Other Kin:  The Banshee The banshee, from the Irish bean sídhe meaning “faerie woman” or “woman of the faerie mounds,” is a troublesome being when it comes to classification.  Although it would seem the banshee should clearly be classified as a faerie based on the meaning of the name alone, it isn’t that simple, although the banshee is clearly of the same “Other World” to which the faeries belong. The origin of the banshee may be the Morrigan herself, a triple Goddess and one of the Tuatha Dé Danann.  Banshees have been called a “Badbh,” the death and battle aspect of the Morrigan, and legends say if a warrior heard…

Eostre’s Eggs of Ostara Eostre’s Day: Ostara Ostara is the pregnant phase of the fertile season.  This is due to the fact that animals are either giving birth or are going through their sexually receptive or estrus period (named after the goddess Eostre).  Because of this, the egg is a prevalent symbol of the Spring Equinox and the theme of birth, life, death and life renewed. Eggs and those that lay them are harbingers of Spring and the fertile season to come.  For instance, schoolchildren are taught that the sight of a Robin is a sure sign that Spring has actually sprung.  The turquoise-shelled eggs of the Robin have since…

Haunted Objects One of my favorite subjects under the wide umbrella of paranormal activity is haunted objects. Dolls, furniture, even paintings that seem to have a life of their own. How and why does this happen? One theory is when a person passes on there may be something they were very attached to, like a piece of furniture or childhood doll. This object may hold some familiarity for the deceased and the spirit may gravitate towards it if they are lost or confused. Objects may be part of a residual haunting as well, if someone sat and smoked a cigar in the same chair at a certain time every day,…

Are you cyclically confused? In a ceremonial quandary? Completely clueless? Wonder no more. Ask Your Mama The What, When, Where, Why, How, and Who of Ceremony & Spirituality by ©Mama Donna Henes, Urban Shaman A Question of Numbers Dear Mama Donna, I have always felt drawn to the full moon and would like to have some kind of ritual in its honor. The problem is that I don’t know anybody else in my town who would want to join me. Don’t you need a circle of people to have a ceremony? Love, One is the Loneliest Number in Ohio. Dear Number One, MacQuanity does not equal quality. Powerful and meaningful…

)O(  March Moon Report  )O( “Nothing that is can pause or stay; The moon will wax, the moon will wane, The mist and cloud will turn to rain, The rain to mist and cloud again, Tomorrow be today.” -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow March Moon Phases Full Moon: MAR 29  7:25 pm Full moons occur from fourteen to seventeen-and-a-half days after the new moon. Full moons are prime time for rituals for prophecy, protection, divination. Any workings that needs extra power, such as help finding a new job or healing for serious conditions, can be done now. Also, full moons aide work for love, knowledge, legal undertakings, money, divination, and dreams. It…

The Wise Woman Tradition Empowers Women The Wise Woman Tradition is the oldest known healing tradition on our planet. It offers a unique view of health that is woman-centered and deeply empowering to women. This is in stark contrast to orthodox – and most alternative – healing traditions, which are based on male viewpoints which disempower women. The medicine I learned in school was based on a linear, scientific, male worldview whose truth I did not question. When this medicine failed me, as a woman and a mother, I sought alternatives. Herbs helped me take care of myself and my family, simply and safely, but I questioned the assumptions behind…

Violet Violet (Viola odorata) is also known as Blue Violet, Sweet Violet, English Violet, Common Violet or Garden Violet.   Its origins are Europe and Asia but can also be found in North America and Australasia.   In India, it is known as Banafsa and is used to help with tonsillitis and sore or tender throats. Violet originated from Io, one of Zeus’s many romantic interests.  Zeus’s wife Hera found out about Zeus and Io and, in a jealous rage, changed her into a heifer.  Zeus, having pity on her, changed her into the beautiful violet.  Violet is known to bring wonderful results when used in rituals with just women. It is…

So here I have traveled Where wisdom fills the air A Shadow in the darkness I struggle to hear “Tales from the Dark Moon” She whispers of “Old Black Bear” Wandering woods Thistle and blade Flower and candles Somethings gone astray Fortnight, and a million years Stars shown brightly, without fear They shined on and on So without scars Until on night Black Bear Found Rage in a jar So the stars climbed higher and higher As so did desire Becoming smaller and smaller Into emptiness and sadness Nothingness transpired Beware of what hides Under hills And in jars In your heart In the closet Near or far Black Bear…

We honor the Goddess by honoring the Moon in her different aspects. We work rituals by the phases of the moon. However when it comes to the Dark Moon, I’ve heard opinions ranging from no magic should be performed to rituals honoring the Crone. The Dark Moon is indeed a very powerful time. There really should be no “off limits” when it comes to this phase. If these phases represent the Goddess and the life of women (and men) then why should the Dark Moon be left out of magical workings? I’ve known very active Crones including my grandmother, rest? I think not! I can’t get the woman to sit…

Round in a Circle One of the most difficult concepts for me to understand when I was new to Wicca was the casting of a circle.  Most religions have a designated place, usually a building, set aside for worship, but we have the ability to create our own.  Some books tell you to cast a circle and how to do it, but do not always explain how to move the necessary energy.  Some Wiccans don’t cast a circle and still have meaningful rituals and effective magick.  Like many other elements of our practice, there are aspects that are standard and those that reflect personal tastes and spiritual path.  Let’s put…