Category: The Cauldron of Creativity

Sacred crafts & creations I’ve made

First Harvest Blessings & Oracle Reading!

We have arrived at a deliciously abundant point in the Wheel of the Year. Known as Lughnasadh, Lammas or First Harvest, we celebrate the beginnings of the harvest season in the northern hemisphere. Traditions in the UK & Ireland include the harvesting of grain, making bread, feasting and games with community, and markets to sell wares and foods.

Not as many of us today are in tune with the rhythms of farming as our ancestors were. My mom grew up on a farm in Manitoba, and I grew up in the city of Winnipeg and now live in very urban Toronto. I have no idea how to grow many foods, live a farm-based life. I don’t even go fishing.

I have learned about herbal medicines and grown some here at my home, and I enjoy cooking healthy meals and supporting local farmers, organic farmers and sustainable, earth-friendly living. I love to immerse myself in nature and craft things that reflect the Earth Mother’s beauty and energy. This abundantly earthy season reminds me of how much more I want to do to live in harmony with the earth and support its well-being.

Unlike farmers, I haven’t been toiling too much on the land. But I have been doing a lot of inner work. Our harvest may not be such an external one, but an internal one, where we heal old wounds, come to a new perspective or place within ourselves.

I just want to soak up and receive the earth energies, knowing that they are short-lived and help me get through the winter. This is also my Balancing Season (the season opposite our Power Season- read my blog- ‘What’s your Power Season?’ here). During our balancing season, we are in receiving mode, working behind the scenes and balancing out our energy, rather than shining our gifts into the world.

This is one of my favorite times of year because I always find it does bring a harvest of some kind, and it feels rewarding. I got married in this season, had my daughter in this season, bought a house during this season. It brings a culmination, accomplishment or closure.

The harvest season can sometimes come with a bittersweet note. Maybe our harvest isn’t all that we’d hoped it would be, or needs some more time to mature. We may need to invite acceptance and realism into our harvest basket. Sometimes achieving what we set out to do brings a bit of grief, or sadness as we must let go of the journey and look towards a new future, even if it’s positive. Sometimes we realize what we’ve been toiling for wasn’t the total end game. There is more work to do, or some adjustments to be made.

Even if this is the case, there is always something to be proud of and grateful for. It’s important to take stock this season and appreciate how far we’ve come! Soak up a sense of pride and accomplishment for all the wins or strides you’ve made this year, no matter how small. Appreciate the greater awareness you have now, the deepened capacity, resilience, knowledge and any other things that maybe only you know has changed or shifted for the better. The outside world’s recognition doesn’t decide our worth or the value of our accomplishments, only we do.

First Harvest is not only about outcomes but about gratitude! Every night before bed I list the things I am grateful for. The more I do this, the more I invite bounty into my life, and the more I feel loved, nourished and protected. In a world that promotes a scarcity mindset, fear and constant self-criticism, living in a state of gratitude is a balm of healing that I feel we could all practice a bit more of. That, and some self-appreciation as well.

Other energies that are strong this season are integration, processing and discernment. The Summer Solstice season brought something (or several things) to light, truth and fullness. We have now absorbed that information/energy and are ready to process it into new structures in our lives. This is where we can get creative! We can channel our experience into art, we can help our physical body process with nourishing foods, new daily habits or projects. We can channel our energies into more aligned activities or pathways for the future.

It is time to resource ourselves and solidify our strength. To appreciate how far we’ve come. To take stock and reflect. To enjoy and savor. To show appreciation and gratitude to others, to ourselves, to the Earth, to Spirit, and all that have helped us get here.

We soon prepare for the deepening of harvest season as we head towards the Fall (which includes the 2nd and 3rd Harvest festivals- Equinox & Samhain), where we will be called to shed and release more layers of what no longer serves us as our authentic self emerges more empowered.

Some First Harvest Season reflection questions:

What are you grateful for?

What have you been working on?

What have you learned from the journey you’ve been on?

What are you harvesting?

What do you want to bring with you forward into the harvest season and what needs to be left behind?

Ways to celebrate First Harvest Season:

  • Support local farmers and artisans at markets
  • Craft and create your own handmade items
  • Hold a potluck gathering
  • Enjoy time with food and loved ones
  • Tend your garden, community garden
  • Harvest local herbs and flowers, create something with them- a tea, bouquet, incense, tincture, oil or craft.
  • Bake bread or another nourishing food in celebration of the harvest season
  • Soak up the earth’s bounty and allow yourself to feel nourished
  • Get creative, and do something that brings you joy

First Harvest Oracle Reading:

Looking for some insight on your path right now? I am pleased to present a new oracle deck I’ve brought into my collection called The Magical Spirit Oracle by Alexis Rakun. I just love it! It really embraces the feeling of life being a journey.

Take a moment to breathe a deep breath to clear your mind. Then ask ‘What do I need to know now?’ and choose a card. Remember that number and scroll down for its description. Descriptions are by the deck’s author.

Magical Spirit Oracle by Alexis Rakun

Remember that number! Scroll down to find it and your card…

  1. The Awakened Dead- resilience, nirvana, self-appreciation, future

Affirmation: “I honor all of me. My past, present, and future selves.”

This card can mean it’s time for you to have a powerful moment of self-realization about the life you are leading. As if you have already lived it. As if your future self is talking to you. This card also can mean that you have been self-critical and that it’s okay. You are on the right track, even if it’s not going as you planned.

Point of view: Imagine you are reflecting on your life from the afterlife. You’re so proud of yourself because you were always doing so much better than you thought you were. Yeah, you can see it now; you know it now. But you wish you could’ve known it then. You wish you could have seen yourself the way you see yourself now. God, you are so beautiful!

You realize it was always a choice that you decided to make, over and over. Even when you didn’t want to. You didn’t have to. It would’ve been easier, you know, not to. But you did. You chose to empower yourself. To begin again. To believe again. To pick yourself back up after you feel so hard. Nose in the dirt. Tears in the soil, hands grasping the Earth.

And it’s okay if you sometimes lay there, in that cold darkness, a bit longer than you should have. You were in pain. You were tired. And it’s okay if you judged yourself for that. You wanted the best for yourself. Because you believed: you chose to believe. Because even after your weakest, aching I’m-so-dead-inside moments, you called for a rebirth and a reckoning after the chaos ensued. You summoned those faintly lit and seemingly dormant powers to come out from deep within your soul. And finally they did. (Sometimes you weren’t sure though and that’s okay.)

It’s just incredible that even through all the craziness of this world and people, you did it. Ya know? You did it. Just wish you could’ve known you always could’ve trusted yourself. You always could’ve trusted yourself.

This card is a testament to the times we thought we were broken but instead were awakened. Transformed and alchemized through darkness. A salute to all the lessons ahead and how much grace we deserve to give ourselves.

2. Truth: Honor, knight, empress, integrity

Affirmation: “Abundance happens when I honor my soul and live in truth.”

The honest path, the honorable knight. The noble empress. The liberation of Self. The highest view can be seen once we have reached the mountain peak. And what a breathtaking view it is. A grueling climb that requires strength and perseverance can lead to a feeling of total freedom. This is what it feels like to set yourself free by the power of truth. Fulfillment on the level of soul and wholeness of Self. Regardless os what the world may see, you have earned your own sight.

The path to authenticity is not an easy one. There are temptations all around. The Witches’ lair calls you near. Dark forces seek to make you stray from the path. To neglect your true Self, discard your values and dishonor your soul. Some people will even choose the ‘easy path’ selling their soul in exchange for a shortcut to the top. This never works; this is the false Self. The starving ego. For when they reach the peak, their view is obstructed by thick fog and mountain mist. They become cursed by the one who lured them in. They will never see the view. Only living truly can earn this gift of sight and fulfillment.

The Truth card is about living with honor, integrity and authenticity, and having goodwill towards humanity. Being a real gem in a world of fake stones. Shining by your own light rather than relying on the reflections of others. It is to validate yourself, fully. It is to honor the callings and highest truth of your soul, even when faced with temptation.

Drawing this card can be a sign that you are currently navigating this path. You are indeed on a quest for truth. Living authentically has become a core value of yours. If you continue in search of this highest honor, you will surely be rewarded. In priceless ways. Perhaps, if you continue to live within the space of truth, you will achieve an abundance you never could have imagined. It is not dishonest to wish for true wealth in the metaphysical and physical world.

3. The Red Rose- Overcoming obstacles, finding joy, Buddha energy, carefree

Affirmation: “I freely flow and find my path. I nurture my joy.”

As an ally and guide, the Red Rose represents a being that blooms even in impossible situations. This particular rose grew from the concrete of the sidewalk. She had an all-seeing eye at the center of her petals. Sha has used her insights and magic to overcome all odds and obstacles in her way, even when others didn’t believe it was possible.

Her spirit is surprisingly lighthearted, playful, and colorful for such a resilient and spiritually connected being, who chooses to be stubborn and still seek joy, magic and meaning despite circumstances. This results in her ability to continue growing, and even uplift and inspire others as they try to do the same.

There is a carefree and fluid energy behind this card. The card and guide invite you to stop being so serious. To trust that you will make it through whatever it is that you need to. As you have in the past. You are not permanently ‘stuck’, so lighten up. Relax the worry, overthinking and doubt; it isn’t helping you or anybody. It only blocks what you want or where you’re trying to get to.

If you have pulled The Red Rose, it could also mean that a mentor or guide will come into your life to help you overcome an obstacle. Or a person who is already in your life could greatly assist you at this time. Is there someone who always seems to stay joyful and light? Observe and learn from these people. The most enlightened teachers on the planet are those who seem to always be giggling. The buddhas of the world. Learn from them. How they are, not just what they say.

4. The Alchemist- Empowerment, pain, sorceress, heart

Affirmation: “I light the spark of power and strength within my heart.”

The hero’s path. The gaining of strength. The path of empowerment.

Heartbreak, challenges, trauma, being underestimated, failure. Why should we let these things keep us down, instead of seeking to use them them as opportunities to overcome> To make ourselves proud? To strengthen our minds? To become a higher human and learn from them? This is the path of the hero.

Instead of letting the darkness win, the hero chooses to pursue the ultimate alchemy: turning pain into power. Not everyone is capable of this level of sorcery. For some, pain is very great and penetrates the darkness to the core of their being. Only soul and stubborn persistence can undo a curse like that. But the power does indeed exist within all of us.

A hero can still grieve, fall into darkness, give up, fall again, lose hope, seek help, or honor their natural emotions. The difference is they don’t stay there. In that darkness. Why would they? What would come out of it? What good would that do the hero or anyone else?

So they keep trying. They persist. They light up the darkness within their heart again, even if little by little, bit by bit. With the magic of faith and sometimes the aid of others, they choose to fight on for the light of the world, refusing to let the dark side win and become more powerful. This is how we change the world. Healing ourselves heals others, which heals the soul of the world.

At the end of the day, finding meaning in what happens and having a prpose is unbelievably empowering. This is what fuels our power. This is a love spell that we cast upon our own hearts. It is healing. There’s a big difference between having self-compassion and endlessly feeling sorry for ourselves. Falling into the bottomless pit of victimhood is to become the soul that is lost in the place where no light can reach, no tree can grow.

5. Goddess of the Sea- Abundance, purification, ego, treasures

Affirmation: “I am coming home to where my soul calls me.”

The fisherman has been on a long and challenging journey. He has been casting his net for fish but the fish do not come. His soul is starving and he longs for more. Suddenly, he sees a shining light in the distance. A soft purple glow that he decides to follow.

He is led to the Goddess of the Sea, her ruling element being the forces (and symbology) of water. Her purpose is to help us remember where the real treasures are. She can show you what it is that you need, not just what you want. And if you are willing to know, she can show you what is soul vs ego. She takes you beyond your false needs and false Self. She shows you a world of true spiritual abundance.

The fisherman symbolizes the ego and its endless desires and and hunger for more. Yet he is searching in the wrong places, and it’s never enough. He plunders the sea and gets lost in its vast expanses. After all his searching for more, he has never felt less small, insignificant, empty. Even though an abundant sea lies beneath hum and all around him.

The Goddess of the Sea dissolves everything that is not true or rooted in soul. This can be painful, as we all have our vices. She is powerful and represents the endless abundance of water, its purification power and the cleansing it can bring.

Pulling this card is an affirmation of her awakening within you. You’re starting to notice more of what is not true. You’re realizing more often when you are casting a net for false treasure. The things that used to sparkle have become dull and undesirable. You feel called toward what is real for you. You’re becoming less and less like the fisherman.

This card can also be a sign to watch extra closely where you are fishing. The Sea Goddess calls you near and has much to show you. You are so close to her. It is time to come now. Release your net. You won’t need it much longer.

6. Flower Child- Self-pollination, momentum, creativity, action

Affirmation: ” I am the beekeeper of my own garden that grows.”

It’s so easy to accidentally live for others; for their approval, praise and validation. The ego thrives off this; it’s easier to exist and make choices that way. But more than ever, now is a time to take your focus off the wants of others and start focusing on the pulls of your soul and heart, even if it ‘doesn’t seem right.’ What does Spirit call you to do? What is it that you really want to do, to feel? Ironically, perhaps channeling your energy there will end up being in service to others. Not desperate attempts to satisfy that come from lack, comfortableness and scarcity.

Dear Flower Child, throwing her seeds and flowers. You are blooming even when you thought you couldn’t. Your sweetness is now attracting the bees. Think of your energy channels as bees that pollinate (nourish) flowers and growth. You have the power to summon them and send them wherever you want. Where will you send them, Queen Bee? Remember this. This card has an energy of royalty behind it. What you say and what you think has great power behind it now.

With so many bees on your side, now is a potent time for creativity, projects, and taking action on whatever it is that you really want to do. Anything you act on or set intentions for has the perfect sacred soil right now, on the physical and metaphysical levels. So plant your seeds magic Flower Child, you are ripe with power and possibility. Use it.

Drawing this card can also be an affirmation of self-love and honoring your own sacred life. You’re at a place of rich soil (soul) nutrients. You planted yourself, watered yourself, and you’ve grown so much because of it. And so you shall continue. Even when it feels like you’ve been buried, you still find a way to flourish.

7. The Mystic- Intuition, high priestess, visionary, self-belief

Affirmation: “I trust that I am a powerful visionary.”

You’re a mystic. Stop doubting your insights, visions, and dreams. Your magic and intuition are on the rise. You are more powerful right now than you might think. Trust that there is a reason you have been given these things at this time. A hidden layer just beneath the surface will soon appear.

Take special note of any visions, peculiar night dreams, new desires, new life goals, or seemingly ‘random’ ideas you’d like to take action on. Have you had any recently? Ponder and pay attention. Perhaps there is one (or more) coming. You are a strong portal of connection.

It’s time to take a closer look within. And when you do, don’t invalidate yourself. Believe. Take inspired action and heed the signs. There are omens pointing the way. Patterns, signs, and repeating themes. Observe. Allow. Listen.

Spirit says: go deeper and be bold in your endeavors. Trust the dreams and desires you are inspired by. There is a reason they are yours. You have magic within and are capable of divine insight. Trust in that and your intuition will grow and deepen every time you do. Every relationship grows with trust and consistency. Your connection to your magic is no different.

8. Harmony- Sweetness, ease, inner child, softening

Affirmation: “I appreciate and attract the sweetness of life.”

The perfect pair. A beautiful harmony. The loving flower that provides the sweet nectar. The generous bee that provides the nourishing pollination. Both of these beings have so much to teach us. They are lighthearted, bring beauty and flow with the natural rhythm of life. They are warm with golden hues. They appreciate the balance and offerings each provides.

Magic happens when true harmony is achieved through delightful processes and the law of least effort. Some of the most beautiful things seem to exist effortlessly and in tune with the forces that be. Is it possible for a human to access this potent elixir, this nectar of life?

What if, like the bee, you were to seek out the sweetness of life? What if you sought out the flowers of the world, leaning more toward what is soft, attracts your spirit, and brings joy? What if that actually led you to more growth, potential and peace rather than the daily grind of forcing, disciplining and controlling?

What if, like the flower, you offered your own natural sweetness up to life itself? What if that would attract the bee (the right people, opportunities, actions, pollination) that your life needs, without having to strain to be what you think the world wants you to be. What if what is truly needed in this world is more softness, kindness, joy, ease and magic?

Perhaps it is our childlike nature, spiritual side, wonder and playfulness that we need to bring out more. To be easily amused by the beauty of the world. To see the miracles in the mundane. To open up instead of closing down. To create, live, and love from playful joy. To nurture the child within us. Maybe that is the best way to receive the honey of existence.

Did your card resonate? I hope it did!

Wishing you all the abundance, support, love and fruition you desire this First Harvest season.

xo

Serena

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Beltane Wisdom & Oracle Reading!

Welcome to the season of Beltane!

Beltane is the anglicized word for Bealtaine in Irish Gaelic which means ‘bright fire’ and is also the name of the month of May in Ireland. In Scottish Gaelic it is Latha Bealltainne. In Wales, it is called Calan Mai. In England and parts of Europe, it is May Day and in Germany it is called Walpurgisnacht.

Beltane is one of the four fire festivals, and thus bonfires are an important element of this celebration. The sacred smoke, ash and flames are used for cleansing and protection. A commonly held rural tradition was to light two bonfires and pass the cattle through the smoke to cleanse of bugs, bless and protect them as they went out into the summer pastures. The ash was sprinkled over crops for protection and used to protect the self and space as well.

This is a time of year when it was also important to appease the Fairies, as they are out causing mischief, so offerings were given.

As a season of growth and fertility, celebrations often include Maypole dancing, and fertility rites to encourage abundance.

Here in Canada, the buds are just starting to appear on the trees and new life is just sprouting from the ground. The sun is strong and the earth is warming up, with new life finally manifesting before our eyes!

Like young new shoots reaching for the sun, it is important that we too open to receive the nourishment we need to grow right now. This may mean feeding ourselves with nourishing food, rest, and positive, supportive people, online content and thoughts, as well as releasing things that drain us. Like with a plant, we must create the right conditions for us to thrive.

Once we do this, we may notice our own vitality and creative energy increases, and we become stronger and more resilient. Our ability to heal, to start new projects and ventures, to get out and socialize, are increased as well. It becomes easier to harness the energy of growth and manifest our dreams into reality!

If we have been feeling low energy, anxious, or impatient and desperately wanting to create change in our life, it can be helpful to ground our energy by reacquainting ourselves with the land. The Earth’s rhythms are deeply soothing and supportive to helping us reach our goals with greater ease, trust and enjoyment.

Each plant blooms in its own unique way and timing. We must honor the process of manifestation rather than getting too rigid about the goal and timing. We will get where we need to be with the earth as our guide. The land reminds us to trust the natural process, and to create sustainable, realistic goals.

It is a great time to get your hands dirty in a garden, go out for walks in the sunshine and open to the bounty the Earth is offering to you. Take in beautiful scenery, listen to the sounds of the birds or ocean waves, sit on the grass for a picnic or rest under the shade of a mighty tree. Give yourself permission to receive, to be nourished, and to experience pleasure. Let the wisdom of your senses lead the way forward!

The next several weeks are a great time to put your ideas, feelings and creative energy into tangible actions! The energy of manifestation is building, and the universe is supporting our ability to birth new creations into life. Tend the garden of your life in the ways that feel right to you. Make adjustments, create necessary boundaries, release the old to open up more space, plant new seeds, and cultivate ongoing projects to be in the shape you want. You are supported in all your endeavors now.

Beltane is about celebrating being alive, and joining our unique song with the song of the universe. What we put forth now will become part of our harvest later!

Your Beltane Oracle Card Reading:

Take 3 deep, cleansing breaths. Ask ‘What do I need to know now?’ and choose a card below. Alternatively you may ask a specific question about your life right now. Scroll down for its description. Words are of the deck’s author.

Seasons of the Witch Beltane Oracle by Lorraine Anderson & Juliet Diaz

Remember that number! Scroll down to find your card…

  1. Orgasm: Release

Thrust your body, elevate your spirit, open the gates to your renewal.

Release is a necessary part of life that you must give way to from time to time. When that does not happen, your soul becomes too overwhelmed and will seek release in more destructive ways. Never is this more true than with emotions: Lower vibrations such as anger, jealousy, and rage can consume you if they are left unchecked. You may think you are getting over what you feel by ignoring it or locking it in the back of your mind, but eventually your emotional baggage will seek another outlet and may manifest in self-destruction, illness, chaotic outbursts or other negative expressions of release.

An emotional release doesn’t have to be dramatic; there are many ways your can free yourself from the storm brewing within. Giving yourself to creative expression is a healthy way to channel darker emotions. Dance or cook or lose yourself in art, body expression or music. The medium doesn’t matter if it brings you a sense of freedom.

2. Boundaries: Self-Respect

Sewn into the parts of who you are for they are not to be crossed.

Self-love can be expressed in many different ways. Sometimes it needs to manifest in a spa day with girlfriends, getting up to exercise or sleeping later than usual, while at other times it manifests in a need to set and enforce boundaries so that no one person completely drains you of your energy. No one is allowed or even needs to take all of you; no one has teh right to demand all of your time, energy or resources or any parts of who you are. It isn’t selfish to want to keep some things for yourself, as doing so is a show of self-respect and an understanding that you cannot give what you don’t have.

Imagine trying to give more of your time when you don’t have enough in the day to do what’s already on your plate. Imagine spending more money when you’re already in debt or giving more of your energy to make someone else happy when you’ve been depressed for a long time. You have pulled Boundaries because you are giving too much of yourself away without recharging your batteries. You are encouraged to say ‘NO’ more often or the very least ‘Not right now’. Know that this is for the good of everyone in your personal orbit, that you will have so much more to give once you are in a proper place of balance. Additionally, make sure to follow through with any boundaries you’ve set, as other people will push your limits to see how much you’re willing to bend to their desires. Stay committed to yourself and stand your ground.

3. Phoenix: Rebirth

Summoned, your flesh rises from the ashes and into the expansive flame of your soul.

Phoenix is the ultimate expression of life, death and rebirth. She allows self-destruction to take hold, tearing apart the old so that a new, more enlightened being can take shape, You can see the intelligent process of the life and death cycle all the time- one season sheds into another, one day drifts into the past and allows a new day to enter the present; the bush loses one brilliant bloom so that a new rose can flourish.

Phoenix is lighting a blaze in your life. You are about to embark on a fresh journey, but before you can welcome the new, you must be willing to shed something old. Do not consider this process to be a sacrifice. Instead, consider it to be a trade in or an upgrade rather than a loss, for what you will receive in return will be much improved from what you have now. Even if you are happy in your current situation, pulling this card is a sign that there are bigger, better things just over the horizon.

Additionally, Phoenix represents a breakthrough or a significant change in circumstances. What you have inquired about today is nearly at its end. In this way, Phoenix represents hope for a new beginning. You may be the lucky receiver of a financial windfall, suddenly find the solution to a long-term problem or move past troubles in a relationship. Be at peace, for soon all will be well.

4. Growth: Expansion

Inside myself I’ve sewn beauty with wounds, which speaks of my immortality in the expansive eternal song softly bellowing in spirit.

In ancient times Beltane would have been considered to be the start of summer, the season of action, abundance, and energy. The universe will present you with opportunities in such a period of growth but you must be willing to meet opportunity with commitment and passion.

Make those calls, start researching and be ready to make your pitch when you’re put on the spot. Your dreams are out there for the taking but you must be willing to do the work to see them grow.

You have pulled Growth to remind you that success lies outside of your comfort zone. This card is challenging you to reach for things that are much bigger than you’d normally go for. Do not worry about the outcome, but instead focus on what you can do today to be one step closer to the goal line. Just as farmers have to do heavy lifting during spring pulling weeds, fertilizing crops and monitoring growth, you will also need to expend energy to reap your harvest down the road.

5. Sacred Waters: Healing

Drunken by the swell of the sea, I can feel the blanket of her embrace. Unafraid of the presence releasing the cords, I call her in, I call her deeply within.

This card comes to a reading when you are ready to heal wounds that have troubled you for many moons, perhaps lingering pains from things lost or the weight of the past that creeps up to haunt you at night. Pulling Sacred Waters is a sign that you will soon be renewed and your soul will release the cords that have bound you to memories of old.

You may not know what needs to be healed- you could be carrying baggage that isn’t immediately present in your consciousness- but the effects of such deep healing will become evident in the changes happening around you. Do not question the blessings coming into your life; they are here because you are slowly learning to wash away the blocks that have previously prevented such abundance.

Sacred waters reminds you to be gentle with yourself in the coming weeks. Difficult emotions or painful memories may surface, but this is your spirit bringing them to your awareness so they can be healed for good. If you do experience painful memories, allow them to wash over you. Do not try to overcome what you feel or allow yourself to feel guilty for what you’re feeling. Simply experience the wave, allowing it to pass at its leisure.

6. Rowan: Protection

There is no need to fear, dear one; protected you are and protected you always will be.

With success also comes envy and, sad as it may be, there are those who will seek to possess what you have. This is true even if you do not feel particularly successful. There are those who believe you are better and smarter and have something they do not. The good news about pulling Rowan is that you are protected and safe from any forces wishing to move against you.

Those who are seeking to bring you harm do not have what it takes to defeat you. Yes, you may need to defend yourself, but you have worked hard for what you have an you are more than capable of standing your ground. Push back against any adversity; knowing that you are supported by the universe in your fight. All will be well, and while it may be challenging you will emerge from this struggle unharmed.

7. Ribbons: Awareness

For it lives in the silk of my binding, the knots in my truth; the eye of becoming, the witness swallowed in stillness.

Dear sacred soul, Ribbons reminds you that you already know the answer to what you have inquired about. You are connected to your situation in a way that makes it clear what your next steps should be, so follow the signs- or in this case, the ribbons- and allow the truth of your query to come to your consciousness. Trust in your ability to see what you need at this moment. It may be scary or require more of you than you’d hope, but you can move forward with the knowledge that this path is for your greatest good and will lead you to success.

Additionally, pulling this card means the signs have been around you for some time waiting for you to invite them into your awareness. Be especially mindful of any colors, animals, numbers or feelings that crop up repeatedly as they are messages from the divine guiding you to the truth of your situation.

8. Honey: Sweetness

The sweetness of you swells in the grace of your pull, oh so beautifully lethal.

You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘You catch more flies with honey than vinegar’, which easily applies to manifestation, magick and even healing. Your soul attracts more with positivity, love and compassion that it does anger, frustration and sadness, so if you have found yourself in a period of unrest, jealousy, heartache or fear know that the path to healing yourself is through allowing sweetness to swell within your being.

Rejoice in the success and good fortune of others. Celebrate the good in your life rather than focusing on what’s wrong or broken. Find compassion and forgiveness for those who have brought you pain. Each act of sweetness, even if you have not felt much heartache and are currently experiencing a period of good fortune. The more you lean into kindness of heart the more increase you shall see return to you: an increase in love, wealth, health, or joy or all of the above.

Did your card resonate? I hope it did!

Wishing you blessings of love, ease, peace, health, joy, abundance and dreams birthing into form this Beltane season!

xo

Serena

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Summer Solstice Wisdom + Oracle Reading!

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

— Mary Oliver, The Summer Day

At Summer Solstice, the Sun reaches its peak light, illuminating our deepest dark corners and strengthening us for the darker half of the year. The Earth Mother blooms in fullness, sharing her many gifts and medicines with the world, infused with the sun’s life force.

Here, we reach a culmination, a peak moment, a turning point in the year. I often think of the Summer Solstice as a moment of truth- where we can no longer hide from our deepest longings or avoid the reality in front of us.

The Solstice means ‘sun standing still’, and so the light shines on us in its fullness to see all we need to see, and feel all we need to feel, so we can let go of what holds us back and move forward in more nourishing, aligned ways.

The light shines on our lives to show us where we’ve reached the end of something- a habit, a dream, a relationship or way of being that no longer feels true or supportive for us. This is for our liberation and growth. We are changing and some things just don’t fit anymore, and that’s ok! We can make the necessary shifts we need. It can be a time of fated experiences, important connections and meaningful moments that etch themselves on our soul.

Summer Solstice is not only a time of clarity, illumination and endings, but also a time for new beginnings and expression. It aligns with the Sun moving into the nurturing water sign, Cancer, a cardinal sign, which means it initiates new beginnings (every sign on the solstices and equinoxes initiate a new season!). This new energy brings our attention to our home, inner life, our sensitivity, mothering, self-care, nourishment, family, roots and lineage.

We may begin to feel more in touch with our emotions, physical and creative desires, and inner child. This is an excellent time to dig into our past and childhood to heal sources of our current blockages or pain. It is also a ripe time to reflect on our inherited generational gifts and lessons and think about what kind of ancestor we wish to be for the future generations.

There is also a Full Moon in Capricorn happening around the Solstice this year, which turns up the emotional intensity and bring more awareness of the balance between our inner needs and our responsibilities and the structures we have in our life. The energy will help us to release energy drains, and create more soul-nourishing structures and goals- ones that make space for our spiritual growth and self-nurturance.

Some reflection questions for this Solstice/Full Moon:

What do you want to do with this one wild and precious life?

What kind of ancestor do you wish to be?

What brings you joy?

What if you took your needs, feelings and dreams more seriously?

What is bubbling up from your inner cauldron to be expressed and shared with the world?

Summer Solstice 2022

Summer Solstice Oracle Reading:

In honour of the Earth Mother’s bounty this time of year, I thought I’d bring out the Magickal Herb Oracle by Cheralyn Darcey & Deer Dandy.

This is a great time to work with plant allies- as there are so many herbs and flowers at our disposal now. These cards each have a specific plant and a message to go with it. It may be a starting point for you to begin a bond with a new plant spirit in the weeks to come!

Start by taking 3 deep relaxing breaths. Let go of any expectations. Then, gazing at the circle of cards below, ask “What plant energy do I need most right now?” and choose a card. Remember its number and then scroll down to find the description below.

(Descriptions are in the words of the deck’s author, Cheralyn Darcey.)

Magickal Herb Oracle by Cheralyn Darcey & Deer Dandy

Remember that number! Scroll down to find it.

  1. Balance- Passionflower

A return to centre is needed and may also be offered. Have you taken something too far, or maybe not reached out enough? Now is the time to come back to a more harmonious and even place. Stability is what you should be focused on at the moment, and rash actions and decisions are to be tempered. Now is not the time to take a risk, but rather to step back just a little and see what transpires. You may find you need to get more rest or time away, or retreat a little.

Magickal Uses: Love, sleep, balance, visions, peace, friendship. Amazon natives have used Passionflower as an addition to ayahuasca-based brews to deepen and magnify their visions. When strewn on the floor of a home, the flowers can end disharmony, and bathing is or carrying Passionflower creations will help you attract a lover.

2. Expansion- Ephedra

There is an opportunity for development and even the end of challenges that may have been difficult. It is time to look for a new direction or to examine more closely any possibilities that have presented themselves to you. Change is coming, but it may be more demanding than you anticipate before you get your bearings. There may be a betrayal that is very hard to accept. If you have been suffering from any challenge, this is a reminder to stop stewing in your anger, sadness or grief and move on.

Magikcal Uses: Longevity, immortality, lust, sex. Ephedra is used in magickal work to increase awareness and uncover the unknown. It has been used in China where it is known as ma huang as a medicine and in spiritual practice. It is native to China & Mongolia.

3. Attraction- Parsley

Someone or something is going to hold your attention and tempt you. It is also likely you will find yourself the focus of someone else’s attention. There are other opportunities coming along soon, so don’t be dissuaded by setbacks, as a bigger picture is about to emerge. Something may end, but it will make way for a needed change and better times ahead. Better luck and happiness is around, and there are indications of a sort of rebirth that is greatly empowered, hardier and more successful than before. Romance is also suggested.

Magickal uses: Purification, protection, ending bad luck, divination, love. It was believed that sprinkling food with herbs, in particular parsley, would protect the food from both physical and energetic contamination. This is where the practice of garnishing comes from.

4. Flow- Ginko

If you are challenged in any way, then you are being offered hope and the resilience required. There is the possibility of achievement if you simply go with the flow, but you need to be patient, as things must take their natural course and time. Although this is the case, balance still has to be found, and perhaps some moderation should be practiced to help find it. You may discover that looking at your personal motivations and your recent reactions will lead to a greater understanding. This is a period of rest and a recharge could be of value now.

Magickal uses: Business, dreams, beauty, love, healing. After soaking dried Ginko nuts in water, place them in the bedroom to inspire love and enhance your beauty. Plant the nuts to celebrate the birth of a child, and it will ensure long life. Ginko wood can be made into amulets or pieces carried to ensure health and instigate healing.

5. Desire- Damiana

The pursuit of what you long for and the achievement of its obtainment are indicated. Something you long for could be in the spotlight and having a greater ripple effect through your life than usual. Is this a good thing? Perhaps, but be careful your desires do not cloud your focus or true purpose. Ambitions, passions and goals are all in a state of progression, as are calculated risks. A very important concern will come into your life shortly that needs your full commitment and attention. Relationships become more physical and passionate.

Magikcal uses: Lust, love, sex, desire, psychic abilities, clairvoyance. This herb assists in releasing inhibitions and hesitation. It can be used to heighten connection with magickal energies and to enhance visions and psychic abilities. Sprinkled lightly on the food of someone you desire can increase their passion and interest in you.

6. Activation- Yerba Mate

Now is the time to begin something new, put plans into action or put more energy into a project or situation. You can do what it is you desire. Not everyone around you may share your enthusiasm for a concept, idea or the path you are undertaking or considering, but you shouldn’t let that stop you. Physical action needs to be undertaken, as hesitation or failure to do so may mean a loss.

Magickal uses: Health, lust, love, energy, friendship. Yerba Mate has long been used as an aphrodisiac and in love, sex and lust magick. A potion created from it that is then shared by a couple will ensure they stay together forever. It could be a good idea to keep a little bottle of it somewhere, as you can always break the spell if need be by pouring it on the ground.

7. Compassion- Marshmallow

Trust your inner feelings and let them lead you a little more strongly. Spiritual energy will be very high, so perhaps fulfillment or illumination in this aspect of life will be easier to obtain. This is a time of giving, of looking out for others and taking a more supportive role. Remember that the more you give, the more you will receive, and in ways that may not be apparent in the first instance. Listen more that you talk, give more than you take and bend a little more than usual.

Magickal uses: Protection, psychic abilities, attract good spirits, marriage, persuasion, calm. Having marshmallow nearby when you perform spells will encourage good spirits and deities to assist you. The flowers are particularly good for love spells and blessings. Marshmallow is also regarded as an herb of persuasion, and carrying some on you will make others more likely to agree with you.

8. Abundance- Wild Yam

There is an indication of an increase in resources for you. Situations should be turning into a positive outcome or staying that way, and if you are looking for an answer, it is ‘yes’. An addition to your family or your circle of friends or even a new facet of life should be coming along shortly. Luck is also on your side at the moment. Make very sure you share any good fortune that comes your way and be careful of over-indulgence, obsession, pipe-dreaming and waste.

Magickal uses: Fertility, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, love, increases, healing. This herb is also known as devil’s bone, especially in the field of magick. Traditionally, it has been wrapped in a red cloth and carried to ensure vigorous health and a strong constitution. It can also be carried to attract a new love interest.

I hope your message resonated, and that the light of the Solstice brings you the clarity, healing and blessings you need!

If you are in or near Toronto, ON, please join us in-person on Friday, June 21st, 2024 for our Summer Solstice Circle: Magickal Plant Allies. We will go on a guided meditation journey to connect with a plant ally, create herbal charm sachets, feast and celebrate together!

Solstice and Full Moon Blessings!

Serena

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Being Present & Embracing our Inner Seasons

I talk alot about cycles- seasonal cycles, astrological cycles, moon cycles, and the menstrual cycle.

I’ve always found it fascinating how our own psyches and bodies are mirrored through these cycles around us. Knowing that whatever we are struggling with is temporary and part of a natural cycle, is deeply comforting. Understanding the nature of the energy we are dealing with and how to work with it rather than against it can be so empowering.

Aligning with the cycles of nature can be a healing act of resistance, too. When we remember we are nature, we tap into a power that our capitalistic cultural conditioning seeks to suppress.

But, we are complex beings. Sometimes how we feel doesn’t match the season or phase we are in.  Just because it is summertime outside doesn’t necessarily mean we are feeling happy, expressive and social and aren’t experiencing grief, loss, or death (so-called ‘winter’ feelings). Just because it is the waxing moon doesn’t necessarily mean we feel energised and creative. We can have our bleeding time at any moon phase, even if bleeding resonates with the dark/new moon. We can experience a relatively chill and relaxing Mercury Retrograde or chaos and delays when it is direct!

This is partly because there are several cycles happening within us and around us at the same time- for instance, we could be going through a long Saturn transit (planet of restriction & loss) that goes on for years, and it overlaps with a season of abundance, or a transit of benevolent Jupiter.

It’s also partly because we are not meant to always look for explanations and answers outside of us- in theories, systems and patterns. Sometimes, we’re just meant to experience life in the moment and not overthink it! Sometimes, we just need to embrace whatever our current feelings and needs are and listen to them, and trust they are part of our growth.

Embracing our Inner Seasons and Cycles

None of these cyclical systems- astrology, the seasons, or the moon- is a perfect template for our life, nor is our understanding of them meant to be rigid, or fully understood so we can control our lives and make them foolproof.

After studying and living with this awareness for so long I feel that it is impossible to fully understand how cycles overlap and play into our lives. Leaving life to the Great Mystery is part of the fun, as well as a key spiritual ingredient to our growth and wisdom.

Increasingly, I’ve been feeling our human analysis of ‘how this cycle is supposed to go’ can be a trap that prevents us from flowing through our own phases more organically, in a more honest, authentic way.

Oftentimes in life, simply knowing ‘this is a temporary phase’ is enough. Remembering that death and rebirth happen simultaneously, and that energy is always changing is enough.

It’s ok to be in whatever phase you are in, for however long you need to be. It’s ok to flow back and forth between phases. There is no right way or wrong way. It doesn’t have to match up with anything outside of yourself. Your experience may resonate with a seasonal or lunar energy, or it may not, and it can happen any time, and its all good. It’s part of your path. You are not doing life wrong or misaligned somehow if your plans don’t match up with the moon or you’re not feeling the effects of Mercury retrograde!

Information vs Wisdom Gained from Experience

I’ve been thinking about this whole thing more lately because there’s been a huge increase in astrologers, psychics and witches- and all kinds of random people without any astrological knowledge or study behind them- talking about astrology, the moon and sharing information online. Some of it is parroted info, lacking in any substance or actual knowledge of its complexity or delineation.

I see lots of superficial cookbook associations such as ‘Venus retrograde means it’s the season of the ex!’ ‘Leo season means it’s time to sparkle!’, ‘Plant your intentions, it’s a fabulous new moon!’ (even if it’s under conflicting aspects). I know that friendly bite-size bits of info are all folks want to consume these days, so I get why this is a trend. However, it bothers me that this is where it usually stops.

I started studying astrology formally with a mentor with the Canadian Association for Astrological Education in 2001. Social Media wasn’t a thing back then. We were fringe-y weirdos into hidden knowledge. Ever since, I have been continuing to learn and live the knowledge, which gives a more nuanced perspective than when you simply read an article and parrot things other astrologers say for your own online content. When you study the cycles in-depth, you realise you have to actually live the knowledge and experience it yourself before you can say you know it or understand it. And even then, you still can’t truly know the secrets of the universe or even fully ever understand any of it.

The more I live it, the more I realise I don’t know. I also realise how spiritual systems of understanding are quite limited and can hinder our spiritual growth by encouraging us to continually measure our experience with external patterns, or gaze towards the future instead of fully being in the present. Especially since so much of our existence is online now, I feel it is more important than ever to instead gaze within and live more in the present 3D moment.

Being Present & Leaving Space for the Mystery

What makes life what it is, is its mystery. We’re not always meant to understand it or feel we can control it.

In witchcraft and astrological communities online, I repeatedly see the message that when the season is ripe, we should grab the bull by the horns and go for it! Every new moon, we are reminded to plant those seeds of intention. Every full moon, we’re told to release, let go, or watch what we say to avoid drama. I’ve repeated this narrative too, of course.

But, my practice has been shifting away from harnessing energy to create a desired outcome and instead just flowing with the energy and experiencing it within myself with no agenda.

This idea that we need to harness the energy around us at all times- do something with it, create with it, use it, feels kinda capitalist and colonial to me. I get that it can also be empowering sometimes, so I don’t mean to diminish that, but the messaging often feels steeped in our cultural shortcomings- The fear of being rather than doing, the fear of resting and not producing- and perhaps our biggest fear- being fully present within ourselves.

I feel it is too easy in today’s witchcraft to fall into this trap of needing to be in control, to overly focus on manifesting, to keep ‘using’ nature’s cycles to get what you want, and to spend more time creating online witchy content than living your actual witchy life.

What if we live fully in the moment? Without analysing, or striving to understand its context or place in the whole. What if we spend less time doing and more time being? What if we stop looking outside for validation and listen to the whisperings within?

My practice has steadily been shifting away from manifestation towards surrender over the years. It’s more about connecting with myself and my environment more deeply, rather than spellwork or ‘harnessing the energy’ all the time. I’ve been spending less time online in favor of staying present within my body and self.

I have been outgrowing practices I used to do and making shifts to honour where I am at now.

Midlife Weirdness and my Inner Fall-Winter

I feel I have been in a ‘fall-winter’ phase within for the last few years. My creative and social drive is low, my sensitivity, introversion and spiritual antennae is high.

My solace is the cave of the Dark Goddess, merging with the fertile darkness of Her womb, where all life begins. Cerridwen has been my companion through this. I have been in a process of simplifying, clearing and turning inwards.

I am in a particularly challenging phase of parenting, as my daughter nears her 15th birthday. I have hit middle age, and my role as mother, as partner, as healer and all the things I identified with is changing.

I am aware of my current astrological, hormonal and life cycles. However, this awareness hasn’t really helped me navigate the path as much as I would expect. My mind wants to analyse and understand but it is being quieted by my heart and soul who just want to experience. I am making space for this transition and doing my best to simply be present rather than grasp at activities that distract me away from it.

I can’t see more than this very moment in time right now, so I am embracing this call inward, this call to self, to letting what needs to fall away go.

I am letting go of my need to know and trusting the mystery before me no matter how strange and uncomfortable it is.

I trust that this process will help me on the next step of my journey.

Being called to the Cauldron of Change and Rebirth

There are times when the metaphorical cauldron calls me to deepen my spiritual lessons. I envision this cauldron as much larger than me, sitting in the earth, tended by Cerridwen.  I sit on the edge and dangle my feet in for a while, testing the waters. I may stay there for days, weeks or months, just slowly dipping in, one part at a time, like entering cold water, gathering the courage to let go of the rim and drop all in. Cerridwen is patient with me, most of the time.

I try to go voluntarily or else I know I may just get pushed in. I currently feel I’m headed in for another journey. I’m already quite immersed, I just need to let go of the rim. I don’t know how long it will be, or where it will take me, of course. Not knowing is key to its purpose.

Letting go is a practice. It takes practice to really tune into our internal creative rhythms and listen to the call of our soul- especially if it doesn’t align with our idea of where we ‘should be’ or with our environment.

Change is the only thing we can rely on. This is always a bit uncomfortable for me to accept.

What season are you in?

The seasonal energy I feel within is on the dark side- it resonates with the Last Quarter Moon, the Fall, Midlife, The Enchantress and the planet Pluto. Yet, it is none of those, exactly. This is my own unique experience, my own personal ‘season’- the spiritual phase I embody, as I type this under the high noon July sun and waxing moon. My season is my own.

I am on a journey of renewing my creative energies. Composting the past and incubating new seeds of growth for the future.

Following our creative rhythms takes courage, as it can go against well-worn patterns we’ve become stuck in, or the outside world’s demands- to constantly and consistenly produce and share all the time.

But as a creative soul, I know the importance of doing what is necessary to renew my energy, to keep my creative waters flowing without stagnating. To regain inspiration and motivation requires change and many journeys inward and down to the deep.

Is there a particular aspect of your life, where you feel in a reflective winter phase? A blooming summer phase? A change-filled spring or release of fall?

How do you feel when the focus of your energies is quite different from the energy around you?

What spiritual practices ground you into this moment?

If you are interested in learning practices for renewing your creative energy, as well as celebrating the season of First Harvest, please join me for my online circle on Tuesday, August 1st for First Harvest Circle- The Cauldron of Creativity! This will be my last seasonal circle before I take a pause to renew my creative energies. More on my journey to come, I recommend you sign up for my newsletter below for details.

Wishing you acceptance and love as you move through whatever phase you are in!

Xo Serena

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Tending Our Sacred Flame at Imbolc

Imbolc is a welcome, hopeful vibe amidst an otherwise challenging season. While it is a pagan celebration rooted in the milder climate of the UK & Ireland, here in Canada, we can still enjoy the increase in light even if much of the country is entering its coldest, snowiest stage of winter. We can look to the lighter skies and have faith that the first stirrings of rebirth begin now and will eventually become tangible in spring.

Imbolc originates in Celtic traditions, especially in Ireland and Scotland. The goddess Brigid is the deity venerated at this time. She is the pre-Christian goddess of fire, healing, smithcraft, the hearth, the flame of life and creative spark that resides within us, as well as protection and fertility. She eventually became the Christian St. Brigid. Her light shines brightly in the hearts of many and lives on through regional folk customs and traditions inspired from these all over the globe today.

Brigid from the Goddess Power Oracle

Many of the traditions of Imbolc involve children and youth, symbolizing the energy of renewal of the season. Girls would go door to door with their Brigid dolls wearing white, while boys go door to door singing and dancing, and they would collect money. Homes were cleansed and prepared for new life- as Brigid was invited into the home to bless and protect it. Sometimes the youngest in the house was tasked with finding rushes with which to make the St Brigid’s Cross- a protective symbol for the home. Many folks are keeping these traditions alive today.

Weather divination is also popular at this time- involving snakes, badgers, or in in North America- groundhogs-who foretell an early spring or a longer winter.

The Return of the Light & Spiritual Faith

Modern themes of this season include hope, visioning and spiritual renewal, which correspond to the increase of light which is now noticeable. Some celebrate the return of the light at Winter Solstice, as it is the time from which light increases each day, however I find that it is around Imbolc that the light is noticeable enough to affect our psyches.

Increased light and longer days affect us in many ways, namely bringing a sense of increased hope, optimism and energy. Light is also associated with faith, spirit, and our inner flame of conviction. When I speak of our inner flame- I mean that which lights you up and inspires you forward in life.  For some, this corresponds to their spiritual faith. It may also correspond to one’s creative spark.

Some Pagans use this time to renew their dedication to their deities, or to dedicate to a new deity. It is also a popular time for coven initiations, which initiates one’s commitment to their spiritual community.

I resonate with the desire to refresh and re-dedicate myself to my path and spiritual practice this time of year. I tend to clean all of my altars, or completely re-do them. My relationships with deities are forged or strengthened with rituals and prayers. It’s like hitting the spiritual ‘reset’ button. I let go of what isn’t working and experiment with new ways of strengthening my practice.

I allow inspiration and my intuition to lead me to what feels right. I focus on the practices and rituals that expand my inner flame of strength and love; My feeling of being spiritually protected and enlivened and my ability to express my best self.

Winter is tough, and for many, spiritual faith is what carries us through the tough times. So, February can be the perfect month to revamp or up-level our spiritual practice!

Resonance with the Crescent Moon and Childhood

In the lunar cycle, the energy of the New Moon resonates with the Winter Solstice and the Crescent Moon resonates with Imbolc. This is where we can see the first slice of light in the sky. This brings with it hope, innocence and creative intention after coming out of the darkness.

In the life cycle, the Winter Solstice resonates with the Elder energy, whilst Imbolc resonates with the Child energy. There are moments during this season where we may straddle both worlds- There can be a bit of struggle between the old and the new- the darkness and the light- or between fear and hope. We may know what we want but fear to step forward. Or, we take one step forward and two steps back. This is part of our birthing process, like contractions- where we are slowly exiting one reality and preparing for another.

This energy may cause us to go back and forth with decisions, as we may fear taking risks or need to pause and reflect before making plans. This is all well and good, because we are meant to be gentle with ourselves and protect this nascent new life we carry and wish to grow into the new year with.

There is no need to rush into anything, and it is healthy to conserve our energy in the winter. However, we are invited to make a shift to our comfort zone now and open to new avenues, even just within our own mind and heart. A new perspective is the first step forward.

The Astrology of Imbolc, Creativity & The Inner Child

Inspiration from the Liminal Spirits Oracle

Since astrology is a big part of my path, I feel it important to discuss the significance of the Aquarius-Leo axis, which is the axis of creativity activated around Imbolc.

Traditionally, Imbolc is celebrated when the Sun is at 15 degrees Aquarius, as this is the exact midpoint between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. (However, I personally feel you can celebrate it anytime you start to feel the energy of it).

Aquarius is an interesting sign, because it it both ruled by conservative, structured Saturn and rebellious, free-spirited Uranus. Like those labour contractions I mentioned before, the push and pull of these two parts of us may be a point of stress this season. It may bring into question what traditions we follow or boxes we’re stuck in that may be holding us back. We may discover a new perspective which prompts us to re-invent, eschew or let go of certain traditions, change the shape of our box or completely free ourself from one altogether! The key energy of this time is change in perspective.

Every sign carries an opposite- and they both have much in common because they are opposite sides of the same coin. When it is Aquarius season, inevitably the energy of Leo gets brought into the mix as a balancer. At the full moon this balance is highlighted.

The Aquarius-Leo axis is about creativity. It also has a resonance with the Inner Child, which is reflected in the Imbolc traditions involving children.

Aquarius is the element of air- the open, curious childlike mind. It is about seeing things from a fresh perspective and asking ‘why?’. Aquarius helps us question the status quo and invent new ways of doing things.

Leo is the element of fire- the playful, childlike heart. It is about self-expression and showing the world our talents. Leo helps us stay true to ourselves and live with passion.

Both signs are also brave, independent, and despise being told what to do! They thrive on the creative impulse, which often doesn’t fit well into boxes. Aquarius follows this impulse on the hedges, edges and outskirts of the mainstream- in order to gain a creative perspective. Leo follows this impulse from within, on centre stage, in order to radiate the creative energy outward.

Both energies exist in all of us, and one cannot exist without the other. They both come into focus this time of year, showing up in the Leo full moon, which happens very close to Imbolc this year, on Feb 5th.

What does this mean?

It means this is a great time for exploring new ideas, to question the status quo, to see our life from a fresh perspective. We can let go of any rigid conditioning and embrace the part of us that is innocent and open to change. We can discover ways of living by our ideals and hopes for the future, while also honoring our creative impulses. We can give ourselves permission to follow the light of inspiration and magic in our hearts.

If this is very challenging for us, it is a wonderful time to do our own inner child healing- with a therapist, through an art form, or spending time with children.

Experiment, try something new, play and create, make new art, or new pathways for your energy to manifest itself in the world.

Brigid from the Mystic Sisters Oracle

The bright radiance of Brigid lies within us. The young ones singing and dancing in Her honor, the warm flame lit in the hearth, they live within us too!

The beautiful energy of Imbolc is about re-igniting our inner flame- the passion and creativity within us, the childlike enthusiasm, the wonder and inspiration that prompts us to wish upon stars, believe in faeries and talk to trees.

All of this can be re-awakened now, to nourish and feed our inner flame.

Ways we can tend to our inner flame at Imbolc:

  • Do something you find fun! Go out with friends, dance, knit, paint, go bowling, play with your cats- whatever it is, let it be something that makes you laugh, or at least smile!
  • Take some time to really connect with your heart. What expands your love  and inner light? How can you manifest  and share more of that in your life, even in small ways?
  • Tune into your womb space or creative centre in the pelvic bowl. What desires are stirring within? Write them down.
  • Clear a pathway for your desires to manifest. Re-arrange your schedule, change your habits, cleanse your space, your body and mind of toxic energy that is holding you back.
  • Envision your desire manifested. See it in detail. Are there are small steps you can take now towards it?
  • Connect with the goddess Brigid- Learn about Her and the traditions She is rooted in and make a Brigid’s Cross.
  • Reflect on your spiritual faith and practice. Does it energise and inspire you? Make changes, commit or re-dedicate yourself to your path.
  • Care for your home and tend to your sense of being at home within yourself. You can read my blog about this topic from Imbolc last year here.
Imbolc altar from 2019

What do you feel called to do at Imbolc this year? How are you tending your sacred flame of inspiration, creativity and spirit for the year ahead?

If you’d like to celebrate this magickal season, you’re invited to join my online Imbolc Circle on Fri Feb 3rd @7pm EST! You can learn all the info and register here.

May your inner flame burn bright and your wishes come to pass.

In light and warmth,

Serena

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The Cauldron- Sacred Symbol & Tool of the Witch

What comes to mind when you see a cauldron? Witches casting spells, a bubbling potion, or perhaps a hearty stew cooking over a fire? The cauldron is historically both a very mundane and mystical object that continues to be a powerful symbol of many things. It is one of my favourite tools as a Witch and a representation of my practice and path.

In celebration of The Cauldron Goddess’ birthday month (we are one year old!), I thought I’d share a bit about my own reflections and experiences with the cauldron- as a symbol and sacred tool of the Witch.

The Hearth & Cooking

At its most mundane, the cauldron is a cooking pot. A staple of our ancestors far and wide, this portable and durable vessel has served humanity for generations, providing nourishment, and sustaining life.

The pot cooking over the fire conjures deep memories of comfort, warmth, family, and home. It is for this reason that the cauldron is a strong symbol of the hearth. For nomadic peoples, I imagine the cauldron felt like an anchor of home while on the move. For those rooted to place, the cauldron held a central position to the home and served as faithful provider of nourishment and comfort.

The cauldron is the container where raw, unintegrated ingredients come together to create something delicious and sustaining for our work and growth. Cooking may seem very mundane yet cooking always involves a transformation of energy and materials. There is creative energy and magick weaved into the process.

Cooking has historically been deemed ‘women’s work’ because of its nurturing and domestic properties. Patriarchy has devalued these qualities and therefore the healing or magickal aspects of cooking are less valued than its artistic or competitive forms. There are currently so many competitive cooking shows taking centre stage, that it almost seems that for this ‘woman’s work’ to be valued, it must fit into the capitalistic/patriarchal paradigm, along with other art forms that have become more about competition than soul-nourishment and love.

There’s nothing wrong with refining one’s skills, of course. But, I suppose I think of cooking as something soulful, as our original magick, the mother of all rituals and witchcraft. It is where one thing becomes another and serves to heal and nourish us. We can add intentions, prayers, healing herbs and energy medicine into our culinary creations. There is power in the cauldron. It is here where we can connect the cauldron to the Witch.

The Witch

The Witch is the one who nourishes and sustains life, who heals and transforms, who makes magick and serves their family and community.

Healing and Witchcraft are deeply intertwined. Through history, the village Wise Woman was the healer and midwife everyone would call on when ill or in labor. With the influence of patriarchy, colonization and modern medicine, folks who followed the old ways, the Wise Woman ways were punished, ostracized or even killed. They twisted the healing, life sustaining Wise Woman into something evil, a repulsive and fearful death-bringer or spirit of chaos- a ‘Witch’ in the negative sense of the word. Yet the Witch is and always was simply a Healer. The word Witch is connected to ‘wit’ and wisdom, implying that witches were also sacred knowledge keepers.

Women’s power as healers and community leaders has been diminished over centuries and we are still in the process of reclaiming this power within ourselves. For me, using the cauldron is one way that I reclaim my power as Witch and Healer.

The cauldron remains a powerful symbol of healing and witchcraft to the modern psyche. Since we don’t use cauldrons much anymore, it also represents something ancient and mysterious from the past. We associate it with spells, potions, witches and some other mysterious things related to the sacred feminine…

The Womb & Creativity

The cauldron can be seen as representing the Mother energy. It contains, nourishes, sustains, and protects the creation within it. The pagan chant ‘one thing becomes another, in the mother, in the mother’ is one of my favourites to chant over my cauldron as I make a brew or do a spell. The cauldron is resonant with the womb, as a vessel of nourishment and protection of new life.

Within our womb space, in our pelvic bowl lies the energy of creation. Our sensual, sexual energy and our creative ‘flow’ stem from here, whether or not we have a physical womb. Those of us with wombs can also physically carry life here.

The pelvic bowl is very much like our own physical cauldron which holds our creative power.

An Embodied Cauldron Practice

In the Irish bardic poem, ‘The Cauldron of Poesy’, three internal cauldrons found within the body are referenced. The Cauldron of Warming, the Cauldron of Motion, and the Cauldron of Wisdom. I created my own personal grounding practice with these 3 cauldrons, even before I had heard of this poem, so I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered it.

The Cauldron of Warming sits within our pelvic bowl, where our creative ‘fuel’ resides. I like to think of this cauldron sitting within my pelvic bowl with its 3 legs energetically reaching to the earth like roots from my sitz bones and coccyx. I meditate on this cauldron, imagining its contents as fluid creative energies within me. I notice if they are stagnant, clouded, toxic or flowing, vibrant and well. I feel my connection the Earth Mother and imagine that healing energy flowing through my cauldron. I chant ‘oooohhh’ here, while connecting to the energies of the land. Chanting helps to transmute any negative energies.

The Cauldron of Motion sits in the heart centre. Here, we experience what ‘moves’ us, such as art, poetry, music, love, relationships, sorrow, and grief. I imagine this cauldron’s legs energetically connected to the cauldron below it, and its contents fluid again. Ideally, the energies flow clearly and vibrate with love. Chanting helps to transmute the energy. I chant ‘eeeeee’ here while connecting to the energies of water and sea. The combination of ‘ooohhh’, ‘eeee’ and ‘oooo’ sounds are one way to connect with the Awen- the Divine inspiration that flows through all life.

The Cauldron of Wisdom sits within or atop the head, and I imagine it open, facing upward to the skies above as a direct link to Spirit and the Awen- the divine inspiration that flows through all life. I imagine it receiving inspiration from above and its contents are the energy of flowing light. I imagine my thoughts cleared and stagnant energy released. Through this meditation I become a channel for the Awen, for divine inspiration, for the healing energy of the goddess Cerridwen- my matron goddess to come through. I chant ‘oooo’ here to transmute the energies.

Doing this practice helps me to become a channel for creative energies on the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels.

Cerridwen- The Cauldron Goddess Herself

Cerridwen is one of the main goddesses I work with, and she is the classic Witch from Welsh myth. I share her story and some of my thoughts on it here. Cerridwen is famous for her cauldron in which she brews a potion of Awen- divine inspiration and knowledge for her ugly son, Afagddu, for whom she wants a better life. The potion takes a year and a day to complete. After all this hard work it accidentally ends up going to a servant boy, Gwion, who through a process of initiation and transformation becomes the most inspirational of bards, Taliesin.

Cerridwen’s cauldron is important because her role is that of Wise Woman, Witch, Healer and Mother. Her cauldron is like an extension of herself.

When her potion went to the wrong boy, Cerridwen was quite angry her spell went awry. The cauldron cracked and broke, turning the potion to poison. Its breaking could symbolise Cerridwen’s emotions, or a forced breaking of her old self and initiation to a new level of spiritual growth. It could represent the laws of magick being broken, or the appearance of fate taking over.

Cerridwen is also an initiatrix of change and transformation. Not only does she push Gwyion to become more than he ever thought he could be, but she too, is transformed in the process.

There is much symbolism in Cerridwen’s story- about power, fate, the wise use of magick and the emotional intensity of motherhood. The cauldron can represent any of this as well.

Transformation & Rebirth

I think of the cauldron as symbolic of the transformational events in our lives. Those challenging times where we must change or be changed. Those times where we must surrender to a power greater than us to carry us forward. When we must let go of who we are to become who we are meant to be. The cauldron is like a crucible- an agent of change, transformation and rebirth. What goes in comes out as something new.

Can you think of a time in your life where you underwent deep internal changes that left you feeling like you died and were reborn? That’s a cauldron experience. I think these can also be felt as smaller and less dramatic as well, like when we are pushed out of our comfort zone and make changes to adapt.

I feel like I am undergoing some kind cauldron experience most of the time, in at least one area of my life. Some cauldron experiences are slow boiling and take time, like Cerridwen’s brew, for a year or several. Others are more fast-acting and short term.

Some cauldron life experience examples are: Undergoing an intense course or learning program where you learn new skills and change as a person; Becoming a mother or a parent; Losing a loved one and your sense of self being changed from the loss; Divorce or separation; Becoming ill; Healing from illness; Being in a relationship that tests you; Moving to a new place; Changing Careers, etc.

One thing about the cauldron is that what goes in comes out differently, in a new form. Our transformational experiences remake us anew. We are not meant to stagnate or stay the same forever.

The cauldron is the mother that pushes us to grow and become who we have the potential to be. She is also that safe container who enables us to be vulnerable while the change is happening.

I explore the relationship between the cauldron and holding safe space for healing & transformation in this post.

How to use the Cauldron as a Witch’s tool

The cauldron may not be used in everyday cooking anymore, but we can use it as a magickal tool to enhance our own personal healing and transformation. Cauldrons come in every size, from large dinner-size cauldrons to tiny purse-size cauldrons. I love them all. Here are a few ways I like to use them:

Smoke cleansing: The cauldron makes an excellent holder for herbs and resins. You can place a piece of charcoal within it and burns your smoke cleansing herbs on it or, you can place the herbs directly into the cauldron and light them. The smaller cauldrons are great for this.

Grounding practice: The cauldron is usually made of iron and therefore an excellent grounding tool. You can use it like I do in the above grounding ritual or make up your own!

Burning spells: The cauldron is a safe container to burn pieces of paper with words written on it or other objects that are part of your spells.

Scrying: The black cauldron is a perfect backdrop for scrying. Fill the cauldron with water and take your time to ground and centre before gazing into the cauldron to see visions. This works best with a medium to large cauldron.

Potions & Cooking: Use a larger cauldron to hold your potions or healing soups, the old-fashioned way. I purchased a couple of beautiful large cauldrons from Bristow Iron Works, including the stand and hooks for this purpose.

An altar in itself: The cauldron can make a wonderful keeper of sacred energy. A large cauldron can be filled with crystals, herbs, beautiful images, and objects to anchor the sacred into your space. A small cauldron makes a great travel altar- fill it with herbs and crystals to uplift your energy while away.

Salt Bowl or Centrepiece: I have used a cauldron as a salt bowl and centrepiece for my dining room table. I filled it with salt to absorb negative energies, and with herbs and crystals to help bring harmony to my dinner table.

Symbol: You can use the cauldron as a symbol on your altar, your desk or bedside table for anything we discussed in this blog- symbol of your inner Witch or Wise Woman, the womb, the sacred feminine or Mother energy, transformation & rebirth, etc. Keep it as a reminder of your magick!

Dining Table Centrepiece Cauldron

If you are interested in the symbolism of the cauldron and its connections to myths, I highly recommend the book The Witch’s Cauldron, by Laura Tempest Zakroff.

What does the cauldron symbolise for you? Do you use one in your practice?

May the cauldron bring you the warmth and soul-nourishment you need in these transformational times.

xo

Serena

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9 Healing Rituals For the Womb Space

The collective womb is on fire right now. Since Roe vs Wade being overturned, plus the plethora of patriarchal horrors happening in the US and around the world, womb-bearers, women, 2SLGBTQIA+ and IBPOC are holding alot right now. We’re holding rage, fear, anger, grief.

Our rights and boundaries are being violated.

Collectively, partriarchy has wounded generations upon generations of us for millennia now. The trauma adds up. It reverberates and echoes through us, in our hearts and bodies, never to be forgotten. It arises as pain through families, through women, through all of us. It can never be silenced, for it seeks to be transmuted and healed. Thankfully, this can be done, in many small and powerful ways.

We all have our own ways of healing and challenging the patriarchy. It is all valid and needed- whether it is sharing our stories, protesting, signing petitions, voting, healing our mother wounds, making different choices than our foremothers, parenting our children differently, or reclaiming our body, our voice, our power in various ways. All of this helps. Every little thing helps. There are witchy ways of doing this, too, through simple healing rituals which I will share in this post.

For many of us, especially those who are empathic, we process collective feminine pain as well as matrilineal ancestral pain physically in the womb and pelvic bowl.

Over the years, due to struggling with endometriosis (and its cousin, adenomyosis), I’ve discovered how my womb is a powerful barometer of my emotional and creative health, as well as that of the collective and my family tree. I know that many other womb bearers have had similar experiences.

I’ve had the pleasure of learning a plethora of ways to heal the womb space and I’d like to share some of these with you during this challenging time. To keep things succinct for a single blog post focused on witchcraft and healing, I’d like to share my most effective, accessible and simple ways of healing the womb space. These are through connecting with the element of water, movement, and creative expression.

Bridal Veil Falls, Kagawong, Manitoulin Island

All of the rituals I mention are free and mostly accessible. You can add your own personal beliefs or embellishments as you see fit!

Empathy & Collective Womb Trauma

When I heard the news about the overturning of Roe vs Wade, my womb started to cramp, twist and tighten as it normally did with menstrual cramps. This happens to me sometimes when I hear stories about sexual abuse, human trafficking, forced sterilisation, femicide or anything related to assault on vulnerable people, women, girls or womb bearers. Even if the incident isn’t happening to me directly, my womb ‘remembers’, knows and feels this pain on a deep level.

My womb hurt for those who feel trapped, who will no longer have the right to safe, accessible healthcare.  It hurt for those who miscarry, for those who’ve lost babies, for those who’ve been harmed sexually, for those who’s wombs are in chronic pain, for those who’ve suffered through abuse and trauma to this area physically and energetically.

As an empath, I am used to carrying my own issues in my tissues as well as others’ pain in my body. This is why taking care of my health as well as cleansing, protection and boundaries are necessary. 

I spent several days moving through my own feelings that were triggered by the collective, which helped to release the physical pain. I did this through several methods, but the most powerful one was through connecting with water.

Lake Ontario- my home

I sat by the lake and told her my feelings. As the waves crept up onto the shore, they stroked my heart into releasing its grief, sadness and anger. Grief over the children killed in mass shootings, grief over gender based violence, the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, grief as I move into a new stage as mother to an increasingly independent teen, grief for the babies I couldn’t have, grief for the ways I needed to be mothered but couldn’t be. Anger at the patriarchal powers that oppress us, anger at the constant assault on the feminine, on the earth, anger at all who betray us. The lake witnessed it all, held space for it all, reminded me that She is always there for me, for all of us, supporting us through it all.

The water helped my tears to flow, and the emotional energy left my body, relieving the physical pain.

Sometimes healing is as simple as letting something bigger hold us tenderly for a moment.

Healing with the Water Element

Kagawong, Manitoulin Island

The waters of our mother’s womb was our first home, and the oceans are our source of life on earth. Water is the element of the Great Mother, the womb, our Source of Life.

Have you ever just sat on a beach, lake, river or ocean and just felt that overwhelming sense of love, that maternal whisper that it is ok to let go? Have you ever sat by water and just cried for no apparent reason?  

I have, several times. Myself and many folks I know soften when they are by water. Lives run by patriarchy discourage softness and feeling. Softness is equated to weakness. Softness is equated to vulnerability and emotionality. Patriarchy deems these negative things. Yet our emotions must flow regularly or they become toxic and come out in harmful ways.

We need regular softening in order to feel and release our emotions. This is necessary to stay healthy in mind, body and heart. It is necessary for healing the womb space and healing the world.  

Here are some simple rituals for womb space healing with water:

  • Soak in a bath or take a cleansing shower. In the bath, fully relax and allow the water to melt away tension. Notice the feelings that come up. Allow yourself to feel them. Cry if you need to. Exhale and voice your frustration or exhaustion. Let it all go into the bath. Let it all go down the drain when you are done. Use some Epsom salts or sea salts to enhance the water’s ability to cleanse and absorb negative energy.

If you don’t have a bathtub, take a shower and feel the cleansing properties of the stream of water flow down your back. Imagine you are under a beautiful waterfall. Let it cleanse negative energy from your aura and soften your muscles. Let all the negative energy flow down the drain.

  • Visit a lake, pond, stream or ocean. Relax, either sitting or lying down near the waters edge or with your entire body in the water if that is feasible. Imagine the Great Mother energy is present in this body of water. Each wave or ripple is her love being sent out to you. She extends her heart to you. Receive her love. Surrender your cares and worries to her. Let her support you. Let her take care of you. You can imagine the waves taking your cares, worries, grief or fear away. You can remember that you are held by the Great Mother through all of this. Let any feelings that come up to flow freely.
  • Make Full Moon Water. On the night of the full moon (or the night before or after), leave out a clear jar of drinking water to be charged with moonlight. Make sure it has a lid so bugs and critters don’t get in it. Leave it out overnight to absorb the lunar energies, then bring it in in the morning. Drink your water slowly over the next few days, as a little daily ritual. Thank the Great Mother or Goddess or Source of Life as you call it. Imagine you are drinking in pure maternal love, nourishment and healing. Ask that the water nourish your cells, cleanse and heal your womb space.

Healing Through Movement & Sounding

Yoni Mudra with movement

In Yoga, the womb space is energetically connected to the Sacral Chakra, or Svadhisthana (meaning ‘one’s own abode’ in Sanskrit). One of the functions of this centre is to receive pleasure. Pleasure can come from following one’s instincts through movement or consensual or solo sexual activity. It can be accessed through a variety of sensual pleasures. Simply moving in ways that feel good to our body can be very healing to the womb space. This might be as simple as rocking back and forth, gently stretching or curling up in a fetal position. Making sounds that come naturally to us without filtering them is also helpful. Sighing, growling, yelling, releasing our emotions through sound is a powerful way to clear any stagnant emotional energies in the womb space. The womb and throat chakras are connected. The health of one influences the other.

Here are some simple rituals for womb space healing through movement & sounding:

  • Put on some music and move instinctually. Use music that helps you to relax and drop into the sensations of your body, at a tempo that feels good for you. You can begin the exercise either lying down, seated or standing. Focus on one area of the body at a time, allowing it to move how it wants to. Follow what feels good. Start with your head and neck. Then move to the shoulders and arms. Then hands. Then upper back and chest. Then your spine. Then your belly and hips. Make your way down the body, one area at a time. Move in pleasurable ways. If something doesn’t feel good, change what you’re doing. Go slower, make it smaller or shift to another area. It’s not about looking a certain way, its about following your instincts, flowing with curiosity and comfort.
  • Get vocal. Inhale for 4 counts, and exhale for 6 counts. Repeat 2 more times. Now, instead of simply exhaling, allow sound to come out naturally. This may sound like a sigh, growl, or any combination of sounds. The point is that it is authentic and unfiltered. It doesn’t need to sound pretty! It’s not for anybody else, just for you to release. The womb and throat are connected, which is why we can’t help but make sound when orgasming or giving birth. Making sound helps to create a clearer pathway between the womb and throat.
  • Release anger with movement & sound. You can do a sort of combination of the two rituals above by playing some music that reflects or activates your anger. I sometimes like to bang a drum instead of using recorded music. Once you feel the anger rising, move instinctively to release it. I do a lot of jumping up and down and intentionally shaking out the anger from my body. I shake my hands, my head, my hips. While doing all of this, make sounds! Scream, yell growl, swear! Be mindful of your surroundings, however and make sure you are safe. Be aware of any hazards in the area that could hurt you or others before you begin. Once your anger hits a peak, let yourself slow down and follow your body’s instincts towards pleasure again.

Healing Through Creative Expression

Intuitive drawing

As mentioned above, the womb and throat are the channels for our creative expression. The womb not only nourishes its creation, but births it into the world. The womb space knows how to create, nourish, release and let go. It houses the cycles of life, death and rebirth. This energy can manifest in many ways in our lives, as it is not limited to the creation and nourishment of children. It is present in all creative acts.

When we think of creativity we often think of the fine arts, music, singing, dancing, poetry, etc. However, any activity that includes manifestation of one’s authentic feelings, passion or desire is a form of creative expression. This may include gardening, cooking, creating a home, birthing and raising children, sex, building a business, making magick, creating community, etc.

Here are some simple rituals for womb space healing through creative expression:

  • Write from the womb space. I used to do this a lot with my womb healing clients and called it ‘womb writing’. Take a moment to sit quietly and do a few calming breaths. Drop into your body. Place your non-dominant hand on your lower belly and hold a pen with the other hand. Rest a notepad or journal on your lap or nearby table. Keep following your breath and relaxing your body with each exhale. Draw your awareness to your womb space. Feel the warmth of your hand on your belly. Let your womb space connect with your hand. Once you feel a connection between the two, like they can talk to each other, begin to listen.

Ask your womb space ‘How do you feel?’ and wait for an answer. Write it down with your other hand. Then ask ‘what do you need?’ Wait for the answer, then write it down. You can also just do some automatic writing while your non-dominant hand is on your lower belly. Don’t over analyse or think about it. Just write! Read it to yourself later.  Notice how it makes you feel.

  • Draw from the womb space. This is another activity I did a lot with clients. Similar to the womb writing above, except, instead of a pen, have some coloured pastels or crayons or pencils nearby. Take your time to slow your breathing and drop into your body. With one hand on your womb, wait until you feel a connection. Once you do, ask your womb ‘What do you wish to create?’ Then, follow your instincts and choose a color and begin to draw. It doesn’t have to look like anything in particular, it can be completely abstract. Again, this is not for anyone else but you. Look at it later and notice what feelings are evoked from your image.
  • Create through other mediums. What is your favourite way to express yourself? It may not be writing or drawing. Maybe it’s dance, or gardening, scrapbooking or something else? Choose whatever medium you feel drawn to, and practice the same exercises as above, linking your awareness with the womb space. Many of us more visual and perfectionistic folks can get caught up in how things look and need to remember that in these exercises, it’s the feeling behind it that matters most. But do look at it afterward- what is the essence of what is trying to come through? How does this manifest in your life?
Womb healing altar

Our womb space is a very powerful centre, with the ability to create, nourish, destroy and heal. Like this centre in our bodies, we are capable of constant transformation and rebirth. We can rise again and again from the ashes, never to be defeated.

I hope at least one of these rituals resonated with you. Do you have your own womb space healing rituals that would be helpful to others? If so, please share in the comments!

May the love of the Great Mother hold us all through these times.

Xo

Serena

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Imbolc Oracle Reading- Seeds of New life

Imbolc marks the point between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, and its traditions stem from Celtic celebrations of the very beginnings of spring. Here in Canada, we are still far from visible signs of spring, but the light is noticeably increasing and along with it, the hope and optimism of warmer days to come.

The Earth Mother is still resting but deep below, the potential of new life stirs. Within our creative cauldron, the seeds of this year’s harvest begin to awaken us to their potential.

Imbolc is said to be derived from old Irish, meaning ‘in the belly’ referring to pregnant ewes. The promise of new birth and the nourishment of ewe’s milk signify the hope and renewal this season symbolises. The Irish goddess Brighid- Goddess of healing, fertility, the hearth, smithcraft and poetry is also venerated at this time.

In Wales, this celebration is called Gwyl Mair, the feast of Mary, and it aligns with the Christian Candlemas and our Groundhog day, with overlapping themes of purification, light, divining the future and preparation for spring.

Similar to the ‘nesting’ instinct a pregnant mother experiences, we may start to feel the desire to prepare for new life coming in spring. We don’t really know what awaits us yet, we must follow our intuition and trust our instincts to lead us in the right direction. We may declutter our home, our psyche or cleanse our body in preparation for this mysterious new life to come. At some point in the coming weeks, we may begin to feel some clarity on a new desire, goal or vision for the year ahead and take our first baby steps towards it. We may feel drawn to make changes in our life to support the future self we are birthing.

Imbolc Oracle Spread

Imbolc is traditionally a time for divination. Groundhog Day is very similar to traditions in Europe where the habits of animals were seen as ways of predicting when winter will end. Even though the light is increasing, darkness continues to reign and therefore divination can really be a guiding light to help us forward.  

I don’t personally wait for a special day to do divination, as it is part of my daily practice and lifestyle! But I tend to create new variations of spreads for the sabbats, just to change things up for myself. Here is my Imbolc one below…

Imbolc Spread: Seeds of New Life

Imbolc Spread- Seeds of New Life

Seeds: This position speaks to the potential incubating within. It may represent an idea, feeling, or the message regarding your seeds for the year.

Resistance: This position speaks to resistance or obstacles to clear in order for the seed to grow. Often around Imbolc we can be faced with challenges such as self-doubt, fear or insecurity. This card shows the nature of these challenges.

Light: This card is like the sunlight shining down on your seeds, pulling them towards growth. It speaks to the energy that brings you growth and renewal. It asks that rather than actively working on this energy, simply open and surrender to it.

Next Step: This card points you to the next baby step to take. It will help you clear the Resistance and/or embrace the Light card.

Try this spread with your favorite deck or book a reading with me!

Below is a reading for you, using the Goddess Power Oracle Deck by Colette Baron Reid.

Seeds- Danu- Assurance:

It’s been hard to feel a whole lot of hope these days. Endless pandemic burnout may be affecting you and your ability to believe in yourself and your ability to even dream or hope or create new life again. Danu, Celtic Mother goddess brings her assurance and steadfast strength to remind you that indeed you CAN create new life again, your dreams ARE valid, and you WILL be renewed!

She brings the assurance of the turning of the seasons, the warmth and growth of spring as guaranteed after this fallow period. As the Earth Mother, she reminds us of the importance of cycles and divine timing. Relax into the certainty of growth. She places her hands on your shoulders and asks you breathe in her assurance and trust all is manifesting in perfect timing, in the perfect way. Find the spark of confidence within. Whatever seed of desire you feel within, BELIEVE in its manifestation. It is promised.

Resistance- Metis-Wisdom:

Do you feel small or inexperienced? Do you feel imposter syndrome? Do you feel that your desire won’t manifest because you aren’t wise or powerful enough to make it so? Greek Goddess Metis reminds us wisdom comes with both knowledge and experience. We all have our unique wisdom to share.

Sometimes when we are faced with something new, we are afraid to take the first step because we won’t be good at it, we won’t be as good as someone else. We need to be willing to be a beginner sometimes, to make mistakes and learn from them. We must be willing to not be perfect.

We are all in a process of becoming. What lessons have you learned from last year? What wisdom have you gained? Is there deep wisdom within you need to recognise and share?

Our challenge is our willingness to embrace the wisdom we have and to keep walking our path towards greater wisdom.

How can you apply your experience and wisdom to the challenges you face now? Is there someone wise and knowledgeable you can reach out to?

Light-Kali-Liberation:

The fierce Hindu goddess Kali shines upon your seeds of rebirth, asking you to surrender to the process of shedding old skins, past selves and others’ ideas of who you are in order to grow. She asks you to liberate yourself by being authentic and true to yourself. Let go of the ‘what ifs’ and ‘what will they think?’ thoughts in your mind. Let go of the roles that stifle and restrict you, you are done with them. Life may have been shining the light on some truths about yourself or your upbringing that aren’t serving you anymore and it is best to simply let those habits and roles fall away now.

Turn your face up towards the light of Kali, shining her truth, authenticity and liberation upon you. Let your natural instincts guide you towards what feels like freedom and liberation from the past and your desires will start to manifest. Take a moment to breathe the energy of liberation into your body. What would it feel like to break free? Feel yourself becoming lighter and brighter and you courageously allow yourself to take up a bit more space! Surrender to this process of lightening and letting go.

Next Step- Hera-Alliance:

Your next step is to connect with your allies. These can be people with whom you resonate and vibrate harmoniously with. They can also be spirit guides, plant or animal allies that support your inner strength, resilience, and growth.

Sometimes we feel we are all alone on our path. We may feel that no one understands us, or that we must bear our burdens alone. Greek goddess Hera reminds us that we don’t exist in a vacuum, we are interdependent beings, and strengthening our relationships serves to strengthen us as well.  

Regarding the Resistance card message, we may wish to ally ourselves with those who are knowledgeable and wise, those we admire for their wisdom, who bring out our own wisdom or encourage us to keep learning and growing on our unique path.

Regarding the Light card message, it is important that our allies serve our authentic needs, growth and liberation from old patterns. We need to be discerning in our choice of friends, teachers, collaborators and partners. If a relationship forces us into an outworn role or story with no room for change and growth, then it might not be with someone we would consider an ally. The next step is to reach out to someone you feel you resonate with, who supports your authenticity and growth.

Take your time, be gentle as you incubate your precious new beginnings, my friend. May the Goddess support you on your path, assuring you that all will happen in divine timing.

“It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams.”― Gabriel García Márquez

Are you interested in learning more about Imbolc and delving deeper into its energies? Join me for our online Imbolc Circle: Nacent Beginnings, this Friday, Feb 4th @7pm!

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Why I started The Cauldron Goddess

Perhaps you’re like me and have felt kind of isolated and alone in your path as a witch, a pagan or spiritual person. Perhaps you are still in ‘the broom closet’ and not sure about being open about who you are yet. Maybe you’ve been out of the closet for a long time, but the path’s been super lonely or challenging.

Or perhaps you don’t consider yourself a witch at all, but your sensitive spirit comes alive in nature, and you wish to delve more deeply into that nourishment you receive when you slow down and connect to the cycles of the seasons, the celestial bodies, the earth, air, fire and water, the animal beings of the planet.

You perhaps know you are intuitive but sometimes don’t trust this part of yourself.

Maybe you are feeling some uncertainty or are going through a transition and wish for some guidance from your higher self.

Whomever you are, welcome and thankyou for coming by for a visit!

Things have been isolating in general over these long months of pandemic crisis. Many witches, pagans, and spiritual folks don’t have churches or temples in mainstream society. We are forging our paths and communities without much social support, in many ways, our very existence goes against the grain of colonial, patriarchal culture.

I am mainly a solitary witch, and happy being so, but sometimes, it can get a tad lonely. Even though I am in a big city where lots of other witches live, each of us has our unique path. Even if we are part of a group, our spirituality tends to be a very personal, individual thing. Some of us thrive when we are free to follow the beat of our own drum. Some thrive when in community. Some of my biggest lessons have been about the strength and empowerment that comes with forging my own path, and participating in community endeavors in small doses.

There is a fine line between solitary and lonely. It’s ok to dance that line sometimes, I feel it is part of the journey.

Truthfully, when we are on this path, we soon discover that we are never really alone. We are surrounded by allies and friends in the trees, rocks, animals, sky beings, ancestors, and spirit guides that surround us.

Even though I am solitary, I hold small community gatherings- the Hearthfire Circles– and try to attend events as well. As an introvert, I often find large events overwhelming, so I prefer smaller ones. The urge for community is often a strong desire in us witchy people and this exists alongside a need for solitude- to commune with nature, do our internal work and to rebuild a relationship with Spirit that is free of doctrines that do not resonate with us.

Part of why this urge for community it strong in me, and I feel in many other spiritual folks, is that we remember the old ways singing in our bones.

On a deep level, we remember living in sustainable community structures- in sacred connection with the land and each other-in reverence for all life. We remember the ways of folk magick, land-based practices that honour the cycles of the moon and seasons. We wish to return to more authentic, meaningful connections with others and ourselves. Perhaps we wish to revive the traditions of our ancestors- or at least, reclaim them in a new form that honours the present reality and the future we wish to create.

Our current culture under colonial, white supremacist, patriarchal capitalism can make creating a life like this quite challenging.  

There are layers of oppression that have wounded many generations of us that takes a while to unpack and heal, and there are many obstacles in the fabric of our modern culture that makes us choose between the survival of our body or the survival of our soul. It also emphasizes the survival of some folks at the expense of others.

‘Community’ now is a word used rather loosely. It can pertain to one’s Instagram following, Facebook group or membership to a corporate entity. These are fine ways to connect, but they often lack the depth, intimacy and real-life energetic exchanges between people that we instinctively crave. We are also contending with barriers such as white supremacy, patriarchy, cis-heteronormativity, and all the ‘isms’ pervading not only the mainstream but pagan spiritual communities as well.

My wish, my motivation behind my spiritual practice and The Cauldron Goddess, is not only to reclaim my own power as a witch and wise woman, but to help others do the same. I wish to be part of the change I wish to see in the world. It’s kind of a big ask sometimes, but the path demands that we stay awake and aware of the world around us, and the power of small steps to eventually make big impacts.

I feel that my own practice, my writing and both my in-person and online work are some of those small things that can send magickal ripples out into the world.

Pandemic Burnout & Nourishing the Spirit

Over the pandemic, like many of us, I experienced recurring burnout. It was my constant companion, with peaks and valleys of anxiety and depression. I am privileged enough to have been able to see an amazing therapist through it whom I’ve been seeing for many years now, and I’ve had the freedom to do the healing work necessary to cope.

A lot of old patterns and stories were triggered this year, and I have been releasing them and healing them ongoingly.

What I realised over the pandemic is how essential my spiritual practice is to my own wellbeing and how necessary it was that I nourish my spirit in order to be be present for my family and clients.

My witchcraft practice reminds me that I am not alone, that I am part of the sacred flow of life around me. It also teaches me to honour my sensitivity and protect myself energetically when the world around me becomes too much.

Nourishing my soul had taken a backseat to duty for too long. Instead of heeding the call of my spirit, of taking time to process who I was and what I really needed in the moment, I continued to prioritise work, duty and the mundane without the magick. I was scraping the bottom of the bucket to the point where nothing was left for my clients, my family, myself, no one.

Prioritizing my spiritual practice has become a lifeline, and so re-centering my energies onto the things I love and bring me joy- witchcraft, writing, tarot and my circles is how I am filling up my cauldron again.

Ultimately, The Cauldron Goddess is for me- a way to keep my energy focused on what nourishes me, and in turn I hope it be a source of support for you too.

Womb Healing

My background and experience is in mind-body therapies and womb healing work.

For most of my adult life, I have struggled with endometriosis and this set me on a long journey of healing in mind, body and spirit. For the last 5 years, since my surgery, I have been gratefully pain-free and slowly rebuilding myself a new life that finally doesn’t centre around chronic pain. With my newfound energy, I did some things that were on the backburner during my 20s and early 30s.

I got a driver’s license, went to college, started working out and eating some of the foods I enjoyed but couldn’t eat due to my condition. I traveled and started to work with womb healing clients 1 on 1 in a deeper capacity because I had the energy and experience to make a difference.

Until that energy bottomed out.

At first I thought it was just the pandemic and all the personal challenges that came with it. But it slowly became clear that it was more than that. I knew my soul was urging me to move on from focusing on womb health. The time had come to shift into focusing on my spiritual life more.

Womb wellness was always a part of my life, and always will be. But I’ve been changing, my path has been changing, and my work has to change with it. Cerridwen called me. My spirit called me to focus on my sacred craft and practice. The cauldron, which among other things is symbolic for nourishment, containment and the womb, was calling me to explore it in new ways.

My womb space healing work continues now, just in a different, more expansive form. The Cauldron Goddess is an extension of this work, but with a focus more on the spiritual aspect. It is now in a form that can benefit anyone with or without a womb, with or without a womb health issue. It is about nourishment, self-care, and soul-care. All of which benefit the womb space, if that is something you need.

But I am moving beyond the physical womb itself to focus on nourishing the spiritual womb, the inner hearth.

The Cauldron & The Hearth

My intention is to  create an energetic hearth with this blog and offer my services as a cauldron of nourishment for your soul.

This has been my practice as a Hearthwitch over the years- creating a sense of nourishment, safety and sacredness within my self. This then naturally extends to my home, family, clientele and community.

Taking the role of sacred space-holder, of empathetic listener and intuitive guide is my pleasure and passion. This role is nourished by my own spiritual and creative practices.

I have basic counselling, trauma and social work training that I feel is an important asset to what I offer as spiritual healing facilitator and tarot reader. I strive to create that safe cauldron for you to tune into your own intuition and self-healing abilities.

I will be sharing about topics like Tarot, witchy healing tools, sacred crafts, navigating the transitions through life-death-rebirth cycles, and all things related to my path as a hearthwitch, womb witch and devotee of Cerridwen- Goddess of inspiration, transformation and Mother of the Cauldron.

This isn’t my first blog, nor will it be my last. Its purpose is both a hearth for my thoughts, feelings and personal journey as well as a cauldron of teachings, tools and inspiration for your own journey. My hope is that in reading this, you will feel less alone, and more inspired!

So, come and sit down by the hearth with me, relax and nourish your intuitive, creative, nature-loving, witchy soul.

If you’re feeling comfortable, please reach out and connect with me for a reading, come to a circle or sign up for the Cauldron Collective newsletter below, and you’ll receive my free ebook with info on the Witches’ sabbats and moon phases with affirmations and journal prompts for your own practice.

xo

Serena

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