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The Burren, Co Clare, Ireland The word Burren derives its name from Boireann, which means ‘rocky land’ in Gaelic. This region of naturally interlocking limestone slabs was formed 320 million years ago and it contains a wealth of rare flowers growing in a unique botanical environment in which Mediterranean and alpine plants rare to Ireland growing side by side. Glaciation and wind and rain erosion have formed limestone pavements with deep crevices known as ‘grykes’.  The porous rock is easily penetrated by rainwater, which has gouged out an extensive cave system beneath the rocky plateau. The geology and archaeology of The Burren make it place of great mystery and beauty,…

They usually can be found on urban street corners or heard yelling from the TV or radio.  Their rhetoric is filled with clichés and admonitions about how, if we don’t follow their particular brand of religion, we’ll suffer dire consequences.  Religious zealots can be found in every religion.  You never have to look too long before you find one.  Trying to have a calm conversation with them about what it is they believe is usually a complete waste of time.  They think they have the One, True Religion and you don’t unless you’re standing up there with them and screaming exactly the same words.  And even then you might not…

Using Herbs Simply and Safely Are herbs “dilute forms of drugs” – and therefore dangerous? Or are they “natural” – and therefore safe? If you sell herbs, you probably hear these questions often. What is the “right” answer? It depends on the herb! These thoughts on herbs will help you explain to your customers (and yourself) how safe – or dangerous – any herb might be. To prevent problems when selling or using herbs: 1. Be certain you have the correct plant. 2. Use simples. 3. Understand that different preparations of the same herb can work differently. 4. Use nourishing, tonifying, stimulating, and potentially poisonous herbs wisely. Be Certain You…

The Romans first named this month Quintillis, but later renamed it Julius after Julius Ceasar. July, the seventh month of the current Gregorian calendar and the second month of Summer’s rule, derives its name from Julius (Julius Caesar). July is shared by the astrological signs of Cancer the Crab and Leo the Lion, and is sacred to the following Pagan deities: Apt (or Apet), Athena, Sothis, Spider Woman, and Rosea. The traditional birthstone amulet of July is the ruby; and the larkspur and the water lily are the month’s traditional flowers. The Greek Olympian was held In July, lasting about a week. July Astrological Signs: Cancer, Leo. Nature Spirits: Hobgoblins…

Agrimony Agrimony (“Agrimonia eupatoria”) is also known as Church Steeples, cocklebur, stickwort, sticklewort.  Agrimony is a perennial.  The leaves grow from a tough root and it usually grows in a tall column of flowers, which is where it got its name “Church Steeples”.  It is soft to the touch but not tasty so it does not belong in the kitchen. Agrimony is known for helping with sleep.  If you struggle to sleep at night, you can make a dream bag with agrimony and mugwort in it to promote sleep and dreams.  Ancient lore says not to sleep with Agrimony under the pillow because it will make the person sleep so…

The water is still The photo Black and white Stories told Of men Who have died Knots braided Dreams confiscated Drifting silently Caisson is a friend Who carries truth In the wind And the powder monkey Shines Some will grow old Some will die For freedom or for rights Freedom rings In the ditches and the streams In the blood that flows Like a rainbow beam A battle cry A drum sighs The flags rise As the heartbeat of advance dies Another man fallen Ideals swollen Of thoughts and things Death knows none of these And takes no sides War never ends It repeats again, and again As the men’s…

July 1 The month of July opens in Nepal with the Naga Panchami festival, which is devoted to the Snake-Gods called Nagas. Sacred snake images are displayed on religious altars, offerings are made at snake holes, and parades featuring live serpents fill the main streets of many villages. In Japan, this day is sacred to Fuji, the ancient Japanese goddess of fire. Fuji is also regarded as the grandmother of Japan, and on this special day (which also marks the start of Mount Fuji Climbing Season) she is honored with prayers and burnt offerings. July 2 On this day in ancient times, the citizens of Rome celebrated the Feast of…

What does Metaphysics mean to you? As we expand our knowledge and awareness our beliefs shift as does our vibrational energies. We learn to work with our Spirit Guides embracing their knowledge and guidance whilst learning about our purpose in this life and what it means in the greater scheme of things. We feel the earth retaliating against the increasing amount of lost souls trying to regain balance and head towards 2012, which has a myriad of theories in itself. As we enable our conscious minds to spiral inward and assist us connect to our higher self we cannot help and witness those that have not reached spiritual awareness or…

My House; A Willow Winterborne Mystery…series… Part One: The Dreams As anyone, who knows me at all, will tell you, I have been having House Dreams since I was about 14 years old. Over the years they have varied, and at times I have wondered if it was the a single house I had been dreaming about, at all. What tied every single dream together was the sense, the spirit if you will, of the house. It is always very large; looming, even. Very imposing, and almost grand in its way. It is always very, very old, and sadly in very rough shape. The level of degradation varies from dream…

Tarot, Tea Leaves, and Crystal Balls (Oh My!) A witch can use a spell when s/he has a clear purpose and intent foremost in mind.  The focusing of the will to bring about needed change is an active use of one’s inner abilities.  But there are also times when a more passive ability is called for – when answers are needed.  Instead of speaking we need to listen.  This is when the time-honored tradition of divination comes in handy, and it is as inseparable from witchcraft as magic. With divination the practitioner aims to put aside the typical chatter of the conscious mind so that information from the subconscious/unconscious can…