beltane! maypoles! yay! - a wrap-up of a Beltane celebration in Texas and some general news.
8:22 PM

this one's applicable to me moving into a new place in a couple weeks, and again when we leave the west coast to come back here in august:

an olive oil blessing for the home
blending olive oil and water makes a great ritual for cleansing and blessing the home. To begin, during the waxing cycle of the Moon, combine a teaspoon of olive oil and a quarter cup of water in a small bowl. Stir in a clockwise direction with your finger. Starting at an east-facing door or window if possible, begin sprinkling the mixture with your fingers as you say:
"I bless this house, this space, every hearth, window and door; protection surrounds this place, now and forever more."
When finished, discard the remaining mixture by using it to water outdoor or indoor plants. Repeat this blessing ritual wherever you think it's appropriate.
1:03 AM

circle amulet spell
The circle symbolizes both the Sun and the archetype of the self. These are astrologically appropriate, for Sun signs represent self-expression. Carl Jung thought it was important for people to meditate on symbols of the self, but in modern life many of us lose our ability to do so. Therefore, an important addition to anyone's collection of magical jewelry is a cicrular brooch or pendant. If you have such an article, charge it with the following spell to recall you to your self.
First, hold the item to the light of the noon Sun as you recite, "In this round, myself am found; whole unto myself, at one time with the circle of power and creation." Then wear the amulet when feeling tired or ill, to invoke the restoration that comes through reconnection to the deep self.
9:01 PM

Weather Lore
According to the ancient beliefs, the turn of the Moon brings a change in the weather. This means that right after new or full Moon is the most likely time for the weather to change.
Also, if the Moon is bright orange when it rises, the weather will be warmer the next day. And a ring around the Moon means snow is on its way.

As I was growing up, my parents would always tell me that a bright red or orange moon as it was setting meant we were in for warmer weather the next day.
2:41 AM

magickal recipes, from the fine folks at the magickal cauldron
2:37 AM

hey i haven't been utilizing this space as much as i want to. so hopefully i can keep up with it again. i've got piles of manuscripts and recipes and spells and things that can be handy right here, but instead are sitting ... in piles ... accumulating dust. and with that, ....

Clear Thinking Soup
(sounds good, no matter if it helps me think more clearly or not)

3 medium onions, chopped
2 heads of garlic, chopped (about 1/4> cup)
2 Tbs. olive oil
2 c. water
1 carrot, chopped
1 celery stick
chopped thyme, basil, parsley, dill, bay leaf

Cook onions and garlic in olive oil on medium heat until tender. Inhale the fumes and feel them opening your mind to new ideas. Bring the water to a slow boil. Add cooked onions, garlic, celery, and carrot. Cover and simmer 20 minutes. Add herbs to taste and simmer covered for another 10 minutes. Remove and eat up!

(from the llewellyn 2001 magical daily calendar: therese francis)
2:35 AM

Spell to Bring Fairies to Your Garden
"Plant rosemary or marigolds on the outer edges of the garden. Fairies like happy sorroundings, so only work in the garden when you are feeling joyful or calm"

ok, i'll admit it's pretty cheesy, but i like the idea anyway. I think it could just as well apply to those of us who only have a few window sills available for gardening, too.
2:22 AM

How interesting! It seems that a Henge Monument has been discovered in the UK. I'd love to go visit something like that. I mean, it's not every day that you find ancient places of worship laying around, you know? wow..
4:05 PM

i'm curious as to what kind of response the harry potter books, and even the upcoming movie is getting from the pagan community. personally, i really enjoy them, and think it's a cute concept, even though it's complete nonsense in many cases (flying on brooms, magickal transportation, etc. ) unless you're thinking in metaphors. however, i can see how they can be misinterpreted by some religious fanatics. i'll try to dig up some links to see what people are thinking about this...
2:07 PM

Pentagrams: Meaning and History is a great explanation of the symbolism behind pentagrams for pagans. apparently, even the goths are aware of its historical significance. many people associate the pentagram with 'satanic' activities (whether they truly understand satanism or not) with "evil" because the church of satan chooses the pentagram as its symbol. I have no association with the church of satan, although i understand its basic principles because i think it's important to understand other religions to not be too closed-minded. however, a very important part of paganism is listening to your instincts, and the pentgram represents very important spiritual concepts for most of us.
the pentagram chronicles tells another interesting story of the pentagram throughout the ages. And here you can find a nicely-illustrated guide to what the symbol means.
1:25 AM