Well what a week its been. I’ve been off on annual leave for a week. In the true spirit of Imbolc, I’ve spent the week at home undertaking a Spring clean. I’ve chucked out more than ten bin bags of clutter. There’s still some more sorting and cleaning to be done, but I’ve made a good start. It feels good for things to have their places again.
I’ve always loved plants, even if at times I’ve killed them with over love. But the problem is my two bengal cats. Cats are known to love to chew/destroy house plants. But then I discovered this indoor greenhouse at Ikea (see photo below). Steve and I were going to Ikea anyway, so I decided to pick it up along with an Aloe Vera plant.
I’ve always loved Venus Flytraps and because I had the space in the greenhouse, I decided to order a Flytrap online (see photo above).
I’ve named the Aloe Vera plant, Alan. I originally called it Dave, but couldn’t remember its name. I’ve named the Flytrap Edward, but watched Little Shop of Horrors (film) for the first time this week, so am thinking of renaming it to Audrey. I loved Little Shop of Horrors film. Feed me. Feed me. FEED ME!
The eagle-eyed among you will have spotted that I’ve padlocked the greenhouse handles. This is just to ensure the cats don’t get at the plants. Bengal cats are known for being intelligent. They’ve already scratched at the plastic windows, but failed to gain access to or munch on the plants. This is good, especially as Aloe Vera is apparently toxic to cats.
This year being disorganised I missed Imbolc. I only realised a day before and hence didn’t really get round to doing anything (I know tut, tut).
So in order that I not miss any further of my pagan festivals I decided to add the dates to my diary and post them here. I will give the festival name, date and some information about the festival. Here we go:
Imbolc – 2nd February
Known as the festival of light. It celebrates the end of dark winter and welcomes the sun and the light to the world. Asking the world to wake up out of hibernation. The goddess is seen as the maiden at this festival. Indeed the festival celebrates her as a maiden. She is still in recovery from child-birth. Colours: White, yellow & gold. Themes: Fire, creativity, poetry, inspiration, light, healing. Related Blog Posts:Tatton park, a poem. (Creativity & poetry), Ups and Downs (Healing)
Ostara – 20th March
Ostara celebrates the first day of spring. When light and dark are in balance. The god matures and becomes a man. He will live and rule until Samhain. Colours: Orange, red, yellow and pink. Themes: Fertility, new beginnings, flowers, nature. Related Blog Posts:Welcome to the notice board of antonysimpson.com! (New beginnings)
Beltane – 1st May
Beltane is the midpoint between spring and summer. The god and the goddess meet, become lovers get married consecrating their union. The goddess becomes pregnant. Colours: White, purple, blue and light green. Themes: Love, relationships, commitment, fire, fun – music and dancing. Related Blog Posts:Category – Love & Relationships (Love and relationships), The Feeling were Awesome (Music and dancing), Bathroom dancing, Inspired and Just Discovered (Dancing), Thanks to the attractive stranger (Kylie – music and dancing)
Litha – 20th June
The longest day of the year. It is the summer time harvest. I like this blessing:
As the sun spirals its longest dance,
Cleanse us
As nature shows bounty and fertility
Bless us
Let all things live with loving intent
And to fulfil their truest destiny Wiccan blessing for Summer
(from http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/paganism/holydays/summersolstice.shtml, last accessed: 08th February 09)
The god and goddess reaffirm their relationship and commitment to one another. Colours: Blue, green, red and yellow. Themes: Fruitful endeavours, child-like play, affirmations, water & emotions.
Lammas – 1st August
The harvesting of berries and grains take place at around the time of this festival. Days are getting shorter. The gods power continues to wane. Colours: Purple, black, brown, yellow (pale shades). Themes: Magick, death, banishing, hopes, work.
Mabon – 22nd September
The autumn equinox. Light and dark are again in balance, however from this point on we shall have less sun light as it get’s darker. It’s about also giving thanks to the mother goddess for providing enough food (from the harvest) for the winter. The god prepares for his journey to the underworld. The mother goddess is heavily pregnant but continues to rein and begins to age. Colours: Brown, violet, indigo, blue & black. Themes: Land & property, goals, introspection, past life regression, relaxation, letting go. Related Blog Posts:Category – Thinking (Introspection), Goals for 2009 (Goals), Relaxation (Relaxation)
Samhain – 31st October
The last harvest. When the vails between the worlds are thin. Seen as the pagan ‘New Year’. Also known as Halloween. The goddess is now the crone. With age coming wisdom. Colours: Black, orange, purpose, violet, white. Themes: Ancestors, death, rebirth, banishing & bindings, spirit & guide communication, guidance. Related Blog Posts:Samhain Ritual, goes well (Samhain)
Yule – 21st December
The first day of winter also known as the winter solstice. Longest night of the year. Evergreens and pine are ideal for your alter along with traditional Yule logs. Wreath’s symbolise the wheel of the year. The goddess gives birth to the god and then goes in to hibernation being tired from child-birth. Colours:White, green, red, gold & silver. Themes: Prosperity, death, rebirth, banishing, protection, goal setting, happiness, peace & harmony. Related Blog Posts:Yule & A Lifetime Gift (Yule)
God and Goddess
Many pagans believe in a god and a goddess. I differ slightly. I do believe there is a god-like being, but that it is one that is genderless as it is simply energy. Some pagans would disagree with this, although like I said earlier these are my own individual beliefs.
(From Antony Simpson Paganism)
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Mental Health Wisdom contains everything that you need to know about mental health and mental illness.
Mental Health Wisdom is divided into three sections.
Understanding is section one and is all about the facts of mental health.
In section two, Empathy Through Lived Experience, the author shares his personal experience of mental illness.
Life Hacks is section three. It’s all about self-care and quick and easy ways to improve your mental health, prevent mental illness or relapse of mental illness.
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