Navratri Durga Puja

Durga Puja

Items Needed:

• picture/statue/idol of Durga
• lamp or candle
• incense
• a bell
• water (preferably holy water or blessed water)
• jasmine flowers
• sweets or fruits (coconut, banana, other dried fruits) as offerings
• sandal paste or sandalwood oil
• optional offering of cooked rice or sweet milk

1. Make sure your house and sacred space is cleansed.
2. Take a ritual, cleansing bath before performing Puja
3. Sit in your sacred space with all the needed items before you
4. Set up an altar space to Durga if you do not already have one.
5. Sit at your Durga altar and contemplate the Durga statue
6. Chant “Om” three times
7. Light the lamp or candle and say “I light this lamp/candle to honor Ma Durga, the one who is
8. Light the incense and say “I light this incense as an offering to Ma Durga”,  as you waft it over the altar, the statue of Durga and yourself cleansing the space and yourself.
9. Ring the bell three times as you say “I ring this bell to invoke Ma Durga, may she enter my home and my heart”
10. Invoke and invite Ganesh (this is done in every puja to any deity) by chanting 9 times “Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha”

10. Now chant 9 times “Om hreem doom Durgaye namaha” to invoke Durga. Then and chant the following: Ya Devi sarva bhuteshu Matri rupena samsthita Ya Devi Sarva bhuteshu Shakti rupena samsthita. Ya Devi sarva rupena samsthita. Namestasyai Namestasyai Namestasyai Namoh. Which translates as "The goddess who is omnipresent as the personification of universal mother. The goddess who is omnipresent as the embodiment of power. The goddess who is omnipresent as the symbol of peace. I bow to her, I bow to her, I bow to her."
11. Dip your hands in the water, as if you are washing your hands. This is symbolic of being cleansed and forgiven of sins. Then make a gesture of offering of the water to Durga for bath. You can sprinkle a little on the idol you have, especially on the head, hands and feet.
12. Annoint your forehead and the forehead of Durga with the sandal paste or sandalwood oil
13. Make the offering of sweets, dried fruits and flowers.
14. At this time sit in mediation to Durga. Reflect on her attributes, and how you can bring them into your life. You can chant her mantra 108 times using a mala to keep count. You can meditate on yantra, sing songs, or read scriptures on Durga.
15. After meditation bring your hands in prayer (anjali mudra) at the heart and say “Thank you Ma Durga for your blessings of strength, courage and protection. Please return to your abode. Be merciful and return to me again.”
16. Bow three times in prostration as you chant “Namaste”
17. Leave the candles and incense to burn as long as you can.
18. Each morning and evening light just the candle. You can perform the whole puja everyday, on the third day or at the end of Navratri on the 9th day. As this is a pagan practice of performing Puja you don't need to feel bound by the way it is celebrated in Hinduism. Do what feels right for you, and make it your own, as long as you feel connected to Durga and honor her.

Because Ma Durga is seen as the great mother, you should honor and respect the women in your life. Do something nice for them during Navratri, as well as any women that you come across. Find ways in your life to bring the attributes of Durga into yourself, such as courage, strength, and justice. Go through your day with the Shakti energy of Durga within you.

You can also celebrate by wearing red to symbolize the colors of Durga. It is also tradition to burn a diya or lamp for the full 9 days. I dont do this, because the thought of leaving a fire burning for nine days straight terrifies me. I do light the candle and let it burn whenever I'm home to watch and attend to it. Each time I light the candle I chant Ma Durga's mantra 108 times in meditation.

This is in no way meant to be a full Puja as practiced in Hinduism, this is my pagan version.

Navratri

Navratri, which begins tomorrow September 24th, 2014,  is the festival to celebrate the Hindu Goddess Durga. Durga is honored as one of the many forms of Shakti in Hindusim and Tantra Yoga. Navratri means "nine days" in Sanskrit, and the festival covers nine days. The nine day period is significant as this marks the period of the battle where Durga fought and slayed the demon Mahishasura. So Navratri is a period where we celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

Durga is the Goddess of inner strength, courage, justice and protection.  During Navratri we also honor and celebrate Lakshmi and Saraswati. The first three days are to Durga, the second three days are to Lakshmi and the final three are to Saraswati.

It is typical during this time to fast, or to eat a mostly vegetarian diet and sub stain from grain and alcohol. I will be sharing different ways to honor Durga, as well as Lakshmi and Saraswati during this time. I will be posting tomorrow a full puja (or ritual) that you can use to honor Durga.

Witches Bottle

Witches Bottles are a magickal tool that have been found to date back all the way to the early 1500s. Widely used from the 1500-1700s, these tools were used mostly for protection. Witches Bottles were used to protect the witch, residents, and homes against any kind of negative energy attack such as spells and evil spirits. The bottles draw the energy into the bottle and keep it stuck there, instead of letting the energy strike its intended target.

Witches Bottles usually contained a personal item of the intended target such as blood, nail clippings, semen, or urine. This symbolized the intended target in the bottle, drawing the energy there instead of to the person or witch. Other items added were known as "nasties" such as broken glass, rusty nails, razor blades, etc that the energy would become stuck on, thus being contained in the bottle.

The longer the bottle remained hidden, the longer the bottle could continue to draw the negative energy and spirits into it and keep it contained. Witches went through great lengths to hide the bottles on their properties. Some were buried, or placed in hard to find places, others were even built into the structures of the houses such as in the walls or under the home's hearth.

Today Witches Bottles can be created for a number of different reasons, such as love or money drawing. You can place in the bottle anything that is symbolic to you that matches your intention for the bottle. Just as their are many paths in the Craft, so are there a multitude of ways you can create your bottle to meet your intention.

Here is the details of Witches Bottle for protection that I did today.

Items needed:

• Black candle
• Jar with lid or stopper
• Sage or cleansing incense
• Sea Salt
• Deity representation if you decide to work with one
• "Nasties" - such as pins, broken class, tacks, thorns, rusty or bent nails. Get creative!
• Personal items - urine (you can substitute vinegar for this), hair, nail clippings, saliva, blood, semen
• Protective Herbs - salt, bay leaves, black pepper, cloves, burdock root, lavender, St. John's Wort
• Crystals or stones that can be used for protection if you wish

Cleanse and consecrate your jar using the salt and sage, including the lid and inside of the jar. Start to add in your items such as the herbs, "nasties", and personal items filling the jar about half way. Then finish off with the urine (or whatever you choose to substitute). Place the lid or stopper onto the bottle and give it a good shake to mix all the items. Then seal with wax from the black candle. I also sealed it with the wax from my Archangel Michael candle to add his protective energy.

As you add the items and seal the bottle, call upon any deity or spirit you work with to aid you in making the bottle to protect your home and all who dwell within. I called upon Archangel Michael as he is who I work with when I need protection. Put your energy, intent and focus into making the bottle to protect you and your home.

At this time you can meditate on your intention of your bottle. Feel free to chant any words you wish to, or speak with spirit as you feel called to. Its not necessary to say anything, but if you feel drawn to then you should. You can even come up with a line of a spell for each item you put in, calling upon it's spirit or energy and asking it for protection. Such as "I call upon the spirit of Lavender. Please protect me and my home and all who reside within. So mote it be"

After sealing and meditating on the bottles intention, you can add runes or sigils for protection. If you have your own property bury this at one of the farthest corners from your front door. If you live in a condo or apartment with no yard, you can bury this in a flowerpot and keep near your front door or on a porch. Another option is to keep this hidden within your house somewhere near the front door or hearth.

You can recharge this bottle or make a new one at least once a year. The best time to do this would be during a waning moon phase, at night if you can. Its not that important to wait until a waning moon, as long as your intention is strong and focused.

Journey to the Upper Realm

 I stepped before my World Tree, smelling the wetness of the rain mixed with the smell of the dirt and Earth. My animal spirit guide was waiting to guide me on my journey to the Upper Realm/World.

As He instructed me, I climbed onto his back, feeling the softness of his fur, the strength of his muscles, and smelling the musky scent of the woods on him. He climbed up my tree, as we reached the top most branches we were brought through a white light, that seemed mixed with clouds, then we were brought through a tunnel of pure bright white light.

As we approached the Upper Realm I noticed a figure all in white. A long white robe, with gray white hair, and a long gray white beard. He grabbed my forearm in a manner of greeting. Almost like a handshake but by grabbing the forearm instead of the hand.

He introduced himself as the "Father" of the Upper Realm. He told me that he oversaw everything that went on with the Upper Realm and that he was there to guide me and assist in the journey. He reminded me of the Greek God Zeus, and he may have even said that that was who he was. 

"Father" then introduced me to my highest self, who was sitting on a lotus, meditating, and bathed in a light of pure energy. "Father" said that this was my goal, to let go of ego and fear on the physical realm (the Middle World) and to work on becoming my highest self in my every day, waking life. That I was to become a person of a great love, and to work endlessly on healing work and sharing my gifts with others. That to do so would connect me to my highest self.

"Father" then guided me over to the edge of a vast ocean that was bathed in pure white light. The ocean didn't appear blue or green, but as if it was a large pool of white energy/light. The ocean appeared white and looked very inviting. "Father" told me that the ocean had healing powers, and could heal any ails, worries, etc. He invited me to take a dive into the ocean and let its healing waters wash over me.

I looked over to my animal spirit who was guiding me on this journey to see if it was okay for me to enter the ocean. He motioned that yes, I should enter the ocean and let myself be healed. As I entered the ocean I could feel the cooling sensation of its waters on my skin. I could physically smell it's saltiness in the air. I let myself be enveloped by the water, laying back and floating, my face to the warm sun.

"Father" came up behind me in the water and placed the palms of his hands on the crown of my head and his fingers resting on my temples. He told me that anytime I needed healing or healing energy for any reason, I was to come take a dip in the ocean. He motioned to the shore and that it was time for me to move on and continue exploring. With that I noticed that we were standing on the shore, and I was completely dry.

My animal guide motioned for to follow him. We took a short walk away from "Father" and the ocean where we came upon a small beautiful garden that was bathed in pure light. Standing in the garden was a beautiful woman. She was tall with strawberry blonde hair cascading down her shoulders, and she wore a light and airy dress. 

As I approached her she drew me in the a mother draws a child in for a hug and consolation. Her hands brought my head to her heart and she kissed the top of my head. She told me that she was "Mother", the nurturing and always loving spirit of the Upper Realm. She said that "Father" oversaw most of the Upper Realm but that this magical garden was her own sacred spot.

She told me the garden was a place to come with any questions that needed answering, especially as they pertained to relationships of any sort. That the garden was meant to provide answers of any kind, and to be a spot for healing relationships. She told me that any question I had, I was to think on it, while inhaling the scent of one of the roses in the garden. As I inhaled and took the scent of the flower into my body, so would the answer come to be within me. She told me to visit her garden anytime, and bade me farewell.

It was time to leave the journey. I thanked both the "Father" and the "Mother" and my animal guide let me climb on his back. We went into the tunnel of the light that we entered the Upper Realm through and found our way back down the great trunk of my World Tree. I thanked my angels and spirit guides for assisting and protecting me on the journey. I thanked my animal spirit for guiding me, as he lept back into my heart space where he stays until I need him. I thanked my World Tree for providing a space of journeying, healing, and safety. And I made my way back out of the meditative state.

The more I study and practice journeying, the more I find and meet so many loving spirit guides who are really here to assist us to become our highest self. I do have quite the little spirit guide team/tribe at my side right now.

Bay Laurel Leaves

A friend and I were talking about cooking spices the other day, and I mentioned how much I love Bay Leaves. Bay is also known as Bay Laurel, Daphne, Grecian Laurel, and Apollo's Laurel. I love Bay not just for cooking, but as an herb to use in magick and spells. Also, I have recently begun a connection to and have started working with Apollo. Bay is important to Apollo, and he is often seen wearing a Bay Laurel crown upon his head.

Apollo was in love with the nymph Daphne, daughter of the river god Peneus. As the story goes Apollo poked fun at Cupid for using a man's weapon, the bow and arrow. In return Cupid shot Apollo with a golden arrow that caused him to fall in love with Daphne. Cupid then shot Daphne with a leaden arrow, that caused her to see and be repulsed by Apollo.

Apollo continued to chase Daphne, against her wishes. Wishing to remain a virgin and avoid Apollo's advances, Daphne begs her father for help. Peneus turns Daphne into the laurel tree. Apollo plucks a few leaves and wears them as a crown to always have Daphne near him.

The priestess of the Delphic Oracle, which was Apollo's oracle, used to burn the leaves in order to help open her communication to the other world, where she would have prophetic visons that she would relay to Apollo. So it is said that burning bay leaves can increase your psychic abilities, and help you with meditation and trance states.

Other magical uses for Bay include using the leaves in spells for protection particularly for travel and of the home. I've used bay as a protective herb in protection mojo bags. Another great use for bay is to write your wishes on the leaves during a waxing moon, then burn the leaves during the full moon to bring your wishes into fruition.

Witches Besom

A besom, otherwise known as a witch's broom, is made from a bundled of fine twigs or straw that are tied to a larger, sturdier piece of wood. Besoms, like any other type of broom, are used for sweeping clean an area. They are often used to sweep, both physically and energetically, an area to be used for casting a circle.

Of course today the idea of a witch's broom is usually thought of as a method of transportation, with the witch riding into off into a full moon. But the besom is more of a tool than anything else. It can be used to direct energy such as a wand, to cleanse an area of negative energy, or even to sweep something postive into your space such as prosperity.

I like to keep my besom, bristles up, by the front door. This is said to protect those living in the space from any negative energies.

Any type of broom can be used, from the standard broom you pick up at store, to the scented decorative brooms found in craft shops. You can usually find some hand crafted besoms (as mine is) from online shops like etsy, or from occult/metaphysical stores.

Goddess Airmid

I recently discovered the Celtic Goddess Airmid (Airmed), the Goddess of Herbs and Healing and is one of the Tuatha de Danann. Along with her father and brother, she was a healer to the wounded during battle. Airmid and Miach also built and tended to the magical Well of Slaine in Ireland. The well's magical powers were said to heal those wounded in battle.

Airmid and her brother Miach, were strong healers who surpassed their father in the strength of their healing magick. Their father, out of a jealous rage of Miach's healing powers, killed him.  In a deep sorrow over the death of her brother, Airmid buried him and wept uncontrollably over his grave.

The next day Airmid returned to discover that her tears had caused 365 individual herbs to have grown out of Miach's buried body and his grave. Methodically, Airmid gathered each herb, placing them on her cloak. The herbs began to open up to Airmid, speaking to her of their magical abilities, and revealing that when used in a certain sequence, they could bring the dead back to life.

Seeing the knowledge that Airmid had gained, her father over turned the cloak, scattering all of them to the winds. Her father didn't want anyone to gain the knowledge of the use of the herbs, or how they could be used to obtain immortality. It is said that only Airmid knows the use of every herb to this day. Although she knows the abilities of each herb, she was unable to retain the sequence used to revive the dead, and achieve immortality.

Call on Airmid to gain knowledge of working with herbs, or when performing any magick involving herbs. She is also known for healing waters, working with the Fae, and with nature.

The Temple of Apollo

I've recently felt very drawn to Apollo, and have been receiving many signs to connect to him. I never thought I'd be drawn to a Greek God, or anyone in the Greek pantheon. But after researching him more, he is a very great fit for me right now.

Apollo is a Sun God, and is also associated with healing, prophecies, music, poetry and more. The son of Zeus and Leto. Apollo has a twin sister, Artemis, who is known as a goddess of the moon.

Apollo has many female and male lovers. The story that really stuck out to me was his lover, Hyacinth. Hyacinth was a Spartan prince, and Apollo was very much in love with him. But so was the Greek god Zephyrus. While practicing throwing the discus, Zephyrus in a jealous rage redirected the discus that Apollo had thrown. It struck Hyacinth, killing him. Apollo created the flower of the same name in memory of his lover.

Apollo is most recognized by his bow and arrow or the musical instrument the lyre that he often carries. These are symbols of him being known for both archery and music.

You can call upon or honor Apollo through song, listening to music, writing, archery, spending time outdoors in the sunshine, or any kind of healing practice such as Reiki.

Pagan Blog Project

I just discovered and decided to join the 2014 Pagan Blog Project.

I will have to catch up on the first scheduled post assignments in the next couple of days.

History of the Yule Log

A Yule log is hard piece of wood, usually from an oak, birch or elm tree, that would be burned in the fireplace to celebrate Yule, the Winter Solstice, and Christmas Day.

This was originally a pagan tradition found in Northern Europe in places such as Germany, France and Great Britain. The tree was chopped down, and often the whole tree was brought into the house with some ceremony. Later it became just a piece of wood from the tree. The Yule log was representative of bringing the light into the house as part of celebrating the Winter Solstice. The Yule log was a symbol of light, representating that we are moving into a period of light and sun, as the days grow longer.

A piece of the log was always kept to be used to light next year's Yule log. The piece that was kept was also said to bless the household with protection and prosperity in the new year. The ashes from the fire were often used in plants and crops to bless them in hopes of producing great crops.

The Yule log later became an adorned piece of wood that often served as a table centerpiece (as seen above) or for people who did not have an hearth or fireplace in the house. A piece of wood is decorated with greenery, pinecones, etc and holes are drilled into the wood to hold three candles that are lit throughout Yule celebrations.

Winter Solstice and Yule

Winter Solstice: The Return of the Oak King


The Winter Solstice is marked as the day beginning Winter, and has the shortest period of daylight, and the longest night of the year. We celebrate that the sun will rise again tomorrow, and eventually we go back to longer periods of sunlight and daytime. The Winter Solstice usually falls on December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. We also celebrate Yule at this time during the Solstice.

The celebration of Yule is believed to have been started by German, Nordic, and Celtic pagans as a way to honor the transition of ruling from the Holly King to the Oak King. This was also a time to honor light and the sun, as light and dark struggled in battle, and this is a period where light wins out, so we honor that at Yule. It is often viewed that the Oak King and the Holly King battle each other for control, the Oak King wins and rules until Midsummer.

The Oak King and the Holly King are seen as dual aspects of the Horned God, and there for are two parts of a whole, often depicted in different ways as well. The Oak King is often seen as a god of fertility similar to the Green Man or Cerrunnos, while the Holly King is often depicted very similar to what we know as Santa Claus or Father Christmas.

One of the most popular ways to celebrate Yule is with the Yule log. The Yule log was usually a large wooden log, often from an ash tree, that was given as a gift to a neighbor or family member. The log was burned in the family hearth, having been lit from a piece of last year’s Yule log. The log symbolizes prosperity for the New Year and protection for the home from evil.

You can honor the passing of the Holly King by decorating the home in evergreens such as Holly, Rosemary, and Mistletoe, as well as red candles. Leave out a bowl of clove studded fruit such as oranges. Christmas or Yule trees are another way in which to honor the Holly King during Yule. Candles and sparkling ornaments adorning the mantle, trees, and windows help to bring as much light into the home as possible; this honors the light as we move into a time with longer days and the reign of the Oak King. Some people celebrate Yule or the Solstice by turning all off electric from Sundown to Sunset and just letting the Yule log, and candles burn over night. Again this representing bringing light into the home and your life.

Feasting is certainly a way we all love to celebrate any holiday and Yule is no different. Make a big breakfast including eggs (representing the sun with their yolks) and watch the sun rise with your family. The celebratory dinner can include ham, leg of lamb or other roasts, roasted veggies, stuffings and homemade breads and desserts. Eggnog, Ciders and Wassail are drank and used to toast family and friends at the feast. Don’t’ forget to set a place for the God and Goddess (or whatever deity you would like to represent) in their honor.

Yule is a time to celebrate the light of the world with family and friends. Have fun with decorating your home, bringing in the light, cooking a hearty meal to warm you up on the cold days, and give out gifts to honor and respect your loved ones. Everyone can gather around the Yule log, fireplace or a candle and give thanks for all they have received in the past year. This is a time to meditate and focus on what you want to bring to light in the upcoming year. Use this time of introspection and put your energy into welcoming the positive into your life. Focus on any goals or things you want to achieve in the next year.

Any spells done during this time should focus on abundance, peace, harmony and positivity.

I'm Back Witches!

Reclaiming this blog, and I have some cleaning up to do.

Imbolc Celebration

I know that when we are buried under as much snow as most of us seem to be, that it is hard to even think about Spring being right around the corner! But it is, only 50 something days!

Tuesday, February 1st marks the day of Imbolc. Imbolc is the perfect time to start thinking about the Spring that is ahead of us. Imbolc is often linked with the Celtic Goddess Brighid, who honors hearth and home. She is actually one of my patron deities, so this is a special holiday for me!

I find the perfect way to honor both Imbolc and Brighid is to do some Spring Cleaning! I deeply cleanse the house, casting out any negative energies that might have settled in for the Winter. Open up the windows and doors (if not too too cold) and let in some fresh air. Breathe new life into your home! Light candles and incense to not only freshen the air, but to help remove negative energies.

I decorate my home and altar with fresh white flowers! Corn dollies and Brighid's Cross are great things to add to your altar as well! I always have a Brighid's Cross on my altar in her honor throughout the year.

Typically, Imbolc is linked with lamb as well as Brighid. So most people will celebrate with a feast of lamb and other Celtic dishes. However, now that the husband and I are both Vegans, I'm not quite sure what kind of Imbolc feast we will come up with. We might just foucs on some traditional Celtic side dishes, with a Vegan twist!

I'll be sure to post pictures of my altar, feast etc on the actual day of Imbolc! How will you be celebrating?