Mind Body and Soul - First Anniversary Giveaway

It is hard for me to believe that in a few short weeks I will have been blogging for a year. My how time does fly when one is having fun. On July 16th, 2009 I published my first post on Mother Moon. Little did I know at that time just how many blessings it would bring to me. I have evolved in so many ways during this time. I have had the wonderful pleasure of meeting so many truly wonderful people. Many who have touched me in ways they will never know. Some I consider close friends, some wise counselors that give me the words I need just at the right time, some gifted and talented in a multitude of genres, and some so much more then they realize. Regardless all have given me so many blessings.

In honor of this celebration, I would like to share a little of myself with those who follow me and those who have been so many things to me over the last 365 days. Of course a giveaway is what I had in mind. I do wish that I could send something to each and every one of you as I have so enjoyed this experience so far, knowing that it could not have been what it has been for me if you were not involved. Yet I have to be reasonable.

I call this giveaway one of Mind Body and Soul. As I stated earlier over the last year I have evolved in so many ways. Each change has reflected itself back on the three areas of Mind Body and Soul. Some of the change has been subtle, only enhancing something which was already present in me. Other changes have been a bit more noticeable, bringing out in me things which I had not experienced before.

I will be giving away a total of three Goodie Boxes.  Each will be filled with items reflecting back on the areas of Mind Body and Soul and how they connect with me. 

The first Goodie Box will represent Mind: This represents the inner spiritual me and the exploration which I have been on over the last year. In my first post I spoke of my beliefs and the need I felt to be true to myself and the things I believed or at least had question about. I wanted to come out of the closet so to speak and for once in my life voice so many of the thoughts and views I had. Well needless to say I have been doing just that. It is a continuous journey which I am even more excited about today.

The recipient of this gift will receive The Deviant Moon Tarot by Patrick Valenza. I purchased this set earlier in the year because I felt led to. Yet when I received them, I realized that my intuition was not telling me to purchase them for myself, yet as a gift for someone else. Thus I feel whoever does receive this gift will be the one to whom they were meant to go. Along with the cards will come, a hand crafted bag to carry the cards as well as a custom made spread sheet. Candles, incense, and other little goodies will also accompany the contents.

The second Goodie Box will represent Body: What better way to represent the body then by food. Many of you already know that the kitchen is one of my most favorite places to be. I truly love to cook and even more to serve what I have prepared to others. I have never been that good at telling someone I love them to their face, yet I can sure fill their tummy to where they know I care.

The recipient of this gift will receive a package filled with many of my kitchen creations. From jams and jellies, to homemade vanilla, vanilla sugar, meringues, recipes, utensils, and more… it is my hope to share a little of the joy that I feel in my kitchen with someone. Of course when the winner is choosen I will also have a few questions in regards to what a favorite may be and try my best to fit the request into the contents.

The third and last Goodie Box will represent Soul: When I think of the soul I think of a place of peace and tranquility. Yes the soul can be restless yet there is always one thing that can soothe it back to a relaxing state of peace and contentment. For me this one thing is nature, or more precise, my garden. There is no better way to calm me then to let me go outdoors and play in the dirt, or gaze upon the beauty that is always there regardless of the season or the weather.

The recipient of this gift will receive a basket filled with items representing the out of doors and more specifically my garden. An assortment of seeds cultivated from my past and current garden flowers, flower pots, a dried flower arrangement designed from flowers taken from my garden, original note cards designed with my garden photography, as well as so many other little trinkets will be sent their way. It is my way of sharing a piece of my peace with you.

Of course any who know of my giveaways know that there is always other little items tossed in the box besides those mentioned. A few of the things which will be tucked into each box are: homemade prayer beads, homemade lashed willow ornament, a tin which contains an assortment of my yummy meringues, and other little things that I am sure I will find or think of as time passes.

Now for the Rules and details: The giveaway starts today and runs through July 18th. The winners will be chosen on Monday July 19th and notified via email. Therefore with each entry please make sure that your email address is accessible via your profile or leave it within the comment.

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   First - one must be a current follower of Mother Moon. If you are not already following just sign up when you enter.
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  Second – For one entry leave a comment about something that touches your Mind Body or Soul
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  Next – Additional entries can be obtained in the following manner

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    Post about the giveaway – An additional 2 entries will be given to anyone who posts about the giveaway. Be sure to comment if you do post a blog entry and leave the URL. You need only comment once about the post as I put all names in a bucket and draw.
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   Place a Giveaway Button on your site – An additional 2 entries will be given to anyone who places a Button on their home page with a link back to Mother Moon and the Giveaway details. Be sure to comment if you do post a button.

Thank you once again for making this last year such a wonderful experience for me. As I am currently working on many of the items that will be given away, more pictures will be posted during the next few weeks. Blessings to all of you.

The Magician

Creativity - Inspiration - Life Force - Empowerment

The process of coming to terms with ones potential is the center of the Magician's meaning. Realizing your purpose and taking the steps needed to achieve that goal. Keeping a centered and open mind is the key. Intuitiveness, Imagination, & Ingenuity: All come from inspiration. Yet true inspiration comes when the mind is open and willing to be filled by what is to come. It is not a time to worry or doubt. Trust is imperative in order for what is about to come to come smoothly and work as it should through you.

The card is overflowing with symbols. The cloak of feathers or Tugen, reflecting the presence of raven knowledge or second sight, the four magical tools which lie on the stone table representing the four suits and also the potential available, and Stonehenge in the back drop representing an ability of travel between worlds to name a few. All whisper of the great ability available.

The Magician card calls one out. Asking for trust and willingness in allowing the inspiration and abilities within oneself to flow as it is meant to. To listen with an open mind to that which is calling and to use all the tools within ourselves to flourish in the manner and purpose we have been called to.

Card from The Druid Craft Tarot/ Carr-Gomm

The Chariot

Triumph - Success - Mastery - Control - Journeys - Fame

A complete sense of control transcends from the picture of the Chariot. A firm grip on the reins of the horses that lead her, her staff clasped strongly in her hand, she is ready for anything that may come her way and she knows it. Her confidence and surety are evident in all things about her.

The black and white stallions which lead her to where it is she goes, are representative of the black and white or good and bad in all our lives. They work side by side , giving balance to her ride. Understanding that it will take an acknowledgement of both to assure the ride is smooth. Acting as two facets of the same mechanism, they work together rather than against. Her strong hold on the reins of both, show her ability to manage any unwanted forces that may come her way.

It is a control or management of ones self. Understanding the need for challenges and possible adversities to come our way in order that we may learn and grow to the point we are destined to achieve. Understanding the need also for the moments to be still and recognize and acknowledge the beauty and wisdom that is also part of the final picture.

It is a travel and/or growth that is gained through time. It is not achieved quickly or overnight. Yet once we are aware of the path and the stamina needed to take us to the final destination the ride will become smoother and more familiar. Finally leading us to that place we are to achieve.

Card from The Druid Craft Tarot/ Carr-Gomm

The Queen of Wands

Dynamic - Confident - Strong Willed

Giving and compassionate in nature expressed through a strong and charismatic personality, this is what the Queen of Wands represents. Although her nature lends her to the constant possibility of having things her way she still attempts to demonstrate such ability with charm and grace. Able to motivate others to join together for a common cause and eventually execute its completion. She is a born leader although she does not force herself into this position.

Confidence can be seen in her as well as a strong sense of who and what she is. Her demeanor is one of strength, compassion and inspiration. Although she is capable of a darker side if she herself feels threatened or one she considers her own is likewise. She will fight til the end and is a loyal friend. As a partner she is likewise. A deeply passionate lover, she brings excitement and laughter to her mate. Her strong nature tends to be in the for front even at times when she does not necessarily mean it to be, yet when all is peeled away her intentions for such things are in good jest. She possesses a strong sense of caring for others and those less fortunate or who may not be able to fend for themselves. She gives unconditionally and expects nothing in return. Her soul is nurturing and loving.

Sometimes a good intention can have underlying motives. Perhaps without a recognition of this or possibly due to a denial of what truly drives one. When reversed the Queen of Wands represents the negative attributes that can come with a deeply passionate person. Jealousy, anger caused by misdirected passion or manipulation are a few. In regards to partners, friends or those close a controlling nature may occur coupled with a deep sense of possessiveness. Taking advantage of others around for ones own pleasures or gains is also a quality seen in the reversal.

The symbolism of the Queen of Wands is that of wisdom & loyalty. The position in the chair shows confidence and surety of herself. She can be a loyal trustworthy Alli to one and a fierce competitor to another.

Card from The Druid Craft Tarot/ Carr-Gomm

The Hermit

Keywords: Guidance - Retreat - Caution - Withdrawal - Meditation

A new week is upon us... Once again we look forward to what may lie ahead for us in the coming days. As the card was pulled this morning, I wondered if it would continue to show the path that it has for some time to me... As I suspected, yes it did..... A couple weeks ago, at the beginning of August, many of us celebrated the festival of Lammas. Symbolizing the time of harvest and wisdom. Soon Autumn will be upon us and the leaves will turn from their colors of green to red and yellow. The earth will prepare herself for the coming of another year.

In the card of the Hermit we see him standing on the cliff, his staff in one hand his lantern in the other. He is the wise old man. His flowing beard shows his age as well as gives an air of wisdom. He beckons us to take a journey, to partake on an inner quest. The wolf stands silently by his side, ready to accompany him or us just as he accompanied Merlin during his hermitage in of the forest of Caledon. He stands for power and strength, for wisdom to be found within us, and also for self control.

It is a time to retreat from the distractions that the outside world can give to us. Those things that detour us from taking the necessary paths that we should in order to help us to see and eventually evolve into our potential. It is time to turn inward to focus on ourselves. Such introspect can be done in numerous ways. A retreat, whether as elaborate as a weekend away to the silence of the woods, or as simple as a quiet afternoon of meditation in the solitude of your home. A good book with information and resources that lend themselves to enriching your mind and thoughts further down the way that you are traveling. An afternoon in your garden, amongst the many plants and flowers, tending them and nurturing them to gain strength.

It may be a time where there is need for someone to lend themselves to you in a spiritual guidance manner. A teacher perhaps. The guide may even be that of an inner guide. One that is within us, to offer support , guidance, and/or specific teaching as we go along our journey. It is not a time to make rash decisions, yet a time to withdraw from the things that may take from us the small quiet things that we can only hear in the silence of solitude.

His light is small yet it will shed ample glow to the path. The path at times may be rough, yet his staff will help support and lead you forward. The companionship he gives can be felt in the presence of the lone wolf along your side. It is a time for solitude, for silence. So that the message that is to come forth can be seen as well as heard. Allow its message to bring forth the newness of life and allow yourself to go to those places that can only be reached alone. Refresh your soul in the message it will give you.

Blessings
Raelin

Card from The Druid Craft Tarot/ Carr-Gomm

Five of Cups

I have always had a love for the Tarot. It has called to me since I was young. As time has past it seems that it is continuously teaching me new things. It seemed only natural to include it into this blog site. Therefore, Mondays will become Tarot Day. The Druid Craft Tarot by Carr-Gomm will be the card of choice. Drawing on both Wicca & Druidry these cards lend themselves wonderfully to everyday life. Our first card it the five of Cups

A combination of both Druidry & Wicca can be felt in the interpretation of each card. The Cups representing emotions as in most decks, however taking it a step further and including the aspect of the West and the element of Water. The number five emphasizing the pentagram, a figure associated with both studies. The number five also lends itself to challenges, crisis, and/or transformation resulting from the previous.

The five of Cups, represent loss or something taken from you, represented by the cups overturned on the grass, empty of their contents. Such loss can cause grief, disappointment, and/or anger. It also can mean the full circle that grief tends to lead us on. A series of feelings such as denial to anger to despair to realization. There is often good that comes from a crisis. The 2 cups still sitting upright on the rock symbolize the options that are still available to us if we choose to look at them. Shifting your view from the past, or those things gone or lost, to the future, or those things yet to be gained may be an option to be considered. Possibly something left by the one that may have been lost, if the loss was a person. A legacy or inheritance. Not always to be considered in a monetary sense of the word.

Reversed this card indicates a definite time to move forward. The loss and all the feelings that came with it have passed. Hope is once more alive and shown in the cups still standing and filled, despite those that have been overturned and spilt. It is time to leap forward as the lizard does towards the fish and grab the newness that awaits you. To shed the cloak that covered you in grief and once again move forward to new opportunities.

Blessings & Peace
Raelin

Card from The Druid Craft Tarot/ Carr-Gomm