fleurwitch

[fleurwitch]

An Gealach Úr - The New Moon in the Irish Tradition, from @ScoilBheanFeasa on Instagram, complied from Dúchas accounts

In Astronomy, a New Moon is when the Sun and Moon are aligned, with the Sun and Earth on opposite sides of the Moon. During this phase, the moon is not visible to the naked eye. This phase is known in Irish as Gealach Dorcha (dark moon) or Gealach Marbh (dead moon).

In Irish tradition a New Moon is described as when the Corrán Úr (new sickle) first appears in the sky again. The new moon is known as a Gealach Úr/Nua (meaning fresh/new moon).

In Ireland each month it is tradition to greet the first visible crescent seen in the sky. According to Dúchas accounts when you see the new crescent moon for the first time you should bless yourself and that you could wish for something and it would come true. A common blessing was, I see the moon, the moon sees me, god bless the moon and god bless me*.

It is said to be unlucky to see the first crescent through glass and it is considered lucky to see the new moon over the right shoulder. People would go outside saying "Go mbeirim beo ar an am seo arís" (guh mayr-ihm byoh air on am shuh ah-reesh). Translation (may I draw breath at this time again) meaning may I live through this month.

What ever you held in your hand or what ever you were doing when you saw the first crescent you would multiply or spend the rest of the month doing. People greeted it with money in their hand and avoided working.

If the full outline of the moon is seen with the new crescent it is said the old moon is hugging the new moon and seen as a bad omen.

After this moon phase it is known as Líonadh Na Gealaí - The Waxing Moon (filling moon). Also known as An Ghealach Dheirceach - The Crescent Moon (pitted/hollow moon). The crescent after it reaches a full moon it is described as waning crescent - an corrán ag dúl ar gcúl (crescent is going backwards/ retreating).

*My variation: Feicim an Gealach Úr, feiceann an Gealach Úr mise, beannachtaí don Gealach agus beannachtaí dom".

[fleurwitch]

Celtic Paganism Deity Guides (Part #2)

Part 1

Danu

Culture: Celtic

Goddess of: Earth-Mother, Fertility, Wisdom, Wind and Water

Symbols: Crowns, Keys, Wells, Cauldron full of Water, Rivers, Celtic Tree of Life

Mother Aspects of the Triple Goddess

Colours: Blue, White, Silver, Green

Animals: Fish, Horses, Seagulls, Salmon, Snakes

Plants: Oak, Water Lily

Incense: Cinnamon, Jasmine, Lavender, Rose, Sandalwood

Other Associations: The Empress, Water and Earth

Offerings: Wine, Mead, Ale, Freshwater, Watering plants

Devotional Acts:

Start a fairy garden

Collect river water for spellwork

Clean up litter around bodies of water

Expand your knowledge and study ancient wisdom

Practice water scrying

Volunteer at a women’s shelter

Work with children

Arawn

Culture: Celtic

God of: Ruler of Annwn the Celtic Otherworld, Leader of the Wild Hunt, Death, The Underworld and Justice

Symbols: The Hounds of Arawn, Cauldron

Colours: Red, Black, White, Brown, Green, Gold, Grey

Animals: Hounds, Pigs

Plants: Reeds, Cedar, Cypress, Ivy, Honeysuckle, Sage

Incense: Dragon’s Blood, Basil, Pine, Sandalwood

Other Associations: Samhain, Saturn, Earth, Pentacles

Offerings: Game Birds such as Duck or Turkey, Bread, Honey, Milk, Mead and Ale

Devotional Acts:

Begin working with Liminal Spaces

Research Otherworld/Annwyn and the Wild Hunt

Volunteer at a Dog’s shelter

Do a ritual on Samhain

Manannan Mac Lir

Culture: Celtic

God of: The Sea, Weather and Navigation. Guardian of the Otherworld

Symbols: Cups, Cloak, A Silver Branch with three golden apples on it, Mermaids

Colours: Blue, Silver, Gold

Animals: Horse, Pig, Cow, Seal, Crane, Swan, Boar, Dog, Dolphin, Sea Horse, Whale

Plants: Alder, Apple, Hazel, Blackberry, Bramble, Reed, Meadowgrass, Yellow Flowers

Incense: Sandalwood, Frankincense, Gardenia, Sea-related Scents

Other Associations: The Summer Solstice, Neptune, The Chariot

Offerings: Yellow Flowers, Sea Water, Bread, Ale and Mead

Devotional Acts:

Visit a nearby body of water

Go swimming or sailing

Study how boats and ships are made

Support sailors

Sing Sea Shanties for him

Buy a compass

Arianrhod

Culture: Celtic

Goddess of: Fertility, Fate, Reincarnation, Beauty, Difficulties

Symbols: Silver Wheel, Full Moon, Weaving Tools, The Zodiac, Corona Borealis

Colours: Silver, White, Green, Blue, Purple

Animals: Spiders, Owls, Wolves

Plants: Ivy, Birch

Incense: Lavender, Moon, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Cedar, Pine, Frankincense

Other Associations: Water, Air, Wheel of Fortune, The Star, The Moon

Offerings: Silver Coins, White Candles, Wheat, Fruits, Home-cooked meals, Salads, Wine, Water, Hot Teas, Smoothies

Devotional Acts:

Practice Divination

Burn some candles for her

Study the Constellations and Zodiac

Cailleach

Culture: Celtic

Goddess of: Weather, Winter, Balance, Cycles, Rebirth, Sovereignty

Symbols: Crone Archetype, Snow, Mountains, Standing Stones

Colours: Silver, White, Blue

Animals: Reindeer, Cattle, Pigs, Sheep, Goats, Wolves, Deer, Cats

Plants: Holly, Gorse

Incense: Frankincense, Vanilla, Pepper, Amber, Anise

Other Associations: Veils, Yule, Samhain

Offerings: Stories (she’s very lonely), Whiskey, Portions of Meals, Soups, Bread, Apple-flavored Pastries, Blue Candles

Devotional Acts:

Embrace Winter

Always check the temperature before getting ready each morning

Take care of stray cats

Watch some deer if they cross your path

Honor her on Samhain and Yule

Collect Snow Water for her

[fleurwitch]

Celtic Paganism Deity Guides (Part #1)

Part 2

Brigid

Culture: Celtic

Goddess of: Spring, Fertility, Family, The Hearth, Childbirth, Fire, Blacksmiths, Scholars, Physicians, Prophets, Healing, Poetry, Occult knowledge, and Justice

Symbols: Brigid’s Cross, Candles, Triquetra, Faeries, Four leaf clovers, Cauldron, Chalice, Corn Dolly, Anvil, Hammer, Poetry, Forges, Hearths, Wells and Rock Formations

Colours: Green, Red, White, Gold and Blue

Animals: Snakes, Ewes, Sheep, Cows, Bees, Oxen, Owls and Hibernating animals

Plants: Cinnamon, Chamomile, Blackberry, Hawthorn, Basil, Mugwort, Apple, Heather, Dandelion, Snowdrop, Willow, Oak, Shamrock, Crocus, Trillium, Corn, Lavender and Sage

Incense: Myrrh, Wisteria, Frankincense, Cinnamon

Other Associations: Water and Fire

Offerings: Blackberries, Milk, Bread, Herbal Teas, Heather, Brigid’s Cross, Beer

Devotional Acts:

Dedicate some Art to her

Meditate with fire

Learn blacksmithing

Watch the sunrise

Say hello to Cows and Sheep

Hang a Brigid’s Cross above your doorway for blessings and protection

Study healing magic

Plant a bee garden

Cernunnos

Culture: Celtic

God of: Forests, Wild Animals, Finances, The Underworld, Death, Hunting, Balance, Grounding and Healing, Transitioning into the Afterlife and Fertility

Symbols: Horns, The Torc, Gold Coins, Serpents

Colours: Yellow, Gold, Forest Greens, Silver, Black

Animals: Stags, Elk, Goats, Deer, Bulls, Horses, Ram Horned Snakes, Snakes, Boars, Owls, Hawks, Ravens

Plants: Ash, Bayberry, Chamomile, Cedar, Cinnamon, Heliotrope, Holly, Ivy, Lavender, Juniper, Myrrh, Nettle, Oak, Patchouli, Pine, Sandalwood, Sunflower, Vine, Yarrow

Incense: Musk, Benzoin, Frankincense, Patchouli, Pine

Other Associations: Earth and Air, Sunday,

Offerings: Venison, Cooked Meats (ethically sourced), Roses, Sunflowers, Lavender, Wildflowers, Juniper Bark and Berries, Oak wood carvings, Green or Gold Candles, Cinnamon, Cloves, Pine scents, Pelts (ethically sourced), Feathers, Bones, Forest Moss, Antlers, Horns, Pine Cones, Gold Coins, Daggers, Poetry art, Celtic Music

Devotional Acts:

Hiking and Hunting

Connecting with nature

Meditation and Grounding, especially Outside

Dancing

Listening to Irish/Celtic Music

Cooking with his favorite foods

Talking with him

Singing in Irish

Wearing a pendant for him

Taking care of your body, especially if you're chronically ill

Lugh

Culture: Celtic

God of: The Sun, The Arts, Storms, The Harvest, Oaths, Kings, Justice, Craftsmanship, Smithcraft, Light and Warriors

Symbols: Sun, Spear, Harp, Slingshot

Colours: Brown, Gold, Yellow, Green, Red, Blue

Animals: Lion, Horse, Raven, Stag, Crow, Hound, Lynx

Plants: Apple, Oak, Hazel, Holly, Marigold, Goldenrod, Sunflower, Carnation, Rose, Gorse, Bay, Basil, Allspice, Rosemary, Cinnamon

Incense: Apple, Cinnamon, Rose, Frankincense, Myrrh

Other Associations: The Sun, Justice, Sunday, Air and Fire, Full or Waxing Moons

Offerings: Wine, Mead, Apple Cider, Corn, Bread, Apples, Berries, Potatoes, Beer, Harvested Fruits and Vegetables, Corn Dolls, Cloves, Gorse Flowers, Handmade Crafts

Devotional Acts:

Make Art, in any form, for him

Learn self defense

Watch the sunrise

Treat your loved ones to a lovely meal and give a plate to him

Support political and law-based justice, and sign petitions or give donations to make sure justice is appropriately given

Try to become a confident and witty person

Buy a kilt and wear in unapologetically

Go to a Renaissance Fair

Buy medieval weapons, especially spears and slingshots

Rhiannon

Culture: Welsh

Goddess of: The Moon, Horses, Songbirds, Wind, Gates, Horseshoes, Love, Beauty, Fate, Divination, Prosperity, Abundance and Healing. She protects against disaster and humiliation.

Symbols: The Moon, Horseshoes, Gates, The Winds

Colours: Green, Silver, Black, White, Grey, Red, Maroon, Brown

Animals: Horse, Frog, Dog, Songbird, Dragon, Badger, Hummingbird

Plants: Cedar, Pine, Narcissus, Daffodils, Pansies, Rosemary, Sage, Bay, Lavender, All White Flowers

Incense: Sandalwood, Cedar, Pine, Lavender, Frankincense

Other Associations: 7, Waning Moon Phases, Monday

Offerings: Soft-sounding Music, White Candles with the number 7 carved into them, Apples, Willow Leaves or Bark, Ivy, Evergreens, White Flowers, Lavender Oil, Lavender Candles, Studying or Practicing with Liminal Spaces and the In Between, including Meditation, Astral Travel, Dreamwork and Mediumship

Devotional Acts:

Sing for her

Make art, in any form, for her

Show extra love to animals, especially horses, dogs and songbirds

Talk to her or the moon

Sit outside on a windy day and enjoy the breeze

Fly a kite

Keep a dream journal

Make or Buy a Birdhouse

Aengus Óg

Culture: Celtic

God of: Love, Poetry, Inspiration, Youth, Summer and Healing

Symbols: Swans, Golden Harp

Colours: Green, Pink, Red

Animals: Swan, Cats, Deer, Doves, Sparrows, Songbirds

Plants: Strawberries, Rose, Mistletoe, Violet, Birch, Cedar, Elder, Sycamore, Basil, Cherries

Incense: Cinnamon, Jasmine, Lavender, Rose, Sandalwood

Other Associations: Venus, Copper, Air, The World, Justice, The Lovers

Offerings: Red Roses, Strawberry, Mead, Beer, Honey, Eggs, Butter, Milk, Bread

Devotional Acts:

Feed Local Birds

Sing love songs

Use more roses in your spellwork

Keep a dream journal

Never give up on your goals

Talk to him

Ask for help when you need it

The Morrigan

Culture: Celtic

Goddess of: War, Witchcraft, Death, Battle, Sovereignty, Life, The Land, Fresh water, Fertility, Prophecy, Protection, Retribution and Fate (especially Foretelling Doom)

Symbols: Red Cloak, Spear, Chariot, Sword, Shield, Triskele

Colours: Red, Black, White, Blue, Green

Animals: Crow, Raven, Horse, Eel, Serpent, Heifer, Wolf

Plants: Snapdragon, Willow, Aspen, Rowan, Hawthorn, Yew, Belladonna, Mugwort, Nightshade (VERY DANGEROUS)

Incense: Dragon’s Blood, Juniper, Night Queen, Pumpkin, Cinnamon, Sandalwood

Other Associations: Earth, Tuesday, Samhain, Queen of Swords, Justice, Death

Offerings: Red Wine, Red Meats, Red Beans, Bread, Acorns, Water, Milk, Beer and Ale, Chai Tea, Peppermint Tea, Pumpkin-flavored Things, Apple-flavored Things, Any cow products, Coffee

Devotional Acts:

Practice Divination

Stand up for yourself and others

Practice magic

Sing for her

Take care of yourself

Read her myths

Practice with weapons safely

Make art for her, in any form

The Dagda

Culture: Celtic

God of: Fertility, Agriculture, Strength, Wisdom, Magic, Druidry, Kingship, Abundance, Order, Magic, Music and Balance

Symbols: Magic Cauldron, Harp of Seasons, Large Club that can both give and take life, Sun Wheel

Colours: Red, Blue, Green, Brown

Animals: Pig

Plants: Oak, Oats, Willow, Hawthorn, Chamomile

Incense: Cedar, Juniper, Orange

Other Associations: Earth, Fire, Strength, Wheel of Fortune, The World, King of Pentacles, King of Wands

Offerings: Acorns, Music, Porridge, Ale, Beer, Mead, Butter

Devotional Acts:

Come up with your own mantra that inspires you

Become a mentor or father figure to someone who needs it

Research Druidry

Study agriculture

Plant an herb garden

Document and admire the changing of seasons in your local area

Listen to harp music

Aine

Culture: Celtic

Goddess of: Summer, Wealth, Sovereignty, Love, Fertility, Protection, Wealth, Agriculture, The Sun and the Moon and Queen of the Faeries

Symbols: Silver and White Items, Meadowsweet, The Moon

Colours: Red, Gold, Green, Blue and Tan

Animals: Red Mare, Horse, Rabbit, Swan, Cattle

Plants: Angelica, Blackberry, Cowslip, Elder, Orchid, Fennel, Flax, Garlic, Mugwort, Nettle, Oak, Hawthorn, Mistletoe, Alfalfa, Ash, Agrimony, Ash, Birch, Broom, Holly, Lavender, Meadow-sweet, Gorse

Incense: Dragon’s Blood, Fairy Dust, Orchid, Lavender

Other Associations: Midsummer, Air, South, The Sun, Suit of Wands, Queen of Pentacles,

Offerings: Milk, Bread, Home-grown Produce, Cream, Fire and Candles, Sunflowers, Yellow Flowers, Honey, Summer Fruits, Oranges, Bee-related Items

Devotional Acts:

Write a hymn for her

Leave offerings for the fae to keep the peace

Gardening, especially for herbs and flowers

Bee-keeping

Celestial and Fairy Magic

Light candles frequently

Have a bonfire

Spellwork at dawn or dusk

Cerridwen

Culture: Welsh

Goddess of: The Moon, Luck, Poetry, Change, Rebirth, Transformation, The Underworld, Death, Fertility, Inspiration, Magic and Knowledge

Symbols: Cauldron, Dark Moon, Lunar Cycles, Caves

Colours: Silver, Purple, Black, Grey, Green

Animals: White Pig, Greyhound, Crow, Hen, Hare, Otter, Hawk

Plants: Corn, Grain, Vervain, Acorns, Apple, Oak, Hazel

Incense: Sandalwood, Patchouli, Sage, Mugwort

Other Associations: Monday, North, The Moon, Death, The Magician, Suit of Cups, Midnight

Offerings: Pork, Bread, Milk, Water, Wheat, White and Green Candles, Barley, Rice, Peanuts, Poppy or Sunflower Seeds, Vervain, Grain-based Products

Devotional Acts:

Talk to the moon

Write Poetry about her

Buy a cauldron for spellwork

Make some potions

Bake some wheat bread

Take care of Pigs

Study something you’re genuinely interested in

[fleurwitch]

Celtic Paganism Deity Guides (Part #2)

Part 1

Danu

Culture: Celtic

Goddess of: Earth-Mother, Fertility, Wisdom, Wind and Water

Symbols: Crowns, Keys, Wells, Cauldron full of Water, Rivers, Celtic Tree of Life

Mother Aspects of the Triple Goddess

Colours: Blue, White, Silver, Green

Animals: Fish, Horses, Seagulls, Salmon, Snakes

Plants: Oak, Water Lily

Incense: Cinnamon, Jasmine, Lavender, Rose, Sandalwood

Other Associations: The Empress, Water and Earth

Offerings: Wine, Mead, Ale, Freshwater, Watering plants

Devotional Acts:

Start a fairy garden

Collect river water for spellwork

Clean up litter around bodies of water

Expand your knowledge and study ancient wisdom

Practice water scrying

Volunteer at a women’s shelter

Work with children

Arawn

Culture: Celtic

God of: Ruler of Annwn the Celtic Otherworld, Leader of the Wild Hunt, Death, The Underworld and Justice

Symbols: The Hounds of Arawn, Cauldron

Colours: Red, Black, White, Brown, Green, Gold, Grey

Animals: Hounds, Pigs

Plants: Reeds, Cedar, Cypress, Ivy, Honeysuckle, Sage

Incense: Dragon’s Blood, Basil, Pine, Sandalwood

Other Associations: Samhain, Saturn, Earth, Pentacles

Offerings: Game Birds such as Duck or Turkey, Bread, Honey, Milk, Mead and Ale

Devotional Acts:

Begin working with Liminal Spaces

Research Otherworld/Annwyn and the Wild Hunt

Volunteer at a Dog’s shelter

Do a ritual on Samhain

Manannan Mac Lir

Culture: Celtic

God of: The Sea, Weather and Navigation. Guardian of the Otherworld

Symbols: Cups, Cloak, A Silver Branch with three golden apples on it, Mermaids

Colours: Blue, Silver, Gold

Animals: Horse, Pig, Cow, Seal, Crane, Swan, Boar, Dog, Dolphin, Sea Horse, Whale

Plants: Alder, Apple, Hazel, Blackberry, Bramble, Reed, Meadowgrass, Yellow Flowers

Incense: Sandalwood, Frankincense, Gardenia, Sea-related Scents

Other Associations: The Summer Solstice, Neptune, The Chariot

Offerings: Yellow Flowers, Sea Water, Bread, Ale and Mead

Devotional Acts:

Visit a nearby body of water

Go swimming or sailing

Study how boats and ships are made

Support sailors

Sing Sea Shanties for him

Buy a compass

Arianrhod

Culture: Celtic

Goddess of: Fertility, Fate, Reincarnation, Beauty, Difficulties

Symbols: Silver Wheel, Full Moon, Weaving Tools, The Zodiac, Corona Borealis

Colours: Silver, White, Green, Blue, Purple

Animals: Spiders, Owls, Wolves

Plants: Ivy, Birch

Incense: Lavender, Moon, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Cedar, Pine, Frankincense

Other Associations: Water, Air, Wheel of Fortune, The Star, The Moon

Offerings: Silver Coins, White Candles, Wheat, Fruits, Home-cooked meals, Salads, Wine, Water, Hot Teas, Smoothies

Devotional Acts:

Practice Divination

Burn some candles for her

Study the Constellations and Zodiac

Cailleach

Culture: Celtic

Goddess of: Weather, Winter, Balance, Cycles, Rebirth, Sovereignty

Symbols: Crone Archetype, Snow, Mountains, Standing Stones

Colours: Silver, White, Blue

Animals: Reindeer, Cattle, Pigs, Sheep, Goats, Wolves, Deer, Cats

Plants: Holly, Gorse

Incense: Frankincense, Vanilla, Pepper, Amber, Anise

Other Associations: Veils, Yule, Samhain

Offerings: Stories (she’s very lonely), Whiskey, Portions of Meals, Soups, Bread, Apple-flavored Pastries, Blue Candles

Devotional Acts:

Embrace Winter

Always check the temperature before getting ready each morning

Take care of stray cats

Watch some deer if they cross your path

Honor her on Samhain and Yule

Collect Snow Water for her

[fleurwitch]

OGMA - The God of Language - (Celtic Mythology)

_____________________________________________

Additional Info:

https://druidry.org/resources/ogma-the-god-of-speech-language

https://deity-of-the-week.blogspot.com/2011/12/ogma.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogma

[fleurwitch]

No matter which version you are celebrating, I hope you all have a blessed Beltane/Bealtaine! 💛

[fleurwitch]

The Morrígan - Masterpost

General Description

The Morrígan (Irish: Mór-Ríoghain) is an Irish goddess of death, war and prophecy.

In the myths, she would often appear to foretell the outcome of a battle or to foretell a doom. When appearing to someone, she would usually take another form which brings us to her next special ability, and that is shape-shifting.

She was a great shape-shifter. Her most famous shape is the one of a raven. Besides the raven, she would also appear as a beautiful maiden, an old hag, a wolf, an eel and a heifer.

The Morrígan is described as a very powerful and sometimes even erotic character. That is why a lot of people see her as a goddess of sovereignty, feminine energy and sexuality too.

A single deity or a trinity?

There is a discussion about whether The Morrígan is a single deity or a trinity consisting of a three different but closely related goddesses - Badb, Macha and Nemain.

In the myths, there is a great inconsistency when it comes to her names. It is stated that The Morrígan is a daughter of Ernmas, but Badb and Macha are also described as his daughters. So, it is possible that The Morrígan is a single deity, who then has two sisters.

However, there is also a theory where the three sisters, Badb, Macha and Anand, are collectively named as "The Morrígna", which would then make The Morrígan a trinity.

In Lebor Gabála Érenn it is stated: "Badb and Macha and Anand, of whom are the Paps of Anu in Luachar were the three daughters of Ernmas the she-farmer." (...) "Ernmas had other three daughters, Badb and Macha and Morrigu, whose name was Anand. Her three sons were Glon and Gaim and Coscar." (...) "Badb and Macha, greatness of wealth, Morrigu - springs of craftiness, sources of bitter fighting were the three daughters of Ernmas."

When it comes to me and my opinion:

I have always seen The Morrígan as a single deity, and not a trinity. Then, Badb, Macha and Nemain (or Morrigu or Anand - The Morrígan) could be single, separated deities, or they are just The Morrigan's different shapes, since she is a great shape-shifter, so they are actually different persons but in their core all of them are actually one person, The Morrígan - that (second) theory seems most logical to me.

I am talking highly theoretically here and theory is not always so important, especially not in Paganism. What matters are our experiences with the deities and our gut feeling, so I would say that you should go for a theory that seems more logical to you and that gives you a better "frame" for your spirituality.

Offerings

These are the offerings that I find suitable for The Morrígan:

Red Wine

Meat

Milk and Diary Products

Fish

Black Tea

Divination

Pictures or symbols of animals that The Morrígan shape-shifted to

Coffee

Dark/Bitter Chocolate

All red fruit and their juices

Sharp Items (swords, blades, knives...)

Visiting a graveyard

Spirit Work

Crow/Raven feathers

Black, purple or red candles

Frankincense

Passages from the myths

The Second Battle of Mag Tuired:

"Then she said to him, 'Undertake a battle of overthrowing.' The Morrigan said to Lug, 'Awake...'"

The Dagda had a house in Glen Edin in the north, and he had arranged to meet a woman in Glen Edin a year from that day, near the All Hallows of the battle. The Unshin of Connacht roars to the south of it. He saw the woman at the Unshin in Corann, washing, with one of her feet at Allod Echae (that is, Aghanagh) south of the water and the other at Lisconny north of the water. There were nine loosened tresses on her head. The Dagda spoke with her, and they united. "The Bed of the Couple" was the name of that place from that time on. (The woman mentioned here is the Morrigan). Then she told the Dagda that the Fomoire would land at Mag Ceidne, and that he should summon the aes dana of Ireland to meet her at the Ford of the Unshin, and she would go into Scetne to destroy Indech mac De Domnann, the king of the Fomoire, and would take from him the blood of his heart and the kidneys of his valor. Later she gave two handfuls of that blood to the hosts that were waiting at the Ford of the Unshin. Its name became "The Ford of Destruction" because of that destruction of the king."

"'And you, Morrigan,' said Lug, 'what power?' 'Not hard to say,' she said. 'I have stood fast; I shall pursue what was watched; I will be able to kill; I will be able to destroy those who might be subdued.'"

"Then the Morrigan the daughter of Ernmas came, and she was strengthening the Tuatha De to fight the battle resolutely and fiercely. She then chanted the following poem: 'Kings arise to the battle!' Immediately afterwards the battle broke, and the Fomoire were driven to the sea."

"Then after the battle was won and the slaughter had been cleaned away, the Morrigan, the daughter of Ernmas, proceeded to announce the battle and the great victory which had occurred there to the royal heights of Ireland and to its sid−hosts, to its chief waters and to its rivermouths. And that is the reason Badb still relates great deeds. 'Have you any news?' everyone asked her then.

'Peace up to heaven.

Heaven down to earth.

Earth beneath heaven,

Strength in each,

A cup very full,

Full of honey;

Mead in abundance.

Summer in winter,

Peace up to heaven.'

She also prophesied the end of the world, foretelling every evil that would occur then, and every disease and every vengeance; and she chanted the following poem:

'I shall not see a world

Which will be dear to me:

Summer without blossoms,

Cattle will be without milk,

Women without modesty,

Men without valor.

Conquests without a king...

Woods without mast.

Sea without produce...

False judgements of old men.

False precedents of lawyers,

Every man a betrayer.

Every son a reaver.

The son will go to the bed of his father,

The father will go to the bed of his son.

Each his brother's brother−in−law.

He will not seek any woman outside his house...

An evil time,

Son will deceive his father,

Daughter will deceive...'"

Táin Bó Cúalnge:

"It is the same day that the Morrigan, daughter of Ernmas, came from the Sid, so that she was on the pillar in Temair Cuailnge, taking a warning to the Dun of Cualnge before the men of Ireland, and she began to speak to him, and 'Good, O wretched one, O Dun of Cualnge,' said the Morrigan, 'keep watch, for the men of Ireland have reached thee, and they will take thee to their camp unless thou keepest watch'; and she began to take a warning to him thus, and uttered her words on high."

"Cuchulainn saw a young woman coming towards him, with a dress of every colour on, and her form very excellent."

"'I will be a help to you. … I shall be more troublesome to you,' said she, 'when I come against you when you are in combat against the men. I will come in the form of an eel about your feet in the ford, so that you shall fall."

"I will drive the cattle on the ford to you, in the form of a grey she-wolf."

"I will come to you in the form of a hornless red heifer before the cattle. They will rush on you on the plains(?), and on the fords, and on the pools, and you will not see me before you."

"When Cuchulainn was in this great weariness, the Morrigan met him in the form of an old hag, and she blind and lame, milking a cow with three teats, and he asked her for a drink. She gave him milk from a teat. Then her head was healed so that it was whole. She gave the milk of the second teat, and her eye was whole; and gave the milk of the third teat, and her leg was whole. So that this was what he said about each thing of them, 'A doom of blessing on you,' said he. 'You told me,' said the Morrigan, 'I should not have healing from you for ever.' 'If I had known it was you,' said Cuchulainn, 'I would not have healed you ever.'"

Sources

https://mythopedia.com/celtic-mythology/gods/morrigan/

http://www.yorku.ca/inpar/tain_faraday.pdf

http://public-library.uk/ebooks/59/98.pdf

https://www.ecauldron.net/forum/index.php?topic=8884.0;p=0

Artwork: YaxeMoon (https://www.deviantart.com/yaxemoon/art/The-Morrigan-Celtic-Goddess-796517106)

[fleurwitch]

small but effective ways to feel connected to your craft (for when work/sickness/mental health gets in the way)

-carry your crystals around with you! in a lil pouch maybe!

-do small meditation sessions when you have breaks during the day! (meditation can be different for everyone, sitting still with eyes closed doesn’t work for some! try walking, jogging, listening to music, etc. to clear your mind)

-fill your home with plants & herbs according to their magical correspondences (but you don’t need to follow the correspondences at all if you don’t want to!!!)

-wear black for protection!!

-use windy days to cleanse yourself!

-dedicate/enchant meals before you eat them

-enchant your jewelry, clothes, etc.

-use veiling when you leave your home to protect you!

-sleep with your tarot cards, carry them around

-make moon water & use it for your plants!!

-spend some time outside/in nature when you can

-draw your sigils on your face when you do your makeup! or if you don’t wear makeup, trace them with moisturizer or sunscreen!

-if you have time, sew the sigils into your clothing so they’ll always be on you!!

-stay hydrated!! this is vague but important in all aspects of your life, it will help give you energy:)

-be crafty!! all art is magical

never feel bad for taking a break for your physical health, mental health or whatever it may be. it doesn’t make you any less of a witch <3

[fleurwitch]

The Morrígan - Masterpost

General Description

The Morrígan (Irish: Mór-Ríoghain) is an Irish goddess of death, war and prophecy.

In the myths, she would often appear to foretell the outcome of a battle or to foretell a doom. When appearing to someone, she would usually take another form which brings us to her next special ability, and that is shape-shifting.

She was a great shape-shifter. Her most famous shape is the one of a raven. Besides the raven, she would also appear as a beautiful maiden, an old hag, a wolf, an eel and a heifer.

The Morrígan is described as a very powerful and sometimes even erotic character. That is why a lot of people see her as a goddess of sovereignty, feminine energy and sexuality too.

A single deity or a trinity?

There is a discussion about whether The Morrígan is a single deity or a trinity consisting of a three different but closely related goddesses - Badb, Macha and Nemain.

In the myths, there is a great inconsistency when it comes to her names. It is stated that The Morrígan is a daughter of Ernmas, but Badb and Macha are also described as his daughters. So, it is possible that The Morrígan is a single deity, who then has two sisters.

However, there is also a theory where the three sisters, Badb, Macha and Anand, are collectively named as "The Morrígna", which would then make The Morrígan a trinity.

In Lebor Gabála Érenn it is stated: "Badb and Macha and Anand, of whom are the Paps of Anu in Luachar were the three daughters of Ernmas the she-farmer." (...) "Ernmas had other three daughters, Badb and Macha and Morrigu, whose name was Anand. Her three sons were Glon and Gaim and Coscar." (...) "Badb and Macha, greatness of wealth, Morrigu - springs of craftiness, sources of bitter fighting were the three daughters of Ernmas."

When it comes to me and my opinion:

I have always seen The Morrígan as a single deity, and not a trinity. Then, Badb, Macha and Nemain (or Morrigu or Anand - The Morrígan) could be single, separated deities, or they are just The Morrigan's different shapes, since she is a great shape-shifter, so they are actually different persons but in their core all of them are actually one person, The Morrígan - that (second) theory seems most logical to me.

I am talking highly theoretically here and theory is not always so important, especially not in Paganism. What matters are our experiences with the deities and our gut feeling, so I would say that you should go for a theory that seems more logical to you and that gives you a better "frame" for your spirituality.

Offerings

These are the offerings that I find suitable for The Morrígan:

Red Wine

Meat

Milk and Diary Products

Fish

Black Tea

Divination

Pictures or symbols of animals that The Morrígan shape-shifted to

Coffee

Dark/Bitter Chocolate

All red fruit and their juices

Sharp Items (swords, blades, knives...)

Visiting a graveyard

Spirit Work

Crow/Raven feathers

Black, purple or red candles

Frankincense

Passages from the myths

The Second Battle of Mag Tuired:

"Then she said to him, 'Undertake a battle of overthrowing.' The Morrigan said to Lug, 'Awake...'"

The Dagda had a house in Glen Edin in the north, and he had arranged to meet a woman in Glen Edin a year from that day, near the All Hallows of the battle. The Unshin of Connacht roars to the south of it. He saw the woman at the Unshin in Corann, washing, with one of her feet at Allod Echae (that is, Aghanagh) south of the water and the other at Lisconny north of the water. There were nine loosened tresses on her head. The Dagda spoke with her, and they united. "The Bed of the Couple" was the name of that place from that time on. (The woman mentioned here is the Morrigan). Then she told the Dagda that the Fomoire would land at Mag Ceidne, and that he should summon the aes dana of Ireland to meet her at the Ford of the Unshin, and she would go into Scetne to destroy Indech mac De Domnann, the king of the Fomoire, and would take from him the blood of his heart and the kidneys of his valor. Later she gave two handfuls of that blood to the hosts that were waiting at the Ford of the Unshin. Its name became "The Ford of Destruction" because of that destruction of the king."

"'And you, Morrigan,' said Lug, 'what power?' 'Not hard to say,' she said. 'I have stood fast; I shall pursue what was watched; I will be able to kill; I will be able to destroy those who might be subdued.'"

"Then the Morrigan the daughter of Ernmas came, and she was strengthening the Tuatha De to fight the battle resolutely and fiercely. She then chanted the following poem: 'Kings arise to the battle!' Immediately afterwards the battle broke, and the Fomoire were driven to the sea."

"Then after the battle was won and the slaughter had been cleaned away, the Morrigan, the daughter of Ernmas, proceeded to announce the battle and the great victory which had occurred there to the royal heights of Ireland and to its sid−hosts, to its chief waters and to its rivermouths. And that is the reason Badb still relates great deeds. 'Have you any news?' everyone asked her then.

'Peace up to heaven.

Heaven down to earth.

Earth beneath heaven,

Strength in each,

A cup very full,

Full of honey;

Mead in abundance.

Summer in winter,

Peace up to heaven.'

She also prophesied the end of the world, foretelling every evil that would occur then, and every disease and every vengeance; and she chanted the following poem:

'I shall not see a world

Which will be dear to me:

Summer without blossoms,

Cattle will be without milk,

Women without modesty,

Men without valor.

Conquests without a king...

Woods without mast.

Sea without produce...

False judgements of old men.

False precedents of lawyers,

Every man a betrayer.

Every son a reaver.

The son will go to the bed of his father,

The father will go to the bed of his son.

Each his brother's brother−in−law.

He will not seek any woman outside his house...

An evil time,

Son will deceive his father,

Daughter will deceive...'"

Táin Bó Cúalnge:

"It is the same day that the Morrigan, daughter of Ernmas, came from the Sid, so that she was on the pillar in Temair Cuailnge, taking a warning to the Dun of Cualnge before the men of Ireland, and she began to speak to him, and 'Good, O wretched one, O Dun of Cualnge,' said the Morrigan, 'keep watch, for the men of Ireland have reached thee, and they will take thee to their camp unless thou keepest watch'; and she began to take a warning to him thus, and uttered her words on high."

"Cuchulainn saw a young woman coming towards him, with a dress of every colour on, and her form very excellent."

"'I will be a help to you. … I shall be more troublesome to you,' said she, 'when I come against you when you are in combat against the men. I will come in the form of an eel about your feet in the ford, so that you shall fall."

"I will drive the cattle on the ford to you, in the form of a grey she-wolf."

"I will come to you in the form of a hornless red heifer before the cattle. They will rush on you on the plains(?), and on the fords, and on the pools, and you will not see me before you."

"When Cuchulainn was in this great weariness, the Morrigan met him in the form of an old hag, and she blind and lame, milking a cow with three teats, and he asked her for a drink. She gave him milk from a teat. Then her head was healed so that it was whole. She gave the milk of the second teat, and her eye was whole; and gave the milk of the third teat, and her leg was whole. So that this was what he said about each thing of them, 'A doom of blessing on you,' said he. 'You told me,' said the Morrigan, 'I should not have healing from you for ever.' 'If I had known it was you,' said Cuchulainn, 'I would not have healed you ever.'"

Sources

https://mythopedia.com/celtic-mythology/gods/morrigan/

http://www.yorku.ca/inpar/tain_faraday.pdf

http://public-library.uk/ebooks/59/98.pdf

https://www.ecauldron.net/forum/index.php?topic=8884.0;p=0

Artwork: YaxeMoon (https://www.deviantart.com/yaxemoon/art/The-Morrigan-Celtic-Goddess-796517106)

[fleurwitch]

🕯☽☾🔮🖤 looking for active witchblrs! 🕯☽☾🔮🖤

A little bit worried that witchtok sucked up the life of witch tumblr, so please reblog if you’re an active/practicing witch on tumblr as of July 12, 2021! 

Please be POC/LBGT inclusive!!!

Sidenote: I am a beginner closet witch looking to find my path, interested in norse/celtic/hellenic pantheons. But all are welcome and the more folks I can follow, the more knowledge I can gain, and the more people I can meet! 

☽☾ Thanks in advance, Blessed Be! ☽☾

[fleurwitch]

World Religion Resources (Part 2)

Hermeticism:

Hermeticism

Hermeticism and the 7 Principles

What is Hermeticism?

The God Hermes Trismegistus

Hermes Trismegistus

The 7 Hermetic Laws

The All, the Supreme Deity

The Hermes’ and Hermeticism

The Emerald Tablet of Hermes

The Emerald Tablets of Thoth the Atlantean

The Kybalion

The Corpus Hermeticum (Book)

The Stone of the Philosophers

Alchemy

Inner Hermetic Teachings (Book)

Hermetic Initiation

Hellenism (Greek Polytheism):

Mythos (Book)

The Creation Myth

Legends, Plays, and other Texts

Ancient Greek Religion

The Virtues of Hellenism

Theoi Greek Mythology

Dionysus Myths

The Rape of Persephone Myth

Greek Religion Beliefs

Gaia, the Earth

Rhea, the Mother Goddess

Zeus, King of the Gods

Hera, Queen of the Gods

Athena, the Illuminating Warrior

Athena Myths

Prometheus, the Martyr

Apollo, the Golden One

Aphrodite, Goddess of Desire

Poseidon, God of the Sea

Hades, God of Death and the Underworld

The Muses

The Fates

The Furies

Nymphs

Sirens

Gorgons

Harpies

Hymns to the Gods

Homeric Hymns

Hymns to Dionysus

Hades, the Underworld

Elysium

The Hellenic Ethnic Religion Explained (Video)

Celtic Polytheism:

Religion of the Celts

Beliefs and Practices

List of Deities

Encyclopedia of Myths and Folklore

Danu and Anu

The Tuatha De Danann

The Dagda, All-Father of Ireland

The Morrigan

The Morrigan and Her Sisters

Cernunnos

Cernunnos, God of the Wilds

Brigid

Brigid - Goddess and Saint

Goddess Brigid

The Legend of Cú Chulainn

Nuada of the Silver Arm

Celtic Pagan Prayers

The Ogham

Making Offerings

The Aos Si and Faeries

Asatru (Nordic Polytheism):

Asatru

Questions and Answers on Asatru

Asatru Facts

Lore and Texts

The Creation Myth

Ragnarok

The Death of Baldur

The Nine Worlds

Yggdrasil

The Bifrost

Odin, the All-Father

Frigg, Queen of the Gods

Thor

Freyja

Hel, Queen of the Underworld

Loki, the Malicious Trickster

Fenrir, the Devourer

The Valkyries

The Elves

The Dwarves

Land Spirits

The Wild Hunt

Nordic Shamanism: Seidr

Courses in Seidr

Seidr

The Runes

Runes and Rune Magic

Rune Magic Handbook

Asatru Music - Wardruna

Slavic Polytheism:

Deities and Myths

Slavic Gods

Top 10 Deities

Veles

Perun

Lada

Goddess Lada

Goddess Mokosh

Triglav, the Three-Headed God

Part 1 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6

[fleurwitch]

Hellenic Hair Wrapping Ideas

So I’ve been surfing the web for good hair wrapping tutorials, and I actually found a bunch of really cool ones! Most are from youtube, but some are just online tutorials with words and images :)

Some of the videos are sped up, so if that bothers you, I suggest clicking on the starred ones ^_^ (they include photo tutorials) Others are in different languages, but the actual video is easy to go off of  :)

12 Head Wrap Scarf Tutorials in Under 7 Minutes ~ MOAMNETWORK

Quick and Easy How to Use a Scarf as Head Covering/Veil ~ stormsonthemoon

Queen Nefertiti Head Wrap Tutorial ~ DXLYN

12 Jewel HeadScarf Tutorial ~ MOAMNETWORK

Beautiful Twin Bun Head Wrap Tutorial ~ MOAMNETWORK

10 different ways to wear 1 scarf on your head How to tie a headscarf turban and headband style  ~ Lilith Moon

How to tie a royal turban ~ TheStyleUnderground’s channel

The easiest way to tie a headscarf - without knots  ~ EyelineHer videos

 Учимся завязывать платок  (Learn how to tie a scarf) ~ mehkariy

How to tie a headscarf with an infinity scarf  ~ EyelineHer videos

Four New Ways to Tie a Headscarf. More Vintage Glamour! ~ Vintage Current

How To: 15 Ways To Wear a Headscarf ~ LoveYourTresses

Запрос: Что носить зимой вместо шапки или Тюрбан мне на выручку  (Something along the lines of Winter Head Scarf Tutorial) ~ IRISSBEAUTY

КАК ПОВЯЗАТЬ ТЮРБАН? 2 ПРОСТЫХ СПОСОБА! (Want to learn to tie a turban? Here are two simple ways! ) ~ Mary Yuma

Erykah Badu Inspired Headscarf Tutorial  ~ Leazz Way

PANJI TUTORIAL (HOW TO TIE A HEAD SCARF) ~ Kluermoi

SISI YEMMIE ～ HEAD WRAP / HEAD SCARF TUTORIAL! ~ SisiYemmieTV     

TUTORIAL | FUNKY SCARF #2 ~ Halima Bepo

SCARF TUTORIAL | # 4 EASY DAILY HEADWRAP ~ Halima Bepo

 Creative Expression: Upcycling project-T-shirt Head wrap  ~ Bayshamel

 How to Wrap a Veil ~ Lynn Lauderdale

 4 Different ways to tie a headwrap/ turban || Jessica Pettway ~ Jessica Pettway  

** Top knot head wrap tutorial ~ Naturalhairdaily

** Easy DIY Head Wrap ~ Prettydesigns.com

** Beach Headscarf Tutorial ~ Hairromance.com

Tie Turban Tutorial ~ Naturalhairmag.com

** How to Tie a Turban ~ 100layercake.com

** 40 Ways to Tie a Head Scarf ~ Craftstew.com

** Bun Headscarf Tutorial ~ tznius

** 20+ Ways to Tie a Headscarf (no tutorial links, just images)  ~ Scarves dot net

If your tutorial is on here and you would like it to be removed, just let me know! :)

[fleurwitch]

Pagan Veiling Masterlist

This is the continuation to my previous post about why pagans should consider veiling.

Where to buy and what style:

Most popular styles are:

The tichet.

Sakko (snood)

Himnations can be around the head, neck, or face which brings on the confusion if the person is wearing a Hijab or not. We don’t associate us with calling the veil a Hijab, being that it is of course, not our religion. (If they say they’re wearing a Hijab and they are not Muslim, kindly correct them :) )

A Cowl.

Headband. Yes, it counts!

Here’s some of many shops:

Garlands of Grace

Headcoverings by Devorah

Christian Coverings

Sewinghome6 on eBay

Eastern Essence

Pearl-Daisy

(Please message me to have your (favorite) shop added!

More info and experiences:

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/pantheon/2012/03/veiling-a-different-take-on-pagan-womanhood/

http://witchfire02.blogspot.com/p/pagan-veiling.html

http://baringtheaegis.blogspot.de/2013/08/on-binding-of-hair.html

http://baringtheaegis.blogspot.de/2013/02/ancient-hellenic-hairstyles-in.html

http://www.bible-researcher.com/headcoverings3.html

http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=uswv&c=trads&id=15007

Thank you for reading and let me know if you have any requests, comments, or concerns! Bless!

[fleurwitch]

Why should Pagans consider veiling?

 You have seen people of the Muslim, Jewish, and even Christian faith wear some kind of head covering to express their faith and love of God. Have you ever wondered, “Can/Do Pagans do that too?”.

  Whenever you see a photo of the classic Halloween witch, you see her wear a black pointy hat. Every thought deeply into why? Veiling has probably been around longer than you realize when concerning polytheism. In Ancient Rome and Greece, it was quite popular. Even today in Roman polytheism, an adoratio requires a head covering or veil of any sort and the same goes for rituals.

From the photo below, you can see these women from Ancient Greece wore head wraps for fashion as well, but women were expected to cover themselves even so.

 Often because of the heat, himnations were popular (similar to the Roman tunica, or toga), but many pictures and art of the time showed women and men alike continuing to wrap the fabric around their heads.

 Modeled by Augustus from the Pontifex collection. 

Keep reading

[fleurwitch]

at this point how are you not anti-capitalist? don’t you think it’s messed up that people can work 2 jobs but are living paycheck to paycheck but are supposed to have thousands in savings, and be expected to pay for healthcare, food, and rent? how about the fact that you can probably never own a house in your lifetime, and if you want to live away from your family you will need to share a place with 6 roommates just to keep things afloat? does it make you angry that you’re dying for a living? don’t you think it’s mind boggling how the last time there was a technological space race it was between two super power countries but recently it has between the 2 richest men in the world? don’t you think the wealth gap between average person is far too wide? don’t you feel angry reading about “self made” success stories about how “hard” they worked when there is an obvious inequality in the opportunities they had in the first place? doesn’t it make you scared that the earth is being destroyed by exploitative capitalism? doesn’t it make you angry?

[fleurwitch]

[fleurwitch]

Your blog is truly beautiful and mesmerising! 🖤

Thank you so much💕💕 I just found this I’m kind of new to this app💕