This Saturday morning finds me a bit worse for wear but it is not
a bad thing. With a slow morning of movement, I am given the gift of
time for quiet pursuits. It seems my mind is always working. Words to write,
candles to light and sometimes…. Folks to bite. This day however is filled
with candles and handcrafted incense. I like to set the morning of this day
aside for honoring, feeding and offerings to my Spirit(s).
A recent kitchen working
This is an important
part of my practice. Weekends are like this for me. I set a time, preferably Saturday
for this work. When I am away at a camp spot in the north country (about 2 hours from my
ridge) it is vital to continue the work. I have versed myself to honor and feed them in that homestead as well.
Those that come with me and those of that land base may have a want that
differs from what I offer on the ridge.
I have a good forested area open to me to find what is needed and what
is comfortable. I like to use citronella candles for my up north life. It is a
good fit. I have discovered a lovely patch of Master of the woods (Woodruff) in a spiritual
place that I visit. I harvest a bit each when needed and burn it in offerings. It has a hint of vanilla and other uses beside an offering. I will bring a few dried herbs with me but many I
gather locally. 
Woodruff on my door step
I have different layers of work and offerings that I do.
Some of my work is long term over many days, weeks or
months.
Others may be as simple as using words and a crafted dust
for immediate outcomes.
Both are good, with different results.
The long term work I do is for a big change, shift or
understanding to take place.
Immediate work may be a catalyst to a long term work.
Immediate work may be to stop a bad behavior.
Immediate work may be to throw luck, good or bad.
Immediate work may be the whispering of song, words and
chants as the wind howls on the ridge.
Immediate work, works. In my experience, I find that it can
be intense. Keep this in mind before you cast it and be prepared for the effect.
Immediate work usually does not last. So I use it as a bridge to move amid what
is happening. It can buy you time to meditate on what needs to occur next if
anything.
I did a working that was an involvement of both. To bind an
immediate situation and then to work it long term. It will be a year at
Samhain. This involved a plant that I have a relationship with and needed protection.
The result thus far has been positive. The completion will be on or
around November 1st. This is a multi-layered, onion skin project. I
have learned plenty from it.
Magic in the ridge garden
Much of what I do involves my mind and what I call
meditative mental magic.
Honing my meditative skills, is a valuable tool in my life.
It gives perspective and clarity, links you other facets and
sharpens your divination abilities. It is connectedness. This is my home of questions, answers and understanding
of my place in a situation.
I am a slow burn.
By
this I mean that I let others show their cards. I can then ask myself, does
this affect me? By answering this question, I can decide my work, if necessary.
As usual, I have wandered a bit on this essay-apparently it
was needed.
As I roam the path into Lammastide, Lughnasadh or First
Harvest, I do what I always do and reminisce about my year so far, what work
lays ahead, those that are still in my life, what I have learned good or bad,
right or wrong and what I still want to accomplish on some level.
It is a pivotal marker in the passing of the seasons. I follow
agricultural or planting celebrations in my life and work. The cross quarter days are held in high
esteem. A gathering is usually planned with the circle sisters. This is also a
time of knowing and seeing. The herbs and plants I use may be harvested, shared
and offered to the land spirits. This passage comes to me in a deep meditative
time of senses. The veil and the hedge path is found. The Bear spirit likes to
wander in and make a visit. Always a strong presence, always with a message.
The plant spirits tell me what they liked in the growing
season, how they may work better if I continue to care for them.
Kitchen window view
The pull of time is
strong.
Beltane plans are examined and some discarded.
My Tarot and dreams
speak.
I Listen to them as I dance to the drum.
Welcome Ancestors, Spirits, Guides
Walk with me as my
crooked path wanders to the middle.
Let me see what I
need to see, know what I need to know, say what I need to say and work as I
need to work.
