Resolutions for a New Year

I hope that each of you and your families had a wonderful Halloween and a blessed Samhain.  Saturday was spent at the zoo and hanging out with friends.  On Sunday, we stuck close to home.  I managed to get some last-minute homework done and snuck in some Halloween artwork.  Mr. Sparrow did a good smudging on our new apartment and some protection work.  Overall, it was a busy, but enjoyable weekend.

As Samhain is known as the Witch’s New Year, my family makes resolutions for the coming magickal year at that time.  We usually write these resolutions down on paper and burn them.  This releases our intentions into the Universe.

My major resolution for this year is to take a trip back to the basics.  Since I have been sitting on the precipice of my 3rd Degree initiation, I have been feeling more spiritually blah than ever.  I’m not sure if it is because I am coming to an end of my “official” training or confusion about where to go from here, but I need something to regain focus.

Another resolution of mine for the year is to write a little every day.  I have wanted to be a professional writer for a while and do quite a bit of it between blogging and writing articles, but it has not been a focus.  Since I began writing somewhat regularly, I have noticed that it is coming easier to me and that I am able to convey my thoughts much more clearly.  I have dreams of writing a Pagan romance and want to be able to make those a reality one day.

In an effort to fulfill both of these resolutions (and because I am a project-aholic) the “366 Days of Magic” was born on my blog, The Balanced Witch.  For the next 366 days, there will be a new post on my blog each day about the basics of Earth-based spirituality and magickal practice.  I just posted the first day and am excited about the next 365!

Did anyone else make any resolutions?

Samhain Night ~Loreena McKennitt~

 For those of you who don't know Loreena McKennitt's work, she happens to have one of the most beautiful and soulful voices I've ever heard. Every time I hear one of her songs, I'm put into a trance. Below are the song lyrics from one of my favorite songs by her called, "Samain Night."



When the moon upon a cloud cast night
hung above the tree tops' height

You sang me of some distant past 
that made my heart beat strong and past
Now I know I'm home at last.

You offered me an eagles wing
that to the sun I might soar and sing

And if I heard the owl's cry
into the forest I would fly
And in its darkness find you by

And so our love's not a simple thing
Nor our truths unwavering

But like the Moon's pull on the tide
Our fingers touch, our hearts collide
I'll be a moons breath by your side

Below is the video of this song by Mckennitt so that you can enjoy hear this gorgeous and haunting song. May each of you have a Samain full of moonlight, mystery and magick.

YouTube - Loreena McKennitt - Samain Night
- Watch more Music Videos at Vodpod.

A Walk with Those Passed

St. James Cemetary - South of Avon

The  year slowly meanders its way to All Hallows Eve many of us have or will take the time to remember those who have passed before us. There are many traditions that some use to honor this time and ritual.  Some set an extra place for those gone before at the table on the eve of October 31st.  Some hold a special time of rememberance and place pictures and other items that resemble their loved ones. 

Myself I enjoy visiting the cemetary.  I have always been amazed at the stories behind each headstone marker. Although I do frequent my family and friends on occasion it is this time of year when I just go visiting.  There have been some over the years that I have grown attached to and wonder about the story behind them.  Jackie Moon and the children that surround her is a good example of this. 

Higates Cemetary In London

Yet today I am keeping with my love for the beautiful art that can be found as one walks through so many cemetaries.   I would like to share some photos of some of my favorites.  I have not visited each one yet their beauty is amazing.

New Orleans Cemetary

There is a peace that comes to one when they stroll through a cemetary. 

Bonaventure Cemetary - Savannah GA

I am sure that there are places where a restless soul may reside and the aura may not be as settled as most.

Bonaventure - Savannah GA 

Yet for the most part it is calm and serene.

Albany Rural Cemetary

The love can be seen in many of the monuments that have been placed in honor of those passed.

Bonaventure - Savannah GA

Such detail put into some as if to place a watcher next to their loved one for safe keeping.

Bonaventure - Savannah GA

The children are what move me most

Bonaventure - Savannah GA

So many passed at such tendar ages.

Bonaventure - Savannah GA

This week take a few moments to remember those who have passed before us.  Reflect on the gifts they gave you as well as the ones they still give.  And if you have some free time on a beautiful October day, consider taking a stroll through your nearest cemetary.  You may be surprised what inspiration you might receive. 

Blessings

Pumpkin Pie and Parlor Games

One of the many fun activities of times of old was the hiding of charms in foods as a means of divination. With Samhain being upon us who hasn’t thought of the wonderful aroma and tastes of a pumpkin pie. The following is an old parlor game often played during Samhain.

Choose your favorite recipe for pumpkin pie and prepare. After the pie is cooked but before you add the whip cream cut the pie into eight slices. Into two of the slices hide a ring. Into two other slices hide a coin. Into two other slices hide a marble. Leave two of the slices with nothing in them.

Before you invite your guests to partake of this parlor fun, be sure and advise them of the possibility of the objects in the pie they are about to eat as to prevent any choking mishaps. Serve the pie to each one and advise the recipients of the possibility of the items enclosed.

If one finds a ring, marital bliss is theirs. If they discover a coin, wealth is said to be in their near future. If they find a marble; the coming year will be cold and lonely for them. If they get no treat in their pie, their future is sure to be filled with uncertainty and many concerns.

For a little more Halloween fun visit my personal blog Mother Moon and check out my Samhain Giveaway. 

Onion Shortcake And Thanks

During the season of Samhain is a good time to contemplate what we have reaped. It is good time to reflect all the goodness that has come to us. It is a good time to reflect on the obstacles that we have overcome in the previous year. It is a good time to think back on the desires we had and how we have manifested them in our lives.

As we gather on Samhain as friends and or family such reflection can be shared. Gathering around the fire during the coolness of evening and as the sun set on the previous year is an excellent time to share with one another. Working in a clockwise fashion around the circle ask each to share what they are grateful for. A fresh homemade loaf of bread passed around at the same time allowing each one to break a piece off as they share is symbolic of allowing this gift be become part of one’s whole being.

It is always helpful to share with others yet if some feel uncomfortable allow them to write down their thanks or to silently think their thought. Below is a recipe for Onion Shortcake. A simple recipe to prepare and also to share with the gathering.

Onion Shortcake

2 cups flour   

                     4 teaspoons baking powder  

1 ½ teaspoon salt      

         4 tablespoons shortening     

2/3 cups milk       

               2 teaspoons butter

2 ½ cup sliced onions  

       1 egg            

½ cup light cream

Preheat oven to 400. Sift flour and baking powder with ½ teaspoon of the salt. Cut in the shortening. Add the milk and knead the dough lightly. Flatten into a greased 8 by 8 inch dish.

Melt the butter in a skillet and sauté the onions until golden. I like to combine red and white for an added color. Let the onions cool then spread them over the dough.

Beat the egg, cream, and the remaining salt. Pour over the onions. Sprinkle with paprika and poppy seeds. Bake 15 to 20 minutes.