I am the Great Grandmother of all beauty and life,
Aged by universal knowledge to see love beyond strife.
So children of youth please consider from your heart,
Those of aged understanding will someday depart.
Listen to their stories of times long ago,
Learn from the words of your past as they’re told.
Youth is your gift only given by means of loan,
Be wise to remember the truth you are shown.
Honor those of aged wisdom and the truth in their words,
For once they are gone never again shall they be heard.
Blessed are the wise ones and the stories they tell,
The stories of their hearts, memories of your heritage as well.
Lady Abigail
Copyright © 05272010
"Sometimes I see how people treat those of age and it saddens my heart. Let us remember; there but for a few years shall we be. Honor those of age, Blessed be."
Lady Abigail
Marzenna (Poland)
Marzenna
Themes: Spring; Weather; Protection; Winter; Death; Rebirth; Cycles; Change; Growth.
Symbols: Doll (poppet); Water (including ice and snow).
About Marzenna: The Polish goddess for whom this holiday is named represents an odd combination of winter, death, and the fruit field’s growth and fertility. As such, she oversees the earth’s transition from death to rebirth and likewise oversees the transitions we wish to make in our lives.
To Do Today: Marzenna is a Polish spring festival during which an effigy of Marzenna is tossed into a river to overcome her wintery nature and ensure that there will be no floods that year. This tradition is likely an antecedent of ancient river sacrifices made to appease the water spirits. Following suit, resolutely throw a biodegradable image of something you wish to overcome this season into any moving water source (even your toilet!). Let Marzenna carry it away, slowly breaking down the negative energy and replacing it with personal growth. Burying an image has the same effect.
To invoke Marzenna’s protection until next winter, write your name and birth date on a piece of paper and freeze it in an ice cube. Keep the cube in a safe place in the back of your freezer to keep yourself surrounded by Marzenna’s safe barrier. Melt the ice cube later in the year if you need a boost of spring’s revitalizing energy.
(c) 365 Goddess by Patricia Telesco - Copyright 1998
Bulletin Courtesy of www.
Buergsonndeg (Luxembourg)
Nerthus
Themes: Spring; Cycles; Health; Energy; Peace; Prosperity
Symbols: Fire; Chariot; Soil
About Nerthus: This Germanic earth goddess welcomes the season with her presence. She was so important in Danish regions that no weapons or iron tools could be left out during her festivals, because that was thought to invoke her displeasure. During spring rites, her statue was covered on a chariot until the priest determined she had arrived to oversee the festivities.
To Do Today: Traditionally, today is spent before a bonfire that greets the sun and banishes the last vestiges of winter. So, take down your heavy winter curtains, and let some light into the house! This restores Nerthus’s positive energy and expels any lingering sickness. If it’s cloudy out, turn on some lights, don dazzling colored clothing, and find ways to brighten up your living space with flowers and decorations that speak of earth (Nerthus) and spring’s beauty.
Another customary activity is turning the soil, mixing it with an offering of milk, flour, and water. Even if you don’t have a garden, turn a little dirt near your apartment or home and leave a similar gift. This action rejoices in Nerthus’s awakening and draws the goddess’s peace and prosperity to your residence. To take a little of that same blessing with you, just collect a bit of the soil-milk mixture in a container and put it wherever you need peace or prosperity the most.
(c) 365 (Goddess by Patricia Telesco - Copyright 1998
Bulletin Courtesy of www. myspace. com/
Winterlude (Ottawa, Canada)
Oniata
Themes: Recreation; Good Sportsmanship
Symbols: Early-blooming flowers; Snow
About Oniata: Oniata, an Iroquois goddess, embodies what it means to be a good sport. According to legend she came to live with the Iroquois, who found her beauty distracting, so much so that men left their families just to catch a glimpse of her radiance. When Oniata found out about this, rather than getting angry with the men, she left the earth. The only trace of her beauty she left behind was the sprouting of spring flowers peeking out from melting snow.
To Do Today: Plant some early blooming seeds today so that when they blossom, Oniata’s good humor and temperament can also bloom in your life.
In Canada, people take this opportunity to enjoy the last remnants of winter by participating in various sporting activities (especially skating) and by making snow sculptures. Try the latter activity yourself, perhaps create a flower out of packed snow to honor and welcome Oniata. If you live in a warm climate, you can blend up some ice cubes to a snowy consistency for sculpting, and make it into a snow cone afterward to internalize the energy! Or, consider going to an ice rink for a little rest and relaxation. Return outside and appreciate any flowers nearby. Oniata lives in their fragrance and loveliness.
Oonagh
Lunantishees (Ireland)
Themes: Fairies; Nature; Devotion; Relationships
Symbols: All Fairy Plants; Silver; Dew
About Oonagh: This ancient Irish Queen of the Fairies is also a potent goddess of magic. In Irish legends, Oonagh is a faithful wife and the most beautiful of the goddesses, having long, silky hair and a robe of sliver and dew. Today she brings the fey into our lives to remind us of the unseen worlds and to awaken the child within each of us that dares to dream and wish.
To Do Today: Sometime in November, the people of ancient Ireland celebrated a day for the “wee folk” - a time to revel in fairy folklore and superstition. We can honor Oonagh and her children by following suit. Today wear green, which is a favorite fairly color. Don some pleasant-sounding bells that tinkle lightly when you walk. Fairies love this sound. Or, carry a staurolite stone, also known as the fairy cross. This stone not only brings luck but also helps in controlling elemental beings such as the fey.
To see fairies today, find a four-leafed clover and lay seven kernels of grain beneath it. Or go to an area where oak, ash, and thorn trees grow together. This is said to be sacred ground for both the fey and Oonagh.
If you’re concerned about fairy mischief, wear red for protection. Or, carry some flint as the Irish did to keep fairies at arm’s length.
(c) 365 Goddess by Patricia Telesco - Copyright 1998
Bulletin Courtesy of www. myspace. com/pagansofmyspace
The Goddess of Reason
Celebration of the Goddess of Reason (France)
Themes: Logic; Reasoning; Learning; the Conscious Mind
Symbols: A crown of Oak Leaves (representing the seat of the divine)
About the Goddess of Reason: While this lady had no other specific designation other than the Goddess of Reason, she dispenses the power of knowledge to those who seek her. The French honored this goddess with celebrations at Notre Dame, the world’s most acclaimed center of scholarship. Traditionally, the woman depicting her wore a blue robe and red cap, then was crowned in laurel at the end of a processional.
To Do Today: To improve conscious awareness and logical abilities, tuck a bay leaf in your shoe today so the Goddess of Reason walks with you.
Or, wear any garment with predominantly blue or red coloring to invoke her powers through color therapy!
Today is an excellent day to take up any course of study you’ve been considering. Burn incense blended from dried sage (for wisdom), rosemary (for memory improvement), and mint (for alertness). If possible, pre-prepare the incense at noon to accent conscious awareness and the rational self.
Move your study tools through the smoke of the incense, saying:
“Goddess of Reason, see my desire.
Ignite in me knowledge’s fire!”
Finally, wax an oak leaf (press it in waxed paper with an iron) and keep it in a book that you’re studying. This keeps reason with you while you read.
(c) 365 Goddess by Patricia Telesco - Copyright 1998
Courtesy of www. myspace. com/pagansofmyspace
ME
Today is my birthday so it's only right that I am Goddess of the Day! (right?)
Nothing special planned today, got the kids dressed and fed, sent Livi off to school. Dante has his 3 year check up today so we're off to the doctor's. I'll make dinner and take Olivia to her dance class tonight.
After the Witchlets go to bed, well, then I can relax =)
My neighbor Shannon, who has really become an awesome friend, got me these beautiful gifts for my birthday! They are awesome!
The coffee mug says "Witch's Brew" - I know it's kinda hard to tell in the photo. There's a fairy cell phone holder and some Godiva chocolate!
Thank you Shannon, you rock!
Izanami-No-Kami
Festival of Poets (Japan)
Themes: Art; Creativity; Excellence
Symbol: Poetry
About Izanami-No-Kami: In Japan, this creative goddess is considered to have made all things, and she inspires similar inventiveness within us. Traditionally, she is honored through artistic displays, including dance, song, music, and poetry reading.
To Do Today: Every September, poets from across Japan come to the imperial palace to compose verses. Upon receiving a cup of sake floated down the river, each poet must create an impromptu verse. The winner becomes the nation’s poet laureate. In keeping with this idea, concentrate on trying your own hand at a little sacred poetry today, perhaps even a haiku. Traditional haiku contains seven syllables in the first line, five syllables in the second line, and seven or five in the last; each line evokes an image or feeling in the reader’s mind.
Here’s one example:
Izanami-no-kami
Paints the universe
Radiant-eternity.
If poetry isn’t your forte, engage in another art form through which Izanami-no-kami’s imaginative spirit can shine. Ask for her assistance and inspiration before you begin, and see what wonders her nudge can arouse in you. Or, visit an art gallery, making notes of the things that really strike a harmonious chord in your spirit.
(c) 365 Goddess by Patricia Telesco - Copyright 1998
Courtesy of www. myspace. com/pagansofmyspace
Autumnus
Autumn Equinox (Various Locations)
Themes: Harvest; Abundance; Thankfulness; Balance; Wisdom; Foresight; Autumn.
Symbols: Fall Leaves; Harvested Items
About Autumnus: This is the Roman personification of the autumn season. While the actual gender of this being is often left to the imagination, the strong connection with the harvest, wines, and fruits intimates a powerful earth goddess, blossoming with her seasonal array.
To Do Today: In magic traditions, today is a time to appreciate the earth’s abundance somewhat cautiously. After this festival, the daylight hours will begin to wane, meaning wise prudence is called for. So while we reap Autumnus’s bounty from the sowing season, we also begin prudently planning.
Decorate your dining table or sacred space with colorful autumn leaves today. Enjoy as many harvested fruits and vegetables (perhaps from a farmer’s market) as possible today to internalize Autumnus’s prosperous, wise energy. Leave out a libation of wine or grape juice for the goddess to please her and to encourage continuing providence when her stores begin to wane.
For Children, today is a perfect time to have a leaf-raking party in which they figuratively gather what they need from the Goddess, then play happily in her energy afterward by jumping in the piles.
Seven Sisters Festival (China)
ZHINU
Themes: Love, Relationships, Unity, Devotion, Divination
Symbols: Stars; Silver Items
About ZHINU: ZHINU is a stellar goddess in China, residing in the constellation of Lyre, a home from which she tends to harmony within relationships. According to legend, ZHINU came to earth to bathe with six friends but a herdsman stole her dress. She could not return to the heavens this way, so she married him. Later, however, the gods called her back to the stars and the herdsman followed her. On the seventh day of the seventh moon, the two are allowed to meet as husband and wife.
To Do Today: A similar celebration to the Seven Sisters Festival is the Weaving Festival in Japan (July 7), which commemorates the love between two stellar deities who meet in the silver river of the Milky Way one day out of the year.
Follow with custom and cover your altar with rice and melons, both of which can become offerings. Eat these as part of a meal later to internalize ZHINU'S love and devotion. If you're single, offer her combs, mirrors and paper flowers to draw a partner into your life.
Burning incense and reading one's future is also common today. Watch the smoke from the incense while thinking about a specific relationship. See if any shapes from in the clouds. A heart, for example, indicates adoration. A scale reveals a relationship with a healthy balance and two inter connected rings indicate unity of mind and soul.
(c) 365 Goddess by Patricia Telesco - Copyright 1998
Courtesy of www. myspace. com/pagansofmyspace
Teej (Nepal)
PARVARTI
Themes: Fertility, Femininity, Cleansing, Devotion
Symbols: Lotus, Elephant, Dance
About PARVARTI: The celebrated Hindu goddess of women is the center of festivities in Nepal today. PARVARTI'S domain is that of faithful companionship and fertility, as she is the consort of Shiva. Art often shows PARVARTI dancing, in the company of Shiva or with an elephant's head.
To Do Today: Try following Nepalese custom. Wash your hands and feat with henna (or henna based soap product) for PARVARTI'S productive energy. Or go out and swing on a swing set singing sacred songs; this draws PARVARTI to you.
Another way to invoke PARVARTI is by giving a special woman in your life (a friend, lover, relative, etc) a gift in thankfulness for her companionship. The goddess exists within friendship and will bless the relationship. Take a ritual bath to cleanse yourself of negativity and problems of the last year. Water offerings are also a suitable gift to this goddess. Pour out a little bit on the ground and then drink some to internalize any of her qualities that you need.
Wearing fine clothing and flowers is also customary, because all things of beauty please PARVARTI. So get out your finery for your celebrations and put on a boutonnière! Or wear something with a flower pattern to draw PARVARTI close to your side.
(c) 365 Goddess by Patricia Telesco - Copyright 1998
Courtesy of www. myspace. com/pagansofmyspace
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