Alaska's Fireweed

By Michael Montgomery

Like many Alaskan natives, I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with the fireweed.  I could appreciate the beautiful fuchsia-colored petals and thin and delicate leaves fluttering with the soft Alaskan summer winds. However, as the stems grow thicker and the flowers grow higher on the reed, one knows that the beauty of summer is in its twilight.

The fireweed’s presence begins in early spring as the young shoots are collected and used for local salads.  It often reminds me how short the spring and summer seasons can be in Alaska.

Old Native legends tell how every fireweed is the soul of a tree lost in a forest fire. When the embers of the fire have cooled and the ashes of burned wood cover the ground, the first plant to appear is the fireweed.  It rises up from the ash pile with its pink to magenta colored flowers and dares everyone to admire it.

          The fireweed has been used to make fishing nets, blankets and as food. It holds a rich culinary and medicinal history, not only in Alaska but all over the world.  It’s been used to make a relaxing tea, in salads, for skin problems and even to treat asthma in young children.  Its high content of Vitamin C and pro-vitamin A make it a great additive for soups and it’s used to produce jellies and jams.

Not only do humans use and benefit from the consumption of the fireweed, but so do animals.  Natives put it into their dog’s food and hummingbirds feast on its nectar.  From hares, to moose and white-tailed deer, the animal kingdom will feast on the fireweed.  Even, the little chipmunk will store the fireweed’s seeds for the upcoming hibernation season.

As each successive flower blooms above the one underneath, Alaskans begin to mark their calendars. As the older blooms seed and turn to cotton and the last of the flowers garnish the top of the reed, one can be rest assured, that according to legend, winter is six weeks away.  

Michael Montgomery holds a degree in chemistry and biology and is an avid outdoorsman.  He resides in New York and hopes someday to return to his native Alaska to once again admire the fireweed.

 

The 13 Preambles of Wicca

By: H.P. Thomas Moore

In addition to the “Wiccan Rede” there are also 13 articles that are followed. These preambles as they are called aid in attuning the self and becoming one with the earth and the spiritual world through study, self exploration and action. Each has lessons that are learned and not all are easy to complete. It is the drive to complete them and the knowledge that is rewarded as well as the spiritual alignment that makes them worth while. What follows is the list of the 13 Preambles, as well as a deeper understanding of each.

1: Know Yourself
2: Know your Craft
3: Learn
4: Apply Knowledge
5: Achieve Balance
6: Keep your thoughts in good order
7: Keep your words in good order
8: Celebrate life
9: Attune with the cycles of the Earth
10: Breathe and eat correctly
11: Exercise the body
12: Meditate
13: Honor the Goddess and God

As you can see from the preambles the worship of deities falls last on the list. I would like to approach that first before we go in depth into each article.

13: Honor the Goddess and God

The Goddess and God are within us as they are also within all living things on this Earth. In this case by following the first 12 articles you are already honoring the Goddess and God because they are a part of you. The 13th article is more about honoring the spirit or energy of the Goddess and God. This can be better achieved after one has attuned themselves by following the other articles. So though at first the 13 Preambles may seem egotistical in a way they are not once you explore them more fully. These 13 Preambles are nothing new, in fact many religions and cultures have them, though they are less stressed in other religions unless you plan on becoming a Priest or Pastor. They are known to us all on some level or another, and we may even follow these preambles without being a Wiccan. That is ok too; these are 13 good things to live by and can benefit anyone regardless of religious background or inspiration.

1: Know yourself

Self knowledge and awareness is something that we all strive to have. How are we going to work with the delicate energies that surround us if we first do not know what is self? This is a difficult one to achieve as there are still so many things out in our world that do not allow us to fully express ourselves as individuals that are aware and filled with love of the self. Once you come to a full understanding of who you are then it becomes easier to accept others for who they are as well. This acceptance becomes one of the first paths to peace. This is not only knowing the self, but accepting the self as well both must be achieved.

2: Know your Craft

How many people do you know that are fully aware of their religion? I’m not just talking about what their places of worship teach them, or what their holy book says. I am talking a full understanding from the conception of the religion to the modern day interpretations of it. Chances are that you do not know many. People tend to follow the teachings that they hear but do not look further into their religion as a whole, unless of course they have a degree in Theology that is. This article talks about having the full knowledge of what your religion is about. Wicca, like most religions is much deeper than the surface information that we are all aware of. It has tradition, it has its guiding forces and it has its incarnation. I know a lot of people that claim to be Wiccan or Pagan and yet have never read or studied the origins of the religion. How are you going to gain a deeper understanding and spiritual awareness if you do not know where you came from to start with? Know your Craft is just that, it is attaining the wisdom and knowledge of your religion.

3: Learn

What does the word learn mean? The dictionary defines Learn as “To gain knowledge, comprehension, or mastery of through experience or study” Learning is something that we do everyday. Each moment that we are alive we are learning and experiencing things. It is the knowledge that we get from experience and study that allows us to make choices in life as well as live our lives to the best and fullest that we are capable of. Think about what the world would be like if no one ever learned anything? Chances are you wouldn’t be reading this article right now because you didn’t learn to read! When we talk about learning here we are not only talking about the lessons that we have each day, we are also talking about the knowledge of the craft and learning our lessons on a spiritual and karmic level as well. To learn is to know, and to know is to grow.

4: Apply Knowledge

Once you have the knowledge from the learning you need to put it into practical application. Wisdom cannot be spread if people were to hide all of the knowledge that they have attained. This isn’t to say that you need to be pushy, but freely share what you know so that you can learn from someone else what they know. This also talks about the application of knowledge of the Rede as well as the Preambles in your life. Apply them fully and you can experience a life you had never thought was possible to explore.

5: Achieve Balance

Balance is important in any metaphysical way of thought just as it is in any religion or philosophy. You strive to achieve a balance of body, mind, and spirit through various forms and knowledge. Many of us have moments when we feel like this balance has been achieved, and yet it fades after a while. Remember that we are all human, and therefore a prone to making mistakes and it is ok to do so. There are of course some individuals out there Sai Baba for instance that has fully attained this type of balance, but for most of us it will come and go. The main lesson is to allow it to come and when it leaves learn and apply what you have learned to attain it once again.

6: Keep your Thought is Good Order

This article is twofold in nature. First it talks about the power of positive thought. Not allowing negative thought patterns to enter your mind is a large part of keeping thoughts in good order. The more that you focus on positive things the more that you will attract those things, as we know from learning about the power of intention. Second, it talks about thinking before you speak. So many people blurt out what they want to say regardless of if it is going to damage someone else in thought or emotion. Think hard about what you are going to say before it is said. Make a conscious effort to plan your words carefully so that what you say can aid in allowing for the greatest good for the persons that you are speaking to.

7: Keep your Words in Good Order

This follows suit to article 6 above. After you have thought about what you are going to say carefully speak those words. Speak in a manner that is soothing and peaceful and try to avoid emotions like anger, hate and frustration in your speech. We can get so caught up in an emotional swirl that we sometimes forget to not express that in our speech. We can certainly tell the person how we are feeling and that sort of discussion is great, that way no one leaves feeling unwanted or insecure with themselves.

8: Celebrate Life

Live each and every day to the fullest that you can experience it. See each day as a new lesson to be learned and do not hold grudges or allow things to bring you down. Sometimes focusing on the day to day living can be the most rewarding, then we are not feeling any anxiety about what the future may hold for us and instead can truly experience life.

9: Attune with the Cycles of the Earth

For Wiccans this one is done quite often. Every Sabbat that we celebrate aids us in attuning to the cycles of the Earth, but there is more to it than just that. Attuning with the Earth also means to love and care for the planet on which you live. Strive to aid the Earth in life. Living Green, planting trees, aiding nature and its inhabitants all help you to attune yourself with the Earth. If we learn to attune ourselves sand aid in taking care of our planet than Mother Gaia will see to it that we are taken care of as well.

10: Breathe and Eat Correctly

Remember that old adage “The Body is a Temple”? As we talked about before with article 13 the Goddess and God inhabit us all, just as they do all creatures. Taking care of the body by incorporating healthy living plays a part in honoring the Goddess and God. This does not mean in any way that you have to live on nuts, twigs and berries! It only means that you are being cautious of what you put into your body. Be aware of what you ingest and how it is going to affect your body and its systems.

11: Exercise the Body

This falls into the article above in a stronger fashion. Not only taking care of the body through eating correctly but also through exercise. It is the strength of the body that aids in the strength of the spirit and mind. Doing these can aid as well in achieving the balance from article 5.

12: Meditate

We are all aware of the importance of meditation. It helps us to know what is self and what is not self as well as to connect us with our Higher Self and Guides. Meditation is exercise for the mind and spirit. Meditating in addition to the two articles above become the base foundations for achieving the balance in life. Finding the time to relax the mind can aid us in so many ways and becomes an important aspect to living.

These are the 13 Preambles of Wicca. They are guidelines to follow in order to experience life to the fullest and attune oneself with the spiritual world as well as the physical. Work slowly when following the Preambles, don’t rush them or jump ahead, or you will only cheat yourself in the long run. Take each for what it is and learn the lessons that they have to teach you fully.

Rev. Thomas Moore is High Priest of The Coven of L.I.G.H.T in South West Florida, as well as a professional Psychic and Healer. He teaches a variety of classes in the metaphysical field as well as Wicca and is the Store Manager for Starchild Books in Port Charlotte Florida. www.starchildbooks.com inperfectloveinperfecttrust.webs.com

Article Source: http://www.newagearticles.com/

Do you have a Ghost?

One night as I lay alone in my bedroom, I could swear I kept feeling something touch my hair. I turned around and expected to see one of my children standing by the side of the bed, but no such luck. I brushed off my shivers and then as I was about to fall asleep, I felt it again. Being the scaredy cat that I am, I put my head under the covers and eventually dozed off. I was glad I had central air conditioning.

The next day on coffee break at work, I mentioned my experience outside at the crowded picnic tables. Before I knew it, I was bombarded with tall tales of the unknown that lasted almost every break time and for the entire summer. That first day after I made my ghostly announcement, and as my break crew and I were walking into the elevator to go back to work, one of the older women shrugged her shoulders at me and nonchalantly stated,  "Face it girl, your house has a presence."  I could not help but roll my eyes.

While I laughed off most of what the ladies had to say that summer, I had not forgotten about it. Here is short compilation of what the average American office worker that I know had to say about ghostly mischief.

1. Feeling of being watched or one of being touched. I was told that, "Ghosts get bold. They will sometimes touch you to make sure you are real."   I need to prove to them I am real? You getting this?

2. Strange behavior in your pets. This was one that the entire crew agreed upon. "Animals can sense what we cannot," exclaimed one girl," My dog chases our ghost right out the door."   Hmmmm. My dog chases his tail and partakes in other activities I don't exactly fight enlightening. Maybe I need a new dog?

3. "Shadows. I see shadows out of the corner of my eye," one of the accountants noted. I try to see them head on, but they run from my view." I noticed she had really long hair. It made me wonder if her shadows were her chestnut locks.

4. Missing Objects. This was a favorite among the coffee break crew. I was told that ghosts will move your glasses, or take a sip from your drink. So, the next time, you think you poured yourself a cup of coffee and suddenly your mug is empty. Well, you get the point. I had enjoyed that excuse. Made me realize I am not forgetful. The ghosts took my keys. I wonder if that would work for a sick day at the office.

5. Noises and odors. Creaks, squeaks, footsteps, coughing, and laughter. The list goes on but the one thing they all have in common is the owner of the home cannot explain them. One lady said one evening before she was preparing for bed, an overpowering odor of cologne took over her bedroom. That was how she knew her ghost had come back. She thought he was gone when he had not made his presence known, but after a year, he showed back up and let her know through the smell of his perfume. Possibly, I cannot hear anything in my house because my kids are always screaming or making some kind of noise and some of the odors that go on when their friends cramp into the bedroom to play video games. Well, now that is scary.

6. Moving Objects. Kitchen chairs ajar, closed door opened, couches moved and curtains drawn. According to the work crew, ghosts want us to know they are there and if we ignore them, they will leave us little reminders. I made a joke that I would not mind my kitchen chairs being moved--easy vacuuming. That produced a few raised eyebrows.

7. Electrical items. Last but not least, there were more stories spoken on this than anything else. The flickering of lights, TV's changing channels, and radios blaring an old tune on a station you are sure you never set. I know I have experienced the channel phenomena by sitting on the clicker.

Day after day, we sat around on break at work and I listened to so many different types of stories. One morning, one of the ladies announced I looked tired. She claimed they all knew the ghost was pestering me and I was not getting any sleep. She was correct but I was not about to admit myself into the circle of the paranormal office workers. I worked in the lab of the building. This stuff didn't fly with the other white coats.

The co-workers all agreed it was not an evil ghost but a child-like one. One morning, one opened her pursue and tried to hand me a stick of weeds. "It is sage. Just burn it throughout the house, tell the ghost you are tired and it needs to leave you be." I smiled but declined the offer.

Later that afternoon as I was making my way past the marketing department, I saw that bundle of weeds in my co-worker's "out" basket. I moved closer to it. There on a posty note was my name. At first, I started to walk by it, but backtracked, smiled that she was not in her cubicle, and took the sage. Ya know, just in case.

While I will never admit to the group whether or not I used the sage, they did comment that I was looking so much better. I looked so well rested. I smiled and sipped at my coffee, as I watched the fall season clouds move in over the horizon.

Maryann Paige is a paranormal author who resides in the Hudson Valley of New York. Visit her at http://www.maryannpaige.com.

Spiritual Cleaning

          Many partake in a yearly ritual called spring cleaning.  However, some of us look at the seasons a little differently.  While I usually do some spring cleaning, it’s the fall season that grabs all of my attention.

            As the sunlight begins to wane, I prepare my home for additional indoor activity and get it prepared for the short days of winter.  Since much more time will be spend indoors, it only seems logical to put everything in its place to prepare for the months ahead.

            The first thing to do is to rid your space of clutter.  In the Western world, we are consumer-driven economies and it’s easy to accumulate goods that play no part in our life or goods that we really don’t need.  I always begin fall cleaning by taking a long hard look at the products in my house.    

            This year, I began clean-up by giving a friend a bread maker.  A year ago when I purchased it, I thought it would be a great investment.  I always make homemade bread and this would allow me to do so in a jiff.  Then, I realized I never opened the box because it took away all of the labor of break making and that is what I most enjoy.  There would be no kneading and I simply cannot break bread without feeling the dough in my hands.  So, off to a friend the bread maker went as my hands continue to partake in the meditative task of kneading dough.

            If you survey your home, you’ll find plenty of items that you can give to others or to the less fortunate.  This gives you more open space and less clutter and that’s always a good thing.

            So, after all the goods that you haven’t used in a year are gone, start by partaking in a good old-fashioned scrubbing of the house.  I use lots of ingredients found in my fridge to clean my house, such as lemons and vinegar and it leaves a fresh, natural scent and keeps my house as chemical free as possible.

            After the unused goods are gone, clutter is to a minimum and the house is clean, I begin the most important cleaning task there is:  spiritual cleaning. 

            Spiritual cleaning can be performed in many ways and by anyone of any of the various faiths practiced in the world.  One can simply walk through the house asking for peace, or create an elaborate ritual to get rid of the old and negative and bring in the new and positive.  There will be some additional clean-up after the ceremony if completed, but it will be well worth it.

What I use:

1 Large Sage Smudge and a smudging pot

A Bowl of Sea Salt

A Bowl of Blessed Water

            Keep pets and small children away while you clean. Place the items on your altar or your kitchen table to work.  Start by lighting your sage smudge walking through the house and saying a prayer such as:

Bless this house and keep it safe for my children and I.  Creator, watch over all who live and enter here and keep us from harm.  I make it so by my will. 

So It Shall Be.

            Walk into every room in your house and allow the sage smoke to fill the air.  Sage smells wonderful and it also a natural disinfectant.  Be sure to get the smoke into every nook anc cranny and pay particular attention to the areas of doorways and windows.  Many use a smudging feather to move the smoke around the house but I simply use my hand.

**Please remember sage burns very hot and the embers will stay lit for a long time.  If you do not have a smudging pot, please extinguish your smudge safely outdoors by sticking it into the dirt.  Do not place in glass!

            After the sage smudging is complete, take your bowl of salt and say a prayer in every room as you sprinkle the salt into corners, onto window sills and across doorways.  Pay special attention and all entrances and exits into your home and that include wood stoves and fireplaces. Ask to cleanse all of the negativity from the air and from your home as you do so.

            After you have sprinkled your salt around, repeat the same prayers asking for all negativity to leave as your sprinkle the water in the same place as the salt.  Dip your hand into the bowl and flick your fingers to spread the blessed water.  Repeat with the same prayers and cover every area of the home. 

Clean up and know that your home is ready and spiritually cleaned for the upcoming winter season.

           

Basil Oil

Despite being a summer loving girl, there’s not much I can do as the Wheel of the Year turns but to accept it.  I keep myself busy during the cooler autumn months by preparing for winter.

            Homemade baked breads for freezing, herb oils and butters are some of the goodies I will make for the upcoming fall and winter season.  Here is a recipe for basil oil.  Why pay the crazy prices in the stores when you can make your own.  I use it on salads, fresh tomatoes, chicken, and potatoes.  Enjoy!

~~Always sterilize your jars. I wash my jars with hot, soapy water using a bottle brush.  I rinse well in cooler water and stand jars on a baking tray.  Heat the oven to 200°F/180°C - don't be tempted to heat the oven any higher or you may risk the glass breaking.  Close the oven door and sterilize the jars for about 45 minutes.

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons fresh basil leaves

1 cup of boiling water

2 cups olive oil

1. Rinse and drain basil leaves. Pat leaves dry with a towel. In a blender or food processor, combine basil leaves and olive oil. Whirl just until leaves are finely chopped (do not purée).
2.  Pour mixture into a 1- to 1 1/2-quart pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until oil bubbles around pan sides and reaches 165° on a thermometer.  This should be about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand until cool, about 1 hour.
3.  Line a fine wire strainer with two layers of cheesecloth and set over a small bowl. Pour oil mixture into strainer. After oil passes through, gently press basil to release remaining oil. Discard basil. Serve your basil oil or cover in a sterilized jar and store in the refrigerator up to 3 months. The olive oil may solidify slightly when chilled, but it will quickly liquify when it comes back to room temperature.

I See a Full Moon Rising

           The full moon has long been considered a wondrous event by societies throughout the ages.  The full moon reminds us that we too can be whole and it beckons us to take action to meet our life goals.

            I often use the full moon to reiterate a major change in my life which I prayed for underneath the new moon.  On the night of a new moon, I may battle a bad habit, such as smoking cigarettes; or, think about something I’d like to draw into my life, such as a relationship.

            Then, on the night of the full moon, I will hold a private ceremony outdoors to solidify my desires. 

            Every ceremony can be different and please feel free to add your elements, magickal tools, prayers and style.  Never fall into another’s dogma.  Create your own to empower yourself.  Sometimes, we can certainly afford an elaborate spread for worship and other times, we can simply use what we can find in the backyard.  Either way, own the power.  It’s yours.

This ceremony focuses on the autumnal full moon, gives thanks for the harvest and hold elements to represent this specific time of the year.

            Okay.  Let’s get started.

           

What you will need:

Four candles:  Green, yellow, red and blue.

Items that represent the season:  apples, small pumpkins, gourds, fresh fallen leaves, or corn stalks, to name a few.

Sage Smudge

A small bowl of sea salt

A small bowl of blessed water

A fire proof bowl for burning (I use a small fire pit on the side of my altar)

A small, hand-held besom sweep

A small altar bell

Two small pieces of Paper

Pen

1. Create your sacred space on an outside altar and gather your items together and place them upon your space.  I place my four unlit candles in the center of my altar until they are ready to be used.  I try my best to get under the moon if I can.  If you cast a protective circle, this is the time to do so.  Light your sage smudge and place it into a pot and use your besom sweep to push the smoke over your altar to purify it.
2. Many traditions begin their ceremonies from the East.  I have chosen to start with the North. I begin by ringing the altar bell to clear the air.  Light the green candle and hold it to the sky and say a prayer of your own or you can use mine.

I call upon the powers of the Earth,

Made by our Creator

To come into my sacred circle,

May you bless us and keep us

During our thankful abundance

At this Season of the Harvest.

            Place the green candle on the Northern section of your altar.

           

           

3. Light the yellow candle and hold it to the sky and recite:

I call upon the Power of the Air,

Made by our Creator

To come into my Sacred Circle,

May your power sweep away all negativity

And usher in abundance

At this Season of the Harvest.

            Place the yellow candle on the Eastern section of your altar.

4. Light the red candle and hold it to the sky and recite:

I call upon the Powers of Fire

Made by our Creator

To Come into my Sacred Circle

May you cleanse me of all negativity

And place the fire of passion into my heart

At this Season of the Harvest.

Place the red candle on the Southern part of your altar.

5. Light the blue candle and hold it to the sky and recite:

I call upon the Powers of the Water,

Made by Our Creator

To Come into My Sacred Circle

May you wash all woes and impurities

From my heart

And cleanse me with your powers

At this Season of the Harvest.

            Place the blue candle on the Western part of your altar.

            As the candles burn, I raise my hands to the sky and recite:

                                                Majestic Moon, Hear my Calling,

                                                I celebrate the Season of the Harvest.

                                                As the Wheel turns, I ask for love,    

                                                For abundance and contentment.

                                                I ask for bad habits to die and be

                                                Replaced with those that can uplift me and the world.

                                                And so it shall be!

6. Take the pen and paper and write down what you want released from of your life. Whether it be a bad habit, such as smoking, to end an unhealthy relationship, bad luck, debt, etc.
7. Crumble up the paper and throw into your fire pit or small fire.  Watch it burn and say aloud or over again to yourself that this particular issue is out of your life.      NOTE: Please be careful when working with fire.
8. Take the pen and paper and write down what you would like to welcome into your life, whether if be health, love, to mend a friendship, etc.  Place the piece of paper underneath your small water bowl and pray for it to come to you.  Visualize it and see it. Make the dream you wish for all yours.

Depending upon the weather and my mood, there are various ways I will end the ritual.  Sometimes, I will simply open my circle and end it quickly.  Other times, I will sit and mediate until the candles have gone out.  The choice is yours.

The next full moon arrives on September 12, 2011 at 09:27 UTC.  The moon will be in the sign of Pisces and is called the Corn Moon or the Harvest Moon.  It will be directly opposite the Earth from the Sun. 

Blessings for a successful full moon rising!



Hops Sachet for Insomnia

Margaret Thatcher once said that sleep is for wimps and she may be right; however, many of us need much more shut eye than we’re getting. 

Many who suffer from insomnia knows the affliction has carried some famous names with it such as Napoleon, Ben Franklin, Abraham Lincoln and King George III.  What we don’t know is how most in the past decided to fight it.

In our contemporary society, physicians will check for sleep apnea and then possibly recommended sleeping pills or something stronger to help the awakened victim drift off to into next dimension.  For many of us pharmaceuticals are not an option we’d like to consider. So, one can certainly partake in the various natural remedies, with a professional’s guidance, such as ingesting valerian root to obtain some shut eye. 

In my quest for a natural remedy for sleep, I came across the hops pillow.  In fact, many say it cured King George III of his aliment.

The hops vine is a perennial, fast growing and a climbing plant.  It can reach heights of 33 feet during the growing season. It’s used to brew beer since most grains do not keep well, so bitter herbs such as hops are added for flavor and to preserve the beer.  Hops also had sedative properties and can be enjoyed in a spa like bath as well.

To make your hops sleep sachet:

You will need:

One large muslin bag

Dried hops to fill the bag

**lavender blossoms

**a few drops of jasmine oil.

Place hops into a bowl, mix with the lavender blossoms and add a few drops of jasmine essential oil to the mixture.  Let dry and stuff your bag with the herbs. Place underneath your pillow or hang from your bedpost.

If you have sewing skills, by all means, make a large pillow and fill it with dry hops.  You can add different oils such as jasmine, rose or lavender to your own liking.  Remember not to make it too strong and if you suffer from allergies, any type of sachet made with herbs or plants may cause other problems.

Hopefully, your hops sachet will let the dreams begin!