Eamhain Mhacha: Neamhspleáchas agus Cómhalartacht/The Twins of Macha: Autonomy and Reciprocity

 {The Lughnasadh season is upon us here in the Northern hemisphere, a time to remember the Sovereignty Goddesses and their sacrifices. We sadly lost Shuhada Sadaqat/Sinéad O'Connor just a few days ago; her actions and convictions, what she offered up to the world, emulated how I imagine a Sovereignty Goddess would be. So while I am devoted to Macha, my love and gratitude extend to all the Sovereignty Goddesses and to everyone who strives for liberation on behalf of themselves and the collective. ❤️‍🔥

This is my attempt to help process some of my thoughts and much of what is written here probably won't be new to folx who are reading it. But perhaps it can spark some of your own thoughts around sovereignty, what that might look like to you and its importance. So here is my little prayer for us to return to ways of being that are centered in autonomy and reciprocity.}

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🌟 Eamhain Mhacha: Neamhspleáchas agus Cómhalartacht/The Twins of Macha: Autonomy and Reciprocity 🌟

These last few years have been a bit of a crash course in personal sovereignty. This has also been accompanied by confliction of the whole concept, as sovereignty is often meant as power-over instead of empowerment. After spending some time in Macha's territory it has become clear that there is still so much to unlearn/learn and to sort out in my heart, head and spirit. 

As I sat on top of Eamhain Mhacha, I started to revisit the idea of what sovereignty means to me both as an anarchist and as an Irish-centered polytheist. This is a place thought to be the ancient seat of rule for the province of Uladh {Ulster} and Macha being the tutelary Goddess here is often associated with sovereignty. What might that mean to her and her devotees today? What potential does that have to offer or even what did it look like before we thought that we could own other beings and places? In quiet ritual, I consulted her and remembered her stories that are rooted here.

I remembered the arrogance of both her chosen husband Cruinniuc and of King Conor; her husband's boasts and the king's fragile ego. The betrayal and the abuse of power. 

Betrayal of the husband after he swore to Macha not to mention their relationship or her Otherwordly talents. Instead of keeping his promise, Cruinniuc bragged at a {either Lughnasadh or Samhain} feast hosted by King Conor that his wife could outrun the king's fastest horses. This lead to Macha having to make good on his boasts, as the king threatened to kill her husband if she didn't race against those horses. Problem was she was very pregnant, in the final stage, ready to give birth soon. She pleaded with King Conor to allow her to give birth first, but the tyrant wasn't having it. She turned to the crowd of people at the feast, seeing if anyone would speak on her behalf for the king to have mercy. She was instead met with mockery and jeers.

Macha raced the king's horses and won, right after which she gave birth to twins. It is thought by many that Eamhain Mhacha was named after them, "The Twins of Macha".

I remembered that abuse of power and betrayal, not only by her husband and the king, but by all present, everyone was culpable. I also keenly remembered the defiant curse that Macha spat out: for nine generations all the men of Ulster would become weak and immobilized with the pangs of birth in Ulster's greatest times of need. This is the part of the story I hold onto most dearly; not the curse itself but it's Macha's rebellion and resilience that enchants me.

Many of us have known deep betrayal and abuse of power, and at the same time, there are many of us who are culpable at benefitting and participating in those very things as well.

As for Macha's Twins, there are a few different outcomes I've heard. Sometimes there is no mention of their fate at all; sometimes they become the chariot horses for the hero Cú Chulainn, and sometimes they are taken back to the Otherworld with Macha. For me they have become the embodiments of Neamhspleáchas/Autonomy and Cómhalartacht/Reciprocity as Macha herself is an embodiment of Flaitheas/Sovereignty.

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✨️Neamhspleáchas/Autonomy✨️

 In my own struggles to find healing and to reclaim power, there have been people who have tried to dictate to me what that should look like. Sometimes I think this was coming from a good place, and other times there was an agenda, and in those times people would try to use their own power over me to push their agenda. In softer instances it would be run-of-the-mill paternalism, and in more fucked up instances it was manipulation, threats of punishment and weaponizing my own trauma against me. All in the name of "saving me from myself". 

Internalizing this from a young age has at times made me judgemental of others, and unfortunately there have been people who were dear to me that I failed. Instead of being a good friend, I allowed my disagreement with some of their choices get in the way of meeting them where they were at. Sadly they are no longer here for me to try to make it up to them.

Dogma and authoritarian tactics are rampant in non profits and charities that are supposed to be serving marginalized people. Shit like saviourism {especially the white variety!} as well as withholding of services to those who need it if they don't conform to some narrow vision of "acceptable" behaviour {i.e. joining a certain religion, practicing sobriety and heteronormativity}. But this isn't limited to these types organizations, I have seen grassroots and other types of activist groups openly shun people for not meeting their purity mandates {such as people who do sex work, who use substances or who are Queer}. 

And lastly, I have both witnessed and experienced spiritual leaders in pagan communities who have misused their influence over vulnerable people who came to them in trust. Bidding us to listen to what they say our Otherwordly crews require of us, attempting to persuade us from our choices, otherwise we aren't "stepping into our full power" {or some variation of that}. Once again, in some of these cases the shunning is brought down for not following their directions.

So in saying that, what I envision sovereignty to be would have firstly the component of autonomy. We are the experts of our own trauma and needs. It is so important that we all have the freedom and space to figure out what that looks like, to make mistakes, to learn, and to have a voice. 

With that autonomy I also think it's important to reject the hyper cutthroat individualism that the dominant western culture pushes.

✨️Cómhalartacht/Reciprocity✨️

Western colonizer culture is set up for us to be in perpetual isolation and alienation; this makes it possible for those who hold the power to maintain its apparatus of extraction and exploitation.

Those in power want us to forget that we are all interconnected. That we as humans are connected to one another, but more than that, we are connected with all beings. We are all kin. If we remember this, we are more likely to live in the spirit of reciprocity. 

There is a wonderful Irish seanfhocal/proverb that sum this up perfectly: "ar scáth a chéile a mhaireas na daoine/it is under the shelter of each other that we survive". 

 It can be hard to imagine what that would even look like or figure out how we get there. Or it could be hard to believe that it is even conceivable. But it can be done, it has been done, it is being done.

Personally I don't think this is about creating some utopia or that this will solve all our problems. I do think however that there are so many possibilities of what we can do now to attempt to shift into living in right relationship, but since it is so vastly different to what many of us are familiar with, it might be daunting to figure out what that even means.

There are two quotes from Robin Wall Kimmerer in Braiding Sweetgrass that really speak to my heart of what it means to live in reciprocal ways:

"Action on behalf of life transforms. Because the relationship between self and the world is reciprocal, it is not a question of first getting enlightened or saved and then acting. As we work to heal the earth, the earth heals us."

and 

"The most important thing each of us can know is our unique gift and how to use it in the world. Individuality is cherished and nurtured, because, in order for the whole to flourish, each of us has to be strong in who we are and carry our gifts with conviction, so they can be shared with others."

What a beautiful way to resist western colonizer culture.

Perhaps it might also be helpful to think of ways in which reciprocity is already expressed in our lives. Both in how we send that out into the world and how it is given to us. This might be a nice starting point or something to reflect on when we feel like we are "not doing enough" or when we lose hope. I definitely lean into this when my health stuff limits me and want to figure out how I can contribute while in recovery mode. 

As animists, pagans and magical workers we can turn to our spirit allies to collaborate with, our ancestors for healing and support and to the stories of our deities and heros for inspiration.

This sacred territory of Macha is still colonized, and as an outsider it's not my say how decolonization here would look like. Where I live, Turtle Island is still of course colonized too, and the active genocide against Indigenous people is still happening. Some of my ancestors were settlers from Ireland, fleeing from An Gorta Mór, The Great Hunger that was forced upon them by the English. Others who were first British colonizers here on this island, then moving on to become participants in the genocidal colonizer project on Turtle Island. One thing both those lines have in common is that they both bought into the lie of white supremacy and benefitted from it. And with that I inherited privilege and responsibility.

I mention this because we most certainly can't have the kind of sovereignty that I am envisioning here without actively eradicating colonization. For settlers that means listening to Indigenous people whose lands they occupy and supporting Indigenous lead tactics when welcomed to. 

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I don't believe that the Sovereignty Goddesses were born to represent dominance, but come from a time when many more of us rememembered our interconnection. That kind of sovereignty is not about promoting greed or control, or retribution. Instead it upholds generosity, cooperation and restoration. And I think to get to that Sovereignty it is of equal importance to have Autonomy because we are individuals, and Reciprocity because we are a collective. 

Míle buíochas to Macha for all your lessons, protection and guidance. Sé do bheatha, a Macha/Hail Macha!

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Beannachtai,

Laurel

Lughnasadh Blessings

{photo of a working with Macha from last year}

I hope that everyone is having a fruitful beginning to the season of Lughnasadh {or a wonderful Imbolc for those in the Southern half}! 

The first fruits of the harvest for me are more of a spiritual and symbolic nature this year, rather than the literal and tangible ones. Reaping the blessings of seeds planted this past spring, or even before that, as I do observances looking back.

As mentioned several times before, for me personally, this is the beginning of Macha's time. This year simple offerings of beer and oatcakes, as well as seasonal wildflowers and grasses in a bouquet picked under a new moon and a cloak pin dedicated to her. A humble thanks for kicking my ass up mountains; some real ones, while others have come in the form of challenges that life tends to put in our ways. These last few years especially she has given me strength when I have been ready to give in, all in knowing that I can have faith in her to shield me from more than I can handle. 

May this time be fruitful for you all!

A Reddening Ritual {a Deer's Skull}

Just about a year ago I had done a rebirthing of a deer skull under last July's full moon {often called a Buck Moon, which last year also turned out to be the longest blood moon eclipse of this century}. I had wanted to do a post about it in greater detail, meaning to share the three stage process I went through to redden, rebirth, and consecrate and bind the skull to myself for ritual purpose.

A year on, I had been reminded that I wanted to post on this when doing a ritual this past full Buck Moon honouring my lovely deer friend. So, here we are, this is the first post of three in this little series of what I did for this particular skull. The process and ritual I will be sharing is something that I have done not only for animal remains, but also some other sacred items, most recently before this skull, my rowan stang, and don't see why others couldn't do the same should they be adverse to doing this for the remains of an animal.

While this is a practice I started doing before I considered myself a Gaelic polytheist, it has been refined over time to fit my personal practice and cosmology, and below is how I would go about doing it today. Just in case there are folks who are looking for inspiration on how one might do a ritual like this, I am going into quite a bit of depth here. Anyhow, on with it.

Instead of me rattling off what reddening is, and why we do it, I will be lazy and share a really great post that had been done on the In The Chimehours blog back in 2011, who also in this post reddened a very handsome deer skull.

This deerie was found by another in the forest, he was a white-tailed buck, whose antlers had been shed and had not started to grow new ones. So he had died in winter or early spring. I think that he was a younger lad, probably two or three years of age, and how he was found, his death seemed to be a natural one. I believe that while I was initially connecting to him, I saw what the cause was, but obviously can't say for sure. His skull had been exposed to the elements for some while by the time he was found. Not the "prettiest" skull, but he is certainly my favourite. His spirit has turned out to be a most precious ally in my travels when I walk between worlds.

At some point I may go into greater detail on how I've developed and maintain my relationships with spirit allies, especially of those whose remains I am the steward of. For now I will just say that before I started to woo him into working with me, I had made a little shrine to him, and left regular offerings, which I still do today. 

Prior to the actual reddening, I did a small offering and saining ritual on the new moon. The skull was placed on a plate that held the dry ingredients of the reddening paste {pictured and listed below}, surrounded by a rowan berry necklace and candles of the Three Realms.

• Lighting the candles of the Three Realms: Sky {"Blessings of the sky above"}, Sea {"Blessings of the sea about"}, Land {"blessings of the land below"}
• Lighting the hearth candle, a prayer of welcome is said to The Three {Gods, Spirits and Ancestors} and offerings are made: incense {representing Sky} whiskey {representing Sea}, and food {representing Land}. 
• A threefold saining is then performed: juniper smoke {"blessings of Sky"} is moved over the skull, saining water {"blessings of Sea"} is sprinkled over the skull, and sea salt and purifying herbs {"blessings of Land"} is lightly rubbed on the skull 

Below is a list of the dry ingredients that I had used in this reddening paste. Keeping in mind, I was reddening this skull to house an ally I wished to do specific types of spirit work with, the contents of this reddening paste reflects that. Ingredients may vary, depending on what the purpose of the item being reddened is. The dried ingredients I used here are {* potentially or is poison, handle with care}: 

Ancestral graveyard dirt

Staghorn sumac berries

Rowan berries

Ghost fern

Oak leaves

Wormwood*

European mandrake roots*

Bittersweet nightshade berries*

Yew*

Mugwort*

Willow bark

Dandelion root

Mullein

Black nightshade berries*

The wet ingredients for the reddening paste were three beets, each one carved with one of the names of the Three Realms in ogham: Nem {Sky}, Muir {Sea}, and Talam {Land} that were then boiled until they could be mashed; Samhain water, and nine drops of my blood. 

This was then all mixed together in a paste and plastered on the skull, which was left on for about 24 hours until it could crumble off by itself. Before moving onto the next stage, he was left to dry out completely for nine days.

Quick Tip for Polytheists: Small Rituals to Stay Connected

Or, I suppose this could also be called making the most of the time you have.

Many of us live super busy lives, and I think for those of us in polytheist, pagan and witchcraft communities, might feel that we don't have a enough time to spend on observing holy days or special times of the year the way we would like, or find it difficult to stay connected to the spirits and deities we have relationships with.

For me this became especially true once I started working in healthcare, and even more so once I moved away to where I am now. At times it has left me feeling extremely frustrated and even depressed. Like I am somehow failing. Over time I've found ways to adjust. Here are two examples of what I've done recently, which will hopefully inspire and give ideas for folks who find themselves in similar situations.

During Midsummer I was working and didn't have time to do much to celebrate. So, the night of, after working the late shift, a friend and I walked home together and picked wildflowers at around midnight as we made our way home. We did do the usual making of offerings and "paid the rent" to the local land spirits, a tradition I have taken to previous years {it is good form to never skip on hospitality in my view, no matter how pressed for time}. 

Some of the wildflowers were placed on my hearth shrine and others on Airmid's part of the shrine, with a quick devotional prayer. And that's it. I didn't have time to greet the rising sun, it was that or sleep. For practical reasons I chose sleep. So, just making due the best I can. 

Speaking of Airmid, I had mentioned in previous posts, how I divide the year to seasonal devotions to the household deities I have relationships with. From around Midsummer to Lughnasadh is Airmid's time. After my pilgrimage to Ireland, I feel a deepened sense of devotion to her, and I want to maintain that, to see where that leads.

For her season I decided to take advantage of the strong sun at this time of year, as well as her connection to plants and healing by making a sun tea every day. I simply choose herbs based on intuition or whose properties I feel I need, add them to a mason jar with water, and leave it on my balcony shrine for the day. I leave a little tea as an offering to the land spirits, make an offering of some to Airmid with a small devotional prayer, and use some of it myself. 

The main thing I think is to make the most the time, energy and abilities one has. Of course it is smart to be mindful of oaths one has made, but when it comes to The Three, I find that effort is probably what is most appreciated by those we have relationships with.

One Month and Counting...{Pilgrimage Advent Vigil Candle}

Today marks exactly one month before I fly off to my pilgrimage to Ireland. In anticipation for this I had created an advent candle of sorts, to be burnt starting nine weeks prior to when I leave. Each week is marked with a different layer, each separated by botanicals that I felt were relevant to what I was wishing to bring in.  

At the start of each new week offerings are made, prayers are said {I have been using an altered version of Charm of Grace as one of those prayers}, along with divination and meditation. Each week is dedicated to researching and trying to connect with one of the sacred sites we are to be visiting, along with other work that might need to be done, mundane or spiritual. While doing anything in regards to the pilgrimage, I make sure to light the candle each time. If nothing else, it is a good way for me to stay focused. 

Creating a candle like this is super easy. I just used an old jar that once belonged to a seven day candle, but one could easily do a pillar candle, or even a votive candle for smaller advents, or if less time can be dedicated to keeping vigil. And an advent candle like this could easily be used to observe a season, a particular working, or whatever else your imagination can come up with. 

Thanks to the lovely fellow Brighidine flamekeeper for the original inspiration, you know who you are. <3

Daily Purification {and some updates/happy 2019!}

It has been quite a while since I have added a proper post here. I've found myself in a place where I'm feeling more private with all areas of my life the last couple of years, more so than I have in the past, including my spiritual practice. This hasn't really changed all whole lot, but I am hoping the periods of silences this year will become smaller here. Thanks for those who have stuck around to take a peek at what I do post. Hope 2019 will treat you all well!

This year I am taking a pilgrimage to Ireland, which is being hosted by Land Sea Sky Travel and the Coru Cathubodua Priesthood. No surprise, I am really looking forward to going, not only to take a pilgrimage to the land of my own heart, but also to be able to meet fellow polytheists as we take this journey together. Being a pilgrimage, there has been, and will be a lot of preparation, both of the mundane kind and the spiritual. For most Gaelic polytheists, I think that line is blurred anyways. As I make these preparations, I am hoping to share some of my thoughts, practices, and so on. First up is the idea of daily purification. 

Recently the Coru Cathubodua Priesthood hosted an online talk covering base practices within Celtic polytheism, and one of the topics covered was spiritual hygiene{cleansing and purification of self and space}. Daily purification was talked about, which inspired me to become less lax in this department. I wanted to create a special saining water that I could use at least once a day when doing my kindling prayers in the morning, and ideally at night as well when doing my smooring prayers.

Botanical Infused Alcohol for Saining Water

Given that plants and trees play a central role in my practice, it only made sense to incorporate them into making this water. To keep things from going rancid, I decided to start off with making an alcoholic base, with nine botanicals associated with blessing, protection, and of course purification. 

To 80 proof vodka I added the following {all previously dried}:

Rowan
Juniper
Yarrow
Rose
Meadowsweet
Thyme
Birch
Oak
Heather

Stored in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid, I let everything steep for nine days, under a thick red fabric to keep the light out {red is associated with protection}, wrapped in a rowan berry and hagstone charm {again for protection}. Shaking once each day, while saying a little prayer for its intended purpose. After the steeping period, I strained the botanicals from the liquid. Now I have a base to work with, which I think should keep alright for at least a year, should I not use it all beforehand. Probably something nice to make again for each Imbolc.

Making Saining Water

I thought that the perfect time to make the saining water would be during a water blessing ritual that we do on the 20th shift of every cycle in a polytheist Brighidine flamekeeping sisterhood that I belong to. I made one bottle, with a back up mason jar just in case I needed more, before it is replenished, which would be every 20 days.

To the blessed water I added 20 drops of the alcoholic base, one for each day, and nine drops of rose essential oil and 18 drops of lavender essential oil. It smells very nice. Stored in an old whiskey bottle, it sits on the hearth shrine, ready for use every day.

Daily Saining Prayer

When doing my daily purification I pour some water into a little vessel, before saying the following prayer. While dipping fingers in water each time...

"May the Three bless my hands {rub water over hands}

May the Three bless my mind {touching brow}

May the Three bless my sight {touching *around* eyes}

May the Three bless my words {touching *around* mouth}

May the Three bless my voice {touching throat}

May the Three bless my heart {touching left side of chest}

May the Three bless my center {touching navel area}

May the Three bless my whole being {sprinkling water over self three times}

May the Three bless this space and any place I may be {sprinkling around shrine}"

***Please feel free to use this prayer, adapt it as needed. This is very much inspired by various prayers that one would find in Carmina Gadelica.***

Afterwards I like to leave the remaining poured water in the vessel on the shrine until the following day, to use as needed throughout the day. Plus it makes the room smell nice. :)

Brigit Búadach/Victorious Brigit

"Brigit búadach,
 búaid na fine,
siur Ríg nime,
nár in duine,
eslind luige,
         lethan bréo.

 Ro-s íacht nóibnem,
mumme Góidel,
riar na n-óiged,
óibel ecnai,
ingen Dubthaig,
duine úallach,
Brigit búadach,
         bethad béo."

***

"Triumphant Brigid,
glory of her kindred,
sister of Heaven's King,
a noble woman,
a danger to perjurers,
a broad-spreading flame.

She has reached holy Heaven,
the foster-mother of the Gael,
the desire of visitors,
a spark of wisdom,
daughter of Dubthach,
a proud woman,
triumphant Brigid,
living one of life."

~ Brigit Búadach/Victorious Brigid {Old Irish, translated by Kuno Meyer. Found in Miscellanea hibernica.}

 Beannachtaí na Féile Bríde agus Imbolc oraibh/ Brigid's Day & Imbolc blessings to you all! 

Sloinntearachd na Brighd/The Descent of Brigit

Sloinntearachd na Brighd
 

Brighid nighean Dùghaill Duinn
‘Ic Aoidh ‘ic Cuinn ‘ic
Criara ‘ic Caibre ‘ic Cais ‘ic
Carmaic ‘ic Cartaich ‘ic Cuinn.

 

Brighde nam brat,
Brighde na brig,
Brighde nan cleachd,
Brighde na frìth.

 

Brighde nan gealachos,
Brighde na bìth,
Brighde nan gealaphos,
Brighde na nì.

 

Brighde bean chomainn,
Brighde bean chobhair,
Brighde bean mhìn.

 

Gach latha agus gach oidhche
Nì mi Sloinntearachd na Brighd,

 

Cha mharbhar mi
Cha ghuinear mi,
Cha charachar mi,
Cha ghonar mi,
Cha spaltar mi,
Cha spùillear mi,
Cha saltrar mi,
Cha rùisgear mi,
Cha reubar mi,
Cha mhó dh’fhàgas

Brighde an dearmad mi.

 

Cha loisg grian mi,
Cha loisg teine mi,
Cha loisg ial mi,
Cha loisg gile mi.

Cha bhàth uisge mi,
Cha bhàth sàla mi,
Cha bhàth lighe mi,
Cha bhàth burn mi.

 

Cha laigh bruaill-brì orm,
Cha laigh suan-dubh orm,
Cha laigh druaill-drì orm,
Cha laigh luaths-luis orm.

 

‘S I mo chaombh chomainn
Brighde.

 

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English translation:

The Descent of Brigit

 

Brigit daughter of Dugall the Brown
Son of Aodh son of Art son of Conn
Son of Criara son of Cairbre son of Cas
Son of Cormac son of Cartach son of Conn.

 

Brigit of the mantles,
Brigit of the peat-heap,
Brigit of the twining hair,
Brigit of the augury.

 

Brigit of the white feet,
Brigit of the calmness,
Brigit of the white palms,
Brigit of the kine.

 

Brigit, woman-comrade,
Brigit, woman-helper,
Brigit, woman mild.

 

Each day and each night
That I say the Descent of Brigit,

 

shall not be slain,
I shall not be wounded
I shall not be put in cell,
I shall not be gashed,
I shall not be torn in sunder,
I shall not be despoiled
I shall not be down-trodden
I shall not be made naked,
I shall not be rent
Nor will Brigit
Leave me forgotten.

 

Nor sun shall burn me,
Nor fire shall burn me,
Nor beam shall burn me,
Nor moon shall burn me.

Nor river shall drown me,
Nor brine shall drown me,
Nor flood shall drown me,
Nor water shall drown me.

 

Nightmare shall not lie on me,
Black sleep shall not lie on me
Spell sleep shall not lie on me,
“ Luaths-luis” shall not lie on me.

 

My companion, beloved
Brigit.

 

~ All parts taken directly from the Carmina Gadelica Vol. III, save for some small changes.

 

{***Watermark on the image is due to recent image theft. My images are free to use for non-commercial purposes, just please give credit.***}

Welcoming Winter

 

 

After spending a good portion of yesterday baking and getting prepared, I ended up waiting until today to do my devotional ritual to An Cailleach. I think my timing was perfect, because today she is letting her presence be known with high winds and snow.

 

  

Offerings of various shortbreads {rosemary-coconut, chocolate-ginger and cardamom-nut}  and skeachan cake {Tairis has a great recipe here}, whiskey, hot chocolate and incense were made. I also did some divination and started working on charms to protect the home from storms.



 

 

In other news, there are some really nice photos over at the Shadows and Stone blog of yesterday's happenings at Newgrange during the Midwinter sunrise. After the passage tomb not being illuminated with sunlight since 2007, A'Ghrian decided to show her lovely face for them yesterday {I am glad she at least showed up for them, I didn't have such luck}.



Intentions Behind Making Offerings {Part 2}

This is a follow up to a post I did a few days ago Intentions Behind Making Offerings; there has been quite a bit of discussion over at Tumblr in response to the post over there, which showed me that there was a need for me to clarify a few things, which I am doing over here as well. You can see the discussion over at Tumblr here.

 

*********

 

 I have read all the responses and comments so far to my initial post, and I appreciate all the feedback. Before I respond to other people’s thoughts, I will reiterate that everything that I am writing here is just my own opinion, I am not representing any group or stating that these are the opinions of those who share a similar faith as my own {although I would be especially curious to hear what other Gaelic Polytheists and Celtic Reconstructionists feel on this topic}.

 

After reading the responses I have gotten and re-reading my initial post, I feel that I was not thorough enough to begin with and made some assumptions that others who would be reading my post would already know my overall position on making offerings and have a general feel of my position when it comes to relationships with deities, ancestors and spirits. To save some time in completely repeating myself, I welcome people to read the other post I had linked to here. I will however be going into further detail as necessary.

 

Something else I failed to be clear on in my initial post was what types of Pagans, polytheists and magical practitioners I was originally talking about, which were those who feel they practice some “Celtic” based or inspired faith. I have tried to find the original article that I had alluded to and unfortunately have not been able to find it on Tumblr anymore. It was called something like “Offerings Celtic Style” and was originally posted on Tumblr around July or August. If anyone remembers that post and it is still around, please feel free to share it.

 

There are people from different traditions and faiths that have responded to this, most notably people from a Kemetic path {a timely discussion is going on right now, which I recommend other people read, as it is quite interesting, which can be seen here}. I will not pretend to have even the slightest clue what it is like to deal with the Gods of people from a completely different spiritual path than my own, and it could very well be that what I consider to be bribes is perfectly acceptable to their Gods and their value-system. I am comfortable saying though that I do not think that this approach is acceptable with the deities that I have a relationship with nor is this an approach that fits into my own world view.

 

Some folks have mentioned the idea of a “gift for a gift” and someone had also used the word “reciprocity”, which I feel both encapsulate what I am trying to get at here. The spirit in which I see these terms is in complete opposition to some people who think that they can take without giving back or only give something to manipulate someone to get what they want.

 

Someone mentioned if we don’t get something back from the Gods then what is the point? Indeed. There is something I feel I get back including guidance, protection, wisdom. I may ask for something that I feel I need or ask on behalf of someone else, that does not however mean that my Gods are here to fulfill my every whim and demand.

 

Long before I start asking for things, while I am still in the early stages of developing a relationship with a deity or spirit, I will make offerings, take actions to demonstrate my intentions, to show hospitality. If and when a relationship is established, then I may ask for something.

 

While I do not pretend to be “equal”, I do espouse to treat my Gods, Ancestors and the Spirits I work with as I would someone who is dear to me. They are not here for me to use. That said, I do of course get something back for having a relationship with them. If I did not, much like a one-sided friendship, eventually ties would be severed.

 

It is difficult for me to clearly define how I see my deities, although, at least in part, I see them as mentors and kindred. If I were to have a wise person in my life teaching and guiding me, there would be an automatic amount of respect that I would have for them; anyone who I feel is my kindred, I have an automatic amount of respect for them.

 

Besides what I already get out of a relationship with a mentor or kindred, I may ask that person for a favour. The may agree to grant that favour, or they may not. I would still respect them either way and I would try to avoid manipulating them, giving them ultimatums, or bribing them as I see these things as disrespectful.

 

For me offerings are made with a generous heart; they are just one expression of the values that I see as sacred, the values that I try to uphold in every day life.

 

I hope that I have somewhat clarified my position and I welcome further comments and discussion, whether you agree or disagree.

 

Sláinte!

Laurel

Hospitality for My Ancestors & An Cailleach

I finally found the time and energy to properly welcome my Ancestors & An Cailleach and to celebrate the season. Offerings of baked apples, pumpkin muffins, roasted pumpkin seeds, whiskey and tea were made. The house has been sained, along with some other timely workings and divination.

 

When my ritual and workings were over, I went outside and not only was it snowing, but there were a bunch of small white moths flying around. Moths are often seen as messengers from the Otherworld. I feel both the Storm Hag and my Ancestors near.

 

May you all be reaping the blessings of this time!

 

Laurel

Táim Sínte ar do Thuama {I am Stretched on Your Grave}

I took this photo of my family cemetery a couple of years ago, and it reminds me of a 17th century Irish poem Táim Sínte ar do Thuama {in English I am Stretched on Your Grave}.

 

Here is the poem in Gaeilge:

 

Táim sínte ar do thuama agus gheobhair ann de shíor mé.

Dá mbeadh barra do dhá láimh agam, ní scarfainn leat choíche.

A phlúirín is an tsearc sé ann domsa luí leat.

Mar tá boladh fuar na cré uait, dath na gréine is na gaoithe.

Is nuair is dóigh le mo mhuintir go mbímse ar mo leabaigh.

Is ar do thuama sea a bhím sínte ó oíche go maidin.

Ag cur síos ar mo chruatan is ag cruaghol go daingean.

Sí mo chailín chiúin, stuama do ghluais liom ina leanbh.

Is tá na sagairt is na bráithre gach lá liomsa i bhfearg.

D'fhonn a bheith i ngrá leat a stórmhnaoi is tú marbh.

Dhéanfainn foithnín ón ngaoth duit, is díon díot ón bhfearthainn.

Agus brón ar mo chroíse tú a bheith thíos ins an talamh.

Is an gcuimhin leatsa an oíche úd a bhíosa agus tusa.

Fé bhun an chrann draighnigh, is bhí an oíche ag cur cuisne.

Céad moladh le hÍosa nár dheineamar an milleadh.

Is go bhfuil an choróin Mhaighdein mar chrann soilse inár gcoinne.

Is tabhair mo mhallacht dod' mháithrín is ní áirímse d'athair.

Is a maireann de do chairde gach lá faid a mhaireann.

Nár lig dom tú a phósadh is tú beo agam i do bheathaigh

Mar nach n-iarrfainn mar spré leat ach luí leat sa leabaigh.

Is tá brón ar mo chroíse atá líonta le grá dhuit.

Is an londubh taobh thíos dó atá chomh dubh leis na háirne.

Sara dtiocfaidh aon ní orm is go gcloífidh an bás mé

Ó béadsa i mo shí gaoithe romhat thíos ar na bántaibh.

 

{source}

 

Here is an English translation:

 

I am stretched on your grave
And I'll lie there forever
If your hands were in mine
I'd be sure they could not sever
My apple tree, my brightness
It's time we were together
For I smell of the earth
And am worn by the weather.

 

When my family thinks
That I'm safely in my bed
From morn until night
I am stretched out at your head
Calling out to the earth
With tears hot and wild
My grief for the girl
That I loved as a child.

 

Do you remember the night we were lost
In the shade of the blackthorn
And the chill of frost
And thanks be to Jesus
We did all that was right
And your maiden head still
Is your pillar of light.

 

The priests and the friars
They approach me in dread
Because I still love you
My love and you're dead
I still would be your shelter
Through rain and through storm
And with you in your cold grave
I cannot sleep warm.

 

So I am stretched on your grave
And will lie there forever
If your hands were in mine
I'd be sure they could not sever
My apple tree, my brightness
It's time we were together
For I smell of the earth
And am worn by the weather.

{source}

 

Here is a video of the Gaeilge version beautifully sung by Diarmuid Ó Súilleabháin:

 

A Free Ancestor Printout

I had made this image to go in a frame I made a few months back that will hang over my Ancestor altar. I am sharing it with others to print out for free, should they wish to make a similar project or have something nice for their altar for Samhain.

 

The image features a Gàidhlig blessing:

"Cuiridh mi clach air do chàrn." {"I will add a stone to your cairn."}.

 

The background is a photograph that has been altered. The original photo is of cairns in Scotland, by Roy Lathwell which can be seen over on his Flickr page.

 

To download a full sized version {4 by 6 inches, 300 dpi}, click here.

 

Sláinte!

 

Laurel

Harvesting & Giving Thanks for Healing Herbs

 

Hello dear readers, I hope that everyone is having a lovely summer so far!

 

One of the most exciting times in my garden for me is when I get to harvest herbs in early summer. Last year I did a more in-depth post on some of the rituals that I do around this time for those who are interested. This post will just mostly be photos.

 

The lovely bounty.

 

My Midsummer shrine dedicated to Airmid & honeybees.

 

Offering stones, double pink columbine and hand-rolled beeswax candles.

 

 

Bee artwork done by Amanda Clark.

 

A vessel I made for healing.

In other news, I am getting everything together for a Lughnasadh giveaway, so stay tuned for that.

Sláinte!

Laurel

The Merry Month of May

{cross posted at the nefaeria blog}

 

The last few weeks have been a busy juggle of celebrating Bealtaine and preparing for some pretty big changes that are just around the corner {more on that in another post}. To make it a little more challenging, some of my Bealtaine activities had been waiting for the weather to comply.

Even with the unpredictable weather though, I have been taking every chance to appreciate the natural beauty of this time of year.

lilacs

periwinkles

Yesterday I consecrated seeds, which will be planted on Friday along with my seedlings after I do a garden blessing. Some hardy annuals and colder weather crops such as lettuce and kale have already been planted.

 

My Bealtaine water and rowan wood for the year were collected a couple of weeks back and I have even got to harvest some herbs.

 

sweet woodruff, periwinkle flowers and wild ginger flowers

stinging nettle

There has been some crafting going on around here too, including a candle to represent my hearth, which was ritually lit after last year's candle smothered. With a bit of luck, this candle will last me until next Bealtaine.

 

Near the end of April my "seasonal altar" was set up for Bealtaine, or perhaps better described as a shrine to Flidais and the wild critters. Over the course of the last few weeks daily devotionals and offerings were made.

 

 

 

For the "big do" I created some May boughs and a May bush and made nettle soup, bannocks and butter.

 

The house was sained and a Bealtaine blessing was said and our "hearth" was smothered and re-lit.
 

I hope that everyone else is having a lovely May!

Sláinte!

Laurel