This is what can be found in my neighborhood in the month of April. Welcome Spring. Welcome, Rebirth.
Blessed is Spring!
Neighborhood’s April
La Bona Dea's Journal of Everyday Magic
Storytelling which touches the heart and awakens the soul
Grapes on the Vine
Sometimes it feels like I am just a single grape hanging with a bunch on a vine. I have peaked and ripened, full of sugar and juicy flavor. I dangle, waiting for….something.
Patiently hanging in a cluster; I travel with the same group most of the time. We are good friends.
I guess they are waiting, too.
Could it be, that with all the planting and cultivating, that someone somewhere is waiting to harvest me?
What do you think? When you manifest and dream, when you focus on what you desire, did it ever occur to you that you are someone’s dream come true? Well, you are. It only takes that one special harvest to gather you up and to realize you are the real deal.
Blessed Be and Happy Auntumn!
A Lammas Harvest
Petaluma, CA 2026
Beloveds, I had the opportunity to walk my sister’s and niece’s dogs this morning… (please don’t tell Dewey!) And while strolling along through the neighborhood and up past Santa Rosa Junior College/Petaluma, I began to take notice of the smell of the air.
The haunting aroma of dry grass and the smell of crunchy oak leaves littering the walkways begin to decay, and I know autumn is lurking. A sour smell wafts and I immediately know it’s not a skunk, or as my granddaughter calls them, “K-ks.” It’s a patch of sage in an herbal garden setting planted with yellow yarrow and other delights. I can taste the tang in the air, and it thrills me.
The season is changing.
Just last weekend I was in Gualala with about 35 Priestesses and of course our Grand HP Nancy-Ana came from Rhode Island to visit her heart. She leaves it here often so she can come back to visit it! We all love her and she loves us and that is one of the best things about our Lammas Harvest. Counting memories and making notches of our growth on the staff, so to speak.
I led a ritual in a lovely spiral which the Priestesses and Apprentices made for the Sabbat. It was made from newly gathered and returning abalone shells from our homes and from the original spiral at Lilith, in Anapolis. The sacred act of walking in meditation, receiving smiles and loving looks from sisters as we weave our way to the center ties us together. A tight circle of bodies and jewels, the grandeur of celebration and gratitude brought us together this past weekend and it was simply beautiful.
I handed out seeds, sweet pea seeds from my friend Jenni. She gave them to me to share and did I! I spent the week before Lammas cutting up an old blouse that had gotten a hole it in it. I loved the blouse, but it was irreparable. …and I think of the chant, She Changes and the line: in a new time, in a new way…
As our Song Siren led us in song for “Hoof and Horn,” I realized I made the best choice for that blouse. I cut it into squares and then stitched the edges so I could gather the fabric in a sort of small pouch. I added a bit of those sweet pea seeds and stitched the pouch shut.
In the center of the spiral, as each Priestess came to see me, I blessed their harvest and gave them a pouch of seeds. “Though it may be the first harvest of the year, one may plant seed of love, hope, dreams, desire, or magic any time of year. All one needs to do is be brave enough and not be lazy –Just go out and PLANT!”
So, following my own advice and soaking up the blessings that came to me for Lammas, I too, will plant. I plant seeds of hope and creativity, for engaging and sacred circles to grow our community of Priestesses thus spreading more love and light into the world where it is needed most. We remember who we are when we honor the Sacred Feminine within each of us –It is where we find that love and the courage to share it.
As these next few weeks lead us toward the descent of the year, the time when we reflect on what was, and what we hoped for, I bless you with knowing that right here, right now is all there is and it is always the right time to begin.
Blessed Be! And So it Is! Happy Lammas!
Follow Your Intuition…yeah, right
It sounds daunting to some, natural to others, and then there are those of us who are perplexed by our intuition. The feelings in my gut never seem to match the dreams in my head nor the pulse of my heart.
My intuition tells me what I need, who to follow, where to go, and yet, it really needs to speak up when I’m caught up in my ego. I like to say I follow my gut, but what I really do is shrink when my gut speaks up.
Does that ever happen to you? One day you’re doing your thing, and someone says or does something to you that feels shitty, or cruel. Then you get validation that this wrongdoing is not okay and that you had better get control of yourself right then and there. That glow comes from your power source, your solar plexus, your third chakra.
This is where your self-esteem sits right where personal power and body energy join forces to illuminate your life. The color is bright yellow, full of charge and force.
Anyone else besides me have a burnt-popcorn-colored third chakra?
My head, heart, and ego have left my power source a dulled yellow and it doesn’t shine to brightly. I let neglect and low self-esteem smear itself all over it. Now when I try to listen, or get that gut punch of a warning, it is dull and I second guess it.
I have been practicing with meditation and visualization. I have tried a few psychic’s tricks to home in on my superpowers and I think it is working. Nearly a dozen times now I have stopped in my tracks to reassess a situation or a feeling in the room.
I cast my ego aside, the section which challenges me to handle it, no matter what it is. I have unveiled my eyes, so my mind gets a clear view. As far as my heart, I have begun leaving it aside until I call for it. These actions all take place in the fraction of a second from when I decide to pause.
I have to look at all this now. I have to pay attention because Spirit has warned me plenty of times. She says, “Why are you not living your fullest?” And she begs, “Why are you dimming your talent, what fear do you have?” She calls me in the middle of the night, proposing new ways to align myself with my highest self. When I refuse her nudges, she whacks me in the solar plexus. Usually.
This time She hit me with breast cancer. No more dancing, lollygagging for tomorrow, because “darling, it is here. Right now. What are you going to do about it now?”
She questions if I will fall deeper into myself or step into a new light? I hear her rooting for the light. I see her spitting on the rag and polishing my solar plexus. She pours a dose of courage into me and tells me to follow my intuition.
And just like that, as if a magical wand were waved around my aura, I can see the light. I can feel the energy around me, I can pause with ease, and She is smiling upon me.
I don’t have time to waste. I don’t have fences to mend, either. The ships that sailed are on distant shores; they don’t belong to me anymore. What I have is here, right before me. It is shining but scary. It is supported but I still question trust.
The only way through the rest of my life is to follow my intuition.
RED SHOES
You know which ones… right?
Ah, the ruby red slippers.
The red dancing shoes.
Each pair of shoes poses danger.
Your eyes sparkle, because you love to dance. Excitement closes in, but in the last moment, you notice glittering ruby red slippers. The possibility of going home eases haunting whispers, those which wrap your name in gauze, send longing pulls from your chest. The defiance to run away, to return. To go home.
Stretch your toes into the slipper—first sliding in smooth then a tiny pinch. Learning to walk again, you step along the path and what awaits you. Desire erases the distance from your journey to your memories. Can you accept what is diluted or exaggerated? Yet will never ever be the now again?
Are your slippers incognito, what if they are the red dancing shoes? Laden with tempo and leaps, shoes which lift you to the top like a Rockette. These twirling red shoes guarantee you will dance through life forever and ever—but did you notice it’s the Devil on your dance card? Writhing and twisting, convulsing in cadence, remorse and virtue fling from your body and your moral compass is lodged in your brow. Your legs are tired and your body collapses with exhaustion. But the music never stops, and the party never ends.
Both pairs of red shoes will warn you: Be careful what you wish for.
Progressing backward in time or forward toward dreams is welcoming. Innocence and fame are coveted at their image. The good days behind you swell in your heart and bring joyful tears to your eyes. The people you lost and the daydreams you concocted are gone—but at one point they existed. Just not today.
And the excitement that grows in your belly, the thrill of what might happen tomorrow hovers before you like a carrot on a stick. What must you sacrifice today to reach tomorrow’s carrot? Your time or yearning, your wishing away moments?
And what of those moments which surround you, one then another, as if watching seeds from a dandelion puff blow through the air, they are suddenly gone from site.
Red shoes or Ruby shoes. Hmmm.
What about a pair of red flip-flops. The comfort of presence. Of being in the now. The joy of peace of mind and soothed body. Flip-flops to carry you through the day; errands, meals, crafts, music and songs, the bird in the sky and the nod from the mailman as he passes by.
Absorbing the moment, one at a time. Casual and content like a fat cat in a sunny windowsill. This is life. This is magic. This IS.
Bountiful pleasure in glimmers of life carried by the breeze. Along the path of the day’s journey from first light through moonrise, the simplicity of breathing is all that’s required.
And by the time you learn to let go and let life—instead of the other way around, you might be down to red polish on your toes, and you smile because you have settled into that perfect place unbound by the ruby shoes and the red shoes. You are not only home but have been home all along.
Hunger Moon Ritual
February is the Hunger Full Moon or Snow Full Moon
February Hunger Moon Full Moon Ritual
As we ponder what we hunger for these days…freedom, transparency, diplomacy, or basic human integrity, we can satisfy our needs when we harness the energy of the moon.
What you will need:
- Your favorite mug or coffee cup
- Your favorite tea (bag or loose is okay, you will prepare it as usual)
- Milk or cream
- A few pinches of sugar, sweeteners okay, or a dollop of honey.
- A food: a cookie, almonds, berries, whatever calls to you
- Pen and Paper
What to do:
- Write your dreams on the paper. Be specific to enhance focus and visualization
- Then
- Brew your tea with the intention of soothing your hunger.
- Pour a cup of tea and as you add your cream and sugar, or alternative, call out the words that condense your dream. (I want to grow an organic garden becomes: Organic Garden) and visualize your dream, your hunger in full manifestation.
- Continue adding to your tea until your hunger is placed into the cup.
- Take a moment to smell the tea. What does the aroma bring to mind? How do you feel when you drink this tea? Savor this moment and visualize the realities you have imbued into the hot liquid.
- Take a sip and with each sip afterward hold your image in your mind. Find satisfaction in your body, where does it feel most potent? Which sacred chakra is awakened?
- Enjoy this magical cup of Hunger Tea and when you are finished, take a look at your paper once again. Read it out loud. Let your voice carry toward the heavens and affirm your desires.
- Take the paper and fold it toward your body. Fold it as small as it can be Then tuck it into a safe place until the next New Moon.
- At the New Moon you will bury the paper in the yard, a potted plant or other span of earth. Mother earth will absorb your intentions and use your seeds to create a reality.
And remember, every step of the way sends gratitude for the things and the joy you have, encouraging everything to multiply. You can say, “I send gratitude to Spirit for all that I have, and all blessings that come to me. So Mote It Be!”
May all that is yours come to you with synchronicity and peace. Blessed Be!
Full Moon Ritual
Full Moon energy is wonderful for looking at things clearly because there is so much reflective light, and it’s a great time for releasing. This Full Moon Ritual will assist you in letting go of your demons as well as blessing your Earthly angels.
What you are creating is:
What you need: A bowl of water, a few pieces of rough gravel, a few smooth stones like river rock… small enough to fit into your bowl of water. A cone or stick of incense, and a candle.
At your altar or sacred space, light your candle and allow it to fully illuminate the area. Light your incense and wave it around to release its odor. Say, ” I create a circle of protection around me. I invite guides who support my highest good.”
Take a moment to reflect upon the things or people that have stood in your way this month, either to block you or to serve their best interests. Do this with integrity and the intention of love. There is no need for anger or hate. Take a piece of gravel and name it: “This is Steve,” or “This is the phone bill,” and place it into the bowl of water. When you have placed your grievances into the bowl say, “May this water and the light of the Moon release you from my presence and no longer interfere with my progress.”
Take three deep cleansing breaths. Then, hold your smooth stones in your hand. Let your heartbeat’s pulse warm them. Take one at a time, and like before, name each one; “This is my doctor,” or “This is my garden.” Thank them for being present in your life and for supporting you on your quest. One by one place them into the bowl with gratitude. Once they are all in the bowl, say, “May the light of the Moon bless you and nourish you thrice fold for what you have gifted me.”
Place your hands over the bowl of water and let your energy flow through it. Imagine the image above of calm waters and hearty stones. Be in the peaceful flow of nature.
When you are ready, place the bowl of water and stones outside or near a moonlit window. Say a prayer of gratitude for the opportunity to grow and develop with the cycles of the Moon, the Seasons, and this Year. Close your prayer with “Blessed Be.” Leave the bowl of water and stones overnight and in the morning, you can pour the water and stones into your garden, a potted plant, or place it on your altar for a few days. The intention is to let of what has stood in your way and to ramp up the good juju you have been blessed with and for its continued blessings.
I love to put a piece of silver jewelry in the moonlight to “charge” it and then wear it for good luck throughout the rest of the Moon’s phases.
Do as ye will, and harm none. Blessed Be!
Mooning 12/28
I am doing it! I am taking the time to reflect on the Moon and follow Her energies this year.
I am mulling around and taking inventory of what goes and what stays. I have an annual purge. New Year New Me kind of thing. I toss the ratty clothes, the broken-but-still-useful items that are now just ugly and contemplate if my Ross or TJ Maxx purchases are finally outdated and should be recycled at the thrift shop.
There’s a big re-usable bag in my closet that waits for me. Its good intentions have long been ignored, but today is the day. I dare myself to fill it with clothes for donation.
Tomorrow I will rest, especially with this task off my list, then I will awake with the New Moon on Monday making plans to purge the rest of the house of its unnecessary items.
https://www.ucpnb.org/employment-programs/flipside-thrift
PS I donate to the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation FLIP SIDE, in Rohnert Park.
Step out of Darkness and into the Light!
We leave the darkest day, Winter Solstice, the longest day, behind us.
The Holly King lies down his sword until summertime. The Oak King now re-gathers strength to brightly shine at Summer Solstice.
It’s welcoming and peaceful in the dark void of these next few days as we await the rebirth of the Sun.
It’s time to put this past year to rest, let it decompose and deconstruct, thus perfecting the fertile environment to rebuild and RISE!
It’s my hope that you embrace the kindness and joy you have given and reciprocated. This illuminating magic stirs the cauldron of love and life.
May it spill over, offering the power of creation to move forward along the next journey around the Sun, for Yule or “Wheel.”
May the light you shine magnify over our sweet earth, and may you receive the gifts you desire. Blessed be!
Sing, Dance, Make Love, all in Her name!
With abundant love and light, I wish a Merry Winter Solstice to you!
Away ye Merry Lasses!
Gathering with women and sacred femininity creates beauty and tranquility. Gathering with Priestesses multiplies the power in each of us and therefore, sets the world on a path of healing and peace. So mote it be!
October Moonrise
Photos curtesy of Mia
October’s Moonrise in Aries sets our world on fire. The bright flame upon the ocean waters provoke change. Now is the time! Forget the struggle, the downtrodden fears, the lack of motivation! The return is here! Dare yourself to get back on track, to claim what is yours. The world waits for you, your talent, your love, your heart.
Cast a circle with your ancestors, and with a flameproof bowl, light pieces of paper on fire & burn what must be released. Worries and disappointment disappear in the wind. The slate clean again for progress and success. Drink water. Fill your CUP! Wash away the residue.
Be here now, in this moment. Confidently step onto your path. At the Crossroads you may meet Hecate, and Her confidence in you sets your world right. It’s time to push on.
Chin up. Chest out. One foot in front of the other.
Blessed Be, Devine Being!