Merry Meet All,
How fast time flies! The Wheel of the Year has turned again. I have felt the first stirrings of autumn in the air. Since the July Full Moon, there has been a small nip in the air. Spiders spin webs and my garden is slowly starting to bow down and prepare for fall.
My altar cloth is a beautiful autumn leaf print, of leaves bedecked with the crisp fiery stunning fall shades of golds, ochres, reds and warm oranges. Corn dolls decorate my kitchen as well as stored flower seeds and drying herbs. Soon we shall carve pumpkins and sip ciders. Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I eagerly anticipate Samhain and all it offers: the Witches Ball, Ritual on the Commons, the energy of Samhain in the air and the opportunity to regale myself in costumes and enjoy candy. I plan to be prepared for the festivities well in advance. Many herbs useful for Samhain are growing in my garden: sage, lavender, artemisia (Woodruff), wormwood, spearmint, basil and thyme. My tomatoes are sprouting flowers. Lemon balm, clover and mallow also grace my garden. Crystals lend wonderful energies to gardens and are no stranger to mine. Bees flit happily, buzzing from flower to flower.
On this day, the Celtic Tree Month of Hazel begins.
‘August 5 – September 1: The Hazel Moon was known to the Celts as Coll, which translates to “the life force inside you”. This is the time of year when Hazelnuts are appearing on the trees, and are an early part of the harvest. Hazelnuts are also associated with wisdom and protection. Hazel is often associated in Celtic lore with sacred wells and magical springs containing the salmon of knowledge. This is a good month to do workings related to wisdom and knowledge, dowsing and divination, and dream journeys. If you’re a creative type, such as an artist, writer, or musician, this is a good month to get your muse back, and find inspiration for your talents. Even if you normally don’t do so, write a poem or song this month’. (About.com)
Fall was the most important time for our ancestors to harvest what they sowed so carefully. Now it is time for us as well to reap what we sowed, whether that be grains or finances or security or harvest from our gardens. Look back at your year and see what you have gained and learned or unleash your creative muse and write poetry or songs. Dedicate a poem or a song to the Goddess. Make cider and pumpkin soup and invite friends over.
Enjoy the magic of Fall
Blessed Be
Lady Spiderwitch
