert at our store on May 1 for Beltane! See link below - Space is limited, tickets are only $20 a person so get your ticket soon!</p>
<p>Also, we are finalizing another booking for Jenna Greene ( <a href="http://www.greeneladymusic.com">http://www.greeneladymusic.com</a> ) for Wednesday May 8 to teach a workshop and perform live in our store... we will send out more info once it is on our calendar!</p>
<p>HERE are some of our EVENTS coming up, please visit OUR ONLINE CALENDAR for more info at sticksandstonescircle.com/events :</p>
<p>April 24Wednesday<br/></p>
<p>Witchy Wednesday!<br/> April 24, 2013 from 5:30pm to 7pm<br/>
Witchy Wednesdays are back! Join us for an evening full of fun and learning, as we explore different ways of being a modern-day witch. Each Wednesday we will meet at 5:30. Bring your journal to take…<br/>
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<p>April 27Saturday<br/> The Readers' Circle<br/>
April 27, 2013 from 6pm to 7:30pm<br/>
"A group for those already well on their journey down the psychic path. We are all readers using many types of divination and communications. Join us as we come together and explore the past, present…Organized by Alicia<br/>
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<p>May 1Wednesday<br/> Kellianna in Concert!<br/>
May 1, 2013 from 8pm to 9:30pm<br/>
Join us for another fabulous evening with Kellianna in concert, on Beltane! Tickets: $20 per person, payable in advance. Space is limited so call the store to reserve tickets with a credit card, o…<br/>
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<p>Drum Circle!<br/> May 3, 2013 AND EVERY FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH from 7pm to 9pm<br/>
Join us and be welcome as we get together and drum, shake rattle and roll once a month! There is a place for beginners and experienced drummers in our circle. We will attempt to bring you a magical…</p>
<p>The Most Excellent Order of the Black Hat - Beltane circle<br/> May 4, 2013 from 7pm to 9pm<br/>
Join us as we celebrate Beltane - Black Hat Style! Cost: $1, bring a dish to share. The Order of the Black Hat is an international eclectic order of witches. We take our spiritual path very serious…</p>
<p>HERB OF THE MONTH CLUB AND WORKSHOP: SECOND FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH<br/> Each month we will delve deep into a chosen herb, exploring the wise woman use, magick use, crafty/cooking/other uses, taste, touch, feel, smell, and essence of the little beastie. Each class will have printed information on the herb as well as something to take home. You are invited to join our free online herbal group for discussions, further questions, follow-up, etc.</p>
<p>(special note from Mama Bubbles: if you are interested in HooDoo, this is a great place to start)</p>
<p>We will meet on the Second Friday of every month at Sticks and Stones starting at 6:30. You may attend all months or pick and choose your favorites.<br/> Cost options:<br/>
$15 per class<br/>
$36 for three classes: choose any three of your favorite herbs ($12 per class)<br/>
$60 for six classes: choose any six of your favorite herbs ($10 per class)<br/>
Your choices do not have to be consecutive. Call or stop by the store to sign up.</p>
<p>WE'VE ENTERED THE CELTIC MONTH OF THE WILLOW TREE:<br/> Willow teaches us the lesson of life in death. Endings are just beginnings and with new growth comes change. Willow helps us to integrate change into our lives and reminds us to allow inspiration to enter our lives at such times. Inspiration can come from the smallest or most unlikely sources so keep an open mind at all times. Willow is strongly linked with the moon and you would do well to co-ordinate your spiritual practice with the phases of the moon. Start new projects on the new moon, seek inspiration by the light of the full moon and bring matters to a close at the dark moon. Go with the flow and all will be well.<br/>
OGHAM The Celtic Oracle<br/>
by Peter Pracownik and Andy Baggott<br/>
thegoddesstree.com</p>
<p>Meet our Readers! (click link for bios)<br/> Mama Bubbles is available for readings on Wednesdays and Thursdays<br/>
Gwendolyn is available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays<br/>
Waystone and Frank Stormcatcher read on Thursdays and Fridays<br/>
Alicia reads on Saturdays<br/>
Sam Block reads on Sundays</p>
<p>Be kind to one another, you are worth it. You are brilliant, beautiful, and you are loved.</p>
<p>Peace and Blessings,</p>
<p>Gwendolyn & Bubbles<br/> Sticks and Stones<br/>
9970 Main Street<br/>
Fairfax, VA 22031<br/>
(703)352-2343</p>TreeStorytag:sticksandstonescircle.ning.com,2012-03-03:2159258:BlogPost:419042012-03-03T21:51:55.000ZGwendolynhttp://sticksandstonescircle.ning.com/profile/Gwendolyn
<p>Trees don't judge, they just are,,, they are here for so many beautiful reasons. Peace, Gwendolyn</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.treestorymovie.com/home/http://www.treestorymovie.com/home/">http://www.treestorymovie.com/home/http://www.treestorymovie.com/home/</a><a href="http://www.treestorymovie.com/wp-content/themes/treestory/preview-movie.html" target="_blank">Treestory Preview</a></p>
<p>Trees don't judge, they just are,,, they are here for so many beautiful reasons. Peace, Gwendolyn</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.treestorymovie.com/home/http://www.treestorymovie.com/home/">http://www.treestorymovie.com/home/http://www.treestorymovie.com/home/</a><a href="http://www.treestorymovie.com/wp-content/themes/treestory/preview-movie.html" target="_blank">Treestory Preview</a></p>"Adoration for Pomona" (in the month of the apple tree) by Scott B. Stewarttag:sticksandstonescircle.ning.com,2011-09-15:2159258:BlogPost:315902011-09-15T04:01:49.000ZGwendolynhttp://sticksandstonescircle.ning.com/profile/Gwendolyn
<b><font color="#663300"><i><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2803992118?profile=original" target="_self"><font size="4"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2803992118?profile=original" width="180"></img></font></a> <br></br>This month, this season<br></br>we will gather under the apple tree<br></br>as Autumn dawns upon the earth<br></br>to pray under the apple tree<br></br>so dear to Pomona's heart.<br></br><br></br>Dear and wise Pomona, we invoke thee<br></br>in the sacred month of your apple tree<br></br>to bring forth your fertility.<br></br>Fill our minds with…</i></font></b>
<b><font color="#663300"><i><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2803992118?profile=original"><font size="4"><img class="align-full" width="180" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2803992118?profile=original"/></font></a><br/>This month, this season<br/>we will gather under the apple tree<br/>as Autumn dawns upon the earth<br/>to pray under the apple tree<br/>so dear to Pomona's heart.<br/><br/>Dear and wise Pomona, we invoke thee<br/>in the sacred month of your apple tree<br/>to bring forth your fertility.<br/>Fill our minds with creativity,<br/>our hearts with love and compassion<br/>as you bless your dear apple tree<br/>with her harvest's sweet fruition.<br/><br/>She profusely blooms white in Spring,<br/>attracting many friendly bees<br/>which pollinate her flower.<br/>With your divine grace and joy,<br/>you reward them with your nectar.<br/>Let it be to you as nectar<br/>this prayer to you that we offer<br/>in praise and supplication<br/>with our purest love and great affection.<br/><br/>You shall clothe her leaves in colors<br/>as the Autumn nights get cooler.<br/>This apple tree we gather under<br/>will display your loving nature:<br/>red, orange, gold<br/>and mixtures thereof.<br/>With reverence and with love<br/>we honor you, our Lady Pomona<br/>this apple tree month...<br/>and adoringly forever.</i></font></b>OGHAM The Celtic Oracle - ASHtag:sticksandstonescircle.ning.com,2010-03-06:2159258:BlogPost:86912010-03-06T05:39:22.000ZGwendolynhttp://sticksandstonescircle.ning.com/profile/Gwendolyn
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(72, 44, 27); font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-size: small; font-weight: bold;"><img alt="OGHAM The Celtic Tree Calendar" src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/otcoASH.jpg"></img></span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(72, 44, 27); font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-size: small; font-weight: bold;"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/otcoASH.jpg" alt="OGHAM The Celtic Tree Calendar"/></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">OGHAM The Celtic Oracle by Peter Pracownik and Andy Baggott</span></div>
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<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><font class="Apple-style-span" color="#663300"><b><font class="Apple-style-span" face="verdana, helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br/></span></font></b></font></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><font color="#663300"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="verdana, helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The ash tree represents the <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1267853905_0">world tree</span> or</span></font> <span style="font-style: italic;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="verdana, helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1267853905_1">axis mundi</span></span></font></span> <font class="Apple-style-span" face="verdana, helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">as it is known in Latin. It has roots deep in the earth and its branches reach upwards to the heavens. It thus represents the connection between the three worlds of the underworld, <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1267853905_2">middle earth</span>, and the spiritual realm. It is also taken to represent the integration of past, present and future.</span></font></span></font></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="verdana, helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br/></span></font></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><b><font color="#663300"><big><font class="Apple-style-span" face="verdana, helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You are connected to the web of life and your every thought and action reverberates on that web affecting your reality. It is important to integrate spiritual lessons into your physical life so that you "</span></font><span style="font-style: italic;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="verdana, helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">walk your talk</span></font></span><font class="Apple-style-span" face="verdana, helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">." You may face adversity but have the strength and wisdom to overcome any situation provided you draw on all your resources. THey key-like fruit of the ash signifies the unlocking of doors to new knowledge that are hidden within you, so when the going gets tough, look inside for the answers and solutions you seek. Stand firm in your beliefs and stay in the eye of the storm rather than being drawn in to the conflicts of others.</span></font></big></font></b></font></div>
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<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"><font class="Apple-style-span" color="#007F40"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(72, 44, 27); font-size: 16px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><font class="Apple-style-span" color="#007F40" face="verdana, helvetica, sans-serif" size="3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(72, 44, 27); font-size: small;">~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ <br/></span></span></font></font></span></font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"><b><i><font color="#663300" size="2">Pray Peace</font></i></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"><b><i><a target="_blank" href="http://thegoddesstree.com"><font color="#663300" size="2"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1267853905_3">thegoddesstree.com</span></font></a></i></b></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/yggdrasil.jpg" border="0" height="149" width="153"/></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px; word-spacing: 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><font color="#663300"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="verdana, helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br/></span></font></font></b></span></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px; word-spacing: 0pt;"><b><font color="#663300"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="verdana, helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Ash tree in <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1267853905_4">Norse mythology</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-weight: normal; font-size: medium;"><b><font color="#663300"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="verdana, helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">is seen as the world tree <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1267853905_5" style="border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;">Yggdrasil</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-weight: normal; font-size: medium;"><b><font color="#663300"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="verdana, helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">or Cosmic Ash.</span></font></font></b></span></span></font></font></b></span></span></font></font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px; word-spacing: 0pt;"><b><font color="#663300"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="verdana, helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As it spans the Universe <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-weight: normal; font-size: medium;"><b><font color="#663300"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="verdana, helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">it also roots deep into the earth.</span></font></font></b></span></span></font></font></b></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px; word-spacing: 0pt;"><b><font color="#663300"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="verdana, helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Know yourself and you will know the world." <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><font color="#663300"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="verdana, helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This ancient Druid phrase describes to us <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-weight: normal; font-size: medium;"><b><font color="#663300"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="verdana, helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">how we are linked to our world, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-weight: normal; font-size: medium;"><b><font color="#663300"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="verdana, helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and how the Ash was seen as <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-weight: normal; font-size: medium;"><b><font color="#663300"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="verdana, helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">spanning the world around us <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-weight: normal; font-size: medium;"><b><font color="#663300"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="verdana, helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and within each of us.</span></font></font></b></span></span></font></font></b></span></span></font></font></b></span></span></font></font></b></span></span></font></font></b></span></span></span></font></font></b></p>
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<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ <br/></span><br/><font size="2"><i>from Moon Bee Acres<br/><br/></i></font><font size="2"><i>There is a branch for you to sit upon with a beautiful view.<br/></i></font><font size="2"><i>Climb up into her arms, and stay for a spell.<br/></i></font><font size="2"><i>Feel her roots, her bark, her branches, her leaves.<br/></i></font><font size="2"><i>She is shade, shelter, a home, a hide-away.<br/></i></font><font size="2"><i>She is an escape.<br/></i></font><font size="2"><i>She rocks you to sleep in your hammock.<br/></i></font><font size="2"><i>She holds up your birdfeeder, your wind chimes, and your decorations.<br/></i></font><font size="2"><i>She embraces anyone who loves to climb.<br/></i></font><font size="2"><i>In the spring she offers life, and in the fall she gives her own.<br/></i></font><font size="2"><i>She does not judge.<br/></i></font><font size="2"><i>She just is.<br/><br/></i></font><font size="2"><i>Gwendolyn<br/></i></font><font size="2"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://thegoddesstree.com/"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1267796367_16"><i>thegoddesstree.com</i></span></a><i><br/></i></font><font size="2"><span><span><span><span><i>Shop:</i> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://sticksandstonescircle.com/"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1267796367_17"><i>http://sticksandstonescircle.com</i></span></a></span></span></span></span></font><i><br/></i><span style="color: rgb(0, 127, 64);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br/></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 127, 64);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">((</span></span><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*</span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 127, 64);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">))</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br/></span><span style="color: rgb(68, 20, 21);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">..)(..</span></span></div>
</div>STRENGTH GROWS FROM DEEP ROOTStag:sticksandstonescircle.ning.com,2010-02-27:2159258:BlogPost:86292010-02-27T11:35:08.000ZGwendolynhttp://sticksandstonescircle.ning.com/profile/Gwendolyn
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; display: inline;"><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; display: inline;"></div>
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<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; display: inline;"><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; display: inline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(72, 44, 27); font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><font color="#663300"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal;"><b><font color="#663300">Strength comes in many forms and is often wrongly confused with power. It can also allude to endurance, the ability to survive in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. One of the most powerful characteristics of humanity, strength endlessly represents itself in the darker pages of our history, and is often exhibited in the desire to protect a piece of land, or to die for the needs of one's country. Such feelings arise from a sense of rootedness, of belonging to a particular place. Inner strength, the gift of a spiritual presence within each individual, also lends itself to the imagery of the tree, whose life-giving sap courses through it like blood, drawing on the energy of the earth to give it the strength to grow. Growth itself is another aspect of strength, since without inner resources we may cease to grow and may find ourselves increasingly weakened. Whatever you may be looking for, Ash instructs you to consult your roots and to be sure of your inner direction before you act.</font></b></span></font></b></span></div>
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<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><b><font color="#663300"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal;"><b><font color="#663300"><br/></font></b></span></font></b></font></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(72, 44, 27); font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px;"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/Ash_Nuin.jpg" alt="The Green Man Tree Oracle"/></span></font></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(72, 44, 27); font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px;"><br/></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(72, 44, 27); font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px;"><br/></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal;"><b><font color="#663300">The dual powers of the ash are its strength and its rootedness in wisdom.</font></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal;"><b><font color="#663300"><br/></font></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal;"><b><font color="#663300">from</font></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal;"><b><font color="#663300"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 23px;"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1267270449_0" style="border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;">The Green Man</span> Tree Oracle</span></font></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">by <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1267270449_1" style="border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;">John Matthews</span> and Will <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1267270449_2" style="border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;">Worthington</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: rgb(0, 127, 64);"><br/></span><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><b><i><font color="#663300" size="2">Pray Peace</font></i></b></font></span></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/yggdrasil.jpg" border="0" height="149" width="153"/></font></span></p>
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<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ <br/><br/><font size="2">from Moon Bee Acres<br/><br/></font><font size="2">There is a branch for you to sit upon with a beautiful view.<br/></font><font size="2">Climb up into her arms, and stay for a spell.<br/></font><font size="2">Feel her roots, her bark, her branches, her leaves.<br/></font><font size="2">She is shade, shelter, a home, a hide-away.<br/></font><font size="2">She is an escape.<br/></font><font size="2">She rocks you to sleep in your hammock.<br/></font><font size="2">She holds up your birdfeeder, your wind chimes, and your decorations.<br/></font><font size="2">She embraces anyone who loves to climb.<br/></font><font size="2">In the spring she offers life, and in the fall she gives her own.<br/></font><font size="2">She does not judge.<br/></font><font size="2">She just is.<br/><br/></font><font size="2">Gwendolyn<br/></font><font size="2"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://thegoddesstree.com/"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266855052_16">thegoddesstree.com</span></a><br/></font><font size="2"><span><span><span><span>Shop: <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://sticksandstonescircle.com/"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266855052_17">http://sticksandstonescircle.com/</span></a></span></span></span></span></font><br/><br/><span style="color: rgb(0, 127, 64);">((</span><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0);">*</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 127, 64);">))</span><br/><span style="color: rgb(68, 20, 21);">..)(..</span></span></div>
</div>The Goddess Tree Grows *ASHtag:sticksandstonescircle.ning.com,2010-02-18:2159258:BlogPost:85672010-02-18T13:00:00.000ZGwendolynhttp://sticksandstonescircle.ning.com/profile/Gwendolyn
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar; color: rgb(102, 51, 0); line-height: 24px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: -webkit-xxx-large;">Ash…</span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar; color: rgb(102, 51, 0); line-height: 24px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: -webkit-xxx-large;">Ash</span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(72, 44, 27);"><p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 24px;"><br/></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 24px;"><font size="2"><span><span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_0"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://thegoddesstree.com/trees/Ash.htm">http://thegoddesstree.com/trees/Ash.htm</a></span></span></span></font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 24px;"><font color="#663300"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_1" style="border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Fraxinus americana</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br/>The World Tree;</span> <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_2" style="cursor: pointer; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; background-xg-p: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Tree of Life</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br/>Third month of the Celtic Tree calendar</span></font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 24px;"><font color="#663300"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_3" style="border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-xg-p: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">February 18th - March 17th</span></span></font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 24px;"><font class="Apple-style-span" color="#663300"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br/></span></font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 24px;"><font class="Apple-style-span" color="#663300"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br/></span></font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 24px;"><font color="#663300"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Third consonant of the</span> <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_4" style="border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-xg-p: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Ogham alphabet</span></span></font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 24px;"><font color="#663300"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(72, 44, 27); font-family: Arial, Helvetica;"><font color="#663300"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="Nion" src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/Ogham_nion.svg.png" style="width: 116px; height: 120px;"/></span></font></span></font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><font color="#663300"><font color="#663300"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">NION or NUIN (Nee-Arn) - N - ASH</span></font></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><font color="#663300"><font color="#663300"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(72, 44, 27); font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font color="#663300"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(72, 44, 27); font-family: Arial, Helvetica;"><font color="#663300"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This Ogham symbol is used in Celtic</span> <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Reiki</span></span> <font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">at the start of a manifestation treatment to connect to the energy required for the treatment.</span></font></font></span></font></span></font></font></p>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br/></span><p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 24px;"><big><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><font color="#663300"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Planet</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">: The Sun and Neptune<br/></span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Element</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">: Water, Fire<br/></span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Symbolism</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">: Mastership and Power<br/></span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Stone</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">: Turquoise,</span> <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_6"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Lepidolite</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(Increase psychic awareness)<br/></span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Birds</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">: Common Snipe<br/></span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Color</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">: White, pale Blue<br/></span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Deity</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">: Eostre, Frigg, Hel/Holle, Minerva, Nemesis, Odin, Nemesis, Poseidon, Neptune<br/></span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Folk Name</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">: Hoop Ash, Nion - (a rune name from the Irish Gaelic word Nionon which means heaven.)</span></font></font></big></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 24px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><img alt="ASH european" src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/ASHfraxinusexcelsioreuropean2.jpg" style="width: 333px; height: 432px;"/></font></p>
<br/><p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><font color="#663300"><u><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_7">Medicinal properties</span></u>:</font></font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><font color="#663300">Ash bark can make an infusion that is a mild laxative and diuretic. The rood bark is the most potent with astringent properties, and was used to treat liver diseases and arthritic <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_8">rheumatism</span>. Other uses include reduce fever, treat kidney and <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_9">urinary infections</span>, expel <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_10">intestinal parasites</span>, and treating <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_11">malaria</span>.</font></font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><font color="#663300"><u>Magickal properties</u>:</font></font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><font color="#663300">The leaves attract love and prosperity. Burn Ash wood at <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_12">Yule</span> to receive prosperity. Sleep with them under your pillow and you will have psychic/prophetic dreams. Sleep with them in a bowl of water next to your bed to prevent illness. Wearing garters of green ash bark protects against the powers of magicians. Ash can heal children just by passing the child through a split in the tree's trunk. It promotes strength, harmony, and a sense of being in tune with your surroundings. In an ancient Greek creation story, humans were formed from Ash and <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_13" style="border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;">Oak trees</span>.</font></font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><font color="#663300">Ash wood was used for the traditional handle of the <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_14">besom broom</span>.</font> <font color="#663300">Druid wands were often made of ash because of its straight grain, and the poles of witches' brooms were often made of ash and was representative of protection and strength. Ash wands are good for healing, general and solar magic. Ash Tree attracts lightening, so don't stand under one during an electric storm. <br/><br/></font></font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><font color="#663300">Greek mythographer Hesiod claimed the first man was born from the ash tree. This became the custom of planting an ash tree at the birth of each baby. The state of the tree served as an indicator of that person's health and strength.</font></font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><font color="#663300"><br/>Ash is the key to healing the loneliness of the human spirit, forming a link between the gods, humans, and the dead in the spirit world.</font> <font color="#663300">Ash holds the key to Universal Truth and Cosmic Wisdom, and it takes on the important role as a Tree of Initiation.</font></font></p>
<br/><p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica">*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*</font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><i><font color="#663300">I breathe Life easily. I speak my truth. I am protected. I am at one with the Universe.</font></i></font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><font color="#663300"><i>I honor the energy of ash, the magician's staff.</i></font></font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><font color="#663300"><i>I will recognize that "as above, so below," I play a part in the larger scheme of things.</i></font></font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><font color="#663300"><i>I will link my inner and outer worlds.</i></font></font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><font color="#663300"><i>So mote it be</i></font></font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><font color="#663300"><i><br/></i></font></font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><font color="#663300"><i><br/></i></font></font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><font color="#663300"><i>MORE TO COME ON ASH THROUGHOUT THIS TREE MONTH</i></font></font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><i><font color="#663300" size="2">Pray Peace</font></i></font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/yggdrasil.jpg" border="0" height="149" width="153"/></font></p>
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<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;">~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ <br/><br/><font size="2">from Moon Bee Acres<br/><br/></font><font size="2">There is a branch for you to sit upon with a beautiful view.<br/></font><font size="2">Climb up into her arms, and stay for a spell.<br/></font><font size="2">Feel her roots, her bark, her branches, her leaves.<br/></font><font size="2">She is shade, shelter, a home, a hide-away.<br/></font><font size="2">She is an escape.<br/></font><font size="2">She rocks you to sleep in your hammock.<br/></font><font size="2">She holds up your birdfeeder, your wind chimes, and your decorations.<br/></font><font size="2">She embraces anyone who loves to climb.<br/></font><font size="2">In the spring she offers life, and in the fall she gives her own.<br/></font><font size="2">She does not judge.<br/></font><font size="2">She just is.<br/><br/></font><font size="2">Gwendolyn<br/></font><font size="2"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://thegoddesstree.com/"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_15">thegoddesstree.com</span></a><br/></font><font size="2"><span><span><span><span><span>Shop: <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://sticksandstonescircle.com/"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_16">http://sticksandstonescircle.com/</span></a></span></span></span></span></span></font><br/><br/><span style="color: rgb(0, 127, 64);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">((</span></span><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*</span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 127, 64);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">))</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br/></span><span style="color: rgb(68, 20, 21);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">..)(..</span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; color: white; clear: both;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">__._,_.___</span></div>
<br/><tt><font class="Apple-style-span" face="verdana, helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~<br/>Pray Peace<br/>Permission to share in entirety, with links and credits<br/>Feel free to contact me: <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_17" style="border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;">gwendolyn@thegoddesstree.com</span><br/>~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~<br/><span><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.thegoddesstree.com"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_18">http://www.thegoddesstree.com</span></a></span><br/><span>community: <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://thegoddesstree.ning.com"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_19">http://thegoddesstree.ning.com</span></a></span> <br/><span>shop: <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://sticksandstonescircle.com"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_20">http://sticksandstonescircle.com</span></a></span> <br/><span>Goddess Studies: <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/GoddessSchool"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_21">http://www.thegoddesstree.com/GoddessSchool</span></a></span> <br/>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br/>Here is a list of some of my favorite references:<br/>The Wisdom of Trees by Jane Gifford<br/>The Meaning of Trees by Fred Hageneder<br/>Whispers from the Woods by Sandra Kynes<br/>Celtic Tree Mysteries by <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_22" style="border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;">Steve Blamires</span><br/>Ogham, The Celtic Oracle of the Trees by Paul Rhys Mountfort<br/>The Herb Book by John Lust<br/>Garden Witchery by Ellen Dugan<br/>Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_23">Scott Cunningham</span><br/>The Faces of WomanSpirit by Katherine Torress PhD<br/>The Green Man Tree Oracle by <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_24">John Matthews</span> & Will Worthington<br/>Tree Magick by Gillian Kemp<br/>The Celtic Tree Oracle by Liz & <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266498466_25">Colin Murray</span><br/>The Fairy Bible by Teresa Moorey</span></font></tt>We are now in the New Moon Cycle of MORRIGANtag:sticksandstonescircle.ning.com,2010-02-14:2159258:BlogPost:84832010-02-14T17:40:12.000ZGwendolynhttp://sticksandstonescircle.ning.com/profile/Gwendolyn
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br></br></i></span></div>
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<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/morrigan.jpg"/></i></span></div>
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<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br/></i></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266156431_3" style="cursor: pointer; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-color: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266169164_1">Goddess of the Sea</span>, Great Queen of Fate</i></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266156431_3" style="cursor: pointer; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-color: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br/></i></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266156431_3" style="cursor: pointer; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-color: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>She is affiliated with the letter N, nion, ASH. The ash is sacred to Posidion, god of the sea. It is considered the tree of sea-power, and the power resident in water. This Moon usually occurs in March, the month of floods.</i></span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Morrigan was capable of assuming the form of a raven, and was often invoked during battle to bring death to the enemy.</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>She is a <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266169164_2" style="border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;">triple Goddess</span></i></span> <span class="Apple-style-span"><font><font><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>of battle, strife, and fertility and she reigns over Destruction and Creation. Her name means “Great Queen,” “Phantom Queen.” She also was a prophet and a shape-shifter, frequently appearing as a hooded crow, and the raven of battle.</i></span> <span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>sometimes uncomfortable, unpredictable and frightening aspects of feminine energy.</i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>She is associated with Morgan le Faye and</i></span> <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266156431_5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266169164_3" style="border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;">Mary Magdalene</span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>.</i></span></span></span></span></font></font></span></div>
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<span style="color: rgb(0, 127, 64);"><i><br/></i></span><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><i>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br/> <br/>Pray Peace<br/></i><p align="center" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0px; clear: both; padding-top: 15px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Arial, Arial, Helvetica"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/yggdrasil.jpg"/></font></p>
<br/>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ <br/><br/><font size="1">from Moon Bee Acres</font><br/><br/><font size="1">There is a branch for you to sit upon with a beautiful view.</font><br/><font size="1">Climb up into her arms, and stay for a spell.</font><br/><font size="1">Feel her roots, her bark, her branches, her leaves.</font><br/><font size="1">She is shade, shelter, a home, a hide-away.</font><br/><font size="1">She is an escape.</font><br/><font size="1">She rocks you to sleep in your hammock.</font><br/><font size="1">She holds up your birdfeeder, your wind chimes, and your decorations.</font><br/><font size="1">She embraces anyone who loves to climb.</font><br/><font size="1">In the spring she offers life, and in the fall she gives her own.</font><br/><font size="1">She does not judge.</font><br/><font size="1">She just is.</font><br/><br/><font size="1">Gwendolyn</font><br/><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://thegoddesstree.com"><font size="1"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266168531_10">thegoddesstree.com</span></font></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br/></span><font size="1"><span><span>Shop: <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://sticksandstonescircle.com"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266168531_13">http://sticksandstonescircle.com</span></a></span></span></font><br/><br/><span style="color: rgb(0, 127, 64);">((</span><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0);">*</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 127, 64);">))</span><br/><span style="color: rgb(68, 20, 21);">..)(..</span></div>
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</div>Check out this view, taken from our back door on this unusually warm day in January:tag:sticksandstonescircle.ning.com,2010-01-25:2159258:BlogPost:83492010-01-25T22:42:15.000ZGwendolynhttp://sticksandstonescircle.ning.com/profile/Gwendolyn
<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2674810026?profile=original" alt=""/></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2674810026?profile=original" alt=""/></p>Today starts the New Moon Cycle of Brighidtag:sticksandstonescircle.ning.com,2010-01-15:2159258:BlogPost:82832010-01-15T14:34:57.000ZGwendolynhttp://sticksandstonescircle.ning.com/profile/Gwendolyn
Triple Goddess of Poetry, Healing, Smithcraft.<br />
The Virgin as Muse.<br />
Bride of the White Hills.<br />
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Her symbol is the white swan. She is connected to Anu as Brigid is considered to be the "daughter" of The Dagda, usurper of Anu's place as the deity of the Tuatha de Danaan, one of the most ancient peoples in Northern Europe. Affiliation with the letter L, luis, ROWAN, MOUNTAIN ASH and QUICKEN. Rowan was considered sacred to Brigid, and was used by the Druids to compel demons to answer questions, as…
Triple Goddess of Poetry, Healing, Smithcraft.<br />
The Virgin as Muse.<br />
Bride of the White Hills.<br />
<br />
Her symbol is the white swan. She is connected to Anu as Brigid is considered to be the "daughter" of The Dagda, usurper of Anu's place as the deity of the Tuatha de Danaan, one of the most ancient peoples in Northern Europe. Affiliation with the letter L, luis, ROWAN, MOUNTAIN ASH and QUICKEN. Rowan was considered sacred to Brigid, and was used by the Druids to compel demons to answer questions, as well as for divination and oracular use. Candlemas was considered the "quickening of the year," Feile Brighde, the first of the great Irish fire feasts. I've noticed that spring comes sooner when this Moon, the "quickening of the year," occurs early in the year.<br />
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<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2803992431?profile=original" alt=""/></p>The Goddess Tree Grows *YEWtag:sticksandstonescircle.ning.com,2009-12-21:2159258:BlogPost:80562009-12-21T15:55:38.000ZGwendolynhttp://sticksandstonescircle.ning.com/profile/Gwendolyn
Leave all your worries in the darkness, for now it is time to let your light grow and shine.<br />
<br />
Have a Merry Yule!<br />
<br />
Peace,<br />
Gwendolyn<br />
<br />
YEW<br />
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<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/Yew_Idho.jpg"></img></p>
Green Man Tree Oracle<br />
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Taxus baccata<br />
Tree of Resurrection, Tree of Eternity<br />
Winter Solstice, December 21st<br />
Fifth vowel and last letter of the Ogham alphabet - Idho<br />
Planet: Saturn and Pluto<br />
Element: Earth and Water<br />
Symbolism: The Tree of Life, Immortality, Rebirth, Protection, Longevity, Change, Divinity,…
Leave all your worries in the darkness, for now it is time to let your light grow and shine.<br />
<br />
Have a Merry Yule!<br />
<br />
Peace,<br />
Gwendolyn<br />
<br />
YEW<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/Yew_Idho.jpg"/></p>
Green Man Tree Oracle<br />
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<br />
Taxus baccata<br />
Tree of Resurrection, Tree of Eternity<br />
Winter Solstice, December 21st<br />
Fifth vowel and last letter of the Ogham alphabet - Idho<br />
Planet: Saturn and Pluto<br />
Element: Earth and Water<br />
Symbolism: The Tree of Life, Immortality, Rebirth, Protection, Longevity, Change, Divinity, Strength<br />
Metal: Lead<br />
Stone: Olivine<br />
Birds: Eagle, Hummingbird<br />
Colors: Black, Dark Green<br />
Deity: Banbha, Dione, Artemis, Persephone, Hecate, Astarte, Odin. Yew embodies the crone aspect of the triple Goddess. Yew is one of the Guardians of the Underworld that assist in guiding souls from one world to the next.<br />
Sabbat: Winter Solstice<br />
Runes: yr and eolh (positive benefits of transformation.)<br />
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*<br />
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The Yew is the grandfather and grandmother of the Celtic woodland. The longest living of the native British trees, it sees the wheel turn many, many times and so understands well the cycles of energy that unfold in mankind time and again. It can live thousands of years and when the central trunk begins to decay, a new tree sprouts from within to keep the cycle of life turning. It is thus the tree of death and rebirth and hence transformation. The most sacred and mysterious of magical sites were found in the groves of yews and indeed many ancient churches have yews growing in their grounds that predate the arrival of Christianity and indicate an ancient sacred site.<br />
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It is said that a fence post made of Yew will easily outlast one made of iron and has earned the title "Yew of Resilience."<br />
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<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/otcoYEW.jpg"/></p>
OGHAM The Celtic Oracle<br />
by Peter Pracownik and Andy Baggott<br />
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Pray Peace<br />
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This letter is a labor of love, from Gwendolyn<br />
Permission to share freely, please in its entirety, with links and credits<br />
Feel free to contact me: gwendolyn@thegoddesstree.com<br />
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
from Moon Bee Acres<br />
<br />
There is a branch for you to sit upon with a beautiful view.<br />
Climb up into her arms, and stay for a spell.<br />
Feel her roots, her bark, her branches, her leaves.<br />
She is shade, shelter, a home, a hide-away.<br />
She is an escape.<br />
She rocks you to sleep in your hammock.<br />
She holds up your birdfeeder, your wind chimes, and your decorations.<br />
She embraces anyone who loves to climb.<br />
In the spring she offers life, and in the fall she gives her own.<br />
She does not judge.<br />
She just is.<br />
<br />
Gwendolyn<br />
thegoddesstree.com<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thegoddesstree.com/trees/Yew.htm">http://thegoddesstree.com/trees/Yew.htm</a><br />
<br />
Shop: <a href="http://sticksandstonescircle.com">http://sticksandstonescircle.com</a><br />
<br />
<br />
((*))<br />
..)(..The Goddess Tree Grows *BROOMtag:sticksandstonescircle.ning.com,2009-10-29:2159258:BlogPost:71812009-10-29T02:25:20.000ZGwendolynhttp://sticksandstonescircle.ning.com/profile/Gwendolyn
From Roots to Leaves, Branches to Bark<br />
The Goddess Tree Grows<br />
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
BROOM<br />
Cytisus Scoparius<br />
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<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/images/broomCytisus_scoparius.jpg"></img></p>
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Physician's Strength<br />
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12th month of Celtic Tree calendar, October 28 - November 24<br />
12th letter of the Ogham alphabet - nGetal<br />
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<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/images/nGetal.png"></img></p>
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nGetal is a tree-letter of well-being and healing.<br />
It counsels you to tend to the health of your mind, body, and spirit,<br />
and reminds you of the need to foster your vitality…
From Roots to Leaves, Branches to Bark<br />
The Goddess Tree Grows<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
BROOM<br />
Cytisus Scoparius<br />
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<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/images/broomCytisus_scoparius.jpg"/></p>
<br />
Physician's Strength<br />
<br />
12th month of Celtic Tree calendar, October 28 - November 24<br />
12th letter of the Ogham alphabet - nGetal<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/images/nGetal.png"/></p>
<br />
nGetal is a tree-letter of well-being and healing.<br />
It counsels you to tend to the health of your mind, body, and spirit,<br />
and reminds you of the need to foster your vitality through rites of cleansing and renewal.<br />
<br />
Planet: The Moon<br />
Element: Water<br />
Symbolism: Royalty, cleansing, healing, psychic protection, astral travel<br />
Stone: Opal<br />
Color: Blue<br />
Bird: Geese, kingfisher<br />
Deity: Mercury, Morpheus, Bacchus<br />
Sabbat: Samhain<br />
Folk Names: Scotch Broom<br />
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<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/images/DasBaumXIX.jpg"/></p>
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Medicinal properties: All parts of the broom have medicinal value. Traditionally it was used to treat ailments that resulted from excessive revelry. The green tips of the flowering branches were used as a mild diuretic. A concoction made from the young branches or seeds can cause vomiting. The sparteine found in Broom is now used for heart and circulatory disorders. Other preparations from Broom can help with gout, sciatica, joint pain, malaria, fever, kidney stones. Oil from the stems can relieve toothache and clear the skin of parasites. Ashes of broom were used to treat dropsy. The main medicinal ingredient in Broom is sparteine. When consumed in large doses it can cause excitability and hallucinations. This has been speculated as the reason Broom is associated with witches flying around on brooms.<br />
Magickal properties: Broom is used in spells for purification and protection. Sweep your ritual areas with this herb to purify and protect. It was rumored to be helpful with poltergeists. Throw Broom in the air to raise the winds. And burn Broom, burying the ashes, to calm the winds. The strong smell of Broom can tame wild horses and dogs. Stuff a generous helping of this herb into a cloth bag and place it under your pillow to get rid of nightmares. Add it to flying recipes to gain the sight for psychic visions. It can be substituted for furze (gorse) at the Spring Equinox.<br />
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Entering the time of dormancy...<br />
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
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Broom produces vanilla-scented flowers from late spring to early summer.<br />
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<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/images/broomflower.jpg"/></p>
Original photography - <a href="http://www.morning-earth.org">www.morning-earth.org</a><br />
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Mythologically, the broom's yellow flowers link it to the sun, and particularly to the solar hero Balan.<br />
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
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I Am Bone Tired<br />
<br />
I am bone-tired from traveling that hard last mile with you.<br />
The blasted holes and smoking stumps along the way<br />
have drained the sun from me.<br />
So heavy, so heavy - the weight of tears, this burden of love.<br />
Yet were you to ask, my heart would leap<br />
and drop all trophies to walk with you again.<br />
How flimsy is weariness when balanced against<br />
One more glimpse, one sound, one touch of you?<br />
<br />
Come back! There are still more words to find,<br />
more heart to open.<br />
My conceit decrees that it is not Your Time<br />
Listen - I will say when - and it is not now!<br />
And who am I to decide your date? I will tell you.<br />
I am the one who washed your feet,<br />
wiped your sweat, smelled your fear,<br />
And still held on. I am the one who loved beyond pain,<br />
through exhaustion,<br />
past stench, beyond doubt.<br />
<br />
Yet if the sands of time in both worlds were poured out for me<br />
Could I stop your coach from its homeward journey<br />
or ease the wrenching of your death?<br />
When the sun is gone I look inside for illumination<br />
At the dark of moon a question forms slowly -<br />
For whom do I mourn?<br />
You - now whole and free, dancing in the light;<br />
Or me - wandering my hard last mile<br />
without your frail arm to guide me?<br />
<br />
~Lyrion ApTower HPS 1998, and We’Moon’09<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/images/broomwsl.jpg"/></p>
Gwendolyn's brooms<br />
<br />
<br />
Broom was often used in the construction of traditional style Witches' 'besom' brooms. These brooms are magickal tools used in cleaning out negative energy and debris of our psychic and physical lives.<br />
<br />
There are two versions of the origin of the belief that the witches' besom (broom) was used for flying. The first claims that flying on the broom is a myth that arose from witnessing pagans jumping up and down in a field to encourage crops to grow. Someone mistakenly thought they were trying to fly. The second version claims that a broom handle was rubbed with hallucinogenic ointments and "ridden" skyclad so that the substance would quickly enter the bloodstream and bring about flight, or out-of-body experiences.<br />
<br />
Brooms should be stored upside down in the house to honor the goddess.<br />
<br />
At the end of the hand fasting rite, the couple jumps the broom to bless their union with fertility. The broom handle represents the male and the bristles represent the female.<br />
<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/images/broomwsl2.jpg"/></p>
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Monday November 2, 2009 - Full Moon in Taurus<br />
Monday November 9, 2009 - Waning Half Moon in Leo<br />
Monday November 16, 2009 - New Moon in Scorpio<br />
Tuesday November 24, 2009 - Waxing Half Moon in Pisces<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Before hops, Broom was added to flavor and enhance the intoxicating effects of Beer.<br />
<br />
Flowering broom tips are gathered in spring to use later, fresh or dried.<br />
<br />
Both the seeds and the flowers are soluble in water and alcohol.<br />
<br />
Be aware though, if you plant Broom.... it will quickly multiply.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Two brooms were hanging in the closet and after a while they got to know each other so well, they decided to get married.<br />
One broom was, of course, the bride broom, the other the groom broom.<br />
The bride broom looked very beautiful in her white dress. The groom broom was handsome and suave in his tuxedo. The wedding was lovely.<br />
After the wedding, at the wedding dinner, the bride-broom leaned over and said to the groom-broom, "I think I am going to have a little whisk broom!!!"<br />
"IMPOSSIBLE !!" said the groom broom. "WE HAVEN'T EVEN SWEPT TOGETHER!"<br />
(Sounds to me like she's been "sweeping" around)<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Pray Peace<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/images/besom.jpg"/></p>
<br />
This letter is a labor of love, from Gwendolyn<br />
Permission to share freely, please in its entirety, with links and credits<br />
Feel free to contact me: gwendolyn@thegoddesstree.com<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
from Moon Bee Acres<br />
<br />
There is a branch for you to sit upon with a beautiful view.<br />
Climb up into her arms, and stay for a spell.<br />
Feel her roots, her bark, her branches, her leaves.<br />
She is shade, shelter, a home, a hide-away.<br />
She is an escape.<br />
She rocks you to sleep in your hammock.<br />
She holds up your birdfeeder, your wind chimes, and your decorations.<br />
She embraces anyone who loves to climb.<br />
In the spring she offers life, and in the fall she gives her own.<br />
She does not judge.<br />
She just is.<br />
<br />
Gwendolyn<br />
thegoddesstree.com<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thegoddesstree.com/MotherNature/Broom.htm">http://thegoddesstree.com/MotherNature/Broom.htm</a><br />
<br />
subscribe here - <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheGoddessTreeGrows">http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheGoddessTreeGrows</a><br />
<br />
Shop: <a href="http://sticksandstonescircle.com">http://sticksandstonescircle.com</a><br />
<br />
<br />
((*))<br />
..)(..The Goddess Tree Grows *IVYtag:sticksandstonescircle.ning.com,2009-09-30:2159258:BlogPost:66242009-09-30T15:39:55.000ZGwendolynhttp://sticksandstonescircle.ning.com/profile/Gwendolyn
From Roots to Leaves, Branches to Bark<br />
The Goddess Tree Grows<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
<b>IVY</b><br />
Hedera Helix<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/Ivycoveredtree.jpg"></img></p>
<br />
11th month of Celtic Tree calendar, September 30 - October 27<br />
11th consonant of the Ogham alphabet - Gort<br />
<br />
Planet: Moon, Saturn<br />
Element: Water<br />
Symbolism: Fidelity and Fertility, Protection, Healing<br />
Stone: Opal<br />
Color: Indigo<br />
Animal: Bear<br />
Bird: Lark, mute Swan, Swallow<br />
Deity: Ariadne, Artemis, Arianrhod, Pasiphae, Dionysus, Bacchus,…
From Roots to Leaves, Branches to Bark<br />
The Goddess Tree Grows<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
<b>IVY</b><br />
Hedera Helix<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/Ivycoveredtree.jpg"/></p>
<br />
11th month of Celtic Tree calendar, September 30 - October 27<br />
11th consonant of the Ogham alphabet - Gort<br />
<br />
Planet: Moon, Saturn<br />
Element: Water<br />
Symbolism: Fidelity and Fertility, Protection, Healing<br />
Stone: Opal<br />
Color: Indigo<br />
Animal: Bear<br />
Bird: Lark, mute Swan, Swallow<br />
Deity: Ariadne, Artemis, Arianrhod, Pasiphae, Dionysus, Bacchus, Osiris<br />
<br />
Medicinal properties:<br />
WARNING: All parts of the ivy plant are poisonous if ingested...Ivy should never be used for self medication or given to others. Medicinally ivy was used in making salves, poultices, for relief from toothaches, as an astringent, as a salve for sunburn, for infections, and as an aid to bring on menstruation. It was also added to mixtures of other herbs for pain relief.<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/IVYddhcPISoap.jpg"/></p>
<br />
Magickal properties:<br />
Ivy is carried by women (and brides) for good luck, since it is equated with female energy (as holly is the male energy.) Ivy is magickally paired with Holly. Ancient poets were crowned with Ivy to give them honor. Wherever it is grown or strewn, it guards against negativity and disaster. Use ivy in fidelity and love charms.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
True friends, like ivy and the wall,<br />
both stand together, and together fall<br />
~Thomas Carlyle<br />
<br />
When planting your magickal garden, or even when making arrangements as gifts, remember that the leaves and tendrils of the Ivy stands for fidelity and love.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
THE CELTIC TREE ORACLE<br />
by Liz and Colin Murray<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/CTOIvy.jpg"/></p>
<br />
The Ivy Grows, spreads and flourishes in many conditions - cultivated land and wasteland, in light or in near darkness, in fertile soil or on rubble and stones. It will push its way through tiny cracks and crevices to reach the light and it is strong and difficult to destroy. Since ancient times, the Vine and the Ivy have been regarded as enemies. If the Vine, through intoxication, releases prophetic powers, the Ivy, in contrast, puts you in touch with your own inner resources, giving you the ability to see through the eyes of the soul beyond the everyday world. The color associated with the Ogham Ivy is gorm, sky- blue. Retain a vision of the clear blue sky to which you aspire in your mind's eye.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Ivy represents the spiral of the self and the search for self. The maze of the labyrinth is also linked to Ivy, since it symbolized the wondering soul, circling inward and outward, seeking nourishment from within & without, leading you to enlightenment. Ivy can be an aid in helping others on a spiritual journey.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Aditi, Goddess of the Luminous Void<br />
<br />
Shamans speak of the void as a place of creation, unlimited possibilities. The Hindu goddess of the void, Aditi, is paradoxically also a sun deity. Her domain is "the nothing" no time and no space. She is the primordial womb from which all creation arises. They say she had no birth herself, yet is the origin of all things.<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/aditi.jpg"/></p>
<br />
Aditi, goddess of the empty form, boundless with possibilities.<br />
Aditi speaks now from her place of the vast unlimited:<br />
<br />
"I am the original manifestrix, the black being, womb of initiation in the luminous darkness.<br />
<br />
You are from me. I welcome your visits to my velvety blackness. I am not just a one-time port of call. I am the repeat destination. I hold all and nothing. Stamp your feet. Unburden your heart. Crack open your head. I am the dreaded yet the necessary. Come, meet with me. Pour out all your troubles. They dissolve into the cosmic emptiness. Pick up something else while you're here. How about a little elixir of eternity, some medicine for your soul? Do not worry. That is my healing counsel From the perspective of void, the vastness of creative forms, all is possible. If one way does not work, another will.<br />
<br />
Let's talk about pain. Your fears. Your hollowness. Your loss and loneliness. Look inside me, now. Are you looking? Yes - see, pain is a device that keeps you distracted, keeps you off center. Sure, it tells you something is wrong, needs to heal, needs to change. But pain can create more pain. Leave it lay. Jump tracks. Get on the healing way, the path of infinite love. Here all things are possible, swimming and floating around in my void. Eventually it's time for labor, birth. You can release your pain in me or you can nurture and feed it. Your choice. There's a lot of life out there. Keep your focus on what you seek. Not on what you are missing.<br />
<br />
The luminous void paints creation, breathes with wholeness, spaciousness: it supports and comforts you. It's your sacred well. Drink of the dark vastness and be healed. I am Aditi. I am the unborn who gives life to the world. Vaster than vast. You know me. All your yearnings and future possibilities rest in me.<br />
<br />
Pray to me. Light a dark candle in your soul. I will find you. I never miss. Your breath is my trail to you."<br />
<br />
~Beth Beurkens 2007 and WeMoon 09<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Sunday October 4, 2009 Full Moon in Aries<br />
Sunday October 11, 2009 Waning Half Moon in Cancer<br />
Sunday October 18, 2009 New Moon in Libra<br />
Sunday October 25, 2009 Waxing Half Moon in Aquarius<br />
<br />
IVY MOON<br />
Ivy travels everywhere - it spreads happily and thrives in many places where no other greenery could survive. Its determination to reach through obstacles toward light and nourishment is well known, too. If you were born under this tree sign, your networking abilities will further both your personal goals and the purposes of your "cause" - whatever that might be. It's important that you use this talent to reach out, like the ivy, in a productive way.<br />
Be sure to use this talent productively. Don't allow yourself to bind others to you, or to be bound by guilt, worry, or fear of the future. ~Written by Kim Rogers-Gallagher, and Llewellyn's Witches' Datebook 2000<br />
<br />
As the winter months draw closer, you will need to improve your resilience and tenacity. Spells for good health are advised at this time of the year.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
A Druid's Herbal of Sacred Tree Medicine by Ellen Evert Hopman<br />
<br />
Ivy reminds us that nature provides enough for all. If Ivy has entered your awareness today, you are being reminded that all things have their place in sacred creation. Everything is unfolding as it should and there are no mistakes. See what sweetness and wisdom you can gather from your experiences, to bring back to the people.<br />
<br />
"Oh Ivy who blooms in the chill Autumn wind,<br />
show me the way to gather the light of my Higher Self and share it with all Beings."<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/Ivy_Gort.jpg"/></p>
The Green Man Tree Oracle<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Oh, a dainty plant is the ivy green,<br />
That creepeth o'er ruins old!<br />
Of right choice food are his meals I ween,<br />
In his cell so lone and cold. . . . .<br />
Creeping where no life is seen,<br />
A rare old plant is the ivy green.<br />
~Charles Dickens<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
I honor the energy of ivy, the spiral to center.<br />
I will do all that I do because of my own inner desires.<br />
I will listen to myself, and will remain balanced and centered while I do this work.<br />
So mote it be<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Pray Peace<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/Ivy_heartleaf.jpg"/></p>
<br />
This letter is a labor of love, from Gwendolyn<br />
Permission to share freely, please in its entirety, with links and credits<br />
Feel free to contact me: gwendolyn@thegoddesstree.com<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
from Moon Bee Acres<br />
<br />
There is a branch for you to sit upon with a beautiful view.<br />
Climb up into her arms, and stay for a spell.<br />
Feel her roots, her bark, her branches, her leaves.<br />
She is shade, shelter, a home, a hide-away.<br />
She is an escape.<br />
She rocks you to sleep in your hammock.<br />
She holds up your birdfeeder, your wind chimes, and your decorations.<br />
She embraces anyone who loves to climb.<br />
In the spring she offers life, and in the fall she gives her own.<br />
She does not judge.<br />
She just is.<br />
<br />
Gwendolyn<br />
thegoddesstree.com<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thegoddesstree.com/MotherNature/Ivy.htm">http://thegoddesstree.com/MotherNature/Ivy.htm</a><br />
<br />
subscribe here - <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheGoddessTreeGrows">http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheGoddessTreeGrows</a><br />
<br />
Shop: <a href="http://sticksandstonescircle.com">http://sticksandstonescircle.com</a><br />
<br />
((*))<br />
..)(..The Goddess Tree Grows *APPLEtag:sticksandstonescircle.ning.com,2009-09-03:2159258:BlogPost:57052009-09-03T22:50:29.000ZGwendolynhttp://sticksandstonescircle.ning.com/profile/Gwendolyn
From Roots to Leaves, Branches to Bark<br />
The Goddess Tree Grows<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
APPLE<br />
<br />
Pyrus Malus<br />
Fruit of Love<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/AppleKoeh.jpg"></img></p>
<br />
Tenth month of the Celtic Tree calendar, September 2nd - September 29<br />
Tenth consonant of the Ogham alphabet - Quert<br />
<br />
Planet: Venus<br />
Element: Water<br />
Symbolism: Love & Trust, Health, Garden Magick<br />
Stone: Emerald, Rose Quartz<br />
Birds: Grosbeak<br />
Color: Yellow-Green, Pink<br />
Deity: Demeter, Hera, Pomona, Frigga, Freya<br />
Folk Names: Fruit of the…
From Roots to Leaves, Branches to Bark<br />
The Goddess Tree Grows<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
APPLE<br />
<br />
Pyrus Malus<br />
Fruit of Love<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/AppleKoeh.jpg"/></p>
<br />
Tenth month of the Celtic Tree calendar, September 2nd - September 29<br />
Tenth consonant of the Ogham alphabet - Quert<br />
<br />
Planet: Venus<br />
Element: Water<br />
Symbolism: Love & Trust, Health, Garden Magick<br />
Stone: Emerald, Rose Quartz<br />
Birds: Grosbeak<br />
Color: Yellow-Green, Pink<br />
Deity: Demeter, Hera, Pomona, Frigga, Freya<br />
Folk Names: Fruit of the Gods, Fruit of the Underworld,<br />
Silver Branch, The Silver Bough, Tree of Love<br />
<br />
Medicinal properties: Eat peeled and grated unripe apples only for one or two days to help relieve illnesses involving diarrhea. Eat some apples whole for a laxative. Apple wine was an ancient cure-all second century A.D. and make sure the wine is at least two years old. Apples are an excellent source of potassium, iron, vitamins A and E, which are found more abundant in the peel than in the flesh of the apple. They help the body detox, they are beneficial to the brain, liver, and bowls. They are used to treat headaches, gout, rheumatism, high blood pressure. Apple with honey has been a remedy for heart problems since ancient times. "An apple a day keeps the doctor away"<br />
<br />
When baked they can be applied as a warm poultice to sore throats and skin inflamations.<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/DasBaumXXI.jpg"/></p>
Das Baum Tarot<br />
<br />
Magickal properties: Apple is a great wood for a magickal wand. It is a favorite witch tree. The fruit is used at Mabon and Samhain, and for love spells. Eating an apple opens the gateway into other realms, most often faeryland. It provides illumination and the gaining of knowledge. Dreaming of apples symbolizes prosperity and the good life. At Samhain, winning the game of bobbing for apples meant that you would be blessed by the Goddess for a year. Since apples were symbols of Avalon, capturing one from the water represented crossing to the holy isle. The apple is also considered one of the foods of the dead, so they are often piled high on Samhain altars, for Samhain is sometimes known as the "Feast of Apples."<br />
<br />
In 19th Century Lower-Saxon Germany, the first bath water used by a newborn baby was poured over the roots of an apple tree to ensure that the child would have red cheeks, and if it was a girl, large breasts!<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Apples and apple blossoms are symbolic of love, healing and immortality. Burn the blossoms as incense, wear as a perfume, and make them into herb candles for a handfasting.<br />
<br />
"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree."<br />
- Martin Luther (1483-1546)<br />
<br />
Wassailing - the practice of wishing good health and a bountiful harvest for fruit trees - is a centuries old English custom still practiced in some cider orchards today. The largest apple tree in the orchard is selected and then celebrated by throwing cider on its trunk.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
THE CELTIC TREE ORACLE<br />
by Liz and Colin Murray<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/CTOApple.jpg"/></p>
<br />
This apple card represents a choice of beauty, the beauty of life and youthfulness. Linked to this is Avalon, or the magickal "Apple-land." Glastonbury is set within the Celtic Applelands. From the Welsh poem "Avellenau" we learn that the Bard Merlin secretly revealed to his lord the existence of this orchard. It was borne from place to place by the enchanter on all his journeying. The ignorant, however, must not eat of its fruit, for within the Apple is contained a Pythagorean pentagram. Cut it width-ways and its secrets are revealed in the shape of its pips. This gave beauty in the judgment of Paris, to Aphrodite.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
The Legend of Johnny Appleseed<br />
'Leaves in Myth, Magic & Medicine' by Alice Thoms Vital<br />
<br />
Born in America in 1774, John Chapman, later called "Johnny Appleseed," was a dedicated, eccentric nurseryman with a compelling mission. Raising, planting, and distributing apple trees was his life's passion. Many Believe that he only "gave" away his trees, but actually, he charged a "flip penny bit" (six cents) for a sapling or sold them for uncollected promissory notes; he also accepted used clothing as payment. When poor farmers couldn't pay, he then gave away his trees.<br />
<br />
The seeds for these trees he collected from cider presses in Pennsylvania, transporting them westward in bags on his back, on horseback, or sometimes in canoes. While roaming the Ohio River valley, he planted more than thirty-five orchards in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.<br />
<br />
His generosity, uncouth appearance and odd clothes all have contributed to this apple-tree legend. In addition he was uncommonly kind, cheerful, friendly with the Native Americans, knowledgeable about herbal medicine - and a religious Swedenborgian.<br />
<br />
In 1845, after years of exhausting walking - ill clad, ill shod, poorly protected from the weather, often sleeping under the stars - Johnny Appleseed died in Indiana, presumably of exposure. The words on his gravestone read - "He lived for others."<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/appleblossomfairycmb.jpg"/></p>
Apple Blossom Fairy by Cicely Mary Barker<br />
<br />
<br />
The Fairy Bible<br />
by Teresa Moorey<br />
Apple Fairy<br />
<br />
The apple fairy is extremely beautiful and frequently seductive. Apples were considered the fruit of the gods in Celtic lore, and the apple tree has many associations with magical creatures. The unicorn lives underneath it and in spring the sweet apple blossom offers home to may flower fairies who spread an atmosphere of love and happiness.<br />
<br />
The gifts of the Apple Fairy are everlasting youth and beauty, although sadly such matters often give rise to strife.... The apple fairy invites us to enjoy sensuous pleasures of all descriptions, in the knowledge that there is plenty to go around, and that nothing that is truly ours can ever be taken away from us.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
My Imagination<br />
by Stacy Anne Murphy<br />
<br />
Imagination and I were rocking by her hearth the other night, two old crones in the firelight, knitting a coverlet to blanket the world with love. Imagination and I go way back 0 back to those days when I was playing with my toes, ogling at my parents.<br />
"Maj," I asked, "have you been up to some mischief? 'Cause last Tuesday I was feeling you mighty strong."<br />
Imagination threw back her head and let out a laugh that shook the world like jell-o, her rainbow tresses gyrated in the firelight.<br />
"Oh my, last Tuesday!" Maj chortled, her voice rasping like a saw blade laced with honey. "Last Tuesday I was howling at the moon like a wolf in heat, howling at the moon to drive uppity old Luna crazy. Luna told me 'Hush your odious face!' So I stuck out my ruby tongue and started leaping from star to star, shaking stardust all over the place.<br />
"Now you know stardust tickles like nothing else, tickles like an army of ants marching under your skin! Before hoity-toity Luna knew it - she was shaking and rolling and jiggling about with one serious case of the giggles. She almost fell right out of the sky! I howled with laughter and Luna howled right back at me, smiling despite herself."<br />
Some people have imaginations who are charmingly refined, lady-like and proper. That's not my Imagination. She and I are bawdy broads, ready to laugh, embrace life - two old crones, rocking in the hearth light late at night, knitting a coverlet to blanket the world with love.<br />
Stacy Anne Murphy 2006, and We'Moon'09<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
MOON PHASES<br />
<br />
Friday September 4, 2009 - Full Moon in Pisces<br />
Friday September 11, 2009 - Waning Half Moon in Gemini<br />
Friday September 18, 2009 - New Moon in Virgo<br />
Friday September 25, 2009 - Waxing Half Moon in Capricorn<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
"A seed hidden in the heart of an apple is an orchard invisible."<br />
- A Welsh proverb<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Pray Peace<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/Apple_tree_flower.jpg"/></p>
<br />
This letter is a labor of love, from Gwendolyn<br />
Permission to share freely, please in its entirety, with links and credits<br />
Feel free to contact me: gwendolyn@thegoddesstree.com<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
from Moon Bee Acres<br />
<br />
There is a branch for you to sit upon with a beautiful view.<br />
Climb up into her arms, and stay for a spell.<br />
Feel her roots, her bark, her branches, her leaves.<br />
She is shade, shelter, a home, a hide-away.<br />
She is an escape.<br />
She rocks you to sleep in your hammock.<br />
She holds up your birdfeeder, your wind chimes, and your decorations.<br />
She embraces anyone who loves to climb.<br />
In the spring she offers life, and in the fall she gives her own.<br />
She does not judge.<br />
She just is.<br />
<br />
Gwendolyn<br />
thegoddesstree.com<br />
<br />
((*))<br />
..)(..<br />
<br />
http://thegoddesstree.com/trees/Apple.htm<br />
subscribe here - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheGoddessTreeGrows<br />
Shop: http://sticksandstonescircle.comThe Goddess Tree Grows *Hazeltag:sticksandstonescircle.ning.com,2009-08-05:2159258:BlogPost:46892009-08-05T19:39:45.000ZGwendolynhttp://sticksandstonescircle.ning.com/profile/Gwendolyn
From Roots to Leaves, Branches to Bark<br />
The Goddess Tree Grows<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<b><br />
Hazel</b><br />
<br />
<i>Hazel, the tree of wisdom and learning,<br />
Adds its strength to the bright fire burning.<br />
</i><br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/images/HazelColl.jpg"></img></p>
Green Man Tree Oracle<br />
<br />
Corylus<br />
Tree of Knowlege<br />
Ninth month of the Celtic Tree calendar, August 5th - September 1st<br />
Ninth consonant of the Ogham alphabet - Coll<br />
<br />
Planet: Mercury<br />
Element: Air<br />
Symbolism: Wisdom & Divination, Poetry & Science,<br />
Playfulness…
From Roots to Leaves, Branches to Bark<br />
The Goddess Tree Grows<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<b><br />
Hazel</b><br />
<br />
<i>Hazel, the tree of wisdom and learning,<br />
Adds its strength to the bright fire burning.<br />
</i><br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/images/HazelColl.jpg"/></p>
Green Man Tree Oracle<br />
<br />
Corylus<br />
Tree of Knowlege<br />
Ninth month of the Celtic Tree calendar, August 5th - September 1st<br />
Ninth consonant of the Ogham alphabet - Coll<br />
<br />
Planet: Mercury<br />
Element: Air<br />
Symbolism: Wisdom & Divination, Poetry & Science,<br />
Playfulness & Enchantment, Healing Arts<br />
Stone: Topaz, Pearl<br />
Birds: Crane<br />
Color: Orange<br />
Deity: Hermes, Aemgus, Artemis, Diana<br />
Folk Names: Coll<br />
<br />
Medicinal properties:<br />
To clear a stubborn cough, finely powder the nuts and mix with water and honey.<br />
The leaves can be used in teas to treat such ailments as varicose veins, circulatory problems, fevers, diarrhea and excessive menstrual flow.<br />
Hazelnuts are a good source of protein, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.<br />
<br />
Magickal properties:<br />
Wands made of this wood symbolize white magick and healing. Forked sticks are used to find water or buried treasure. If outside and in need of magickal protection quickly draw a circle around yourself with a hazel branch. To enlist the aid of plant fairies, string hazelnuts on a cord and hang up in your house or ritual room. Magically, hazel wood is used to gain knowledge, wisdom and poetic inspiration.<br />
Hazel wood is excellent for making all purpose magickal wands.<br />
Weave hazel twigs into a crown. Put this on your head and wish very hard. Your wish may come true!<br />
Twigs of Hazel are placed in window frames to protect the house against lightning, and three pins of hazel wood driven into your house will protect it from fire.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
<i>Wakening from the dreaming forest there, the hazel-sprig<br />
sang under my tongue, its drifting fragrance<br />
climbed up through my conscious mind<br />
as if suddenly the roots I had left behind<br />
cried out to me, the land I had lost with my childhood -<br />
and I stopped, wounded by the wandering scent.</i><br />
- Pablo Neruda<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
<b>THE CELTIC TREE ORACLE</b><br />
by Liz and Colin Murray<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/images/CTOHazel.jpg"/></p>
<br />
As well as poetic skill, this Ogham card represents intuition, the power of divination leading straight to the source. Hazel twigs have traditionally always been used for divining because of their pliancy and affinity with water.<br />
<br />
So the Hazel embodies many talents: Poetry, divination and the powers of mediation. Through the guidance of this card, these talents can also be a channel for creative energies, especially that which allows you to inspire or increase these capacities among others, through your work, interests and pursuits. The Hazel, in fact, allows you to be a catalyst of transformer, working though the promptings of intuition to bring ideas to the surface.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/images/FaeryHazel.jpg"/></p>
The Hazel Fairy by Cicely Mary Barker<br />
<br />
<b><br />
The Fairy Bible</b><br />
by Teresa Moorey<br />
<br />
Hazel Fairy<br />
<br />
Hazel is a mercurial sprite, deeply wise, a bringer of insight and flashes of inspiration. This fairy can help you to find knowledge in a very individual way, and to develop your intuition, so that you can see deeply into many things.<br />
<br />
Hazel holds the secrets of the earth, and can teach about dowsing and the currents within the land, known as ley lines. She also encourages meditation and confers eloquence on those who respect and honor her.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
<b>I Dance for the Plants</b><br />
<br />
I dance for the plants<br />
for their sacred geometric forms<br />
their heart shaped petals<br />
their star-formed patterns<br />
their spirals, their circles and their cells<br />
<br />
I dance for the plants in the Universal Hall<br />
and I see that we are all seeds scattering<br />
infused with sacred patterning<br />
within this holy place<br />
we are flowers emerging<br />
from the cosmic seed case<br />
<br />
I dance for the plants<br />
wild Gypsy dances dervishing and spiraling<br />
my steps are Celtic, Middle Eastern,<br />
Indian and African<br />
for they are all the same<br />
invoking life upon this earth<br />
invoking the growth of plants with every step<br />
<br />
I dance for the plants<br />
and see I do not dance alone<br />
we are all plants dancing<br />
and this garden is our home<br />
<br />
Margot Henderson 2005, and We'Moon'07<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Wednesday August 5, 2009 Full Moon in Aquarius<br />
Thursday August 13, 2009 Waning Half Moon in Taurus<br />
Thursday August 20, 2009 New Moon in Virgo<br />
Thursday August 27, 2009 Waxing Half Moon in Sagittarius<br />
<br />
<b>Celtic Moon sign - Hazel Moon</b><br />
<br />
The hazel produces its nuts in fall, after having spent the year building the inner strength to protect them. The shell of this nut is so hard, in fact, and contains its treasure so well, that is was the inspiration for the phrase "in a nutshell." Born under the sign of the hazel tree, you also have an inner treasure to offer - the fruits of your knowledge. Your wisdom and ability to communicate ideas make you capable of transforming the thoughts and opinions of others. Be careful how you wield your word-wizardry.<br />
Written by Kim Rogers-Gallagher, and Llewellyn's Witches' Datebook 2000<br />
<br />
Born under this sign, you are wise and have the ability to communicate ideas, making you capable of transforming the thoughts and opinions of others. This is the best time of year to focus on gaining wisdom and absorbing knowledge. Cast spells to heighten your senses and concentration.<br />
<br />
Hazelnut Tree, The Extraordinary: charming, undermining, very understanding, knows how to make an impression, active fighter for social cause, popular, moody and capricious lover, honest and tolerant partner, precise sense of judgment.<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
The air surrounding hazel trees is said to be magically charged with the quicksilver energy of exhilaration and inspiration.<br />
To dream of a Hazelnut tree predicts wealth as well as unexpected good fortune.<br />
This is the best time of year to focus on gaining wisdom and absorbing knowledge.<br />
<br />
Cast spells to heighten your senses and concentration.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
<b>The Faces of Womanspirit</b><br />
A Celtic Oracle of Avalon<br />
by Katherine Torres, Ph.D.<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/images/FWSHazel.jpg"/></p>
<br />
Hazel, Strong and Wise<br />
We salute your guiding light<br />
We salute your knowing hour.<br />
It does give us might.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
<i>I honor the energy of hazel, the tree of wisdom.<br />
I will heed my own inner intuitions, and will be wise and informed in my choices.<br />
So mote it be.</i><br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Pray Peace<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/images/Hazelnuts.jpg"/></p>
<br />
This letter is a labor of love, from Gwendolyn<br />
Permission to share freely, please in its entirety, with links and credits<br />
Feel free to contact me: gwendolyn@thegoddesstree.com<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
<i>from Moon Bee Acres<br />
<br />
There is a branch for you to sit upon with a beautiful view.<br />
Climb up into her arms, and stay for a spell.<br />
Feel her roots, her bark, her branches, her leaves.<br />
She is shade, shelter, a home, a hide-away.<br />
She is an escape.<br />
She rocks you to sleep in your hammock.<br />
She holds up your birdfeeder, your wind chimes, and your decorations.<br />
She embraces anyone who loves to climb.<br />
In the spring she offers life, and in the fall she gives her own.<br />
She does not judge.<br />
She just is.<br />
<br />
Gwendolyn<br />
thegoddesstree.com</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://thegoddesstree.com/trees/Hazel.htm" target="_blank">See my Hazel Tree Page online</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheGoddessTreeGrows" target="_blank">subscribe here</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://sticksandstonescircle.com" target="_blank">Shop at Sticks and Stones</a>The Goddess Tree Grows *Hollytag:sticksandstonescircle.ning.com,2009-07-08:2159258:BlogPost:39632009-07-08T22:30:00.000ZGwendolynhttp://sticksandstonescircle.ning.com/profile/Gwendolyn
From Roots to Leaves, Branches to Bark<br />
The Goddess Tree Grows<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
(I wish you a happy 07/08/09 today!)<br />
<br />
Holly<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/images/Holly_Tinne.jpg"></img></p>
Green Man Tree Oracle<br />
<br />
Tree of Sacrifice<br />
<br />
Ilex<br />
<br />
Eighth month of the Celtic Tree calendar, July 8th - August 4th<br />
Eighth consonant of the Ogham alphabet - Tinne<br />
<br />
Planet: Mars and Saturn<br />
Element: Fire<br />
Symbolism: The Sword of Truth, Unconditional love, sacrifice, reincarnation<br />
Stone: Ruby, Bloodstone<br />
Powers: Protection,…
From Roots to Leaves, Branches to Bark<br />
The Goddess Tree Grows<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
(I wish you a happy 07/08/09 today!)<br />
<br />
Holly<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/images/Holly_Tinne.jpg"/></p>
Green Man Tree Oracle<br />
<br />
Tree of Sacrifice<br />
<br />
Ilex<br />
<br />
Eighth month of the Celtic Tree calendar, July 8th - August 4th<br />
Eighth consonant of the Ogham alphabet - Tinne<br />
<br />
Planet: Mars and Saturn<br />
Element: Fire<br />
Symbolism: The Sword of Truth, Unconditional love, sacrifice, reincarnation<br />
Stone: Ruby, Bloodstone<br />
Powers: Protection, Anti-Lightning, Luck, Dream Magick<br />
Birds: Cardinal, Starling<br />
Color: Red<br />
Deity: Lugh, Tannus, Thor<br />
Sabbat: Lughnasa, Celtic festival of the Sun God Lugh, Lammas<br />
Death of the God of the Waxing year (Oak King)<br />
Birth of the God of the Waning year (Holly King)<br />
Folk Names: Aquifolius, Bat's Wings, Christ's Thorn, Holy Tree, Holm Chaste, Hulm, Hulver Bush<br />
<br />
Medicinal properties: The powdered leaves were brewed into a healing tea for measles, and the ashes from burning the leaves in a drink soothed whooping cough. Hot compresses made from the leaves and bark helped ease the pain of broken bones and dislocations.<br />
<br />
Magickal properties: A "par excellence" protective herb, it protects against lightning, poison, and evil spirits. When thrown at wild animals it makes them lie down quietly and leave you alone. Sprinkle an infusion made with Holly on newborn babies to protect them. Holly is considered the male counterpart to the female Ivy. Even though Holly's Yule festival greens are traditionally burned at Imbolg, a small sprig us kept for luck and to keep evil away throughout the year. To grow a holly in your garden is to bring about good luck. Rumor has it that holly leaves were once called "bat wings" (so if you ever run into a spell that calls for bat wings, you'll know where to find them.)<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
CAUTION: Holly Berries are purgative and often cause nausea and vomiting. They are poisonous to children.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
THE CELTIC TREE ORACLE<br />
by Liz and Colin Murray<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/CTOHolly.jpg"/></p>
<br />
The Holly is best in the fight. He battles and defends himself, defeating enemies, those who wish to destroy him, with his spines. The leaves are soft in summer but in winter, when other greenery is scarce and the every-green Holly is likely to be attacked by browsing animals, the leaves harden, the spines appear and he is safe. The old name for the Holly is Holm, preserved in names such as Holmsdale, Surrey, whose motto is "Never wonne, we never shall." With the coming of Christianity, the Holly became the Holy tree, the tree symbolic of the crown of thorns, so representing the fighting of the soul's battles that eventually unites this life with the one that follows and, also, runs parallel.<br />
<br />
The Holly is male, so symbolizing paternity and fatherhood. With the Ivy and the Mistletoe, the Holly has always been regarded as a potent life symbol, both for his year-long foliate and for his winter fruits.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/HollyfairyCMB.jpg"/></p>
The Holly Fairy<br />
by Cicely Mary Barker<br />
<br />
Traditionally, the holly is king of the waning year, from midsummer to midwinter, and the oak is king of the waxing year, from midwinter to midsummer. These "kings" may be seen as different aspects of the God, battling for the hand of the Goddess, who is earth herself.<br />
<br />
Holly is another tree sacred to the Druids, who brought it within their homes in winter to offer shelter to the fairies. Like the oak, holly provides a home to many sprites, and its spirit is a guardian and a warrior. The holly fairy brings courage and the warrior spirit. He will help you with any internal or spiritual struggles, and can awaken powerful healing abilities.<br />
<br />
Holly is especially sacred at the Winter Solstice, serving to usher in the new life of the sun god. Its evergreen leaves are a sign of endurance. If you meditate close to a holly bush you may receive warning or encouragement from the holly fairy.<br />
~The Fairy Bible by Teresa Moorey<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Lammas<br />
On August Eve, we honor and give thanks for the bonanza of a harvest yet to come, as the first fruits fall from the tree. In England, the Full Moon rises and sets over Silbury Hill, which ancient people perceived to be the belly of the birthing Goddess. Traditionally (even now) this holiday initiates a period of State, Country, and 4-H Fairs in the US where what has been grown is shared and judged. At Native American pow-wows, people gather to share friendship, food, creative arts, dance and ritual. Bonfires are still lit on hills all over Switzerland for national Independence Day - but clearly as a remnant of the ancient holiday known all over pagan Europe.<br />
Please the spirits by making an offering of art on this day. One easy way to offer up a spontaneous "feast" of beauty and gratitude is to make a collage from magazine images, note cards, calendars and the like. This is a magic spell. Choose images without censoring yourself - select all those that catch your attention whether you "like" them or not. Surprise yourself!<br />
Vicki Noble - Mother Tongue Ink, and We'Moon09<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Wednesday July 15, 2009 Waning Half Moon in Aries<br />
Tuesday July 21, 2009 New Moon in Cancer<br />
Tuesday July 28, 2009 Waxing Half Moon in Scorpio<br />
<br />
Celtic Moon sign - Holly Moon<br />
<br />
Holly wood was used by the ancients in the construction of spear shafts, and as the spiny leaves show, it is well prepared for battle. A symbol of firmness and masculine energy, the holly endows those born under its sign with an equally well-prepared nature. You have a strong connection to the earth, amazing physical strength, and the ability to direct your energy in a balanced even flow. This stability gives you a generosity of spirit ad a very matter-of-fact solidness that others will respect, admire, and rely on. Before you engage in any battle, look inside for understanding and respect for your opponents.<br />
Written by Kim Rogers-Gallagher, and Llewellyn's Witches' Datebook 2000<br />
<br />
Although the Oak ruled in the previous month, its counterpart, the Holly, takes over in July. This evergreen plant reminds us all year long about the immortality of nature. The Holly moon was called Tinne, pronounced chihnn-uh, by the Celts, who knew the potent Holly was a symbol of masculine energy and firmness. The ancients used the wood of the Holly in the construction of weapons, but also in protective magic. Hang a sprig of Holly in your house to ensure good luck and safety to your family. Wear as a charm, or make Holly Water by soaking leaves overnight in spring water under a full moon -- then use the water as a blessing to sprinkle on people or around the house for protection and cleansing.<br />
<br />
Those born under this sign have a strong connection with the Earth and possess amazing physical strength. Your matter-of-fact solidness and generous spirit are respected and admired by others. As the days shorten after summer solstice and the moon grown in power. focus on putting bad situations behind you.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Holly berries were used to predict winter weather. If there were a profusion of berries, that meant it would be a hard winter, because the Goddess was providing extra berries for the birds.<br />
<br />
Holly is one of the three timbers in the Chariot Wheel.<br />
<br />
It represents personal sacrifice in order to gain something of greater value.<br />
<br />
Dreaming of Holly means you should be mindful of what is troubling you, and picking holly in your dreams means you will have a long life.<br />
<br />
After midnight, on a Friday, without making a sound, gather nine Holly leaves. Wrap these up in a white cloth using nine knots to tie the ends together. Place this beneath your pillow and your dreams will come true.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
The Faces of WomanSpirit<br />
A Celtic Oracle of Avalon<br />
by Katherine Torres, Ph.D.<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/FWSHolly.jpg"/></p>
The Faces of WomanSpirit<br />
Talented One express through me.<br />
Light of Goddess easy to see.<br />
Balance and truth for all to use.<br />
Holly your energy we all will muse.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
I honor the energy of holly, spear of the warrior.<br />
I will not remain passive and victimized, but will choose to fight for my own freedom.<br />
So mote it be.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Pray Peace<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/hollypurple.jpg"/></p>
<br />
This letter is a labor of love, from Gwendolyn<br />
Permission to share freely, please in its entirety, with links and credits<br />
Feel free to contact me: gwendolyn@thegoddesstree.com<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
from Moon Bee Acres<br />
<br />
There is a branch for you to sit upon with a beautiful view.<br />
Climb up into her arms, and stay for a spell.<br />
Feel her roots, her bark, her branches, her leaves.<br />
She is shade, shelter, a home, a hide-away.<br />
She is an escape.<br />
She rocks you to sleep in your hammock.<br />
She holds up your birdfeeder, your wind chimes, and your decorations.<br />
She embraces anyone who loves to climb.<br />
In the spring she offers life, and in the fall she gives her own.<br />
She does not judge.<br />
She just is.<br />
<br />
Gwendolyn<br />
thegoddesstree.com<br />
<br />
((*))<br />
..)(..<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thegoddesstree.com/trees/Holly.htm">http://thegoddesstree.com/trees/Holly.htm</a><br />
<br />
subscribe here - <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheGoddessTreeGrows">http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheGoddessTreeGrows</a><br />
<br />
Shop: <a href="http://sticksandstonescircle.com">http://sticksandstonescircle.com</a>The Goddess Tree Grows *Oaktag:sticksandstonescircle.ning.com,2009-06-13:2159258:BlogPost:34012009-06-13T18:53:54.000ZGwendolynhttp://sticksandstonescircle.ning.com/profile/Gwendolyn
From Roots to Leaves, Branches to Bark<br />
The Goddess Tree Grows<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Oak<br />
<br />
Oak in the forest towers with might,<br />
In the fire brings the Gods in sight.<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/images/OAK-quercus.jpg"></img></p>
Quercus<br />
<br />
Seventh month of the Celtic Tree calendar, June 10th - July 7th<br />
Seventh consonant of the Ogham alphabet - Duir<br />
<br />
Planet: Jupiter and Mars<br />
Element: Water<br />
Symbolism: Sovereignty, rulership, power,<br />
Strength & Endurance, Generosity & Protection, Justice & Nobility, Honesty…
From Roots to Leaves, Branches to Bark<br />
The Goddess Tree Grows<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Oak<br />
<br />
Oak in the forest towers with might,<br />
In the fire brings the Gods in sight.<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/images/OAK-quercus.jpg"/></p>
Quercus<br />
<br />
Seventh month of the Celtic Tree calendar, June 10th - July 7th<br />
Seventh consonant of the Ogham alphabet - Duir<br />
<br />
Planet: Jupiter and Mars<br />
Element: Water<br />
Symbolism: Sovereignty, rulership, power,<br />
Strength & Endurance, Generosity & Protection, Justice & Nobility, Honesty & Bravery<br />
Stone: Diamond, Aventuring<br />
Metal: Gold<br />
Birds: Oriole, Wren<br />
Color: Gold<br />
Deity: The Dagda, The Green Man, Janus, Diana, Cybele, Hecate, Pan<br />
Sabbat: Summer Solstice (Litha)<br />
Folk Names: Jove's Nuts, Juglans<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/images/DasBaumVIII.jpg"/></p>
<br />
Medicinal properties: The medicinal park of the Oak is its bark, because of the strong astringent properties. Internally as a tea it helps fight diarrhea and dysentery. Externally it can be used to treat hemorrhoids, inflamed gums, wounds, and eczema. The tannin found in oak can help reduce minor blistering by boiling a piece of the bark in a small amount of water until a strong solution is reached, and applying to the affected area. To cure frostbite, American folk medicine called for collecting oak leaves that had remained on the tree all through the winter. These leaves were boiled to obtain a solution in which the frostbitten extremities would soak for an hour each day for a week.<br />
<br />
Magickal properties: Dreaming of resting under an oak tree means you will have a long life and wealth. Climbing the tree in your dream means a relative will have a hard time of it in the near future. Dreaming of a fallen oak means the loss of love. If you catch a falling oak leaf you shall have no colds all winter. If someone does get sick, warm the house with an oakwood fire to shoo away the illness. Carry an acorn against illnesses and pains, for immortality and youthfulness, and to increase fertility and sexual potency.<br />
Carrying any piece of the oak draws good luck to you (remember to ask permission and show gratitude.)<br />
King Arthur's round table was made from a single cross section of a large Oak.<br />
It is tradition for the Litha fire to be oak wood representing the God, since this is the time of year when oak reaches its Zenith power.<br />
The Oak trees essence helps boost energy levels and the ability to manifest our goals.<br />
The tree's roots mirror its branches and stretch as far below ground as the branches do above..<br />
Witches often danced beneath the Oak Tree for ritual.<br />
The druids would not meet for ritual if there was not an Oak tree present.<br />
Idols were made from Oak wood.<br />
<br />
Oak twigs bound together with red thread into a solar cross or a pentagram will make a mighty protective talisman for the home, car, or in your desk or locker at work.<br />
<br />
"Oaken twigs and strings of red<br />
Deflect all harm, gossip and dread."<br />
<br />
Garden Witchery by Ellen Dugan<br />
<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
The Acorn has long been associated with couples and love divination. Dropping two Acorns into the same bowl of water is said to predict the romantic future...should the Acorns float together, then the couple will marry...the reverse being the case should the Acorns drift apart. The Ancient Druids believed that to carry an Acorn at all times would ensure prevention from aging, a ritual said to be most successful for women.<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/images/oakfairyCMB.jpg"/></p>
The Acorn Fairy by Cicely Mary Barker<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Fairy Bible by Teresa Moorey<br />
Oak Fairy<br />
<br />
Oak is one of the most sacred trees, traditionally prized by the Celts and Druids. The oak fairy is very powerful, and imparts strength and endurance to any who stay within its aura.<br />
<br />
Each oak tree is a very metropolis of fairies, and each acorn has its own sprite. Bringing one into the house is a way to enhance contact with the fairy realm. Oak beams are often used to make doors, but the tree itself is a great portal to the other realms.<br />
<br />
The oak is associated with many gods all over the world, notably Zeus and Thor. In sacred groves of oak, the Goddess was believed to impart her wisdom through oracles. The oak has sheltered many a king and hero, in myth and real life. The oak spirit is distinct from fairies, and may become very angry if trees are felled or wildlife harmed.<br />
<br />
The oak fairy brings courage and a stout heart, necessary to brave the challenges in this world and to journey in the Otherworld. Bearing strength from the heart of the earth, oak fairy can bring steadiness and a deep joy that endures through all.<br />
<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
THE CELTIC TREE ORACLE<br />
by Liz and Colin Murray<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/images/CTOOak.jpg"/></p>
<br />
Every house has a front door.<br />
<br />
If you wish to enter, the door must be approached and your presence made known. The door may then be opened. The very word "door" comes from the Gaelic and Sanskrit "duir" - a word for solidity, protection and the Oak tree. In the essential forest, the Oak is King. He stands mightily solid with great branches, matched only by still greater roots. He is often struck by lightning. The force of the strike and the heat bursts the sap and stem apart leaving the trunk gnarled and withered. Yet he still manages to survive, over the years, decades and centuries. His growth is slow but sure. His children grow into magnificent replicas of himself and he is a marker point, a cornerstone and a refuge in the forest.<br />
<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Summer Solstice<br />
<br />
The polarities have shifted from night to day, as Summer Solstice marks the outermost extension of energy and light. We stay up late, being outdoors, engaged in exercise and activities, and relishing the long, luxurious hours of daylight - often without consciously realizing that on this very day, the light once more begins to wane. Taoists say that any energy taken far enough in one direction turns into its opposite, as Yin and Yang dance their timeless exchange of essential energies. They rhythm on the planet Earth swings like a metronome between dark and light, like the cycle of a bleeding woman. If we think of Winter Solstice as representing menstruation, then Summer Solstice is like ovulation - when something creative is released into activity and expression in hopes of fertilization.<br />
<br />
This is the night for a drumming and dancing ritual, outdoors under the stars, in total celebration of life's capacity to express itself. Perhaps you can watch the film, The Singing Revolution, depicting how Estonians liberated themselves from Soviet rule through song. Get your friends, family, or community and make some music together!<br />
Vicki Noble (C) Mother Tongue Ink 2008, and We'Moon'09<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Moon Phases for the month of Oak<br />
<br />
Monday June 15, 2009 - Waning Half Moon in Pisces<br />
Monday June 22, 2009 - New Moon in Cancer<br />
Monday June 29, 2009 - Waxing Half Moon in Libra<br />
Tuesday July 7, 2009 - Full Moon in Capricorn<br />
<br />
Celtic Moon Sign for Oak<br />
<br />
Born under this sign, you have strength of character and purpose to endure, no matter what your challenges. Direct your energies wisely.<br />
Oak... The Robust, Courageous, strong, unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not love changes, keeps its feet on the ground, person of action.<br />
Growth and fertility spells work best at this time of the year. Focus on building and consolidation your wisdom, endurance and security.<br />
<br />
The oak tree endures what others cannot. It remains strong through challenges, and is known for being almost immortal, as is often attested to by its long life and ability to survive fire, lightning strikes, and devastation. If you were born under this sign, you have the strength of character and purpose to endure, too - no matter what your challenges. Direct your energies wisely, make sure your your risks are well-calculated, and you'll overcome whatever seemingly "impossible" quests are sent to you.<br />
Written by Kim Rogers-Gallagher, and Llewellyn's Witches' Datebook 2000<br />
<br />
The Oak moon falls during a time when the trees are beginning to reach their full blooming stages. The mighty Oak is strong, powerful, and typically towering over all of its neighbors. The Oak King rules over the summer months, and this tree was sacred to the Druids. The Celts called this month Duir, which some scholars believe to mean "door", the root word of "Druid". The Oak is connected with spells for protection and strength, fertility, money and success, and good fortune. Carry an acorn in your pocket when you go to an interview or business meeting; it will be bring you good luck. If you catch a falling Oak leaf before it hits the ground, you'll stay healthy the following year.<br />
Growth and fertility spells work best at this time of the year. Focus on building and consolidation your wisdom, endurance and security.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
<br />
Moon Mother of Oak<br />
by Katherine Torres, Ph.D., 1998<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/images/FWSOak.jpg"/></p>
<br />
The Oak tree is considered the most powerful and most sacred of the trees to the Celtic peoples. It holds the true alignment of balance, purpose and strength. In the cycle of the year, the Moon of Oak also poses the essence of power and balance. In truth, She is androgynous. Being integrated, this moon essence provides the greatest alignment for manifesting our goal.<br />
<br />
Oak Mother's Celtic name is Duir. It means door and is derived from the word Druid or Druidess, the Celtic person who has mastered memory, intuition, healing, knowing and magic.<br />
<br />
The Oak Mother provides the essence of assuredness, love, and care for her offspring. She is pro-nurturing and calls you to understand how you use this energy at the time when you have given birth to your potential. Like the mother who has just delivered her child to the world, you are called to watch the growth, care for the needs of your child, and love the child no matter what course s/he has to walk to develop, mature, and express in whole-ness. Let this be so as you nurture your goal in the world.<br />
<br />
Look about you during this month. What creative aspects of yourself have you birthed? Are you nurturing them? And are you integrating your potential into all aspects of yourself: spiritually, mentally, physically, through your ego, by listening to the voice of your soul? Use a journal to express the answers to these questions. If you find that you are not doing anything, then ask yourself what you want to birth, how you will nurture your creativity and integrate it into all of your aspects? Be strong, wise and willing.<br />
<br />
Doors of opportunity are here and now in your world. Duir, Moon Mother of Oak, provides you with the strength to open the doors and utilize the openings to step into the experiences that will bring fulfillment, purpose, and your creative pleasure. As you look at the doors before you, adjust any energy that would stop you from walking through those doors without your strength and purpose. This is your opportunity to use the Universal energies present in the world to bring you to the moment of balance and direction for manifesting your heart's desires.<br />
<br />
The people you meet during this month will be supportive. But are they supporting your empowerment or are they supporting your old patterns? Notice how they assist you. Do you feel they help you in the way you need? If so, give gratitude. If not, tell the truth and let them know what you really require, for in that way they can give useful assistance. Oak Moon Mother provides you with the strength to tell the truth, live in your personal power, and share life with others through that strength of your genuine self.<br />
<br />
Through the essence of your genuine self, you will also assist others without the need to "make them" what they "should" be. You will simply be able to listen, communicate, and express your care and encouragement as they manifest their potential. It is important that you honor their position of creative expression. In that way, the true empowerment of appreciation occurs in all peoples, and the knowing that we all are here for the purpose to help each other can occur.<br />
<br />
The gift of Oak Moon Mother is that of revealing the talents of each child of the Universe and having them share their talents so not a single person is burdened, not a single person is without.<br />
<br />
Oak Moon Mother provides great affluence as she reigns in our night sky. She provides abundance, strength, empowerment, nurturing, companionship and rewards. She presents the world with the essence of fertility, the power to manifest, and the capacity to create the world that one needs for success. She provides the essence of balance: work and play, action and rest, speaking and silence.<br />
<br />
What do you need at this time? Let The Oak Moon Mother assist you in manifesting exactly what you need. The time for realizing your potential is now.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
A Crone Stone<br />
reading from Gwendolyn, thegoddesstree.com<br />
<br />
The Seeker<br />
<br />
In this stone I see a path going past a tree, into the horizon<br />
<br />
"Not all those who wander are lost" - Change your routine once, and maybe take a walk....don't plan on going anywhere, just walk. Think about the journey, and how it feels to not know where you will end up. Notice what gifts you receive and appreciate that you would not have had this experience if you decided to keep to your normal routine.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
I honor the energy of oak, the doorway to the mysteries.<br />
I will call upon the strength of the Horned One when I feel in need of protection.<br />
So mote it be<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Pray Peace<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/images/OAK-Quercus_kerrii_acorns.jpg"/></p>
<br />
This letter is a labor of love, from Gwendolyn<br />
Permission to share freely, please in its entirety, with links and credits<br />
Feel free to contact me: gwendolyn@thegoddesstree.com<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
from Moon Bee Acres<br />
<br />
There is a branch for you to sit upon with a beautiful view.<br />
Climb up into her arms, and stay for a spell.<br />
Feel her roots, her bark, her branches, her leaves.<br />
She is shade, shelter, a home, a hide-away.<br />
She is an escape.<br />
She rocks you to sleep in your hammock.<br />
She holds up your birdfeeder, your wind chimes, and your decorations.<br />
She embraces anyone who loves to climb.<br />
In the spring she offers life, and in the fall she gives her own.<br />
She does not judge.<br />
She just is.<br />
<br />
Gwendolyn<br />
thegoddesstree.com<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thegoddesstree.com/trees/Oak.htm">http://thegoddesstree.com/trees/Oak.htm</a><br />
<br />
subscribe here - <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheGoddessTreeGrows">http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheGoddessTreeGrows</a><br />
<br />
Shop: <a href="http://sticksandstonescircle.com">http://sticksandstonescircle.com</a>The Goddess Tree Grows *HAWTHORNtag:sticksandstonescircle.ning.com,2009-05-14:2159258:BlogPost:21012009-05-14T00:49:08.000ZGwendolynhttp://sticksandstonescircle.ning.com/profile/Gwendolyn
From Roots to Leaves, Branches to Bark<br />
The Goddess Tree Grows<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<b><br />
HAWTHORN</b><br />
Crataegus oxyacantha<br />
<br />
The May Tree<br />
Sixth month of the Celtic Tree calendar, May 13th - June 9<br />
Sixth consonant of the Ogham alphabet - Huath<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/hawthorn1.jpg"></img></p>
<br />
Hawthorn is burned to purify,<br />
and draw faery to your eye.<br />
<br />
Planet: Mars and Venus<br />
Symbolism: Purification, sacred marriage and male-female unity<br />
Stone: Lapis Lazuli, Blue Calcite<br />
Birds: Blackbird, Owl, Purple…
From Roots to Leaves, Branches to Bark<br />
The Goddess Tree Grows<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<b><br />
HAWTHORN</b><br />
Crataegus oxyacantha<br />
<br />
The May Tree<br />
Sixth month of the Celtic Tree calendar, May 13th - June 9<br />
Sixth consonant of the Ogham alphabet - Huath<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/hawthorn1.jpg"/></p>
<br />
Hawthorn is burned to purify,<br />
and draw faery to your eye.<br />
<br />
Planet: Mars and Venus<br />
Symbolism: Purification, sacred marriage and male-female unity<br />
Stone: Lapis Lazuli, Blue Calcite<br />
Birds: Blackbird, Owl, Purple Martin<br />
Color: Midnight Blue, Purple<br />
Deity: Olwen, Blodeuwedd, Gardea, Hymen, Hera, Virgin Mary<br />
Sabbat: Beltane, May Day<br />
Folk names: May bush, May tree, quickset, thorn-apple tree, white thorn.<br />
<br />
<br />
Medicinal properties:<br />
The flowers, leaves and fruits of the Hawthorn have properties that reduce blood pressure and stimulate the heart, as well as act as a mild sedative.<br />
In herbal medicine they treat heart and circulatory disorders, migraine, menopausal conditions, angina, and insomnia.<br />
The flowers are strongest as sedatives, and used externally can treat acne and skin blemishes.<br />
The berries (also known as "Pixie Pears") contain Vitamin B complex and Vitamin C.<br />
They can be crushed and used to ease diarrhea, dysentery, and kidney disorders.<br />
It is strongly advised against self medication because of the its effects on the heart.<br />
<br />
Magickal properties:<br />
The tree essence cleanses the heart of negativity and stimulates love and forgiveness.<br />
The Hawthorn is the tree most representative of the struggles the Christian Church had in suppressing pagan beliefs and celebrations.<br />
Hawthorn is respected as a tree of enchantment under the protection of the faery realms.<br />
It guards wells and springs. Its beautiful flowers are said to help prayers reach heaven.<br />
If you sit under a Hawthorn on May 1st you are liable to be whisked away for good to the faery underworld.<br />
The blooms of the hawthorn are used in spells for fertility, happiness, and good luck in fishing.<br />
To take a blossoming hawthorn branch inside one's house will cause their mother to die.<br />
Wands made of this wood are of great power. The blossoms are highly erotic to men.<br />
Hawthorn can be used for protection, love and marriage spells.<br />
<br />
The original May Poles were made of Hawthorn<br />
<br />
Hawthorn can be woven in to a growing fence called a Hedgerow.<br />
These thorny barriers are very effective and have saved many villages from thieves and highwaymen.<br />
<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
And every shepherd tells his tale<br />
Under the hawthorn in the dale<br />
~John Milton L’Allegro<br />
<br />
In England, the hawthorn is known as the mayflower tree in honor of the month during which it blooms.<br />
Symbolizing hope, it was the name the Pilgrims took for their famous ship, The Mayflower.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
THE CELTIC TREE ORACLE<br />
by Liz and Colin Murray<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/CTOHawthorn.jpg"/></p>
<br />
The Hawthorn card represents cleansing and chastity, bringing protection from the inner magical realms - in other words, a period of restraint, waiting or keeping oneself to oneself. Concentrate on mental rather than physical activity as a prelude to the spiritual fertilization, growth and harvesting what will follow, providing such preparation has been properly made as the pure white flowers of the Hawthorn turn to glowing red haws in the autumn.<br />
<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
The Fairy Bible<br />
by Teresa Moorey<br />
<br />
Hawthorn Fairy<br />
<br />
Along with oak and ash, hawthorn forms the “fairy triad” that is especially inviting to fairies. Hawthorn is, in some ways, the fairy tree, forming a portal to the fairy realms and holding strong magic.<br />
<br />
The hawthorn fairy offers access to the Otherworld, but also protects the unwary, so it is important to be patient with this spirit. She can enchant your life, bringing growth and fertility to all areas, and when the hawthorn flowers in spring, it represents the bridal gown of the young Goddess.<br />
Hawthorn is sacred to the Welsh sun goddess Olwen, the “white lady of the day.” Where she trod she left white footprints on hawthorn, and her father, Yspaddaden Pencawr, was “Giant Hawthorn.” Thirteen tasks were demanded of her suitor, Culhwych, before he could marry her and overcome the power of the giant.<br />
<br />
Thirteen is a number associated with the moon, for the moon makes 13 circuits of the zodiac to one of the sun. Thus the hawthorn suggests union: of sun and moon, male and female.<br />
<br />
The hawthorn fairy promises cleansing, fulfillment, guardianship, and fertility. Keeping grounded and practical is the best way to access her and use her gifts.<br />
<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/HawthornfairyCMB.jpg"/></p>
picture is The Hawthorn Fairy by Cicely Mary Barker<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Merlin and the Hawthorn Tree<br />
from various sources, as told in Myths of the Sacred Tree by Moyra Caldecott<br />
<br />
When Merlin was an old, old man (and none could give a count of all his years) a young girl came to King Arthur's court. Some said she was the handmaiden of the goddess who had emerged from the lake to give the sword Excalibur to Arthur. To look upon she was beautiful beyond belief, but none could see into her heart.<br />
<br />
Her name was Vivien, and she watched the wonders of the court closely, soon becoming envious of Merlin's great powers. She determined to lear all she could from him and so beguiled him with her flattery and her beauty that he, sighing, followed her wherever she went and easily gave her secrets that were best kept hidden.<br />
<br />
But Vivien was not satisfied with what she learned. She claimed that Merlin was teaching her no more than a child could learn. She wanted more and deeper mysteries to be revealed to her. He demurred, saying that she was not ready. Then, afreaid he would not be able to withstand her pleas and knowing that some mysteries were too dangerous and powerful to be entrusted to someone so young and unwise, he left the court and went across the sea to the forest of Broceliande in Brittany.<br />
<br />
She followed him, weeping and telling him her heart was broken because he did not trust her.<br />
<br />
At last, with a cunning alternation of the granting and the withholding of sexual favors, she wheedled out of him his last and most closely kept secret: how it was possible to imprison a man within a tree. Within seconds of obtaining knowledge of this spell she implemented it. The mighty Merlin, the wisest of all men, was confined forever within a cage of bark - a hawthorn tree.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Sunday May 17, 2009 - Waning Half Moon in Aquarius<br />
Sunday May 24, 2009 - New Moon in Gemini<br />
Saturday May 30, 2009 - Waxing Half Moon in Virgo<br />
Sunday June 7, 2009 - Full Moon in Sagittarius<br />
<br />
Celtic Moon sign - Hawthorn Moon<br />
<br />
The hawthorn is a small tree that was often used for hedging, and it has a mixed reputation. Known to be both a sign of fertility and death, it was said to contain the knowledge of both reproduction and transformation. Both of these processes take time - and if you were born under the sign of the hawthorn, you have an innate understanding of both the importance of process and the necessity for change. Your challenge is to use that understanding to guide you when undertaking new starts - don't rush. Wait, and prepare carefully.<br />
Written by Kim Rogers-Gallagher, and Llewellyn's Witches' Datebook 2000<br />
<br />
The Hawthorn is a prickly sort of plant with beautiful blossoms. Called Huath by the ancient Celts, and pronounced Hoh-uh, the Hawthorn month is a time of fertility, masculine energy, and fire. Coming right on the heels of Beltane, this month is a time when male potency is high -- if you're hoping to conceive a child, get busy this month! The Hawthorn has a raw, phallic sort of energy about it -- use it for magic related to masculine power, business decisions, making professional connections. The Hawthorn is also associated with the realm of Faerie, and when the Hawthorn grows in tandem with an Ash and Oak, it is said to attract the Fae.<br />
<br />
Hawthorn Moon Magick: Focus on keeping a barrier between yourself and things that you don't want. Aim to push away old problems or lingering irritations. This is a sign of fertility and death. If born under this sign you have an innate understanding of the importance of process and the necessity for change.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
The fair maiden who, the first of May,<br />
Goes to the fields at the break of day<br />
And washes in dew from the Hawthorn tree<br />
Will ever after handsome be.<br />
~Neltjc Blanchan<br />
Nature’s Garden 1900<br />
<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
The Faces of WomanSpirit<br />
A Celtic Oracle of Avalon<br />
by Katherine Torres, Ph.D.<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/FWSHawthorn.jpg"/></p>
<br />
Choices refining life<br />
Emerge from the realm of transfiguration<br />
Will I know or not know?<br />
Will I respond or not respond?<br />
Decisions. Decisions. Life’s a Joyful Game.<br />
<br />
What choices are you ready to make?<br />
<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
I honor the energy of hawthorn for cleansing and restraint.<br />
I will choose what I place within my body, and empty myself of all that violates my personal well-being.<br />
So mote it be<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Pray Peace<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/hawthornberries.JPG"/></p>
<br />
This letter is a labor of love, from Gwendolyn<br />
Permission to share freely, please in its entirety, with links and credits<br />
Feel free to contact me: gwendolyn@thegoddesstree.com<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
from Moon Bee Acres<br />
There is a branch for you to sit upon with a beautiful view.<br />
Climb up into her arms, and stay for a spell.<br />
Feel her roots, her bark, her branches, her leaves.<br />
She is shade, shelter, a home, a hide-away.<br />
She is an escape.<br />
She rocks you to sleep in your hammock.<br />
She holds up your bird feeder, your wind chimes, and your decorations.<br />
She embraces anyone who loves to climb.<br />
In the spring she offers life, and in the fall she gives her own.<br />
She does not judge.<br />
She just is.<br />
<br />
Gwendolyn<br />
thegoddesstree.com<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thegoddesstree.com/trees/Hawthorn.htm">http://thegoddesstree.com/trees/Hawthorn.htm</a><br />
<br />
subscribe here - <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheGoddessTreeGrows">http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheGoddessTreeGrows</a><br />
<br />
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<br />
((*))<br />
..)(..The Goddess Tree Grows *Willowtag:sticksandstonescircle.ning.com,2009-04-15:2159258:BlogPost:14012009-04-15T16:54:10.000ZGwendolynhttp://sticksandstonescircle.ning.com/profile/Gwendolyn
From Roots to Leaves, Branches to Bark<br />
The Goddess Tree Grows<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<b><a href="http://thegoddesstree.com/trees/Willow.htm">Willow</a></b><br />
<br />
<i>Willows which by water stand<br />
Ease us to the Summerland.</i><br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/willowbranches.jpg"></img></p>
<br />
<b>Salix alba</b><br />
<br />
Tree of Enchantment, Tree of Witcheries<br />
Fifth month of the Celtic Tree calendar,<br />
April 15th - May 12th<br />
Fifth consonant of the Ogham alphabet - Saille<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
…<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/willowman.jpg"></img></p>
From Roots to Leaves, Branches to Bark<br />
The Goddess Tree Grows<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<b><a href="http://thegoddesstree.com/trees/Willow.htm">Willow</a></b><br />
<br />
<i>Willows which by water stand<br />
Ease us to the Summerland.</i><br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/willowbranches.jpg"/></p>
<br />
<b>Salix alba</b><br />
<br />
Tree of Enchantment, Tree of Witcheries<br />
Fifth month of the Celtic Tree calendar,<br />
April 15th - May 12th<br />
Fifth consonant of the Ogham alphabet - Saille<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/willowman.jpg"/></p>
<br />
There once was a Willow, and he was very old,<br />
And all his leaves fell off from him, and left him in the cold;<br />
But ere the rude winter could buffet him with snow,<br />
There grew upon his hoary head a crop of mistletoe.<br />
All wrinkled and furrowed was this old Willow's skin,<br />
His taper finger trembled, and his arms were very thin;<br />
Two round eyes and hollow, that stared but did not see;<br />
And sprawling feet that never walked, had this most ancient tree.<br />
<i>~Julianna Horatia Ewing, "The Willow Man"</i><br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Planet: Moon<br />
Element: Water<br />
Symbolism: Resonance and Harmony<br />
Stone: Moonstone<br />
Birds: Hawk, Snowy Owl<br />
Color: Silver<br />
Deity: Persephone, Hecate, Cerridwen,<br />
Artemis, Selene, Luna, Diana, Brigit<br />
Sabbat: Beltane<br />
<br />
Folk names: Osier, Pussy Willow, Saille, Salicyn Willow, Saugh Tree, White Willow, Witches Aspirin, Withe, Withy<br />
<br />
Medicinal properties:<br />
Willow bark contains salicin, or Salicylic acid, used to make aspirin. Infusions from the bark have long been used as a remedy for cholls, rheumatism, and fevers. Willow sap applied to the skin can remedy acne, and a strong decoction of boiling the bark and leaves in water can be rubbed into the scalp for dandruff.<br />
<br />
Magickal properties:<br />
New Moon magick, creativity, fertility, female rights of passage, inspiration, emotion, binding. Love, Love divination, protection, healing. Willow is also known as the tree of immortality because of its ability to re grow from a fallen branch in moist ground. A wand made from Willow wood has many uses: sleep with it and have more vivid dreams, use it to draw down the moon, protection for underworld journeying. Magickal Brooms, witch's brooms are traditionally bound with a willow's branch.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
"I am a willow of the wilderness,<br />
Loving the wind that bent me."<br />
<i>Ralph Waldo Emerson</i><br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
<b>THE CELTIC TREE ORACLE</b><br />
<i>by Liz and Colin Murray</i><br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/CTOWillow.jpg"/></p>
<br />
The Willow in the tree alphabet stands for the female and lunar rhythms of life. She is water-seeking, thriving from preference on the damp margins of lakes and streams or across the low-lying water meadows. Water and the tidal movements of the sea are governed by the pull of the moon. The moon in its monthly rhythms is female, contrasting with the male sun's daily and yearly turnings. In several ways, the Celts held women in higher regard than we do today. On the material level, women were property owners, and whoever controlled the property controlled the marriage. Women of all types and appeared in the Celtic pantheon, the spiritual strength and life-giving qualities given by both female and male recognized equally. There were many colleges of Druidesses - learned women and teachers - respected especially for their gifts of seer-ship, often expressed through dreams, or night visions.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
<b>Willow Fairy</b><br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/willowfairycmb.jpg"/></p>
<i>art by Cicely Mary Barker</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The Fairy Bible</b><br />
<i>by Teresa Moorey</i><br />
<br />
The willow fairy can be grumpy and tricky. The Hobbits in The Lord of the Rings were lulled to sleep and almost killed by Old Man Willow, and while fairies are rarely so ill- intentioned, the willow fairy is not always kindly.<br />
<br />
The willow fairy may leave the tree at night and follow travelers, muttering and mumbling, which can be rather frightening to those who do not understand.<br />
<br />
Willow has profound wisdom to offer, which humans rarely appreciate. It is deeply mystical and in tune with the music of the waters, all around the globe. Salicylic acid, which is used to make aspirin, comes from the willow, and the willow elves are associated with knowledge of medicinal herbs and healing.<br />
<br />
Approached with respect, willow is a wonderful teacher and will whisper to us if we listen. It is important to be still, and to understand that human perceptions are shallow. Imagine the questing roots of willow, seeking the underground streams that flow to and from the earth-girdling oceans. Nighttime is best to commune with this spirit in meaningful dreams.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
<b>Willow Knot Spell</b><br />
<i>from Herb Magic for Beginners by Ellen Dugan</i><br />
<br />
To have your spell wish granted, you are to stand under the graceful branches of the willow on the night of a full moon. Blow a kiss to the moon and state your wish out loud, as you gently tie a loose knot in one of the supple branches. Then, while gazing up at the rising moon, repeat this verse:<br />
<br />
<i>Under the Lady's moon, shining so bright,<br />
Willow tree, hear my request on this night.<br />
In this willow tree, I now leave a marker,<br />
Grant me love and happiness, and bring much laughter.</i><br />
<br />
Close the spell with these standard Craft lines:<br />
<i>By all the power of three times three,<br />
And as I will it, so mote it be.</i><br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Friday April 17, 2009 - Waning Half Moon in Capricorn<br />
Friday April 24, 2009 - New Moon in Taurus<br />
Friday, May 1, 2009 - Waxing Half Moon in Leo<br />
Friday May 8, 2009 - Full Moon in Scorpio<br />
<br />
The willow seeks out water, and is often found near streams or above natural underground wells. Like no other, this tree is associated with the Moon, in all her phases - and so symbolizes the change of our feelings and "moods" as time passes.<br />
<br />
Born under the sign of the willow, you are an instinctive creature - in fact, you often react primarily from your "gut response" rather than on intellectual information. Watch the rhythm of your moods carefully and pay attention to your dreams. Their symbolism will help you navigate throughout life.<br />
<i>Written by Kim Rogers-Gallagher, and Llewellyn's Witches' Datebook 2000</i><br />
<br />
Weeping Willow, The Melancholy<br />
Beautiful but full of melancholy, attractive, very empathic, loves anything beautiful and tasteful, loves to travel, dreamer, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with, demanding, good intuition, suffers in love but finds sometimes an anchoring partner.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/Willow_Saille.jpg"/></p>
Green Man Tree Oracle<br />
<br />
<b>The Leaf on the Water</b><br />
<i>by Ouan Tsi (1007-1072)</i><br />
<br />
The wind tears a leaf from the willow tree;<br />
it falls lightly upon the water,<br />
and the waves carry it away.<br />
Time has gradually effaced a memory from my heart,<br />
and I watch the willow leaf drifting away on the waves.<br />
Since I have forgotten her whom I loved,<br />
I dream the day through in sadness,<br />
lying at the water's edge.<br />
<br />
But the willow leaf floated back<br />
under the tree,<br />
and it seemed to me<br />
that the memory could never be effaced<br />
from my heart.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
<b>The Faces of WomanSpirit<br />
A Celtic Oracle of Avalon</b><br />
<i>by Katherine Torres, Ph.D.</i><br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/FWSWillow.jpg"/></p>
<br />
Trust All is here and now.<br />
Know it.<br />
Connect with the Hand of Goddess.<br />
Let Divine Mother Transform you.<br />
Be an Example in the World.<br />
<br />
Willow asks you to bend with her into the path of retrieval.<br />
<br />
Follow the labyrinth trail, connect with the power of wisdom and the rhythm of your soul, and return to your ordinary world strengthened. You will find that your awareness of your purpose is stronger and your intent cannot be broken by the spell of someone else's desire.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
The poor soul sat sighing by a sycamore tree,<br />
Sing all a green willow.<br />
Her hand on her bosom, her head on her knee,<br />
Sing willow, willow, willow.<br />
<br />
<i>~William Shakespeare, Othello</i><br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
I release that which no longer serves me. I am at one with my environment.<br />
I honor the energy of willow for the lunar rhythms within me as a woman.<br />
I will recognize and heed my own body's cycles.<br />
So mote it be.<br />
<br />
<i>Pray Peace</i><br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/Willowstencil.jpg"/></p>
<br />
This letter is a labor of love, from Gwendolyn<br />
Permission to share freely, please in its entirety, with links and credits<br />
Feel free to contact me: gwendolyn@thegoddesstree.com<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<i><br />
from Moon Bee Acres<br />
<br />
There is a branch for you to sit upon with a beautiful view.<br />
Climb up into her arms, and stay for a spell.<br />
Feel her roots, her bark, her branches, her leaves.<br />
She is shade, shelter, a home, a hide-away.<br />
She is an escape.<br />
She rocks you to sleep in your hammock.<br />
She holds up your birdfeeder, your wind chimes, and your decorations.<br />
She embraces anyone who loves to climb.<br />
In the spring she offers life, and in the fall she gives her own.<br />
She does not judge.<br />
She just is.</i><br />
<br />
Gwendolyn<br />
thegoddesstree.com<br />
<br />
http://thegoddesstree.com/trees/Willow.htm<br />
<br />
subscribe here - <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheGoddessTreeGrows">http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheGoddessTreeGrows</a><br />
<br />
Shop: <a href="http://sticksandstonescircle.com">http://sticksandstonescircle.com</a><br />
<br />
<br />
((*))<br />
..)(..The Goddess Tree Grows *Aldertag:sticksandstonescircle.ning.com,2009-03-19:2159258:BlogPost:4212009-03-19T20:40:53.000ZGwendolynhttp://sticksandstonescircle.ning.com/profile/Gwendolyn
From Roots to Leaves, Branches to Bark<br />
The Goddess Tree Grows<br />
<br />
<br />
Alder<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/alder_tree.jpg"></img></p>
Alnus Glutinosa<br />
Tree of the God Bran<br />
Fourth month of the Celtic Tree calendar, March 18 - April 14<br />
Fourth consonant of the Ogham alphabet Fearn<br />
<br />
Planet: Neptune<br />
Element: Fire and Water<br />
Symbolism: Release, Shield and Foundation, Determination, Discrimination and Inner Confidence, Royalty<br />
Stone: Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli (understanding the mind)<br />
Birds: Hawk, Seagulls, Raven<br />
Color:…
From Roots to Leaves, Branches to Bark<br />
The Goddess Tree Grows<br />
<br />
<br />
Alder<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/alder_tree.jpg"/></p>
Alnus Glutinosa<br />
Tree of the God Bran<br />
Fourth month of the Celtic Tree calendar, March 18 - April 14<br />
Fourth consonant of the Ogham alphabet Fearn<br />
<br />
Planet: Neptune<br />
Element: Fire and Water<br />
Symbolism: Release, Shield and Foundation, Determination, Discrimination and Inner Confidence, Royalty<br />
Stone: Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli (understanding the mind)<br />
Birds: Hawk, Seagulls, Raven<br />
Color: Purple<br />
Deity: Bran, Apollo, Odin, King Arthur<br />
Folk Names: Owler<br />
<br />
Medicinal properties:<br />
Alder bark treated inflammations, rheumatism, and diarrhea. Bags filled with heated alder leaves helped with chronic skin diseases and burns. A gargle made from leaves and bark cured mouth ulcers and soothed tonsillitis. Alder oil and essence resonate with the Muscular System and can relieve stiffness and damp diseases, enabling us to move forward with flexibility and comfort.<br />
<br />
Magickal properties:<br />
Alder helps you face up to the things you've been avoiding.<br />
It also was believed that Alder allowed access into the faery realms.<br />
Alder tree essence is invigorating, and it also reduces nervousness and anxiety.<br />
Spells to aid success in your business and academic ventures work well at this time of year. Sow the seeds of your success now.<br />
<br />
Alder roots enrich the soil, and its timber resists decay.<br />
When immersed in water it hardens to the toughness of stone.<br />
Because it was the source of fine strongly colored dyes, it was associated with the art of fabric making and the Goddesses of spinning. Alder reminds us of the need to blend strength and courage with generosity of spirit and compassion.<br />
Alder was sacred to the Druids. The pith is easily pushed out of green shoots to make whistles. Several shoots bound together by cordage, can be trimmed to the desired length for producing the note you want and used to entice Air elementals. The old superstition of "whistling up the wind" began with this custom.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
If you felled a sacred Alder, it was said that your house would be burned to the ground.<br />
<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/CTOAlder.jpg"/></p>
<br />
<br />
The Celtic Tree Oracle by Liz and Colin MurrayTHE CELTIC TREE ORACLE<br />
by Liz and Colin Murray<br />
<br />
The Alder, like the Willow, is a water-loving tree. Its timber is oily and water resistant and therefore used extensively for underwater foundations: parts of Venice and many medieval cathedrals were built on Alder piling. Bran the Blessed, or Bendegeit Bran, is the god liked with this tree in the Ogham alphabet. He is reputed to have used his body to span the river Linon, forming a bridge to raise his followers above the dangerous waters, as the wood does when used as a building material. Mortally wounded in battle with the Irish, Bran prophesied the events that would follow his death, instructing his followers to cut off his head and carry it with them. They traveled to Harlech, where the head sang for seven years: then to Gwales, the head remaining uncorrupted and prophesying the while. Eventually, they came to rest in London, Caer Llyndain, and buried Bran's head at the White Mount, or Bryn Gweyn, now the site of the Tower of London. It was held that as long as the head remained concealed it would give protection against plague from across the sea. King Arthur, it is said, once dug it up: and unwise actions, since the Saxons then invaded the country.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
The Fairy Bible<br />
by Teresa Moorey<br />
<br />
The Alder Tree is delicate in appearance, but is tremendously strong and is linked, as are many trees, with the creation of humans, for Irish legend tells how the first man was made from alder, and the first woman from rowan. Such stories indicate that our deepest essence is connected to that of trees - physically, karmically, and spiritually.<br />
<br />
Alder has the gift of not decaying in water, so it is used to make bridges. Possibly because of this it is associated with the Welsh god-giant, Bran, who made his body into a bridge across the River Shannon, to invade Ireland and come to the aid of his sister, Branwen. The Welsh were victorious, but Bran was slain. His head - still living, and still possessing oracular powers - was buried in the White Hill of London, and the ravens that inhabit the Tower of London are Bran's sacred birds. It is said that England will not fall while they live there. The alder fairy may fly forth in the form of a raven. He can impart all the secrets of good defense to you, teach you how to look for omens in bird flight and develop the gift of prophecy.<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/alderfairycmb.jpg"/></p>
<br />
<br />
The Song of the Alder Fairy<br />
<br />
by Cicely Mary Barker<br />
<br />
By the lake or river-side<br />
Where the Alders dwell,<br />
In the Autumn may be spied<br />
Baby catkins; cones beside —<br />
Old and new as well.<br />
Seasons come and seasons go;<br />
That's the tale they tell!<br />
<br />
After Autumn, Winter's cold<br />
Leads us to the Spring;<br />
And, before the leaves unfold,<br />
On the Alder you'll behold,<br />
Crimson catkins swing!<br />
They are making ready now;<br />
That's the song I sing!<br />
<br />
<br />
Alder is a charm against malevolent fairies.<br />
<br />
Water sprites are said to protect alder trees, so be cautious of cutting one down.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Equal night, equal day: the Spring Equinox brings a momentary balance of light and darkness on our planet, when "yoginis" of the East and "maenads" (wild women) of the West celebrated their communal festivals. Throwing off the yoke of winter, we welcome spring with shared hearts open. Traditionally animals mate, gardeners break ground, and all the world comes alive again. But there are problems that need facing in our time, with many species losing their ability to reproduce or going extinct from too many poison chemicals in the environment. The birds and the bees are sick and dying. How can we live our lives in joy while staying awake to the larger situation?<br />
<br />
Certainly, the problems are too big for each person to face alone. But as the light grows each day, our energies are on the rise and, like plants poking their heads up through concrete, there is an irrepressible movement in each of us toward positive action. Perhaps this is the year to form a Council of Crones or join Code Pink. Pledge yourself to healthy collective action and creative nonviolent resistance.<br />
Vicki Noble - Mother Tongue Ink 2008, and We’Moon’09<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/DasBaumII.jpg"/></p>
Das Baum Tarot<br />
<br />
Wednesday March 18, 2009 - Waning Half Moon in Sagittarius<br />
Thursday March 26, 2009 - New Moon in Aries<br />
Thursday April 2, 2009 - Waxing Half Moon in Cancer<br />
Thursday April 9, 2009 - Full Moon in Libra<br />
<br />
<br />
Celtic Moon sign - Alder Moon<br />
<br />
The alder is amazingly resistant to water. As a result, it was often used in construction under water, from bridges to foundations to stilts for homes located close to rivers. This resistance makes the alder a powerful force in psychic battles.<br />
<br />
If you were born under this sign, you have tremendous courage in the face of obstacles and the power to win in disputes. Watch for a tendency to create wars where there are none, and be careful not to dissipate your strength through engaging in meaningless debate.<br />
Written by Kim Rogers-Gallagher, and Llewellyn's Witches' Datebook 2000<br />
<br />
At the time of the Spring Equinox, or Ostara, the Alder is flourishing on riverbanks, roots in the water, bridging that magical space between both heaven and earth. The Alder month, called Fearn by the Celts, and pronounced fairin, is a time for making spiritual decisions, magic relating to prophecy and divination, and getting in touch with your own intuitive processes and abilities. Alder flowers and twigs are known as charms to be used in Faerie magic. Whistles were once made out of Alder shoots to call upon Air spirits, so it's an ideal wood for making a pipe or flute if you're muscially inclined.<br />
<br />
Alder month is the right time to find a way of expressing our hopes and dreams for the New Year, forgiving any leftover angers and coming to terms with what's written in our own Book of Destiny. The Alder grows quickly and its energy can help us move along our Path, forgiving and accepting others and ourselves. For example, if there is a dispute with neighbors, Alder could be planted to restore harmony and turn anger into beauty.<br />
<br />
<br />
Spells to aid success in your business and academic ventures work well at this time of year. Sow the seeds of your success now.<br />
<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Crone Stone<br />
reading from Gwendolyn, thegoddesstree.com<br />
<br />
DayDreamer<br />
In this stone I see a woman resting against a tree, and dreaming of a castle.<br />
<br />
Use the energy of grounding to help you manifest your dreams. Along with your fantasy, imagine what steps you need to take in order to make it a reality.<br />
<br />
visit cronestones.com<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
The Faces of WomanSpirit<br />
<br />
A Celtic Oracle of Avalon<br />
by Katherine Torres, Ph.D.<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/FWSAlder.jpg"/></p>
<br />
<br />
Alder brings the delight of spring into your steps. She urges you to act on your desires without worry or fret.<br />
<br />
She empowers you with vigor.<br />
<br />
Her delightful orange face compels excitement within you and the knowing that the wisdom you have been gathering can now be used. Share it with others or move on your own, but Go For It, no matter what you are experiencing at this time.<br />
<br />
<br />
Alder let me see your<br />
Brightness and readiness<br />
Strength and Knowing<br />
Intensity of Action<br />
And youthful vigor<br />
For in this exchange I can<br />
GO FOR IT.<br />
<br />
<br />
The Faces of WomanSpirit, A Celtic Oracle of Avalon by Katherine Torres PhD<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
I move forward with ease and grace.<br />
I honor the energy of alder, for the protection of my inner oracle.<br />
I will listen to the voice of the Goddess Within.<br />
So mote it be.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Pray Peace<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/alderblack.jpg"/></p>
<br />
This letter is a labor of love, from Gwendolyn<br />
Permission to share freely, please in its entirety, with links and credits<br />
Feel free to contact me: gwendolyn@thegoddesstree.com<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
from Moon Bee Acres<br />
<br />
There is a branch for you to sit upon with a beautiful view.<br />
Climb up into her arms, and stay for a spell.<br />
Feel her roots, her bark, her branches, her leaves.<br />
She is shade, shelter, a home, a hide-away.<br />
She is an escape.<br />
She rocks you to sleep in your hammock.<br />
She holds up your birdfeeder, your wind chimes, and your decorations.<br />
She embraces anyone who loves to climb.<br />
In the spring she offers life, and in the fall she gives her own.<br />
She does not judge.<br />
She just is.<br />
<br />
Gwendolyn<br />
thegoddesstree.com<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thegoddesstree.com/trees/Alder.htm">http://thegoddesstree.com/trees/Alder.htm</a><br />
<br />
subscribe here - <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheGoddessTreeGrows">http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheGoddessTreeGrows</a><br />
<br />
Shop: <a href="http://sticksandstonescircle.com">http://sticksandstonescircle.com</a><br />
<br />
<br />
~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~<br />
Pray Peace<br />
Permission to share in entirety, with links and credits<br />
Feel free to contact me: gwendolyn@thegoddesstree.com<br />
~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~<br />
<a href="http://www.thegoddesstree.com">http://www.thegoddesstree.com</a><br />
community: <a href="http://thegoddesstree.ning.com">http://thegoddesstree.ning.com</a><br />
shop: <a href="http://sticksandstonescircle.com">http://sticksandstonescircle.com</a><br />
Goddess Studies: <a href="http://www.thegoddesstree.com/GoddessSchool">http://www.thegoddesstree.com/GoddessSchool</a><br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
Here is a list of some of my favorite books to reference:<br />
The Wisdom of Trees by Jane Gifford<br />
The Meaning of Trees by Fred Hageneder<br />
Whispers from the Woods by Sandra Kynes<br />
Celtic Tree Mysteries by Steve Blamires<br />
The Herb Book by John Lust<br />
Garden Witchery by Ellen Dugan<br />
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott CunninghamThe Goddess Tree Grows *Ashtag:sticksandstonescircle.ning.com,2009-02-18:2159258:BlogPost:3552009-02-18T21:00:00.000ZGwendolynhttp://sticksandstonescircle.ning.com/profile/Gwendolyn
From Roots to Leaves, Branches to Bark<br />
The Goddess Tree Grows<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
ASH<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/Ash_tree.jpg"></img></p>
<br />
Fraxinus americana<br />
<br />
The World Tree; Tree of Life<br />
<br />
Third month of the Celtic Tree calendar, February 18th - March 17th<br />
Third consonant of the Ogham alphabet - Nion<br />
<br />
Planet: The Sun and Neptune<br />
Element: Water, Fire<br />
Symbolism: Mastership and Power<br />
Stone: Turquoise, Lepidolite (Increase psychic awareness)<br />
Birds: Common Snipe<br />
Color: White, pale Blue<br />
Deity: Eostre, Frigg,…
From Roots to Leaves, Branches to Bark<br />
The Goddess Tree Grows<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
ASH<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/Ash_tree.jpg"/></p>
<br />
Fraxinus americana<br />
<br />
The World Tree; Tree of Life<br />
<br />
Third month of the Celtic Tree calendar, February 18th - March 17th<br />
Third consonant of the Ogham alphabet - Nion<br />
<br />
Planet: The Sun and Neptune<br />
Element: Water, Fire<br />
Symbolism: Mastership and Power<br />
Stone: Turquoise, Lepidolite (Increase psychic awareness)<br />
Birds: Common Snipe<br />
Color: White, pale Blue<br />
Deity: Eostre, Frigg, Hel/Holle, Minerva, Nemesis, Odin, Nemesis, Poseidon, Neptune<br />
Folk Name: Hoop Ash, Nion - (a rune name from the Irish Gaelic word Nionon which means heaven.)<br />
<br />
Medicinal properties:<br />
Ash bark can make an infusion that is a mild laxative and diuretic. The rood bark is the most potent with astringent properties, and was used to treat liver diseases and arthritic rheumatism. Other uses include reduce fever, treat kidney and urinary infections, expel intestinal parasites, and treating malaria.<br />
<br />
Magickal properties:<br />
The leaves attract love and prosperity. Burn Ash wood at Yule to receive prosperity. Sleep with them under your pillow and you will have psychic/prophetic dreams. Sleep with them in a bowl of water next to your bed to prevent illness. Wearing garters of green ash bark protects against the powers of magicians. Ash can heal children just by passing the child through a split in the tree's trunk. It promotes strength, harmony, and a sense of being in tune with your surroundings.<br />
In an ancient Greek creation story, humans were formed from Ash and Oak trees.<br />
Ash, Oak and Hawthorn make up the triad of powerful faery trees. If you stand in the shadow of an Ash, the fae will leave you alone. Put Ash berries in a baby's crib and the fae will not steal it and leave a changeling in its place.<br />
Ash wood was used for the traditional handle of the besom broom. Druid wands were often made of ash because of its straight grain. Ash wands are good for healing, general and solar magic.<br />
Ash Tree attracts lightening, so don't stand under one during an electric storm.<br />
Ash is the key to healing the loneliness of the human spirit, forming a link between the gods, humans, and the dead in the spirit world. Ash holds the key to Universal Truth and Cosmic Wisdom, and it takes on the important role as a Tree of Initiation.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Ash, seeker of Spirit<br />
teach me to make holy my journey.<br />
Help me move past Illusion.<br />
Lead me to my heart -<br />
The place of Magic.<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/FWSAsh.jpg"/></p>
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This Moon Mother Ash calls you to awaken hidden realities and find the Divine Mother. In a measureless expanse of consciousness you will find the tomb of the Great Goddess. You are beckoned to discover it and your own goddess reflection as you ride the mysteries of this Moon Mother.<br />
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From the light of Ash the path of return opens to the memory of your divine feminine self. Ancient wisdom is revealed. Ritual is enacted. Re-membering your goddess self occurs. Service to the Great Goddess is lived and magic returns to your life.<br />
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The Faces of WomanSpirit<br />
A Celtic Oracle of Avalon<br />
by Katherine Torres, Ph.D.<br />
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HERB MAGIC FOR BEGINNERS<br />
by Ellen Dugan<br />
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Ash is a healing tree, so two ash twigs may be fashioned into a solar amulet, and the solar energies used to help fight off the wintertime blues. Create this amulet on a nice, sunny day. Take two small ash twigs about six inches in length, and tie them together into an equal-armed cross (also known as the solar cross.) Fasten a gold ribbon at the center of the twigs, and knot the ribbon three times, saying:<br />
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By the powers of the ash tree, herb magic, and the sun,<br />
Do as I will, bringing harm to none.<br />
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Then hold the amulet up to the sunshine, and bless it with the following charm to ward off the winter blues and to encourage healing:<br />
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I take two ash twigs, and tie a ribbon round,<br />
A simple solar amulet I have bound.<br />
Bring sunshine to my life and guard me, I pray.<br />
Keeping those wintertime blues far, far away.<br />
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You can Hang this amulet in a prominent location in your home, or tuck it into your locker or desk at work. This amulet would also be easy to adapt to a pocket charm, if you keep the twigs about two inches in length. Now, you have yourself a little portable solar amulet.<br />
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THE CELTIC TREE ORACLE<br />
by Liz and Colin Murray<br />
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<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/CTOAsh.jpg"/></p>
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The Ash tree has deeply penetrating roots and sours the soil, making it difficult for other vegetation to grow beneath it. Its twigs are thick and strong. In Norse mythology, this tree spans the universe - its roots in hell, its branches supporting the heavens and with Earth at its centre. In Celtic cosmology in particular it connects the three circles of existence - past, present and future, or as confusion, balance, and creative force; there being no fell, but only continual rebirth as passage is made from circle to circle until the Land of the Blessed is finally reached.<br />
Also, the Ash can be seen as spanning both microcosm and macrocosm, the little world and the great world. In this interpretation, man and Earthly things are reflections in miniature of the universe, the cosmos being reflected in us, and thus expressing the meaning of the old expression: as above, so below.<br />
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Re-membering<br />
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Through stories and through my shamanic work, I began thinking about ancestral memory and what if? What if the wounds I carry are not solely from my lifetime, but also from my mother's, my father's and grandparents' passed genetically and psychically? What if the multiple abuses I have processed in therapy are from ancestral wounds as well as current, and what if the connections extend beyond even ancestral lineage to some kind of interspecies link?<br />
I feel lighter when I entertain these thoughts and constantly renew my commitment to my path of healing, not only for my family and myself but also for all beings. I am beginning to see that the web of life weaves connections between all of time, space and place. And how each small healing benefits the whole cosmos.<br />
Janice Young 2006, and We’Moon’09<br />
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The Fairy Bible<br />
by Teresa Moorey<br />
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<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/ashfairy.jpg"/></p>
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The Ash Fairy is androgynous and ambiguous, carrying great mysticism and power and making many connections: between this world and the Otherworld, between masculine and feminine, and between differing ideas. The ash fairy understands that problems are rarely solved on the level at which they were created.<br />
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The most famous ash was the Norse World Tree, Yggdrasil, on which Odin hung, to receive the wisdom of the runes. Thus ash possesses indescribable knowledge - things we cannot really know in our heads and can only reach through expansion of consciousness. Ash fairy may bring the gift of poetry, which has the power to evoke ideas and associations that elude the conscious mind. Ash is associated with communications of all sorts. Witches were believed to fly on ash-handled broomsticks, while Viking ships were made of ash. Many ancient cultures believed that humans originated within the ash - for instance, souls were born in the branches of Yggdrasil. The goddess Nemesis carried an ash branch. And so ash fairy teaches balance and unity in diversity. It takes an open mind and breadth of soul to travel in the Otherworld!<br />
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Tuesday February 24, 2009 - New Moon in Pisces<br />
Wednesday March 4, 2009 - Waxing Half Moon in Gemini<br />
Tuesday March 10, 2009 - Full Moon in Virgo<br />
Wednesday March 18, 2009 - Waning Half Moon in Sagittarius<br />
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Celtic Moon sign - Ash Moon<br />
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The ash tree is famous, although anonymous, since it's the tree from which the Hanged Man is suspended in tarot decks. The roots of the ash penetrate deeply into the earth, and the tree itself is known for its speed of growth. Its energy, then, also builds quickly, but is dispersed just as fast. Born under this sign, you have a "knowing" of the connection between ourselves, our planet, and our universe. You feel the pain and joy of all other creatures, from trees to animals to those humans less fortunate than yourself. This lends a compassion to your personality that's incomparable.<br />
Written by Kim Rogers-Gallagher, and Llewellyn's Witches' Datebook 2000<br />
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This is a good month to do magic that focuses on the inner self. Associated with ocean rituals, magical potency, prophetic dreams and spiritual journeys, the Ash can be used for making magical (and mundane) tools -- these are said to be more productive than tools made from other wood. Love spells and loved ones should be foremost in our minds in early spring.<br />
Born under this sign are those who have a knowing of the connection between ourselves, our planet, and our universe. You feel the pain and joys of all living creatures, which makes you most compassionate. Other traits: Uncommonly attractive, vivacious, impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with fate, can be egoistic, very reliable and trustworthy, faithful and prudent lover, sometimes brains rule over heart, but takes partnership very serious.<br />
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I breathe Life easily. I speak my truth. I am protected. I am at one with the Universe.<br />
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I honor the energy of ash, the magician's staff.<br />
I will recognize that "as above, so below," I play a part in the larger scheme of things.<br />
I will link my inner and outer worlds.<br />
So mote it be<br />
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Pray Peace<br />
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<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://thegoddesstree.com/images/yggdrasil.jpg"/></p>
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This letter is a labor of love, from Gwendolyn<br />
Permission to share freely, please in its entirety, with links and credits<br />
Feel free to contact me: gwendolyn@thegoddesstree.com<br />
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from Moon Bee Acres<br />
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There is a branch for you to sit upon with a beautiful view.<br />
Climb up into her arms, and stay for a spell.<br />
Feel her roots, her bark, her branches, her leaves.<br />
She is shade, shelter, a home, a hide-away.<br />
She is an escape.<br />
She rocks you to sleep in your hammock.<br />
She holds up your birdfeeder, your wind chimes, and your decorations.<br />
She embraces anyone who loves to climb.<br />
In the spring she offers life, and in the fall she gives her own.<br />
She does not judge.<br />
She just is.<br />
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Gwendolyn<br />
<a href="http://thegoddesstree.com">thegoddesstree.com</a><br />
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<a href="http://thegoddesstree.com/trees/Ash.htm">http://thegoddesstree.com/trees/Ash.htm</a><br />
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