August Eve

This weekend August 1st, many will celebrate August Eve also known the festivals of the breads. The alter will be decorated with husks of corn and other grains, vegetables, and fruits. It is a time where rites of protection and hope are done for the upcoming harvest. Foods such as barley cakes, wild berries, and fresh vegetables will be served. In keeping with this theme, this week's recipe is one of my favorites. A simple yet delicious corn bread.

2 cups flour - unbleached
2 cups cornmeal
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 heaping Tablespoons sugar
4 large eggs
2 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup of real butter (melted & cooled)

Preheat the oven to 350 (175 C). In small bowl, mix together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and sugar and set aside. In large bowl beat eggs. Whisk, buttermilk and melted butter into the eggs. Add the flour mixture slowly to the egg mixture, blending until combined. Pour mixture into lightly greased pan and bake for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack until ready to serve.

Since we are on the brink of the harvest season, buttermilk and fresh butter are used to please the faery folk who are said to be very active during the harvest seasons and believed by some to help tend our earlier plantings. Remember to break a piece off as an offering. Enjoy

Blessings

Lazy Monday Morning

I woke this morning to find a cloudy day. Rain came down lightly on the roof drumming softly urging me to just stay in bed a bit longer. The covers felt good snuggled up tight around my neck and I could hear my little voice telling me to just stay in bed a little bit more. Yet I knew it was time to rise and to once more start my day.

Slowly I scooted around the house in silence, as I was the only one here. Vincent had left much earlier to begin his work week. I greeted the kittens (Willow, Emma, & Turd) good morning as I entered the utility room. I opened the back door to let them escape to the cool dampness of the morning. They scampered out quickly as they do each day; stopping to greet the other cats that had already began to occupy the back porch. Ah the life of a cat. Eat, sleep, play… then start it all over again. I leaned down to pet each one a bit before I returned to the house to further continue my daily routine.

I picked up a few things in the kitchen and started a load of laundry. Ate my breakfast and took my vitamins. So many things that I can see that I need to do. It is another week and another day. I begin to work on the things that need tended to. My chores take me outdoors once more to feed the cats. They jump and run about my feet, speaking as if urging me to play with them. Seeing some stray weeds in my flower garden I kneel to pull them.

Such a peaceful day it is. The frogs are lined up along side the pond, enjoying the gentle rain as it falls. Birds congregating around the bird feeders to eat their morning snack. A beautiful flicker lands on a nearby willow, displaying all its colors. A lone hummingbird takes turns between the 3 feeders enjoying the fact that he has it all to himself. Even the flowers seem to be enjoying the slowness of this morning. The rain drips off each petal slowly, falling onto another to follow the same sequence again. I find it hard to motivate myself today. I would enjoy to just sit on my back porch and experience the quiet summer rain. And perhaps later, after “some” of my chores are finished… I will do just that.

Enjoy your day
Raelin

Fairy Honey Cakes

Cooking has always been dear to my heart. It seems that when I prepare something for others to eat, it is like giving them a little piece of me. I have always enjoyed eating, especially something that is delicious, and therefore I strive to give my company that same experience when they partake of my creations. They are not grand or exotic, mainly just home-made and tasty. Simple home cook food is what I am most fond of. I am blessed to have local growers who supply me with a variety of garden vegetables and fruits. Farm fresh eggs are also available. I like the natural taste of putting it all together yourself. Yes I know it takes a bit longer to prepare but it tastes so good…

Beginning today and continuing each Wednesday hereafter, a new and creative recipe and/or kitchen tip will be introduced. And requests, feel free to ask. I may not know yet I am willing to try and find out. Today’s recipe is my Fairy Honey Cakes. This is a recipe I only recently found, yet loved it the first time I made them. Needing a cake for my wine & cake rites I stumbled onto it. They are a small spice cake that is simply wonderful with a cup of hot tea or coffee. The honey lends itself to create a sweet crunchy top that is simply to die for. I usually make these in cooler weather, yet recently I found some of the most delicious local honey that I just had to make a batch. Enjoy.

1 ½ cup honey (fresh local honey is best)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup brown sugar packed
½ cup butter (real butter is best)
1 egg
2 cups flour (I prefer the unbleached)
½ teaspoon baking soda
Approximately 2 Tablespoons milk

Sift flour, cinnamon, and soda together in small bowl. In large bowl cream butter and sugar. Separate egg. Add yolk to butter and sugar mix and set white aside for later. Add honey gradually to butter mix. Stirring until blended. Fold in flour mix slowly. Add milk as needed so that the batter is stirable but thick. Whisk the remaining egg white to a stiff froth and fold gently into the batter. Fill muffin tins ½ full. Sprinkle a little sugar on the tops. Natural brown sugar works wonderful. Bake at 425 for 15 -20 minutes.

Blessings

Raelin

My Secret Garden

There is that place for all of us where we go and escape when the stress of everyday life seems to become too much. It is a place that helps us to drift away and find the solace that we so desperately need at that moment. For some it is a good book that takes them away to some other world other than their own. Some lose themselves by closing their eyes and allowing their ears to do the traveling while their favorite music plays softly for some and loudly for others. Each one of us feels that our secret place is the best. And for each individual this fact is true. As we each have our perfect fit.

For myself, I feel that I am truly blessed. On an early morning, just as the sun begins to peek over the horizon, or at the end of a busy day, I can go to my special place and it always seems that all the worries just pass and life is just pleasant. I am speaking of my yard, yet to me it is my secret garden. From the moment we laid eyes on our property I knew that it was special and that it would hold a dear place in my heart.

It is a large yard of about 3 acres with a small pond just off to the side. Willow trees circle the pond while large and small bullfrogs line its bank. A variety of birds have called it home and frequent the bird feeders that are scattered through out. Our many cats and kittens can be seen running and playing in the coolness of the morning or lounging in the heat of the afternoon. The sounds are simply that of peace. Although we have a few neighbors near, we are off the beaten track of the noisiness of a city or the road of a busy highway.

As the years have passed we have worked hard on tending it. Many of the willows that circled the pond initially were damaged in an earlier ice storm. However this clearing made room for other things. Smaller flowering shrubs and scads of wildflowers now grow in their place. A tree house has been built in the large elm and a small wild flower bed is tended beneath her. The squirrels frequent the woodpile nearby as well as the feeder that is consistently filled with their favorite morsels. Large fairy rings fill the yard near the time of the full moon and gifts left under the small oak, which I tended from a sapling, are welcomed by the bunnies that also enjoy the lavender and rosemary that grow along side. We have had an abundance of wild animals visit throughout our time here. Deer, geese, turkey, roadrunners, coyotes, turtles, armadillos, to just name a few lend their presence on occasion. It is a refuge. Not only for us yet for anyone or anything that comes to visit.

It will change even more as time passes and become even dearer to my heart. For it is my place of peace. Where I know I can go and all my troubles for that time will be gone, or at least made lighter. It is a place where my head is cleared and my thoughts once again run freely and uncluttered. Yes, I do love nature and all her glory. For she is where we all first came from. Our sweet dear mother earth. How in her simplicity she shows us her wonder. And just like a mothers soft words, her beauty calms us once again.

Blessings Raelin

Content Copyright 2009 – Mother Moon’s Message – All rights Reserved

Cleaning the Closet

It is funny sometimes how we try so hard to do what we feel to be the "right" thing. Sometimes times our efforts lead us to do exactly the opposite. Either that or the end product does not come out in a manner that is exactly pleasing to us or what we wanted to show to those around us.

In learning about my abilities there have times that I have wavered from what I have felt led to do because it did seem to exactly fall into the guidelines of what I thought was proper. Much of this would be due to my newness to the craft as well as my thirst to find out more by reading. I have learned that there are many books out there with many ideas and methods as to how one should "practice the craft" It can be extremely confusing for one who is searching to find the paths that they are to take in their journey. One bad book or ill advice from someone can set you back or lead you down a path that could detour you from your course for some time.

I know that many would consider me green at this. And in some ways I feel I am. However, I also know and firmly believe that it has been with me forever. I vividly remember events from my early childhood and throughout my life of its presence. No, I was not raised in its teachings on a day to day basis. I was not blessed to have some old sage lend me their knowledge throughout my life. Yet still it has always been with me.

My acceptance of it in the last years has cleared out much of the clutter that had been put in my mind before. It is much like cleaning out an old closet. Getting rid of the things that you truly do not need. Yet holding on to those that are precious or may be of some use at a later time. I have learned that trusting my own intuition is of the utmost importance. I listen and seek out wise counsel. In fact I would say I crave it. I know the value of the wise and aged and the simple truth of the young. I know the nuggets of gold that they possess within them to share if only we sit and listen. These moments I cherish and only wish for more.

I urge you all to trust yourself. Trust the gifts that have been given to you to hold.... to share... Do not hide yourself away or think yourself more important than others. Seek the path that you are called to follow and travel down it.

Wishing you a blessed day
Raelin

Content Copyright 2009 - Mother Moons Message - All rights reserved

New Moon Rising

There is a new moon rising tonight. And no I am not talking about the new Twilight movie. It is the phase of the moon where the moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. The three objects are in alignment and the illuminated half of the moon is on the back side, or the half which is not visible to us. Thus making it appear as if there is no moon at all.

Likewise at this same time a total solar eclipse is set to occur at the same time. A solar eclipse can only occur at the time of a new moon. July 21st not only marks the date of the new moon but also marks the date of the total solar eclipse. Unfortunately this eclipse will not be visible in the Americas but will only be seen by those in Asia and over the Pacific Ocean. It will occur at 9:35 pm Central time.

This will be the second new moon in cancer this year. The first new moon under cancer occurred on June 22. With this timing comes times of emotional sensitivity as well as deep thoughts and feelings in regards to the impressions of the heart. Examples: Family Personal history, etc. It is a time for self reflection on oneself and the discarding of things that may be harmful to us. This coupled with the occurring solar eclipse is sure to possibly be a turning point for many.

To many a solar eclipse is a time that brings about clear endings, as the new moon is a time for new beginnings. It seems only fitting that the two should join forces with one another. If you are accustomed to recognizing and celebrating the phases of the moon and/or eclipses, tonight would be a good time to rid yourself of anything that may be weighting you down. This could range from emotional baggage to a simple acceptance of a truth that you have been trying to avoid. It is important to come up with a ritual that has meaning to you. Don't worry so with following specific guidelines unless of course you are part of an organized group.

As with any spell the most important key to its success is to believe and to follow up. Find ways to keep your New Moon intentions in a place where they will be visible to your awareness on a frequent basis. Good examples of this are writing in your journal, a small note in your wallet, or something that represents your intention in visible sight.

The new moon represents new beginnings. An opportunity to start fresh and to cease bad habits or anything that may be unhealthy to us. This evening take a moment to be alone and acknowledge the moon and her wonderful ways, giving to her your worries and burdens so that you can start fresh. Remember that even as the light of the moon is hidden from us, the light is still there and will return in time.

Peace & Blessings

Raelin

Poetry in Motion - The Life of an Empath

I was a quiet child growing up. Much of the time I kept to myself. I felt close and at peace with small animals and nature in general. Simply sitting beneath a large oak with my kittens listening to the day was enough for me. I loved this so much because it was quiet, it was peaceful. The overload of many people or just one emotionally charged person often was enough to get to me. For so long I did not know why I felt so. I accepted it for many years that it was just my over - sensitivity. As all my senses seemed to be heightened at all times. Sometimes this could be a grand thing and the euphoria of it was amazing. At other times it could drag me to the depths of some hallows that I thought I would never escape. As time passed I learned that what I experienced though my life was the fact that I was an Empath.

An Empath is one who has the capability to sense and/or read and understand peoples feelings and thoughts. It can also include sensing and being able to read past present and future life occurrences. Empathy is not merely reading ones mood. It entails much more then this. An Empath can see ones true emotions to the extent that they relate to the deeper feelings and not merely what the person may show on the surface. Such ability can be experienced towards many things. Depending on the strength of one's ability, this could range from friends, family, children, old people, complete strangers, and even plants and animals. Distance is also not necessarily a barrier to some.

An Empath is a highly sensitive person. Therefore often their gift is mistaken simply as over-sensitivity. However the difference is that an Empath along with the heightened sensitivity also has a deep sense of knowing. Many times this knowledge and how it came about is unexplained. An Empath is also often a very caring and compassionate person. This is thought mainly because of their ability to know exactly what one may be going through although they may not necessarily speak it out loud.

The strength of an Empath varies for many reasons. Self awareness, understanding, and training of the gift all lend itself to enable the ability to be stronger. Most Empaths are not fully aware of their gifts until later in life. This is usually due to the fact that their tendencies can be explained off in alternative ways. This lends itself to the confusion the Empath endures when he first accepts and develops his gift. Without adequate encouragement and explanation of the evolution of empathy in someone the beginning can be a very lonely and confusing time.

Empaths are known for being good listeners and counselors. They are often compassionate towards nature and respect it for the gift of beauty it gives. They are often drawn to nature as a means of release. It becomes the perfect time to find solace and peace from the craziness of life. Pets are also usually a favorite of Empaths. It offers a natural unconditional love. An Empath is often quiet and may not handle flattery well. They feel more inclined to speak of others attributes as their own. Although they can also be withdrawn and somewhat narcissistic, reclusive, and unresponsive. This is normally due to the fact that they have learned to be very good at total shut down and pushing all feeling out of their lives, including their own.

In closing the life of an Empath, whether they know this about themselves or they still have not accepted or realized it, can be a hard one. Imagine hearing thoughts on a rather continuous basis. Emotions, good and bad. It has a tendency to at times become quite burdensome. I am including some simple tips on how to ground or cleanse yourself to help some of the weight be a little less.

Think of it as clearing your energy. The simple most effective way is to simply take a warm bath. Not a shower as it just runs down you. It does not envelope you and help to was away that emotional gunk that tends to build up at times. You don't necessarily need candles or bath salts, however both can lend itself to the relaxing of the time. And above all, make sure you are alone in the quietness. Doing this before one goes to bed is an excellent remedy for a good nights sleep, less the bad dreams that some of those carried over emotions can urge you to have.

Second a walk or just a calming few minutes outside with nature and her sounds. This can be done anywhere yet it is best if it is where the sounds of man are not as evident. If this is not possible, go outside and put on your earphones with your favorite music turned low. Close your eyes and just feel the breeze of the wind, the warmth of the sun or better still a warm summer rain falling down on you. Standing in the rain and allowing nature herself to help wash the emotional grime from you is even better.

A nice smoldering sage bundle is also a good way to ward off the negative energy that may be lingering. If you do not necessarily enjoy this smell lighted incense will also work. Try to used a scent that enhances the cleansing action. ie: frankincense, myrrh, sandalwood, etc.

Remember above all that you don't have to be alone. There are many of us out there. Goggling Empath alone brings up numerous sites to explain and offer help. Reach out to others. This will help the process of accepting and developing your gift. And if you are a friend of an empath, remember one thing. There will be times when they may wish to go off for a brief time to regenerate themselves. This is in no way personal. It is a good thing and something all empaths need from time to time.

Until tomorrow
Blessings & Peace
Raelin

Content Copyright 2009 - Mother Moon's Message - All rights reserved

The Solitary

Although I know that there are many that frown upon the one who may call themselves a Solitary Practitioner, in many ways we have all been one at some time in our journey. Most commonly it is at the beginning when we are questioning ourselves and learning about the craft. Even those who eventually choose to join a group, whether it be to learn and grow or to practice in the way they feel is proper (being led by an elder), in the beginning we were all a solitary.

There are many reasons one may choose the solitary path. Some are unable to find a coven in their area. Others may simply prefer to practice alone. Through out history there is reference to the solitary. The irony of this fact is that the history is referenced further back than even the organized coven. One would think that because I choose to follow the path of the solitary that I emphasize this more. On the contrary, I believe that each of us are individuals. Different gifts, different paths to walk. Because of this, some of us will work with others best as this will help to emphasize and hone the gifts that have been given us. Whereas others must walk alone. I also believe that even though one walks the path of one that this does not necessarily mean it is what they may prefer. The path of the solitary can be a lonely one. Those who have chosen this way understand what I refer to.

It is important that although our craft is practiced alone that still we commune with those of like thoughts. In my past until just recent, I did not do this. Many reasons can be given for why I did not, yet I know now looking back how much harder this made things. My coming to the point of acceptance was held back longer than possibly it would've been if I had acknowledged my way and allowed others with like minds into my life. My environment was not one that encouraged this way of thinking. On the contrary it was quite the opposite. One would like to think that through time man has become more open minded and allowed each to have their own thoughts. That the day of forced beliefs was a thing of the past. Yet honestly the punishment is just more subtle these days. True depending on your location there can be more of an acceptance for difference. Although still many do not like things that are different or that challenge their sense of security. All the more reason to hold firm to your beliefs.

In closing I urge those of you who are solitaires to continue to learn. In the walk of the solitary, learning is essential, as there are not others to share ideas or teach old ways. It can not be stressed enough how important it is to read on the subject. A couple books that are excellent references are Wicca For One by Buckland and Living Wicca by Cunningham. Both explain the path of the solitary and gives excellent insight to a simplistic manner of initiating your journey. And fellowship with others. One because it is helpful in your journey and also because it is just a good thing. Until next time, I leave you with blessings and wishes of good things to come.

Peace
Raelin

Content Copyright 2009 - Mother Moons Message - All rights Reserved

A New Beginning

Today is a new beginning. Not only in regards to the beginning of this blog, Raelin's Rantings and/or Mother Moon's Message, yet also for each one of you and the billion of others that walk this world. It is an opportunity to change, to do more, to do less, to follow that which is so strongly calling your name. The choice falls equally on each of us. No one has more, no one has less of the ability to do any of what is laid before us.

As far back as I can remember in my memory, which is about when I was 2 or 3, I can recall a sense about me that there was something special about me. My environment in no way encouraged this sense yet still it flourished hidden deep inside of me. For this I am so thankful. Events that took place throughout my life good and bad together entwined to form what I have become today. I was not fortunate to have a guide at an early age. My influence was thus that it kept me from that which I would eventually realize was my calling, what I was created for.

It is an amazement that when one accepts their fate, how easy the road becomes. How smoothly it begins to fold out before you. Things that before were so clouded and difficult to make sense of are now so obvious. I have learned that there are so many that feel lost and confused as to what is calling inside of them. They know what their hearts are saying to them, yet at times the guidance that is so desperately wanted and needed is not there. We are told that we are attempting to walk down the wrong path. It is not that we are weak people who can not follow what we believe in, we are just confused and unsure of what we should do.

Thus today... thus the new beginning. I reach out to those who are like me.. To those who have just recently accepted the path and are attempting to walk down its pale trail as best they can. I also reach out to those of you who have long been on the journey. Your experience and wisdom is so greatly needed by so many. It is not a time to try to become a great leader of many but a time to share in what we all know with each other so that as a group we may move forward.

It is my prayer that together slowly at first, we will grow, learning from one another. And in time we ourselves will reach out our hand to one who is searching for answers, searching for truth, searching for acceptance. It is after all what we are all here for.

Blessings

Raelin

Content Coopyright 2009 - Mother Moons Message - All rights reserved