Journal of a Novice Witch – part 2
Well this month
has been very busy and has gone by very quickly. Since my last blog we’ve had a Blue Moon and
the Autumn Equinox. It’s turned from
summer to autumn (and at times winter!!).
The turning of the year has been very noticeable, and this has been apt because
my studies have been about the wheel of the year.
For my studies I
had to think about each Sabbat and what is happening at the time of year it takes
place. Then I had to bring together my
own list of correspondences for each Sabbat based on my experiences,
observations and knowledge, rather than to simply research from books etc.
I have to admit that some of it was harder
than I thought it would be, as I found it hard to think of an herb or tree for
some Sabbats without looking up what the generally accepted ones would be. Trees were particularly difficult despite the
fact that I walk in the woods often and interact with the trees regularly,
whether this is simply saying ‘hello’, or energy sharing, or removing debris
and broken branches that have got wedged in them etc.
Trees are also
always there no matter what time of year it is, they are there in all their
majesty, bare in the winter, growing shoots in early spring, leafing in later
spring, their leaves turning darker as the summer progresses until they change into
their autumnal glory before floating to the ground. So I found it very hard to choose one for
each Sabbat.
But, I did
eventually decide which ones would represent my Sabbats, and after a lot of
thought and reflection I draw up my list of correspondences, although I am sure
these will change as I work more fully and more spiritually with the wheel of
the year.
I didn’t have
problems with all the correspondences though, particularly with the colours and crystals; colours because I spend
a lot of time out in nature, even on days when I could happily stay indoors,
you know those days when it is lashing down with rain and blowing a hooley. But, you can’t be a fair whether witch when
you have three dogs that don’t care what the weather is like! So, I am out every day, come rain or shine,
and I have my favourite walks, the woods obviously, but also Maiden Castle, an
Iron Age Hillfort, a stone’s throw away from me. Now, Maiden Castle is in the middle of
farming land, and there are many hedgerows separating the fields and footpaths,
so anyone that walks here, or in the woods, cannot help but notice the turning
of the seasons: the colours of the trees, the colour of the land as it is
ploughed, sown and harvested, and colours of the hedgerows that bud, leaf,
flower and fruit. So, this put me in
good stead for drawing up my colour correspondences.
And as for Crystals,
well they are one of my passions and I work with them a lot, so I need say no
more…
And, talking of Sabbats, there was of
course the Autumn Equinox/Mabon on the 22nd of this month. I made my first ‘proper’ Sabbat altar and
made some candles to burn on the night.
I also attended
the Dorset Grove ritual on the 15th, it was a beautiful ritual, the
weather was wonderful, the lovely Kitchen Witch team were there, including Arthur
bear, and I attended my first handfasting (of Rita and Dennis) that took place
during the ritual. The whole experience
was very special and something I will remember for a very long time (pics can
be seen at www.dorsetgrove.co.uk/gallery.htm).
I have to say that
with each ritual I attend I feel more and more rooted within my pagan path. It feels so right, like a coming home, and I
away feel so positive and full of energy afterwards. If you haven’t been to a ritual before I
would recommend it if you have a great Grove near you, or can get to the
Kitchen Witch rituals in Queen Elizabeth Park.
Sadly though, I
didn’t get to the Kitchen Witch Mabon Ritual on the 22nd (or the
Stonehenge one), but I have seen the pictures and the blogs, and it seems I
missed two special events (pics and blog can be seen on the Kitchen Witch
Facebook page - www.facebook.com/kitchenwitchuk).
I am still doing
my branch studies in runes, tarot and magical herbs, there’s so much I want to
learn, I could do with that time machine thingy that Hermione Granger had in
Harry Potter, but in reality, I just need to learn patience and work diligently
at my studies, and enjoy the experience however long it takes me. Patience is a virtue; unfortunately it’s one
I don’t have……
So, here we are at
the end of September (already - eeek).
The nights are drawing in, the mornings and evenings are cooler, and the
dark mornings are noticeable too, especially when the alarm goes off and it’s
dark and feels like the middle of the night!
But round the
corner is Samhain, and I get the impression the Kitchen Witch team are very
fond of this particular Sabbat! My open
fire will soon be going, and the cosy dark evenings will be perfect for
catching up on the numerous books I have to read and for my studies and
practice.
So next month I
will be chatting about Samhain, and my next study subject – Esbats – this is
going to be another great study time as I am a moon girl at heart, strongly
influenced by the moon’s power. In fact
as I have been writing this it has got dark and I will soon be able to see the
moon in all her fullness - time to select some crystals to go out and bath in
her energy I think.
Til next time.
Love and
blessings.
Earthshine. xx
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