Beltaine Flower Crowns

With Beltaine approaching and bringing with its forward frolick, the long rainy days here in the Southern Hemisphere, its a perfect time to sit and create your Flower Crowns, these made be made from silk flowers, dried flowers or of course real flowers and herbs.

Previously being a Florist in what seems another lifetime ago, I thought that I might share with you some ideas and tips on how to get started in creating your own Beltaine Floral Masterpiece.

Getting Started – Preparation:

1. Choose your materials, colour scheme and rough design.
2. Make sure you have: pilers, wire cutters, floral tape, floral wire and ribbon
3. Take your wire and measure it around your head to get your size. Now decide if you wish to make it flat or round in shape, I always find it easier to make it flat and then either join the ends when completed or create a loop at each end and the tie ribbon on it so you can adjust the size. These instructions are for creating a flat crown that will later be tied round with ribbon, so when you measure it make sure it is shorter then the full circumference of your head so you can allow for ribbon on the ends to tie it tight.(Hint depending on the thickness (gauge) of your wire you may wish to double it so it is sturdier, you don’t want the flowers to pull it down.
4. If working with fresh flowers and herbs you have two options, either create the day of or the day before and place in the refrigerator or create in advance with flowers that look good dried. It is often easier to use fresh flowers then dried flowers as they may be brittle to work with.

Starting Your Design:

1. Take your wire and lay it out flat, the play with positioning the flowers along its length so you get an idea of composition and what you’d like to place where. (Hint, you may like to lay a long piece of ivy or trailing leaves down first to create a base, depending on the look you are after)
2. Take groups of flowers and bunch them together securing with wire or tape or both and then set them back down on the length of the wire and ensure that you will have enough to fill it out, again this depends on how full you want it to be.
3. I like to start in the middle then with a focal flower or jewell and then wire and tape it onto the length. (Hint when using floral tape stretch it out and wrap it firmly around making sure to seal it down properly so it doesn’t come undone).
4. Continue on wiring and taping your flowers and leaves along the length of the wire so they are evenly balanced on each side of the central flower.
5. Make sure you stop often to bend the wire into a circle and place it on your head in front of the mirror and you will notice where the gaps are, it will look different laid flat till when it is in a circular shape.
6. Make sure any pieces of wire are not sticking into the side that will be next to your skin, there is nothing worse then being constantly pricked by sharp wire, so bend it in with pliers and tap over it so it is safe. Be especially mindful if you are creating a Flower Crown for a child.

Finishing Off Your Design:

1. Ensure that your flower crown is full and all the flowers are positioned on the length of wire the way you wish them to be, the good thing about wired flowers is that you can adjust them. Make sure you hold it around your head and check for gaps again.
2. Measure around your head again and make sure it isn’t to long. Then choosing your ribbon tie a length to each loop and tie round your head making sure it fits Properly, you don’t want it falling down over your face or off backwards.
3. Congratulations, you have created a Flower Crown.!

Other Ideas:

1. You can of course make your Crown in a Circular style from the beginning.
2. You may wish to stick your flowers on a headband with hot glue.
3. Perhaps you wish to add some antlers or horns
4. Feathers and shells also create lovely headpieces, as do pieces of twisted wood.
5. If you feel really creative you can glue skewers on to make spikes.
6. Tie your Crown around a hat and create a look for the Man in your life.

Above all enjoy the creative therapy and add your magickal intentions into the process. Use the whole process as a meditative time out, any repetitious activity can be a meditation and offer yourself some self nourishment also.

Yours in Magick and Meditation

Juniper Rose (JR)

 

 

Summer Priestess – Eclectic Witchcraft Basics Full Day Immersion. November.

11th November 2018. Tickets are now Live on Facebook.

Come Join me for a Full Day Immersion in the basics of Eclectic Witchcraft, this workshop will cover foundational knowledge and offer you a better understanding of the Craft of the Wise.

Topics Covered:
Paganism & Witchcraft
Pathways and Pantheons
Lunar Phases
Deity Connections
Altar Set Up
Herbal Lore
Elemental Quarters
Fundamental Understanding of Sacred Circles
Protection

The day will be broken into two sections with an hour for lunch in the middle – please bring something to share with the group, and then the afternoon session will end with a Ceremony to complete your magickal day.

Each Witch that attends will be presented with a certificate and a gift to celebrate their immersion.

For those that don’t already know me, I am a practicing Eclectic Witch with many years experience having lived both here in Australia and also in the UK and worked as a Solitary and within a Coven Framework.

I welcome your company as we share together this Magickal Journey forward as begin to forge your own Path.

****Please Note: As this is Remembrance Day there will also be a minutes silence at 11.11 and with this in mind please allow for traffic and parking as there is a Dawn Service at Currumbin, though it should all be over by the time the Workshop commences. A fitting time to begin for this workshop and perhaps it can remind you to recomitt to your path each year. Feel free to bring a poppy to place on the Altar and or some rosemary. If you would like to bring a pic of a loved one too that is wonderful.

Please head to the Facebook Page for more info and tickets, places are strictly limited for this workshop in order to create an intimate, supported space for learning.https://www.facebook.com/events/2090488281168235/

Yours in Magick and Meditation
JR

Beltaine in the Southern Hemisphere

Winter has drawn to a Close, Spring is evident throughout the Southern World, the lakes here by my home are brimming with birds and their chicks, ducklings and gosling swimming and darting about in the reeds. The trees are vibrant with the red of blooming bottlebrush, purple jacaranda and yellow trumpet tree blossoms and the grass a blanket of colour energy. The storms are beginning here to in South East Qld, bringing much needed rain and clearing the stagnation and dust.

The Wayward Path – Paperbark Nest Treasure

The Wayward Path

Can you feel the Wild Winds of change blowing in the abundance of Spring pleasure, their cool breeze tingling your skin and setting your senses aflame?  Those delicious flights of fancy swirling sensually around you with hints of Wild Rose and Musky Patchouli, reminiscent of forbidden Damp Earthy Places……..

The Dark Moon has passed and the time for quiet contemplation and release is ended creating space for the manifestation of growth with the Waxing Moon,  as we prepare for the Journey towards Beltaine here in the Southern Hemisphere.

As the days lengthen and become fuller, ripening with the promise of merriment, broken occasionally by moody storms peppering the bright blue sky with their brooding clouds and lightning show. The natural world feels so alive poised on the precipice of Wild Abandon, excitement and anticipation as the blooms burst open and the trees overflow with blossoms and petals in yellow, purple and red. Vibrant splashes of colour amongst the emerald green grass nourished after recent rain, we are fortunate indeed here on the coast to have received this moisture when so many are struggling with drought further inland. Alas that is the nature of this land we call Oz, a place of wonder and extremes, at times full of blessings and then heart ache as they are taken away with no remorse.

The Sacred Masculine is growing in strength with the return of the Sun, the days lengthening and growing ever brighter and warmer as we journey towards Summer. His potency is maturing as he flexes his muscles and rubs his horns upon the mossy rocks of amongst the forest gums, bellowing his delight at his returning vitality. He is infused with the wild courage of fiery passion as he begins his search for the Goddess, glimpsing her Divinity in the pale moonlight falling between the branches of the paper barks and in the unfurling leaves as life burst forth from the moist Earth.

 

Art Helena Nelson Reed

Art By WIP – Lord of the Wilds

Art By WIP – Lord of the Wilds

Art Helena Nelson Reed

They begin their flirtatious courtship as the Southern Wheel turns toward their passionate Union at Beltaine, returning the abundant fertility of the Earth ready for Summer and then the bountiful Harvest beyond it.

Now is the time to honour your own sensuality and passion, your growth, to love yourself unconditionally, to explore both sides of your nature and all your Shadows and Light. Release the need to strive and surrender yourself to the energies of the Present, allow yourself time for immersion in Nature and all its wonder.

The Traditional Date as the Modern Wheel of the Year, turns is celebrated by many on October 31, along with Halloween (though it is Samhain in the Northern Realms) whilst the exact date falls upon the 7th November and that is what I choose to honour.

I am looking forward to the Annual WildWood Beltaine Faery Parade and Public Ritual on the 27th of October, a wonderful gathering of joy, as we share with the Mundane World the wonders of Beltaine.

Abundant Blessings to you All,

Yours in Magick and Meditation

JR

Thursday Night Weekly Guided Meditation Classes at Burleigh Heads. Meditation Matters Gold Coast.

Thursday Nights at the RSL HALL 6th Avenue Burleigh Heads.
Come Join Meditation Matters Gold Coast for Weekly Guided Meditation Classes in nourishing supported space, open to all levels, faiths and spiritual paths.

Jen is a highly experience and qualified Holistic Meditation Teacher & Yoga Nidra Practitioner dedicated to aiding you in your own unique journey to inner peace.

Class is delivered in sections in order to accomodate all levels of experience:

Breath Awareness
Grounding & Centering
Chakra Cleansing and Balancing
Visualisation
Total Body Relaxation (Yoga Nidra)

Visualisation is in alignment with Lunar Phases, Relevant Energies and Elemental Connections.

Please bring a mat, a water bottle and a cushion to support your lower back, if you chose to recline for relaxation.

I look forward to sharing space with you in the Stillness.

Class starts promptly at 7 due to hire fees, so please get there a few minutes early.

$10 cash please no Eftpos available.

Head to the Facebook Page for more info:

https://www.facebook.com/events/2132335633693204

I look forward to sharing space with you in the Stillness.

Sacred Circle Monthly Workshops with The Wayward Path

Last Sunday saw the beginning of The Wayward Paths monthly Sacred Circle Workshops at the beautiful Environmental Hall by the River in Currumbin.

It was a beautiful evening of Knowledge Sharing, Magickal Ceremony and Meditation in alignment with the restful and reflective Dark Moon Phase.

Sacred Circle 2 – Waxing Gibbous Moon is now live on The Wayward Path Event Page, so please head their for ticketing info.

https://www.facebook.com/events/324678705007546

You may also use the contact form here to connect with me for more details.

This Workshop is the Second of a Series of Special Monthly Sacred Circles honouring the Lunar Phases and connecting in with your own Divinity, it will allow for exploration of your own Unique Path with Authenticity and Integrity. It is not necessary to have attended Sacred Circle 1 to join this workshop.

These Monthly Gatherings will provide a supported Sacred Space for learning and development of your own Sacred Journey. Each month will be a different aspect of Magickal Lunar Connections, Knolwedge Sharing and Crafting to enable you to honour these connections and your own personal growth.

The Waxing Gibbous Moon is a time of Growth and Prosperity, a wonderful potent time to explore your connection to Nature and Self.

This Gathering will aid you in building and growing your Goals Dreams and Desires.

Prosperity Spell – Manifestation for Growth – Sacred Garden Nurturing Meditation and Exploration of The Southern Wheel of the Year and tips on how to create your own personalised Wheel.

Please bring a cushion, water bottle and an Offering for the Altar – something organic that can be given to the beautiful river after the Workshop.

I look forward to sharing space with you all as we journey together with the potency of the Ripening Moon.

Blessings
Jen (JR – Juniper Rose)

 

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/events/324678705007546/

The Wayward Path and Meditation Matters have a New Homes on the Southern Gold Coast

Greetings Magickal Beings,

So much has changes in recent months hence my absence here, I have journeyed through a period of loss and change and am ready to now move forward once more on this Magickal Journey.

I have spent the last 12 months working, teaching and facilitating in Surfers Paradise and have been fortunate to have Sold Out Many of my Workshops there, however it is now time to move my work closer to home and avoid the extra travelling. So with this in mind I have sourced two New Venues for my Workshops and Guided Meditation Classes.

Thursday Nights Weekly Guided Meditation Classes are now at the lovely old RSL Hall in Burleigh Heads on 6th avenue in a gorgeous central location close to the beautiful beach. Classes $10 and follow my Unique Format, more info can be found on the Meditation Matters Gold Coast Facebook Page.

https://www.facebook.com/MeditationGoldCoast

My Eclectic Witchcraft Workshops are now housed Monthly in the beautiful Gecko Environment Building at Currumbin right on the River, with the Hall Hire Proceeds going to Environmental Conservation, something that I am passionate about.

I have created a series of Monthly Sacred Circles offering an alignment to Lunar Phases and a supported space for you to explore your own personalised magickal journey with authenticity and integrity. The first Sacred Circle met last Sunday and Everyone remarked on the beautiful energy of the venue, the next Circle meets on the 18th November. Please see The Wayward Path Facebook Page for more details.

https://www.facebook.com/TheWaywardPath

There are many other exciting Offers and Changes coming up so stay tuned and I look forward to your company at one of my Meditation Classes of Magickal Workshops.

Yours in Magick and Meditation

Jen (Juniper Rose)

Blue Moon Lunar Blessings & Easter in the Southern Hemisphere

Full Moon Blessings to you all, for the beautiful Blue Moon in Libra, may she bring you balance and harmony. Unity of Shadows and Light and the Divine Feminine and Sacred Masculine.

Easter – Eostre – Ostara – Autumn.

There is much confusion here in the Southern Hemisphere at this time of the year, the Northerners have just finished celebrating the Spring Equinox, the Christians are celebrating Christ arises from the dead and the Mundane world is worshipping bunnies and chocolate.

So what does it all mean to us as Southern Pagans?

Well this really depends on what you choose to believe and whether you incorporate modern celebrations into your life due to family commitments etc.

So how is Easter Calculated:

It all started with the Christians Church wishing to convert the pagan tribes and bring them into their ‘fold’ and was also their wish to keep the Astronomers on side and so:

In 325CE the Council of Nicaea established that Easter would be held on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the vernal equinox.(*) From that point forward, the Easter date depended on the ecclesiastical approximation of March 21 for the vernal equinox. (timeanddate.com)

It was a time of transition in the modern world that created the exact date of Easter Sunday.

So where does the word Easter come form and what is the origin of the Eggs and Bunnies?

Easter comes from Eostre the Anglo Saxon Goddess of Spring, her name meaning East and also the Shinning One. She was celebrated as a goddess of renewal and growth appropriate the Equinox. Eostre is morphed from the german goddess Ostara.

Unknown Artist.

Through the christian historian Bede we get the Hare and Egg symbology of Eostre though there is no actual pagan records of this so it is not certain.

The Egg however has long been a symbol of life and is thus appropriate to the arrival of Spring and rebirth.

The Hare, was revered in many culture for it’s ability to burrow underground and then emerge with spring appropriate to Pagan Celebrations and also to the rising of Christ from the Dead within the church. The hare has also long been associated with the Moon, which leads us again to having the connection between ripeness and renewal and also Easter Sunday.

There were many other cultures that had Spring Goddesss also, such as:

Aphrodite
Demeter
Hathor
Sarawati
Cybele
Freya

Which leads me to Ishtar……..you will no doubt see or have seen already images showing Ishtar as the poster girl of Easter.

Image from the Witchofthewest

Ishtar has nothing to do with Easter, she was a Assyrian/Babylonian goddess of war and sex (sacred prostitution in fact), her symbols were the Lion, the Gate and the Eight Pointed Star. No bunnies or eggs….

So how does any of this relate to us here and now in the Southern Hemisphere?…. IT DOESN’T..!!!!!

We have just celebrated Autumn Equinox (Mabon) we are travelling through Autumn into Winter. No Spring here, well apart form the weird changeable cool then balmy weather currently. But thats the South East for you.

You path is your own, your practice is uniquely yours, do your own research but above all get outside and immerse yourself in the seasons.

Whatever/however you choose to celebrate this weekend may it be full of joyful blessings.

JR

 

 

Autumn Equinox – Mabon – Authenticity. Hekate – Pomona and the Harvest.

Autumnal Greetings Dear Ones,

The weather here in the Souther East Queensland, Australia whilst still quite warm at times, is starting to drift towards the coming seasonal change, with beautiful cleansing rain falling these last few days, the air is getting cooler and softer. The much needed rain is nourishing the crops that are now becoming abundant and ready for harvest.

This lovely cool rainy weather heralds the arrival of the second harvest physically  with sugar, bananas, ginger, citrus, broccoli, onions, plums, cotton and peaches now ready for picking.  Ginger is one of my favourites and an important part of home remedies to counteract the cold and flu season, stir into hot water with turmeric, honey, lemon and a shot of whiskey for good measure. I store ginger root in my freezer and grate into drinks and dishes as needed.

   

Ginger is associated with the Element of Fire and adds a fiery power to all magickal workings, use to ‘speed up’ spells, create passion and stimulate ideas.

Ginger is energetic and fiery and adds power to any magical activity. It is used in spells to “speed things up” or to cause plans to come to fruition quickly. It can also be used in spells to add passion to an existing relationship.

As we travel towards Autumn Equinox on 21st March, it is time to note the changes as they happen in my part of the world this is sometimes more subtle due to the Sub-Tropical climate. I walk daily here by the lakes, observing the changes in bird migration and behaviour, noticing whats flowering, taking time to breathe in the scents and feel the temperature and direction of the winds. All important signs that Autumn is indeed imminent.

We can all follow a structured wheel of the year however, it is not always relevant to where we live, so my advice is to create your own, get outside and journal and record your observations personally rather then have someone in another part of the world dictate them to you. Having a common pagan language so that we may all interact and connect is important however following your own path makes your practice authentic and Unique.

I use Meditation a lot within my practice, I believe it imperative to connect to your own personal internal wisdom, that stillness deep within, embracing your Shadows and Light it is how you get to know yourself deeply. I also use it for connection to Deity and Universal Energy, providing divine guidance, nourishment and answers.

For Me there are many Deities appropriate for this time of year, however it is my ever Present Dark Goddess Hekate, who calls to me from the Shadow Realm now more then ever as we journey towards the Darker Months. She has long aiding my when I stand at the Crossroads of decision, when I need guidance in working through difficult times, the Queen of Shadows is not to be trifled with but honoured and respected. Her age is fathomless, her wisdom ancient, she commands great presence, however is full of protective guardianship for those that choose to follow her.

Goddess of Earth – Sea – Sky, with the power to look into the Past, Present and Future. Hekate, Queen of The Other Realms that walks the dark spaces in between and Stirs her ancient cauldron by the roar of the pounding Ocean.

                                       Art by Cambion Art.                                               Mystery Key: Design by Maxine Miller

I offer her garlic, apples and pomegrante surrounded by flickering candles and a veil of patchouli oil and dark moon incense, mugwort tea is sipped and herbs and black feathers scattered upon her altar, strewn with ancient keys.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Another Goddess that I identifiy with as Autumn Approaches is Pomona, goddess of Orchids, harvest, gardens and abundance. I find her through Meditation in a apple grove and share fruit with her and ask for her guidance in bringing about an abundant harvest both phsyically and metaphorically.

 

Pomona, by Nicolas Fouche. c.1700.                  Other Images from Pinterest

 

It is very important to remember to nuture the seeds planted in spring spiritually as well as physically now as the season begins to change, to harvest what you have planted, to offer gratitude for all that you have and to send that gratitude out into the Universe so that more may be created.

It is time now also to renew your vows to your own personal practice and to honour those deep connections that you have formed and continue to build upon.

Where ever you dwell, what ever you believe, I wish you journeys forward it integrity and authenticity.

Many Blessings for the harvest,

JR

Harvest Corn Dollies & Instructions.

As promised in my previous post here are the instructions on how I make my Harvest Corn Dollies:

1. Dehusk Corn
2. Soak husks for 10 mins or longer.
3. Pat Dry.
4. Gather meaningful herbs, bundle and tie.
5. Place Husks in layers and tie off thinner ends a few cm down.
6. Fold ends over to create head and tie.
7. Insert herb bundle. ( *can do this before tying off head).
8. Put together a couple of husks for arms roll and tie ends for hands, push up between layers to form arms.
9. Tie under arms to create torso.
10. Leave to dry.

Herbs I used:

White Sage: Air. Purification, Cleansing and Removal of Negativity. Longevity & Protection.

Lavender: Air, Clarity, Calm Thoughts & Protection.

Rosemary: Fire, Memory, Clarity, Communication.

Juniper: Fire, Healing & Purity.

Wormwood: Air, Divination – Connection to Cosmic Wisdom.

Basil: Fire, Steadiness, Love & Protection.

You can either dry and burn to release wishes of abundance or for purification purposes if you are feeling the need to release the difficulties of the past few months or you can keep on your altar till Spring and then bury or burn.

I prefer to do the later thus manifesting my abundant intentions over the darker months.
Ready to be replanted in Spring and thus again manifesting an abundance of strength and prosperity.

Blessings
JR

Lughnasadh (Lammas)

 

Today on the Southern Wheel we see the Greater Sabbat of Lughnasadh (Lammas) First Harvest Festival and celebration in honour of Lugh, Celtic God of fire. Greater Sabbats are celebrated on high energy points during the year and are cross quarter days that mark the points between Solstices and Equinoxes.

Exact Date: 4th February. (Traditional Date: 2nd Feb)

Lughnasadh was originally a Celtic festival – marking the symbolism of the days starting to go darker and can be traced back to written records – according to the Colligney Calendar dated 1AD in France.

Lugh, is a God of many guises, wright, smith, swordsman, warrior, craftsman, poet and harpist. He was appointed the role of Chief Bard amongst the Tuatha De Danann (protective forces of the Irish King) and became commander of their armies.

He was son (or foster son depending on what you read) of Tailtiu Goddess of Grain and Harvest whom died of exhaustion after clearing the plains of Ireland ready for agriculture. Lugh started an Games of Sports in her honour and this became a Celebration of his power and the transition of Ireland from barren to a agricultural harvesting nature. Thus the celebration of grain, corn and bread.

It is an acknowledgment of the power of the sun becoming and growth leading to harvest noting the beginning of the days becoming shorter but being prepared to welcome the coming darkness in readiness. A time when the rewards of the years work are celebrated.

Lugh has several magical possessions, an unstoppable fiery spear, a sling stone and a sword named Fragarach (The Answerer). He is also often depicted with a horse called Enbarr and a Hound named Failinis.

Lughnasadh is therefore a celebration of both the physical and metaphorical harvest, so what are you creating and harvesting in your life?

What are you doing to prepare yourself for the future, the life you wish to create?

It is also a potent show of strength, courage and vitality, and at this time we are reminded to move forward with them in our lives in order to triumph over personal adversity.

Lughnasadh is a time of unified celebration so gather your tribe together and make merry and celebrate all that you have in your life, knowing that you can create more of it.

However you choose to celebrate this potent time of preparation and Celebration do it with vitality.

We are now in South East Queensland getting some much needed rain that will hopefully aid the Farmers in helping bring in a better harvest this season and into winter.

Seasonal Harvest at this time: Pears, Rockmelon, Pumpkin, Corn, Watermelon, Taro, Passionfruit, Mango, Basil, Eggplant and Carrot.

Here is a link to the Growing Wheel for S E QLD.

http://www.ecofriendlyfood.org.au/…/p…/A3%20Food%20Wheel.pdf

Here are some Associations for you to consider and some ideas:

Colours: Gold, Red, Yellow, Orange, Bronze.
Fire Herbs & Spices: Basil, Nettle, Wormwood, Chilli, Cinnamon, Ginger and Pepper.
Flowers: Sunflowers, Marigolds, Gerbera.
Symbols: Sun, Wheel, Fire, Spear, Candles.

Make a Corn Dolly
Plait Grasses together
Make salads and include edible flowers
Anything Fruity
Decorate your altar with fire colours
Spells to bring in abundance, vitality and strength
Honour Fire Deities
Gather for feasts and friendly competitions
Harvest and dry herbs and flowers
Make bread, cakes and biscuits include seasonal herbs etc
Fill your house with candles (practice fire safety please)
Light a fire and gather your friends together.

Above all get outside and notice what is flowering, fruiting and ripening, notice the habbits of the animals and birds. Connect to the potent power of the sun, and note the Lunar Phases.

Go stand in the nourishing, life giving rain and cleanse yourself.

However you choose to celebrate Lugnasadh may this time of year bring you abundance.

I have just made a Corn Dolly, so I will put up a separate post with step by step instructions for you if you require assistance. Love to hear how you celebrate so please share in the comments.

Tonight I will be set my Altar up and lighting Candles at sunset so I will post some pics tomorrow.

Many Blessings for the first Harvest, my the power of the Sun bring you vitality and strength.

With Love

JR