Celtic Tree Lore - The Emotional Willow

This last month (January 24th – February 20th) Willow has been represented. I have a special love for the willow as we are blessed with many of them encircling our pond. Their gentle ways have always been a trait I love about them. They hang over the water in their sheltering way, swaying as the breeze blows through them. Such resilance they have, as I have witnessed it when the ice has covered them and pulled them towards the ground with its weight. Yes, there have been times when they have broke yet more often they have bounced back after the ice melted.

The Willow is the tree of enchantment and is ruled by the moon. This could be another reason why I am so attached to the willow as I also hold a dear fondness for the wonderful moon who will be in all her beauty in the next days. The willow tree is often found near water and thus is influenced by it. Legend says that the Moon Goddess gave rain to the willow as a gift because of her love for it.

Willow is an emotional tree, encouraging us to explore the range of all the emotions that may rise up within us. We should not hide our feelings but allow them to be expressed in a safe place. Healing will often come from this expression of emotions. Tears may also fall, once again exhibiting the connection with water.

There are times when we must allow ourselves to submit to the watery world of our emotions as well as our subconscious.This release will allow us to be carried to a fuller and deeper understanding of what is truly inside of us. In turn we will be more able to show our true self. We learn that with every loss there is the potential for a new beginning.

I spoke a couple days back about the many twigs and sticks that had fallen from my willow and my intention to gather them and put them to some use. As I gathered the sticks small and large, I realized the abundance that lay on the ground.  In turn I began to understand the emotional release that the Willow wants to give. Year after year I watch as the wind blows and sticks fall to the ground. I have often wondered why. If the Willow is so flexible and able to endure the winds and ice without breaking why does it lose so many small twigs and sticks? Then I realized the answer. The sticks are excess that is not needed. Loss of them does not hurt the tree to any extent that would cause serious injury. In fact, the subtle pruning allows the weaker twigs to fall and the stronger ones to remain. Just as we release the emotional excess that is not necessarily needed, the Willow does the same.

In honor of the beautiful Willow and her reign this last month as well as the coming Full Moon, I would like to share a little piece of my willows with you. From the sticks that I have gathered thus far, and a little of my imagination, I have created a few items.

A stalk of Willow Twigs entwined with jute, copper, and stone

A Willow Star entwined with copper

And lastly a set of Willow runes

Just leave a comment. Be sure that your profile if set to public and that your email is accessible. Otherwise just leave your email just in case you are chosen I want to be able to contact the winner. I will keep this open through the end of the month, choosing a winner February 28th

The Willow has many facets and many things to share with those who seek it as a friend. Next time you come upon a Willow tree, stop and pay homage. She is turn will bless you in a manner only the Willow can.

A Little Bit of Everything -

Such a busy time this has been… It seems like autumn arrived and the pace has not slowed at all. Sometimes I enjoy a fast pace. I am one of those nuts that work well under pressure. Believe it or not I am over halfway done with my Christmas shopping for this year; possibly more but I don’t want to sound too much like an over achiever.

This weekend my oldest son is getting married. I have had a ball helping my new daughter in law with many of the preparations. I was honored to go wedding dress shopping with her, it was a delight. It is an outdoor wedding with the rehearsal dinner picnic style so I have deserts to make. All in all I think it is going to be great. Weather report is looking good with a warm up to 85 with a light wind for Sunday (10-10-10).

Of course with weddings comes family so my daughter will be here as well as my other son with his fiancée (who are getting married in April 2011). I feel like I have been running like a chicken with his head cut off all week, trying to get all the last minute details completed.

Distractions? Of course there have been distractions. Winston was sick earlier with a stomach virus or so we thought. I initially thought it was his newly opened bag of dog food yet I was assured that the 3 days at the vets where he was given fluids intravenously because he had it coming out both ends said otherwise. However as soon as he returned home and was well enough to go back to his food, lo and behold he started getting sick again. I immediately took him off the Science Diet Puppy Food with lamb and rice and put him on something else. In fact I even cooked rice and chicken for him a few days, yet that proved to be quite the chore for an 8 month old lab puppy. He is doing much better now and is as energetic as ever.

Then there was the distraction of my poison sumac flare up. Vince was so good last winter and early spring to clear the sumac from around the pond. We did not go down to the bottom of the yard and clear out any of it, mainly because the land is not ours and we thought it wasn’t necessary. All summer long I went and never had a bout. I think I got it from my old friend Sunny, my orange tabby. He likes to prowl and I have seen him several times coming out of the bushes down that way. I was able to get into the doctor’s office and get some steroids to fight it off just in time before it over took my arms before the wedding.

Other than all that I have been enjoying autumn. A brisk cool front came through and yesterday morning I awoke to a temperature of 37. Autumn is definitely here with us. Yesterday I purchased a box of Georgia peaches the size of softballs. What am I going to do with them I am not sure yet they tasted so good I just had to.

I go up to see my mother tomorrow to celebrate her 79th birthday with her. I will probably take a few to her as well as a couple of the beautiful sweet potatoes I purchased at the same time from the roadside vendor. Vincent’s mom lives in the same town so I will take a few to her as well. The others, I will eat and make a nice peach cobbler for when my kids come down.

One last heads up… Don’t forget about Mrs. B’s continuing 31 days of Halloween. It has been great so far and I am sure it will only get better. I am participating in the haunted blog tour  as well as contributing a set of my willow runes in one of the giveaways (October 26th ). Also a quick reminder that on October 26th my own giveaway will be announced. I will be honest; I have tons of ideas dancing around in my head. I have not decided if I am going to do one with several winners or several over a period of time. Guess you will just have to stop by on the 26th and take a look see.

Hope you have a wonderful Tuesday filled with opportunities for blessings and wisdom… Take a few moments to slow down and enjoy life, if only for a few… In the end I can assure you that you will be glad you did.

Blessing At Mabon - And the Winner Is

First and formost, Blessed Mabon to each and every one of you out there in blogland.  Fall came officially last eve at 10:09 pm central time.  A beautiful full harvest moon accompanied her.  It was simply a beautiful night to be outdoors and enjoy nature in all her glory. It has been windy and balmy here the last few days yet a cool front is promised to arrive tomorrow bringing with it the cool crisp days that I look forward to so in Autumn.

The last few days have been full of busy work.  Doing last minute things for my son's wedding the first week of October, celebrating my sisters 50th birthday, running Winston to the vet (he has had a bout with the stomach flu), and all the regular chores and events of everyday life.  Yet sprinkled through these times have been a few wonderful blessings. 

 First off a package was waiting for me when I arrived home last week from a dear friend in Wales.  Many of you know her .  Inside was a beautiful crooked hawthorne wand and some of her wonderful homemade incense.  The box smelled absolutely wonderful. 

Then a few days later, I received another package from Candace at Howling Moon.  I had won a giveaway earlier and inside was my prize.  A simply adorable Santa orny with such intricate work and detail  Although I know Yule is some time off, I can not bare to put it away til then.  It will definately be out on display for the rest of the year.

Then to top it all off...

 Yesterday I received my Mabon exchange box from Linda in New Mexico. 

It was filled with tons of goodies all tucked inside a cute little wooden basket.

Spicey spices from green and red chilles, carmel corn...

A beautiful pair of acorn ear rings, and so much more.  Needless to say I feel quite spoiled at this moment. 

Then I realized that today was the day to pick the winner for my giveway.  A wonderful way to give back for all the goodness and blessings that I have been receiving.  Of course I carefully wrote everyone name down and jumbled them up good, reached inside and pulled out the lucky person's name. The winner of of my 300 follower giveaway is Kally 83 over at Kally's Cauldron.  Congrats Kally if you could shoot me your mailing info I will get your goodies together and have it shipped off to you shortly. 

You may be wondering when my next giveaway will be.  I am participating in Mrs. B's 31 days of Halloween and will be donating a set of my willow runes to her many items.  I will also have a giveaway of my own during the month to involve her event.  Be sure and keep a look out for the details.  Thanks again to all of you who left such beautiful comments in regards to my blog, it is only what it is because of you. 

Blessed Mabon and Full Harvest Moon, may the rest of your week be joyful. 

And The Winner Is........

Well the day has finally arrived and I have drawn the two winners of the handmade willow runes with the help of my hubby Vincent.  He graciously agreed to be then non-partial individual to rummage among the ove 70 entries and choose 2 random followers. 

I have to be honest and say I truly wish I could give each and everyone of you a set.  So many wonderful comments were made concerning the runes and the reasons behind why you would like to receive them.  I had a wonderful time working with them in the process of their creation and I am very excited about the 2 lucky winners. 

The first winner is Heather from Girlchef.  I know many of you know this site well.  If you love to cook or just love to look at simply yummy food I urge you to stop by this site.  There is always something wonderful being cooked up.  Congrats Heather, drop me an email and let me know if there is any specific personalization you would like on your box. 

And the second winner is Bridgett at Doug & Boo +2.  Congrats Bridgett.  A mother, a wife, and a friend to many; her site is proof of that.  Drop me an email  also and let me know if there is any specific personalization you would like on your box. 

As I said I would love to give a set to everyone... and there is one more chance to win again... I am participating in the 31 Days of Yule over at wiccamoms.com.  Much similar to Mrs Bs Halloween Giveaway for the month of October, yet in December and for the Yule time.  I will be giving away another set there.  I am not sure of the exact day yet when I find out I will give all of you a heads up... I would advise you to go over there and check things out as the giveaways start tomorrow and the first 2 items are posted today. 

As for my December giveaway, I have not decided yet what it will be.  I am hoping to have it posted before the end of the week, so keep your eyes out.  Have a happy Monday eve...

November Giveaway Reminder

I have been so overwhelmed by the response to my November giveaway of a set of handmade willow runes that I have decided to give away not one but two sets.  Thank all of you for your wonderful comments and also for the passing of the word to others.  It is so appreciated.  If you still have not entered, just click the link below for all the details.... You have all made this a wonderful experience for me...

Mother Moon November Giveaway - Willow Moon Runes

November Giveaway - Willow Moon Runes

I am blessed to have a truly beautiful place to live.  A small but adequate pond sits just to the south of my house and each time I sit at my computer it is the site I see.  It is truly a peaceful place.  Not just because I say so, but because all who visit agree.  We are blessed with an abundance of birds, wild animals, flowers, trees and more.  I like to think of it as my secret garden. 

Encircling my pond is a grove of Willow trees.  The stand guard over the enchanted garden, silently watching all who come and go.  There heads bent in homage, they sway in the breeze lulling any who watch into a melodic trance. 

Last winter, ice ventured its way to our pond and to our willows.  Although they bent under the strain and many were able to survive the trauma, some sucumbed to the tragedy and we had to cut them down and trim them back extensively.  I very much did not just want to throw the wood away as if it meant nothing.  I knew that there had to be some use for it.  Recently Vincent and I came to an admirable conclusion.  We decided to make homemade runes.  In studying the process I began to see the details of this endeavor. 

One could easily cut and sand and brand the wood.  Then finish with the appropriate stain or varnish.  Yet I wanted to give the willow the respect that it deserved.  Yes I am one of those tree huggers.... Really a bit more than that.. This is the 3rd set of runes I have made.  The first was mine of course... a rough set that is natural and sits on my alter.... the second I gave to my oldest sons fiance for her birthday a few days ago.  My third set I want to give in my next giveaway.  Vincent was sweet enough to cut the runes and do the initial sanding & wood burning.  I then sand and finish them as well as perform the dedication rites.  I like to think of them as Willow Moon Runes.  As willow is often used for moon magic. 

The recipient will receive a full set of hand made runes as well as a handmade box and bag.  The runes have been dedicated as well as charged by the November Full Moon (this eve to be exact).  The box will be personalized for whomever is chosen.  As this box is my tarot card box.  All are welcome to enter as I am willing to send them wherever need be as I feel that whomever is chosen is the one who is to receive them.  All you have to do is be a follower of Mother Moons Message and leave a comment with your email.  If you would like an extra entry you can grab the picture and post it to your site with a link.  Just be sure and leave me the info in your comment  so I can give you credit for it.  The recipient will be chosen Monday, November 30th.  I am excited about this as it is something that means a great deal to me.  Good luck....