mygoddessmusings

[mygoddessmusings]

Recently, my partner, friends, and I attended Summer Magick Fest in Orlando. This year, they had space for a dedicated temple room, and invited the attendees to create altars to be fixtures in the room throughout the fest and to lead community devotionals at our altars. I was immediately smitten with this idea and knew right away that I wanted to do something for Brighid. The next morning, drinking my coffee and saying my usual devotional prayers to Brighid, I allowed myself some quiet time to ponder the possibilities of what the devotional could be about. A memory of visiting one of Brighid's wells in Ireland a few years ago bubbled to the surface of my mind, and the idea for the devotional meditation flowed from there. On the first day of the fest, after we got all signed in and settled, our little group set up the altar together. The water in the fountain contained a few drops from Brighid's well in Killare, which my partner collected when we visited. We also brought the LED candles (no fire allowed), poetry books, and flower offerings. Our friends brought the various Brighid iconography, physical copy of Tending Brigid's Flame, and additional decor (you may also spy my friend's mini-altar to Tyche in the corner). Then, one of the festival priestesses asked if I would mind taking over her spot in the devotional schedule that evening, since she had her plate full with opening ritual, meaning my devotional would be the first one on the roster -- Eep! It felt like being the first kid in class to present their project, but I was more excited than nervous. I had little handouts for everyone, so they could sing along to the chant and repeat after me on the prayers (the below, but without the notes and meditation text). I wanted it to be something they (and you!) could easily make use of in their own personal practices should they choose to do so. When the time rolled around, we had around 25 people, so we opted to sit in the chairs provided in the central ritual space rather than right in front of the altar which had limited seating, and we were off! So here is the devotional text, complete with my stage notes :)

Brighid Devotional

Note: give rundown of the plan Opening Chant: Way to the Well (x) We will never, never lose our way to the well of your memory, and the power of your living flame, it is rising. It is rising.

Opening Prayer I give thanks to you, Brighid Who brought me to this sacred moment, You inspire my mind, my heart, my spirit bright dawn of grace and new beginnings. I give thanks for the blessings bestowed on me-- My food, my words, my work, my health. This day and every day, this night and every night.

Meditation on Brighid's Well in Killare intro notes: Killare (not to be confused with Kildare) is located center of Ireland, close to Uisneach (seat of high king, Beltaine festival, spiritual & political center of ancient Ireland), talk a little about experience visiting site…

I invite you to close your eyes or let your gaze soften, and step with me onto the side -- well off to the side-- of a country highway in Ireland. The sun is shining on this summer day, and there is a gentle wind. All around are wide, green fields dotted with horses and cattle and sheep. But on the Northern side of the road, the side we are on, there stands amidst the fields a small grove of tall trees, and before this grove there is a low, metal gate with stonework on either side, which simply states across the top "st. Brigid's." So, let us move our field trip group forward through the gate [ring bells], a jaunt across the grass, and into the grove…

We step through the trees and into a clearing. In the center of the clearing, is Brigid's well, a large, teardrop-shaped pool edged with paving stones, and to the side of the pool, there is a small stone shrine, a few feet high, holding an old, weathered statue of Brigid. Just behind it, taller than the shrine, there is an old, hollow tree stump, and this tree stump which is festooned with offerings: prayer beads and cards, coins and baubles. The perimeter of trees is thick in some places, thin in others, so the surrounding fields are visible, and the clearing is bright and sunny. To the eastern side of the clearing, there is a small gathering area, with folding chairs and stools placed around a small fire pit, and in the center, there is a small, campfire burning merrily in the center -- you have a feeling it is being watched over and well-tended though its tender is nowhere to be seen at the moment.

And so, I'd like to invite you to find a spot in this place that calls to you, maybe by the water, or by a tree, or by the fire, and I invite you to take a moment to connect with your breath and just be… in this moment… in this sacred space...

[a few moments of quiet]

Brighid, you are the spark before the fire and the flame. You are the secret underground spring and the well. You are the shining sun and the oak tree filled with light. Thank you for moments of stillness in which your inspiration may shine, flow, and grow. Blessed be.

And now, let us gather our field trip group once again, rising from the spots we have chosen… and moseying on back through the trees… through the gate [bells] … and back home to our selves, here at Summer Magick Fest. Give your toes and fingers a wiggle.

Oracle Card and Affirmation Here I pulled a couple of cards from the Way of Brighid oracle deck… well, I use "pulled" rather loosely. I started to shuffle and a bunch jumped out of my hand. I scooped them up and started shuffling again, and a couple more jumped out, so I took a hint lol Each card has some reflection questions and an affirmation, which we repeated together as a group.

Closing Prayer from Tending Brigid's Flame by Lunaea Weatherstone As I go forth from this place, May the hearth fire of welcome warm me. May the temple fire of faith sustain me. May the forge fire of change strengthen me, And Brigid’s love encompass me, Now and evermore.

I was pretty happy with how it all went down! The priestess whose spot I took was in attendance and told me I set a high bar. I also had a couple people come up to me over the subsequent festival days and thank me for leading it and tell me about their experiences with the meditation, which was very touching. Although I am experienced at leading ritual for small groups, this was the largest group I've lead and the first time in a festival setting. Also, this was the first year of having community-lead devotional practices at the festival, so I didn't really have a framework to build off of. I waffled in the time between writing it and doing it whether the meditation was too long or if it would be appropriate, but I decided to stick with what Brighid inspired, and I'm really pleased it went well. I've already got ideas cooking for another Brighid devotional for next year (assuming they do this again next year -- I hope so!).

It was a great start to a great fest!

Til next time, Nara

[mygoddessmusings]

Sculpture of Mary Magdalene, 1401-1500; France

[mygoddessmusings]

2025 Ostara Ritual

Hello! Long time, no post! I recently wrote an Ostara ritual which my friends and I had a lot of fun with, and since Ostara is still a week away, I thought others might appreciate some inspo. The intent of this ritual is to lean into the childlike joy of Spring. Since this involved an egg hunt around the house, we did not cast a circle as such, but you might if doing it in a smaller space. This one is more fun with friends, but if you'd like to do it solo, perhaps have a friend or family member hide the eggs for you ahead of time.

You will need:

-Stuffable colored eggs -- we used confetti filled egg shells from Walmart, but if you have some of the plastic variety that would work too. -Affirmations - Write some affirmations on pieces of paper to put in the eggs. Suggested affirmations below. -A music-playing device. -Optional: Bubbles, a rock for each person to hold, a drink for everyone to sip

Ritual outline:

Spring Ritual 2025 

Check-In

If doing the ritual with a group, have everyone say a word or two about how they're feeling.

Intention 

We are approaching the Spring Equinox, Ostara, the time when the Goddess becomes a child again. She can be found in the new buds on the branch, the fresh, green leaves, the squawk of baby birds, and the laughter of children at play. 

This Ostara finds us in fearful times. There are forces, by their own admission, working actively to keep us afraid and overwhelmed, so we become complacent. Which is why it is important now more than ever, to nurture moments of joy, levity, and fun in our lives. Joy is the antidote to fear, and levity the fuel for action and resistance. And our spiritual paths can be an important tool in our cultivation of joy. Spirituality is not only the domain of somber contemplation, meditation and spellwork (though those are valuable, too); it can also be a practice that lightens our hearts when they are heavy. So, for this Ostara celebration, let us be open to joy, fun, silliness, and committing to the bit.  

Opening Chant 

When I Was Young by Beautiful Chorus 

Calling the Elements 

As we turned and honored each of the elements and directions, we did a little activity for each: we blew bubbles of air, rubbed our hands together for fire, took satisfied sips of our water for... water, and held a cool rock for earth. Just speak a little from the heart for the qualities you associate with each element. Be a little silly!

Charge of the Maiden 

Hear the words of the Maiden Goddess, the sound of whose laughter are the sprouts and buds of spring...    I who am the scent of flowers on the breeze and the sting of bark on your palms when you climb trees and the infinite rainbow colors of the world. I call upon you ... to come look at this neat bug I found! For I am the spirit of growth that brings renewal and new life. With me do the young and young of heart set forth to explore the world.    Let my worship be in the making of messes and mistakes for they are the root of all learning. Let there be curiosity and delight, wonder and humor, innocence and wildness, exuberance and passion within you. And you who seek to know me... have you tried looking under that rock or maybe behind that tree? Keep searching for in the seeking you'll find me.    ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO! 

Egg Hunt! 

Once everyone has found their eggs, have them open the eggs, quietly read the affirmations they found, and pick a few for the Affirmations portion. If you picked the confetti-stuffed eggs, encourage making a real mess while breaking the eggs open. Advise that after the dance, we will popcorn around the circle, someone will shout out their affirmation and the group will repeat. Say the affirmations with gusto and confidence!

Circle Dance

Play the Hokey Pokey! If you're doing this with a group, I recommend keeping the song choice a fun surprise.

Affirmations

Some examples: I am brave! I am curious! I am open to wonder! I am wild! I am passionate! I am enough! I am always learning and growing! I am confident! I am creative! I am joyful! I am resilient! I am open to delight! I can do hard things! I am good!

Closing Prayer 

As we go forth from this place,  May we be grounded in strength and stability,  May we feel the flow of love around and within us,  May passion brighten our days with creative fire,  May we see the magic and wonder always around us,  Only playing hide & seek, waiting to be found.   The circle is open but never broken.  May the joy of the Goddess be ever in our hearts.  Blessed be. 

[mygoddessmusings]

Brigid, The Exalted Celtic Goddess

My print shop

From Pagan Goddess, to Christian Saint, from Ireland to Scotland, Brigid is an enduring, indomitable symbol of the Celts and Gaels. She may be known as Bride, Brigit, Brigantia, or many other names. She appears in Celtic mythology, folklore, and poetry. Her domains and associations are numerous and complex, as is often true for Celtic gods. Therefore, it is not possible for me to include everything in one painting.

For this illustration, Brigid is a Goddess of fire, wisdom, and the dawn. I wanted to capture the light of the dawn and summer warmth that Brigid promises to us. It is my offering for Imbolc

[mygoddessmusings]

Ode to Brighid

"O Brighid, fair daughter of the Good God,

Smith of shining silver and silvered songs,

The badgers, the snowdrops, they breach the snow:

Winter's crystal mantle, to welcome you,

Goddess! Patron of poets and plowmen alike

Take my prayer, let it be fuel for the flame."

[original composition]

[mygoddessmusings]

“Now and at the hour of our death — Amen”

 By Ravi Zupa, master from Denver, Colorado • via Bibliothèque Infernale on FB

[mygoddessmusings]

“…Hekate, with a torch in her hands, met Demeter, and spoke to her and told her news: ‘Queenly Demeter, bringer of seasons and giver of good gifts, what god of heaven or what mortal man has rapt away Persephone and pierced with sorrow your dear heart? For I heard her voice, yet saw not with my eyes who it was. But I tell you truly and shortly all I know.’

So, then, said Hekate. And the daughter of rich-haired Rhea answered her not, but sped swiftly with her, holding flaming torches in her hands.”

-Homeric Hymn to Demeter

[mygoddessmusings]

mary in the woods

[mygoddessmusings]

Witchcraft isn't about owning expensive crystals or having a fancy altar.

It's about using what is at your immediate disposal as tools to empower your life and shape your present.

[mygoddessmusings]

Lammas Ritual 2022

This is the ritual I did last night with my local group. It is written with addressing a group in mind, but could easily be a solo ritual. Wishing everyone a wonderful Lammas! May your harvests be bountiful and blessed! Ritual script below the cut.

Ritual Script

Opening Chant: There is No Time by Kellianna

There is no time but now. There is no place but here. In the sacred we do stand. In a circle hand in hand.

Sacred Space

Orphic Hymn to Gaia adaptation

Divine Gaia, mother of mortals and of the blessed gods, you nourish all, from you all blessings flow, you bring all to fruition, and to you do all return in time. In the Spring and Summer, you are heavy with fruits and growing blossoms; Shapeshifting Goddess, you are the mother of the immortal cosmos, and from the efforts of your labor you bring forth fruit of all kinds. Eternal, reverend, deep-hearted, and blessed, you delight in the sweet breath of grass, O goddess bedecked with flowers. Yours is the joy of the rain, and round you the intricate realm of the stars revolves in endless and awesome flow. O blessed goddess, we call you to be present and powerful in our ritual this evening. We bid you hail and welcome.

Intention

Lammastide once coincided with the first of the fall harvests when the first fruits and grains were being brought in. It is a time for gratitude and celebration. It is also a time for buckling down and focusing on the intentions we seek to harvest this year. It is cauldron time. What are you cooking? What ingredients still need to be added? What needs time and focus to bubble and brew? What are you ready to share?*

Divination

Participants were asked to bring their preferred tarot or oracle card set. We used the cauldron layouts provided by Molly Remer in her Lammas kit from last year.

First Harvest Tea Blend** for Lammas

One old Gaelic name for the full moon in August is Wyrt/Wort Moon. Wyrt being the general word for "herb" (think St. John's Wort, Motherwort, etc.), so this is an appropriate time to practice a little herbalism. We are going to make a tea blend with herbs to help guide us through this early harvest season.

Ingredients: (Magical Meanings)

1/2 cup dried calendula blossoms (prosperity, optimism)

1/4 cup dried lavender buds (calm, focus)

1/4 cup dried meadowsweet*** (love, peace, happiness)

1/4 cup oolong tea leaves (wisdom, reflection)

Tea Blending Spell

Each woman added a scoop of an ingredient to the mixing bowl, and we spoke the following as the ingredients were mixed together.

Calendula for prosperity. Calm Lavender to center. For happiness, add Meadowsweet, And Oolong bids widsom enter. By all the might of land and sea, By all the light of moon and sun, We bless and charge this herbal tea. As we will, so it is done!

Food and Drink

It has been suggested that the central ritual of ancient, goddess-worshiping cultures was the giving of offerings. Not out of a need to make some sort of pacifying sacrifice, but out of a supreme faith in the abundance of life. We share with each other and the Goddess freely, trusting that we will be given what we need. In this sharing of drink and bread, we honor and give thanks to the Great Goddess, who each day makes manifest all that we need. May you never hunger! May you never thirst!

Devocation

Gaia, all-flowering, bearing fruits of many forms, Blessed goddess, may we offer you our loving care. as you bless us with the joys of life through all our days. Our ritual is now done, and we thank you from our hearts for the gifts of your blessings, power and presence in our ritual.

Notes

*These questions are from the Cauldron entry in Molly Remer's Womanrunes: A Guide to their Use and Interpretation. **Lammas tea blend recipe is from the Witch of Lupine Hollow. ***Meadowsweet contains the active ingredient found in aspirin. Those with sensitivities to aspirin or blood-thinners should avoid consuming. Always research herbs before consumption and consult with a physician regarding any concerns.

[mygoddessmusings]

Milky way over the sunflower garden.

Miyazaki, Japan.

[mygoddessmusings]

New Moon Memorial Ritual

It is unfortunate that my first original post to this blog in quite a while is such a sad one: my very good friend, with whom I did many of the original rituals I posted to this blog in 2013 - 2017, passed away last month, unexpectedly. A couple of close friends and I did a small memorial ritual for her on the new moon. She was deeply involved in the early days of this blog, both in doing the rituals with me and in beta reading my post-drafts and encouraging me to write, so it feels appropriate to post this last ritual with her. I also hope this will be of help to anyone in the future who finds themselves searching for Pagan memorial/funeral rituals online, so that they do not, like me, only find a dozen copies of the same generic article about "what to expect when attending a Wiccan funeral." Though I am still grieving the loss of my dear friend, this ritual did bring me a sense of closure and relief and a place from which I could move forward, and I hope it can do the same for others experiencing a sudden loss.

Blessed be.

Ritual is below. Notes and sourcing may be found at the end.

In addition to whatever usual items you use to cast the circle and call the elements, for this ritual you will need:

Incense

A small dish of wood or incense ashes

A small dish of salt water

A small dish of soil

A picture of the loved one

A flower for each participant

A box of tissues

Opening Chant: “We All Come from the Goddess”

We all come from the Goddess and to Her we shall return, Like a drop of rain flowing to the ocean.

Circle Casting

Done in the usual way.

Invocation

Great Mother, Dark Mother, known by many names: Hekate, Nepthys, Kali Ma, You who are the mysteries of the Waters and the space between stars. You who are the soul of nature, from whom we all are born and unto whom we must return. Weaver of the Web of Life, Revealer of Mysteries, you comfort us in our grief, and light our way through the darkness. Great Mother, Dark Mother, we call you to be present and bless this ritual. We bid you hail and welcome.

Purpose

We gather here today to bid farewell to ________, and to bless her journey.

Hail the Traveler (1)

The bolded lines are to be said together by all present, like a call and response.

"Hail the Traveler! We commit you back from where you came — to the arms of the Great Mother. May there be peace where there was anger. May there be healing where there was hurt. Go quickly to the Summerlands, borne across the waters into a deeper understanding For those who grieve for your passing, let there be healing. For those who grieve for who you were, let there be healing. For those who grieve for what you could have been, let there be healing. Hail the Traveler. We wish you well on your journey."

Elemental Blessing (2)

"By the Earth, you were given birth and form in the physical world. By the Air, you were given breath and knowledge. By the Fire, you were energized and inspired with passion. By the Water, you were given dreams to inspire and heal.

So now by Earth, Air, Fire, and Water shall you pass to the next stage of your existence.

May the Air carry your spirit gently. (Picture is brushed with incense smoke.) May the Fire release your soul. (Picture is anointed with ashes.) May the Water cleanse you. (Picture is anointed with saltwater.) May the Earth receive you. (Picture is sprinkled with Earth.) May the Wheel turn again and bring you to rebirth."

Song: “Weaver Weaver”

Text for these lyrics may be found here.

We Remember Her (3)

The bolded lines are to be said together by all present, like a call and response.

Those we love are never truly gone from our lives, for what is remembered lives. "When we are weary and in need of strength, When we have a joy we crave to share, We remember her. At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter, At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring, We remember her. At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of the summer, At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of the autumn, We remember her. At the rising of the sun and at its setting, We remember her. As long as we live, she too will live, For she is now a part of us, As we remember her."

Guests are invited to offer flowers, silently or while speaking aloud a brief memory or a blessing.

Chant: “Return to the Mother”

“And so return, return, return, return to the Mother.”

Devocation

Done in the usual way.

Close Circle

Done in the usual way.

Notes:

1. This poem is adapted from "Hail the Traveler" by Quetta Garrison Madsen. 2. This section is adapted from the the Blessing of the Elements by Starhawk, found in The Pagan Book of Living and Dying. 3. This section is adapted from a portion of the "Ceremony for Ash Scattering or Burial" found here. 4. The musical notations are from The Pagan Book of Living and Dying. “Weaver, Weaver” does not have a professional recording, and “Return to the Mother” did not have one suitable for the occasion, so the notations were provided for the participants for reference.

[mygoddessmusings]

Brighid Mural

I randomly stumbled on this absolutely stunning mural that was just completed in Dundalk, Ireland!

It’s apparently part of a new urban art festival there and this piece portrays Brighid as both goddess and saint. The colors are absolutely stunning and I’m in love with it!

Art by Friz

Photograph by Swedish Ginger

[mygoddessmusings]

-Brigid- Goddess of fire, healing, smithcraft; of baby animals and life itself. One of the longest running goddesses to survive and adapt to the evolving spirituality of Ireland. give my Etsy a follow to be notified when I put up limited, hand-signed prints of this piece up for sale!

[mygoddessmusings]

2022 Witch's Calendar

For all my witches out there, here's a handy list of the 2022 dates for the major holidays, full and new moons, and special events. I've listed my sources at the bottom. Dates and times for all events are calculated for Eastern Standard Time, USA, Northern Hemisphere. Adjust for your location as needed. Enjoy!

WOTY Holidays and Solstices

February 1-2 - Imbolc

March 20 - Spring Equinox / Ostara

May 1 - Beltane

June 21 - Summer Solstice / Midsummer

August 1 - Lughnasadh

September 22 - Autumn Equinox / Mabon

October 31 - Samhain

December 21 - Winter Solstice / Yule

Full Moons

January 17 - Wolf Moon ♋️

February 16 - Snow Moon ♌️

March 18 - Worm Moon ♍️

April 16 - Pink Moon ♎️

May 16 - Flower Moon ♏️

June 14 - Strawberry Moon ♐️

July 13 - Thunder Moon (aka Buck Moon) ♑️

August 11 - Sturgeon Moon ♒️

September 10 - Harvest Moon ♓️

October 9 - Hunter's Moon (aka Blood Moon) ♈️

November 8 - Frost Moon ♉️

December 7 - Cold Moon ♊️

Fun Fact: The title of Harvest Moon is given to either the September or October full moon, whichever falls closest to the autumn equinox. In 2022, that month will be September.

New Moons

January 2 ♑️

February 1 ♒️

March 2 ♓️

April 1 ♈️

April 30 ♉️

May 30 ♊️

June 29 ♋️

July 28 ♌️

August 27 ♍️

September 25 ♎️

October 25 ♏️

November 23 ♐️

December 23 ♑️

Special Events

April 30 - Black Moon & Partial Solar Eclipse (10:42pm EST)

May 16 - Total Lunar Eclipe (12:11am EST, coinciding with zenith)

June 14 - Supermoon

July 13 - Supermoon

October 25 - Partial Solar Eclipe (11:01am EST)

November 8 - Total Lunar Eclipse (5:59am EST, coinciding with zenith)

SOURCES:

Inverse - Full Moon 2022 calendar: Dates, times, schedule, and names for the brightest nights all year

Astroseek - Full Moons 2022 & New Moons

The Pagan Grimoire - The Wheel of the Year: The 8 Festivals in the Wiccan Calendar

[mygoddessmusings]

I. Leapt. To. Freedom.

[mygoddessmusings]

Foremother and thealogian of Goddess spirituality, Carol Christ, passed away earlier this week. Though I did not know Christ personally, I was grieved to hear of her passing. Her works and words greatly influenced and helped develop and deepen my understanding of Goddess. I recommend her works to others often and return to them any time I am in need of spiritual nourishment. I had hoped I would be able to meet her one day and tell her so in person, alas. Hail the traveler! In love may she return again.