Forever Entwined–A Love Story

Once a bard by the name of Phelim was blessed with the birth of a daughter. Her name was Deidre.  At the time of her birth, a wise druid foretold that the child would grow to be beautiful beyond compare.  Her beauty would be such, that wars would eventually be fought over her and death would come to many.

When hearing the words that were said by the druid, many in the surrounding area began to believe that death to the child soon and quickly would be the best resort.  Then there would be no way that the future could come to pass.  Yet Conor MacNess, King of Ulster, would not hear of such a happening.  He took the child and swore to marry her when she became of age.  She would be forever hidden from the world to avoid the prophecy coming to pass.

 

King Ulster bid the care of young Deidre to Lavercham, an old nurse that was in the kingdom.  He would visit Deidre from time to time.  As she grew it was quite obvious that she was indeed beautiful.  As time came near for her to wed King Ulster, she confided in her nurse that she longed for a younger man, as King Ulster was much her senior.

 

Thus Lavercham became her link to the outside world and soon her link to Naoise.  Naoise was one of the three sons of Usna and himself was quite handsome.  Their love grew strong and quickly.  Because young love is forever spontaneous, they fled to Scotland where they were to be protected by Naoise other two brothers.  They lived in peace there for many years.  But all good things do end and there was a prophecy to fulfil.

 

King Conoro was by no means happy when Deidre had fled in the night.  For although he was acting out of the kindness of his heart in the beginning when he saved the young child, he had grown to desire Deidre more and more as she grew.  Her beauty had surely captivated him and he could not stand to have her as his wife.  Through cunning ways he managed to entice them to return to Ireland.

 

As foretold war began and blood was spilt.  The three sons of Usna were slain.  This in turn left Deidre at the mercy of King Conoro, which was exactly as he had planned.  For a year and one day Deidre lived with King Conoro.  Yet in this time she never spoke one word nor did she ever smile. 

 

At the end of a year and one day, she committed suicide.  From her place of burial, a Yew tree sprouted growing to the heavens, its branches hanging low to the ground as if to weep.  The branches were said to have twined and spread across the country side eventually finding what they sought, the grave of her beloved Naoise.  Twining themselves together as one they remained through time.

Taken from

The Celts ~ by Frank Delaney

Old Yew, which graspest at the stones

That name the under-lying dead,

Thy fibres net the dreamless head,

Thy roots are wrapt about the bones.

~Tennyson~

The Yew and Fairy Realm

 

A tradition is current in Mathavarn, in the parish of Llanwrin, and the Cantref  of Cyfeillioc, concerning a certain wood called Ffridd yr Ywen or the Forest of the Yew.  It is so called on account of the so called magical yew tree that grows exactly in the middle of the forest.  Under the tree there is a fairy circle called The Dancing Place of the Goblin.  There are several fairy circles in the Forest of the Yew, but the one under the yew tree in the middle has the legend connected with it. 

Many years ago two farm hands with the names of Twm and Iago journeyed to do a days work in the Forest of the Yew.  It was early in the afternoon when the forest began to fill with a thick mist.  The mist was so thick and blocked the sun to the point the young men thought that the sun was beginning to set, thus they prepared to journey home.  When they came to yew tree in the center of the forest, the mist was no longer there and the light of the sun had once again returned. 

Believing it was now too early too venture home they decided to lie beneath the great Yew tree and take a nap.  In time, Twm woke to find that Iago was no longer slumbering with him beneath the great yew.  Concluding that Iago had probably awaken before him and started his way home, Twm did likewise, having no reason to think different. 

 

As morning came and Twm went to fetch Iago for the next days work, he was perplexed to find that he was not there.  In fact he had not been seen since the previous day.  Being asked by several on the whereabouts of Iago, Twm finally admitted to their adventure the day before and how they had fallen asleep inside the fairy circle which lie beneath the great yew in the center of the forest.  They searched for days throughout the forest and the country side yet no sign of Iago could be found. 

 

Still wondering on the whereabouts of his friend as well as the stories that circled about the odd happenings in the forest, Twm decided to seek the advice of gwr cyfarwydd (a conjuror).  The man gave to Twm this advice and stressed that he follow it exactly.

 

Go to the same place where you and Iago had napped.  Return exactly one year from the time that he was last seen.  Make sure that it is the same day of the year and the same time of the day, yet do not step foot inside the fairy ring.  Stand on the border of the fairy ring and he will return with the fae to dance around the circle.  When he is close enough, grab hold of his hand and snatch him from the circle.

 

Twm did just this and rightfully so, Iago and the fairies came out and began to dance around the fairy ring.  As he circled near Twm, his hand was grabbed and Twm pulled him out. When questioned about his whereabouts and his slimmer look, Iago gave no information.  He only remembered his nap beneath the tree the year before.

'Plucked from the Fairy Circle' from

British Goblins – Wirt Sikes

Ancestral Connections–The Yew Fairy

As with the ancient Yew, the Yew fairy is likewise one of great wisdom.  She is the oldest of all tree spirits and thus her powers are the same.  Because she is said to carry such ancient wisdom, her message is often difficult to pass simply as mere words.  It is in the form of visions that she communicates with whom she chooses. 

 

In this manner she conveys a connection with the eternal as well as revealing an ancestral knowledge that may very well be long lost.  In doing so she often connects those of todays with those of years passed.  By being the conduit between two times,  something that may have been lost over the years can once again be regained in the child of today.

The Yew–Tree of Eternity

Green Man Tree Oracle - Ancient Wisdom from the Spirit of Nature

 

Planet – Saturn and Pluto

 

Element – Earth and Water

 

Symbolism – Tree of Life, Immortality, Rebirth, Change, Reincarnation, Longevity

 

Metal  - Lead

 

Birds – Eagle and Hummingbird

 

Colors – Black and Dark Green

 

Fifth vowel and last letter of the Ogham Alphabet Idho

 

Represents  the Winter Solstice- December 21st – Yule

With Age Comes Wisdom

I often think back during situations of my lifetime to words of wisdom that were spoke to me.  I will admit that I do it much more often now that I have aged somewhat myself then I did when I was of a younger age.  I think that could be true for many of us.  At a young age we tend to turn our ears away from words spoken to us as a means to help guide us a bit more straight in life.  But then when one is young we are ready to conquer the world and we wish to do it in our own manner, learning our own lessons… right or wrong.  It is human nature I guess.

 

Yet through time we store those morsels of truth and guidance back in a corner of our minds.  As time progresses we are more apt to rummage through the old boxes and take them out again.  Many times we will even mount them and admire and live by them.  After of course we have learned from them.

 

It is usually the aged that silently sit back and watch the young do their thing.  A smile crosses over their face when no one is looking as they think back to a time they themselves were the same.  Some are graced with the ability to translate their message so that it may be listened to and possibly even acted upon.  Yet many know better than to speak up and offer a piece of their wisdom learned through the years. It is usually not until such relics have passed on that we realize the wonderful treasures that were hidden in their words.  Sadly too often it is not until then that we realize the worth of what they gave us and the loss of what we did not take.

 

It is believed that the Yew may very well be the oldest living tree.  Much of this belief is attributed to the manner in which it grows.  It can grow to great size.  Eventually through time it will begin to decay and start to hollow out.  Still determined and resilient a  new sprout will come forth from the soft compost of the decay allowing it to continue its existence. 

 

It is not just in this manner that it continues it life span.  Its branches also re root  and eventually will grow into trunks of new trees.  Because of this small new trees can be found around the area of the yew. If transplanted these trees will grow easily into new Yews themselves.  The prolific nature of the Yew can be found in many forms. Its continual manner of rebirthing itself makes it easy to see how it is associated with transformation and regeneration. 

 

I liken it to the phoenix.  Who through its fiery death will always come forth from the ashes and once again thrive.  Each time being more adept and capable to adapt to its surroundings and circumstances.  The yew allows nothing, save mere destruction, to end its cycle.  In truth even that may not be able to annihilate it.  It has survived for millions of years with evidence pointing it back to the Triassic era.  Translated to something most would understand, that is 200,000,000 years

 

Imagine the wisdom that such a life  could tell.  Living such a span of time and silently watching all that transpired around it.  The changes that came and went.  The secrets that were whispered beneath it as it stood and listened. The wonderful stories it could weave for us. The wonderful lessons it could teach.

My Journey With the Yew

I find it odd that in all my writings in regard to Celtic Tree Lore that I never dove deeper in to the incredible Yew.  Coming into my life last fall with such vigor, it made a point of gaining my attention.  Not in a quick manner, yet one which developed over time. Much like the Yew itself.

Morsel by morsel I learned of its beauty and wisdom.  Each time a piece was found I was eager to start searching for the next.  I eventually reached a point of almost craving its nourishment. Likewise a feeling of hunger would come if I waited too long to satisfy my cravings.  

Despite its warnings of toxicity in almost every manner, save its berry, I still could not keep myself from it.  It called me like that pint of Ben and Jerry's I keep hidden in the back of my freezer.  Knowing I should eat sparingly, yet finding it hard to control myself.
 
I promised to share some of my treats with friends and followers, thus here I am. I warn you though, a taste of such delicacies may capture your curious palate as well.  In the days to follow a morsel will be laid out for you.  Will you come casually at first, out of curiosity.  Only to find yourself waiting for the next plate to be set on the blogging table?  We will see.. My hope? You will do just that and when this series is complete you may find yourself missing your daily treat and even then yourself go and forage for your own tender morsels. 

Bon Appetit…..

Sacred and Silent ~ The Everlasting Yew

On occasion we are blessed with an occurrence in our lives that touches us deeply.  I am of the belief that too often such opportunities are lost to us because of the multitude of noises we allow to clutter our thoughts and mind each day.  Such moments are often sitting silently not in the foreground but in the shade of life. 

 

Some time back I read “The Sin Eaters Last Confession” as well as “Walking With the Sin Eater” by Ross Heaven.  (Another such blessed occurrence in my life).  Although I loved both books tremendously, the one thing that seemed to stay with me more than anything from them was to take my time walking through nature (as well as life).  Tromping along heavy footed, not looking where you are going will almost always assure that you will step on something that you should have taken the time to savor.  I have implemented this act into my life and have been rewarded in so many ways.  From the tiny little blue flowers that cover my yard in the early months of spring to my wonderful experience and true introduction to the Yew Tree.

 

I had wrote about the Yew in my earlier Celtic Tree Lore series.  I had regurgitated all the attributes of it and its many forms of symbolism as well as uses etc.  Yet I did them without a personal connection to this wonderful tree.   I love how life has this wonderful little way of helping us to learn from our folly at times.  This was my experience with the Yew. 

 

Once a people pleaser I think forever a people pleaser.  Even when you come to grip with the fact that you can not make everyone happy all the time, you still have a yearning to try as best you can.  This is somewhat my motto with my crafting of runes.  It took some time to come to a point where I felt I could actually craft a set of runes for someone else.  I have always felt that the crafting of ones own tools is best and infuses the strongest amount of strength into them.  Yet because of consistent requests I finally began to do so for others.  Still I wanted to help incorporate as much as I could of the one requesting them into my crafting.  This included an attempt to craft from any type of wood requested if I was able to obtain it.  My first experience with this was mesquite, which I was able to obtain via my son who was working in the Texas Panhandle near New Mexico, a place where Mesquite grows in abundance.  It was a lovely experience and likewise I obtained a special love for the wood. 

 

My courtship with Yew was a bit more drawn out and lengthy.  A set which was requested in October of 2012 and did not get filled until just this last month, a time of almost six months.  What started as a customer who did not know what form of wood she wanted took a winding road of decision until she finally arrived at the Silent Yew.  Her explanations for its choice via correspondence coupled with my own research on the tree would lead me on a journey of respect, admiration and a sincere adoration for the tree.  She eventually sent me a branch from a Yew she had in her yard. Upon its arrival let me say it was love at first sight.  A beautiful branch of almost 5 feet with foliage still attached.  

 

As I said earlier, it is always best when the experience can be a personal one.  The lessons seem to stay with one longer and the imprint and connection is that much stronger.  In the coming days, I would like to share with you some of the wonders I have come to learn from the Yew.  I hope you will come and take the journey with me. 

The Yew

The wind has sighed upon my leaves
Through many ages passed
A sheltered place for he who grieves
Beneath my branches vast

I reach above towards the sky
`Midst ancient slabs to dwell
O touch me and you yet shall die
Beware the tolling bell

Behold my splendid aspect fixed
Against the falling sun
As there I stand, alone, betwixt
All heav`n and everyone

(Magnificent her posture be
Her shadow softly falls
Upon all those now ever free
Laid down behind stone walls)

Enfolded deep within my boughs
I`ll bear your wearied soul
To carry you, not e`er to rouse,
Then meetly deem you whole

To thus transform and so renew
All set beyond this earth
Deliver each as pure and true
And grant e`erlasting birth

Valerie Dohren ~

An Invitation for Yew

As many of you know one of the reasons that I have been infrequent with blogging the last year or so is that I have been giving more time to my Etsy site.  When Vincent had his stroke in February of 2012 much of my year swept by me in what could be described as a whirlwind.  It seemed that the first few months were somewhat of a blur and before I knew it was fall. 

 

It was working with my runes that gave me much of the solace I needed during this time as well as a well needed communion with nature again.  I am one of those kind of people that get excited when I get to dig in the dirt and feel it fall between my fingers or smell its rich aroma.  The same can be said for when I work with wood.  Yet I found that working with natural wood (directly from the tree) gave me even more.  I had never really thought of myself as a wood worker yet always back in the depths of me there was this yearning to be.

 

My Celtic Tree blogs also were something that helped to add to my love of the tree.  I look at trees as not just an access to an abundance of wood.  Personally I prefer them to give the wood to me and then work with it. This is what I have tried faithfully to do in all of my adventures.  Yet there are times when I feel that the act of them giving themselves to me involves me actually taking a branch from them.  

Last October I was asked to craft a set of runes for a woman back east.  She was not sure what type of wood she wanted so I did not start to craft them immediately.  We corresponded back and forth discussing the various varieties and their attributes.  I did not think much of it at first but as time continued I began to wonder. 

I just finished her runes last night as I charged them by the full moon.  Yes it took almost 6 months.  The wood eventually decided upon was Yew.  She even sent me a branch from the tree in her yard.  It was the first encounter I had had with this kind of tree or this kind of wood.  Yet it was love at first sight.  I began researching the Yew when I learned of her choice and at first I have to say was a bit apprehensive.  There were many articles warning of the poisonous traits it carried.  I wondered if I should even attempt it.  Yet likewise I found articles that assured me by others who had worked with it that I would be glad I did.  They were all careful to tell me to take the necessary safety precautions.  Which of course I did.

 

When the branch arrived in the mail I was in awe.  An evergreen with the most delicate leaves and branches.  I was able to get two sets of runes from the branch as well as some cuts for bind runes, wands, oghams, and more. Why am I telling you this you may ask

 

Well I believe that each experience is given to us to learn from. That is of course if we listen with a good ear.  In the following weeks I wish to share with you some of what I have learned about the ever sacred Yew.  I hope that you will stop by on occasion to take part in this part of my lesson.  Till then I wish you a wonderful Thursday and many blessings. 

The Lore of the Ent–Shepherd of the Forest

Being a lover of trees it is no surprise that I take great fondness in Ent lore.  For those of you who may not know what an Ent is…. An Ent is a race in Tolkien’s Trilogy “Lord of the Rings”.  They were the shepherds of the forest and themselves resembled  giant trees.  Although they did so in a very slow manner, they were able to travel and converse when the need or desire arose. They were an ancient race, if not one of the first.  They were first woken by the Elves it is said and slowly taught to speak and help the Elves themselves learn their language.  

 

The best known Ent is probably Tree Beard.  He of course was the keeper of Merry and Pippin for a time during the movie version of the “war of the Ring”.  Although if by chance you read the book, you will also know of Quickbeam or Bregalad as he was sometimes called.  He as a younger Ent.  Definitely not as mature as the others.  It was his job to guard over the Rowan groves.  His name “Quickbeam” is another word for Rowan or Mountain Ash.  Being younger he was not always as patient as the older Ents.  His second name “Bregalad” means hastiness, something that an Ent is not usually associated with.  It was Quickbeam who first wanted to attack Saruman and Isengard.  He had seen first hand the destruction of many of the rowan groves in which he was entrusted.

 

Although from a book thought fiction, I can not help but wonder what the trees of today must think.  It was said that as time continued, the Ents themselves began to slow and take less of a part in the world.  This decision helped them to become more “treeish”.  They did not travel as much and thus found a suitable place to stay for long periods of time.  When this was done in many cases, they would take root and remain, thus becoming more as a tree then an Ent.  Still I am sure that they kept their slow sense of observance.  Watching the world as it traveled by in time.  The acts of nature as well as man was surely part of their daily show.  I have always found that trees hold a sense of deepness to them, especially the trees that seem to have been for years and years.  What must they have seen.  What secrets they could tell.  I often go among the trees and just listen.  They hold so much inside… they have so much to tell and so few who will listen.  Like the tale of Ents it is not a task that can move quickly.  It is one of patience and  quietness.  Yet if one gives the time and a willful ear, who knows what one may hear. 

 

Blessings

Rowan–The Protecting Dragon

For those of you who have followed my blog for a time you will remember previous post surrounding Celtic Tree Lore.  This is an area which is very dear to my heart as the willows which surround my home as well as the wee (which is not so wee anymore) oak which I nurtured from a twig have all help to show me the wonderful relationship that one can have with such creatures if they allow themselves to be open.  I have had much comment and question in regards to these post.  Therefore I am going to bring them back and try and probe a bit deeper than before into their attributes as well as the magic that each of them can give to us. 

 

With today being Chinese New Year as well as the beginning of the year of the Dragon, it seems only fitting that we start off with the Rowan tree.  January 21st, was the beginning of the Tree Month of Rowan. Associated with the dragon, the Rowan tree is a symbol of protection and defense. Believing that Rowan could ward off evil spirits the Celts often used it on a daily basis.  During the festivities of Beltane, garlands of Rowan would be fashioned and tied with string which had been dyed red using the Rowan berry.  These garlands were then put on livestock as well as the animals stalls to ward off evil.  One might even see a cow with springs of rowan hanging from her tail held only by the brightly red strings. 

 

Rowan trees intentionally were  planted in churchyards to protect and watch over the spirits of the dead. As the body was being carried to the churchyard for burial, it would be sat beneath a Rowan during any stops needing to be made.  This insured that the soul which had departed would not be taunted by any evil before it was finally laid to rest. 

 

Bracelets made of rowan berries were worn by the women as a means of protection.  As well as cross necklaces fashioned from rowan wood.  Such wooden crosses were also often placed at the head of a newborn’s cradle as a means of protection.  It was believed that a child who was born with exceptional beauty or charm was often sought out by the fairy folk.  The Rowan was believed to keep the fairy from doing such mischief.  

 

Many believe that Rowan has the power to protect one from the mischief of fairies.  As this may be true, the Rowan is also a tree which is most loved and cherished by the wee folk.  It is believed that anyone found harming a Rowan runs the risk of bringing upon themselves the wrath of the fairies. It is through the method of grave illness that the fairies are said to  get their revenge.  However I do not believe that anyone should harm any tree for no reason.  There is an old Irish legend  called the Forest of Dooros.  It was said that the fairies which lived in this forest loved the Rowan tree.  Even more so they loved to partake of the Rowan berry.  Nothing seemed to bring them more delight.  As they ventured from fairyland to mortal land they would bring the berry as nourishment.  Yet on one occasion one of the berries brought from fairyland fell to the ground without them knowing .  From this berry grew a great Rowan tree.  The berries which it bore tasted sweeter than honey itself.  It was said that if one ate just one it would render then drunk.  If one ate two berries they would live for a hundred years.  If they continued and ate three berries they would become as if they were thirty years old again, and thus stay that way for a hundred years.  They fairies knew that their magic needed protection.  They asked a great giant named Sharvan to watch over the tree for them.  Sharvan had a keen liking for the human kind, especially at meal time.    This being the case, very few who have ventured forth to partake of this treat have ever been heard of again. 

 

The Rowan tree is one of great power and much depth.  If you find yourself blessed to be a part of a Rowans life, do not take it lightly.  They bring with themselves great ability, as well as greater understanding of that which most do not know.   

An Interview with Mother Moon - Conclusion

Q: Do you wear or own any Celtic Motifs? (such as jewelry, tattoos, art or so on?) I wear a Celtic cross which some call a witches cross. In earlier days I wore a cross at all times. It gave me comfort and peace. As I allowed myself to embrace the beliefs I held I felt that wearing the cross no longer was appropriate yet I wanted to wear something. I searched until I found my necklace. It called to me and so I embraced it. I also wear a collection of silver Celtic designed rings. A pinky ring with a green stone, a larger one with a garnet and a larger Celtic ring design.

 

I have wanted to get a tattoo for some time yet have not as of yet found the symbol I would like. I am leaning heavily towards a replica of my necklace.

 

Q: If you do, what means the most to you? I once had a small pinky ring of Celtic design with a small garnet. I loved that ring until one day that I lost it. Now in its place I wear the one with the green stone. I have lost this ring off of my fingers many times. Even outside in my yard it has fell from my finger. Yet each time I lose it I am always reunited with it. I have come to believe that it is a lucky symbol. It means a great deal to me and I never take it off. (unless of course it chooses for fall from my finger)

 

Q: What makes you like Celtic Lore enough to write about it? It has inspired me in many areas of my life yet most of all it has inspired me in a spiritual sense. It has brought questions to me as a person going through life yet if I ask for answers, in some way it always seems to answer. I do not ever mean to push or shove my beliefs onto anyone. I feel that each ones spiritual journey is a personal walk that they must take alone. There are always guides along the way to help us see a bit more clearly yet the path we travel is one of solitude or it should be. Because of the things I have been shown and the things I have learned I feel it is only right that I share. What one does with such information is completely up to them. It may speak to some and say nothing to others. That is not for me to decide. Yet to keep the knowledge I have to myself I feel is not right. I would want someone to tell me if I was about to walk off a cliff. It doesn't necessarily mean that I would not still walk off the cliff but I would do it in a completely different manner.

Q: Has it influenced you any other ways? It has influenced me in regards to the way I act towards people. It has helped me to become for accepting of differences in those who do not believe as me. I used to be somewhat pushy in regards to trying to make others see what I was saying. I see now that it is not for me to say. We each have the struggles we have and it is not necessarily our place to tell others how to deal with such struggles. It is our place to be there for them.

 

Q: How so? Many times this entails simply sitting and being still. My tree lore has helped me with this as to get to know nature one has to sit and be still and listen. Not to our minds or thoughts but to the simple sounds that surround you. One also has to be attentive to the smallest of detail and realize its effect on that around it. It can make one so much more aware of the huge impact they may have on the environment around them.

 

Q: How do you think Celtic Culture has influenced people of today? There are still many today that even though they may not realize it they in some way celebrate and acknowledge Celtic ways. So many of the holidays that celebrate today were replicas (adjusted slightly) of pagan festivals celebrated long before the church. Yet as a means to "convert" the pagans, the church designed like holidays with different names of course to take their place. They incorporated just enough of the previous theme to make the pagans feel they were still celebrating their old ways. Prime examples of such events:

 

*Yule and  Christmas

* Samhain and Halloween

* Ostara and Easter

I think also that in many family and cultures there are traditions passed down through the ages that still hold glimpses of the old ways to them. This can be seen in cooking ways as well as old remedies to help colds, upset stomachs and such. When my granddaughter lived closer, each winter I had a special tea that I would make. We would drink a cup at the beginning of winter along with some special fairy cakes I would make. We would never get colds yet all those around us would. We told them that is was due to the tea and cakes yet they laughed at us. I have tried to pass such bits down to her as she grows. I keep a book for her of tiny tidbits and such for when I am gone. In her I hope the tradition continues as I feel assured it will

 

Q: Do you know anyone else who has been influenced by the Celtic World? I think there are many. I do not necessarily go around asking of making a point to note how I may feel one is affected. Yet like I mentioned earlier, it can be seen in many ways and some are ever so slight. I watched an old Scottish woman make shortbread once. She was infatic about the manner in which she combined the ingredients and also about the markings that were to go on the top as it baked. I asked her why and she looked at me and said so that the blessing will be good and the eater will receive it.

 

Also I know many that as they prepare their gardens each spring that certain rituals must be held and performed before the ground is tilled, the seed is sown, and the crop is harvested. There are more than likely many who partake in such rites that no one knows about. A simple toss of salt over ones shoulder, although some think is just an old wives tale is the purification of the area around oneself from the evil that may be present.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add? I think that regardless what ones heart may be calling them to do in regards to the answer to the many questions that come to all of us throughout our lives, we should all be open to at least listening. There are so many influences in so many forms that attempt to tell us these days that this is wrong and this is right. Take this pill and it will do this. We become so excited that there is actually something that will fix this that we fail to continue to listen to what it could also cause in its place. We are a world of fast moving, high rising, got to do better than before people. We have lost the simple secrets that the world has to offer us. They have not gone anywhere , although we with our ways of improvement will see that that will not always remain the case.

 

There will come a time when there will be no more time to "fix things". It may not happen in my life, your life of anytime soon after that, yet the time will eventually come. Although we have been raised to believe that we are not doing good unless we are creating a new, we are being led astray. Technology is the snake in the Garden of Eden we have been given.

Thank you for joining me in the sharing a little of myself.  Blessings

An Interview with Mother Moon - Part Two

Q: How have Celtic Tree Lore come to interest you? When we first moved to where we live now, at the bottom of our yard was a small straggly oak tree. It was no more than a twig sticking out of the ground. I tended it, gave it water and pruned it each year so that as it grew a pleasant shape would take form. The first witch bottle I ever created I buried beneath the slight shade of it. The spot where I buried it remained bare for three years. After that time the grass finally grew. The tree has grown through the years and now I can no longer reach to the top of him to trim him if needed. It has become a friend to me.  It is a place I go to at times of contemplation and pondering. It is this relationship with this small oak as well as with the many willows that encircle my pond that brought me to look more into Celtic Tree Lore. I developed a respect and love  for trees that before I did realize was possible. I realize and acknowledged them as living beings and I look at them and behave differently with them than before.

 

Q: What exactly is Celtic Tree Lore? Celtic Tree Lore encompasses a wide variety of subjects. Some examples are as follows:

 

* Following the Celtic tree calendar which is similar to that of the zodiac yet the signs are represented by trees.

 

* Following or using the Ogham . It is believed that Oghan was first started by Ogma the Celtic father figure and Sun God while others think it is a making of the druids. It is an ancient Celtic alphabet that is still used by some today. Each symbol is made up of straight lines and represents a particular letter. It is written vertically and read from left to right. The Ogham can also be used as a form of divination. In this case some take a small stick from each tree represented and carve its symbol onto it. To read the Ogham in this manner one would pull sticks from a bag or toss them from the bag and then read. Much like that of reading tea leaves. I myself have a tarot deck of Ogham. It is much more intricate than the average set of oracle cards and the readings are usually over a broader spectrum of time.

 

* Although not necessarily connected the reading of Runes is part of Tree Lore at least for me. Runes, like the Ogham is not a spoken language but a set of symbols which represent letters and/or sounds. I create my own runes from the willows that I have on my property. It is with the working of the wood and the concentration of the creation of each rune/symbol that has brought me much insight.

 

* Then there is the simple admiration and conservation of the tree itself. Each tree has a personality of its own. Each one is characteristic of specific attributes and abilities for various things. Such as in medicinal manners, magical manners and creative manners. Studying the many qualities that each tree has and learning how to use them to their largest benefit is probably the largest part of Tree Lore.

 

Q: What is your favorite? My favorite if you are speaking of Tree Lore is the study of trees in general. It has fascinated me to learn the many helpful traits that trees have. As I said earlier, technology has rendered man somewhat ignorant when it comes to sustaining himself if by chance he was found to be without his "iphone" I myself am guilty of this. Yet I also have the added ammunition of my knowledge of trees and plant life in regards to how each can assist me with various things that may befall me if I was to find myself in a situation.

 

Q: Has it influenced the way you think? Very much so. I have learned that being still can lend itself to teaching one a great amount of things. A simple slow walk around my yard can bring me so much knowledge. I have learned to read the weather, the seasons as they are coming or going and more. It has influenced me to respect myself and not necessarily feel that I have to rely on the synthetics that man makes to replace the natural things we already have.

 

Q: Has Celtic Lore in general inspired you? There was a time when I was fearful of allowing the questions and thoughts that circled my head to be spoken or known by those around me. I felt as if I would be shunned or laughed at. Although that outcome is still possible today I do not fear it as I did. I have learned through example where the truth really lies and it is not necessarily where some may think. People of older times took heed to the signs that nature and those leading it attempted to show them. They were blessed for doing so. Man today attempts to manipulate the world around him.  He attempts to do as he feels that it should be, forgetting that it was here long before he was. So yes, I think Celtic Lore has greatly inspired me or at least made me realize my place.

 

Join me tomorrow for the conclusion of my interview. Blessings

An Interview With Mother Moon

Recently I was asked to help out with a senior thesis paper that a friend was working on. She was writing on Celtic tradition and influence and she wondered if I could help her out. At first I was not sure if I was the right person to request help from yet it sounded like it would be fun so I agreed. The help she requested was really quite simple. She only asked that I respond to a questionnaire that she had designed. Set up in somewhat of an interview form, I received the questionnaire a few days back.

When I first saw the questions once again I worried. (You know me, thinking too much). But I began at the top and commenced to answer each one. As I finished I was quite glad that I had accepted. Not only did the questions make me think about what it is that I believe and stand for, they also gave me more confidence in that stance. I decided to share the questions and answers with all of you as a means to let you see once more another side of me. A deeper side of what I believe and also what it is that has brought me to this place. This is somewhat long so I will be breaking it up over the next few days. I hope that you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed completing it. I also hope that sparks a bit of a fire in you to re-examine your beliefs and teachings. 

Q: What is your name?
Janie Sheik

Q: Can you tell me a little about yourself?
I am a woman of middle age, I live in rural Oklahoma and have done so all my life. I am a mother of three plus one step daughter. I also have the privilege of being a grandmother of three with another on the way.

Growing up in Oklahoma ie: the Bible Belt had an interesting effect on my spiritual upbringing. My mother was a native German with a spiritual background of strict Lutheran mixed with folk beliefs. My father grew up in a home which observed the Jehovah Witness religion (something I did not learn until I was much older). We were not regular church goers however I enjoyed my early experiences in the "Christian" churches.

I enjoy the out of doors and anything to do with nature. My favorite past time is tending my yard. Gardening is in my blood and its skills were handed down to me from my grandmother and father on my paternal side. They taught me the lessons of tending the earth and giving homage to her for what she returned. I also love to grow and harvest my own herbs and wild flowers. I try to propagate from my already established garden, others gardens, or the wild itself. I find peace in the quiet of nature and it has become my favorite place to go to when it seems that life is going too fast.

Q: What is "Mother Moon's Message" (ei. It's concept and how it came to be)? For as long as I can remember, I have loved to write. The number of journals I have accumulated over the years can attest to this. I have written poetry, short stories, children stories, as well as I aspire to one day write a trilogy. I have always wanted to attempt to publish some of my work yet my timid ways have kept me from doing so. Someone suggested that I start a blog as a means to work on my writing as well as to express myself in an outward manner. I started Mother Moon in July of 2009 and it grew into a love. It was a manner to express many of my beliefs and opinions that before I was unable to do as the audience was more vast than a mere rural country town. It has given me confidence and allowed me to be more firm in my spiritual stance. It has also led me to some wonderful people from all over the world whom I would not have met otherwise. It has helped my mind and views to expand to a much broader prospective allowing me to become what I believe to be a much better person.

As for the name of Mother Moon, I have always been quite fond of the moon especially when she is full. When I was a little girl I had a memory of sitting on the kitchen cabinet, my feet in the sink and gazing out the window at the moon. As I did so, a woman (who for many years I thought to be my mother) would tell me stories about the moon and her cycles and the power and magic she held. As I grew older and I related the story to my older sister she told me such things never happened. I went to my mother and she agreed that she had never stood beside me in the darkness of nighttime and tell me stories of the moon. She did however verify that on many occasions she would find me asleep on the kitchen cabinet in the mornings when she would awake. The moon still calls to me and her glow has comforted me many a time. The stories I remember, still aid me today in life. It seemed only fitting that if I was to start a blog in regards to myself and my writings that it should include Luna, as she has influenced me in so many ways.

Q: How have you come to be interested in the Celtic Culture? The Celtic culture has been a fascination of mine since I was young. It probably began with the kinship to the earth that I was taught by my grandparents, especially my grandma. Yet as I grew, I loved reading the stories of King Arthur and always felt drawn to their lore. It was not until much later in life that I searched deeper into the culture and such.

Q: Have you learned anything that is particularly interesting? If I was to say one thing that stood out particularly interesting to me it was the connection to nature and the effects that it has on everyday life. I think that we as people have become blind to the abilities that were given to us when we embarked on this journey of life and evolution. There was a time when man acknowledged what the earth could do for him, mainly because it was a necessity to prosper. Yet in today's world and with the advancement of technology such ways and things have been lost or even forgotten. Stories and tricks of the trade that were passed down within family and such is no longer as important as it was in years past. It is something that I fear if man does not take heed to soon that there could be many that could suffer due simply to their complacency.

Q: How has Celtic Mythology influenced you? As I said before Arthur and the tales of Excalibur have always been dear to me. I have also always had a fondness for Avalon and the stories of its existence. I liken it to the draw that modern day Christians have to the garden of Eden. It resembles somewhat a place of paradise to me.

As for the many Celtic gods and goddesses I have not felt the draw to follow into more detail on them, that is to the point that I would say I worship any of them individually. There are a few though that I tend to associate with more than others. Brigid, for example. She is the associated most with home and its upkeep. She also has influence in healing, druidic activity, wisdom and so on. She is also a Tuatha De Danann.

The Tuatha De Dananm is  referred to as the fairy folk or the Sidhe. The manner and existence of the fae has influenced me greatly and has much to do with my ability as well as progress in regards to my tending of the earth. It is not something I openly speak of often as it brings about odd looks by many yet if asked if I believe in fairies, I would have to say of course.

Ceridwen, the Welsh goddess of rebirth and inspiration also is a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine. Viewed by many as a darker goddess I find her to be a woman with a fierce motherly instinct which lends her to do what she must to protect and further her children. She may not always do what is the best method to eventually come to such conclusions yet her intentions are good. Something I think any mother can relate with in some form.

Q: Are there any stories or themes that stand out? As stated earlier , The fairy folk have greatly influenced me, especially in recent years. It is a relationship that calls for patience and time, something that many people to not have these days or do not make time for. Yet the rewards that one can glean from such activity is beyond what they could imagine. One has to allow themselves to go to a place where most do not believe of its existence.   This in itself can be most difficult as what we are thought of by others these days is so very important to some.

I have tended garden alongside the fairies that reside in my area. It has been quite the honor to be allowed to share in their presence. I have received small trinkets as gifts from them as well. Tiny bobbles that I hold quite precious.

Return tomorrow for Part Two of my Interview.  Blessings

Celtic Tree Lore - The Alder

The Song of the Alder Fairy

by Cicely Mary Barker

By the lake on river side

Where the Alders dwell,

In the Autumn may be spied

Baby catkins, cones beside -

Old and new as well

Seasons come and seasons go

That's the tale they tell.

After Autumn, Winter's cold

Leads us to the Spring;

And, before the leaves unfold,

On the Alder you'll behold

Crimson catkins swing!

They are making ready now

That's the song I sing.

  

Alder is a charm to be used against not so good fairies.

Water sprites are said to protect Alder trees;

So think twice before doing any harm to one.