guidwife

The Crone at Beltane

When I was younger, I wondered a bit how the Crone must feel at Beltane. After all, it is the Sabbat (I thought) that belonged to the young. The union between the Goddess and the God finally occurs, and we all join into the celebration of sexuality and fertility and share the passions that mark the beginnings of new life.

What part is left, then, for the Crone? Yes, as a pagan I do see sexuality as something that is holy and intrinsic to all of us, as holy beings. We are the Goddess and the God we seek to become. In my heart, I am Maiden, Mother and Crone — now, then, always. But, in my mirror, I am Crone. I will not be circling the Maypole for fertility; if it is luck I am seeking, I will not obtain it by jumping the Beltane fire. Continue reading “The Crone at Beltane”

Do You Know Your Big Three?

This photo was taken at a Bohemian Gypsy themed birthday party, where I was solicited to provide tarot readings for guests. What a great time I had! I did know most of the Querents, at least casually. One by one, they approached the table for a reading, — with open minds, open hearts and (somewhat unfortunately) a sense of humor.

Don’t get me wrong. I understand that most people consider tarot to be “for entertainment purposes only”. In time, I think I can change their minds.

The same goes for the Weekly Tarotscopes I’ve been posting here on this blog. But, this one I totally understand. Most “weekly horoscopes” (of any kind) are too general to be of use to anyone, because they are based solely on a person’s Sun sign. But, that is two details less than the absolute minimum one needs to describe themselves in astrological terms. Continue reading “Do You Know Your Big Three?”

Rejuvenation at Ostara

Awake!
All creatures in the realm of Earth, awake!
Greet the Maiden and Her Lover,
Who herald the coming of Spring.

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Who doesn’t love Spring? For some, it means the end of long nights and the bareness of Winter. For others, the greening of the landscape and the fragrance of newly opened buds awaken senses dulled by the long chill. For us all, it is the season of creation. The land that lay dead has become fertile once more.

Ostara, the second of three Spring sabbats, marks the point where night and day stand in perfect balance, with light on the increase. This season brings hope, joy and inspiration for new ideas. It is a time of planting gardens, coloring eggs, and Spring cleaning. Just as we sew the seeds in our garden, we can plant the seeds of rejuvenation in our lives. It is common to use this time to free yourself from things which may hinder progress in obtaining your goals. This is a good time to take steps to attempt to gain things we may have lost, or to gain qualities we wish to have. Continue reading “Rejuvenation at Ostara”

Imbolc Gifts from the Goddess

If Candlemas be bright and fair
Winter will have another year
But if it be dark with clouds and rain
Winter is gone and will not come again.
TRADITIONAL

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Yes, I realize it seems strange that I enjoy the traditions of what we modernly know to be Groundhog’s Day. But, I was transplanted to California after spending my first 27 years waiting for Punxsutawney Phil to make his forecast each year. In Pennsylvania, Phil is Word.

The truth is, Spring comes to all of us; it even comes to those of us living in southern California. It’s arrival may be a little quieter here, or more likely to go unnoticed by those who do not pay attention to such things. But, it is every bit as magickal. Every year, everywhere, around the beginning of February, we begin to see the promise of fertility, new life and new hope, and gather to celebrate the reawakening of Earth. Continue reading “Imbolc Gifts from the Goddess”

Tarot Journeling

Do you read your own cards? If you do, do you journal about what you see? If not, you may be missing a golden opportunity to experience some much-needed healing or the chance to avoid making old mistakes over and over again.

Like many of you, I try to take a daily 3-card draw, to see what energies are around me, or to seek out possible solutions to problems I might be experiencing. I admit I can’t do this every day but, when I do have the time, I do it for at least 3 days in a row, and record what I see in a journal. Continue reading “Tarot Journeling”

New Beginnings at Imbolc

It’s really happening!

I have built this website before, many times, in my head. I have imagined it as a place to share the photos of my own personal journey around the wheel, and a place where I could communicate my reflections within an audience of friends. In my mind’s eye, I could see it as a vehicle to share my abilities as a tarot reader with those who seek guidance, and as a magickal portal to my own witches’ cupboard.

For awhile, I wasn’t sure that it would happen. It seems that every time I felt ready to start this project, I met with a new obstacle. But now, within this season of Imbolc, it is really beginning! Continue reading “New Beginnings at Imbolc”