Beltane Chant (by Rudyard Kipling):
O do not tell the priests of our arts,
for they would call it sin!
We will be in the woods all night
A-conjuring conjuring summer in.
And we bring you good news by word of mouth.
For women, cattle, and corn:
The sun is coming up from the south,
By oak and ash, and thorn!
(Continue chanting 'by oak and ash and thorn')


 The first day of May marks a festival of great importance for all those who follow the Pagan way.  We call this day 'Beltane' which means 'Fire of God,'  the Sun, renews his gift of Need-Fire to the Earth Mother.  The spark of life has once again been delivered.
 
The Celtic May festival, to celebrate the arrival of summer; from Old Gaelic words meaning blaze-kindling.  In Druidic times, two fires were lit, and the tribes cattle driven between them, in a purificatory rite.  In later times, young men would leap over fires in tests or displays of energy and virility.
 
 
  On April 30th in some areas, fires burn from dusk till dawn.  Beltane or May Day at dawn wash your face with dew for a good complextion and good luck throughout the year.

BELTANE - The Celtic 'Flower Festival.'  Marks the first day of Celtic Summer - the first day of the Light Half of the year.

 Date - May Eve/May 1st (psychic high-tide; full moon before May 1st).

 Modern Equivalent - May Day, Lilac Sunday, Lady Day Walpurgisnacht.

 Celtic Godforms - Belinos, Flora, Bloodeuwedd.

 Alignment - Male,  Cross-Quarter Lunar

 Customs - sexual license among peasants, May Pole erection, gathering flowers, wearing green, Fire Calling, feasting, merry-making.

 Symbols - May Pole, daffodils, bright colors, smiling sun.

 Sacred Foods - sweets and sugar products, heather mead, cakes, cookies, no meat or fruit.

 Threshold - Dawn 

Incense - lilac, heather, apple blossom.
 
 
http://afwcraft.blogspot.ca/2012/04/beltane.html 


 Wiccan Spells and Witchcraft

 http://witchcraft.org

     An old proverb says ‘‘They are free of fruit that want an orchard.’’   But I say: ‘‘Everyone can have their own orchard!’’

If you place limits on your plans, desires and dreams… you’ll sidestep your own existence. 

It’s important to have plans, desires and dreams that have no limits in time or space. The fact is, we never know what our limits really are.

The only way you can define them is by always trying to surpass them. That way your life won’t fall into a routine, which leads nowhere.

Routine creates a false sense of security, by dampening your desire to take risks. I recommend taking risks every day, even if it’s only one, and even if it’s insignificant. Small victories gradually accumulate, and strengthen your willpower to achieve great things.

A victory, even a minor one, is always positive, and enables you to test and surpass your own limits.

You may have lofty ambitions, but you should only take measured risks, and keep them within range of your abilities.

You need to act with humility, cool-headedness and patience.

Humility makes you aware of your possibilities at any given moment. Although your goals may be lofty, humility keeps you focused on the steps you need to take to reach your final objective, which could be life-changing for you, or have a more modest impact.

Being cool-headed means you’re able to control your feelings, and the negative emotions that could make you lose sight of your true path in life. If you can keep a cool head on your shoulders under any circumstances, it will always pay-off in the end, and be a constructive force in your life.

You’ll also need to be patient, and methodically stick to the plans you develope for yourself beforehand, and not deviate from them. Which brings us to our final virtue:


Patience, which is indispensable in any process of transformation, because it’s easy to start something, but much harder to bring it to completion. Being Patient is critical for achieving success.

http://tara-medium.com

Lions & Lambs --- Using the Energy of Sprinby Leni Hester     edited and reprinted from her blog
“Season & Spirit” at PaganSquare.com

     The transition from Winter to Spring is a dynamic one, with lots   of pulling and pushing as the weather goes from one extreme to  the other. In this dance between two opposing forces, we can see  the Earth’s changes at their most dramatic. There is increasing  light, but the rain-heavy clouds are much darker and gloomier than  the bright icy snow clouds of a month ago. Perhaps we see this  transition as a movement away from the hardships and struggles  of Winter, to the greater ease and gentleness of Spring. Or we feel  the movement from the repose and introspection of Winter to the  increasing noise and activity of Spring.
 
     While we may welcome the  arrival of spring, it’s not uncommon to feel irritable or restless and  dissatisfied this time of year.


     This transition is very much like waking up after a long sleep.  Sometimes it takes some stretching and grumbling and rubbing of  the eyes to get fully awake. Sometimes it’s not entirely inviting to get out of our warm bed and put our feet on the cold floor. But  we cannot stop the Spring from coming any more than we can  stop ourselves from feeling
the rising energy, noticing the excitement (anxiety) just below our skin, as the
world wakes up.

     Here in Colorado, the dynamic tension between the seasons is particularly noticeable. My coven’s Ostara ritual last month was canceled due to a blizzard that dumped about eight inches of   snow. This is always a busy time of year, with the chores running from shoveling snow to turning beds and pruning trees. But out  in the garden, even on the coldest day, even with the plants still  dormant, I can feel the energy rising, ready to pop out and drench  the world in color and life No matter how much it looks like Winter,  Spring is ready to roar inside us.


This is the season to make changes and try to rewrite bad habits.   For example, isn’t it silly to try and start a new diet on January 1,  deep in the coldest part of winter, just when our bodies most crave  heavy, high fat foods? In Spring, we begin to crave the bite of new greens and veggies, we want to cleanse and detox, we long forlighter fare as we shed our Winter layers.


      The old tradition of “Spring cleaning” is a very natural inclination.  This time of year, I find myself longing to re-organize my entire  house for top to bottom. Cleaning out our space can really relieve  so much stress and anxiety, of course, but the itch to get clean  is not just for our spaces, but ourselves. We respond by getting new clothes or cleaning our homes, but what we long for is to be clean on the inside. Letting go of old bad habits and dysfunctional  patterns and routines can be difficult, but the energy of the season  truly supports these shifts.

     Part of our restlessness as the Winter   gives way to Spring, is that we begin to notice things that we were  resigned or complacent about, and find we aren’t comfortable  with them anymore. Maybe it’s a compromise we don’t want to  make, or something in our home or workspace that is not working   quite right. Maybe it’s a outgrown relationship, or a desire for new  challenges. All the places where we fall short of where we feel  we should be, everywhere we see dysfunction and breakdowns  in our lives—whether magickal or mundane, personal or professional—these gaps rankle us, and spur us to action. We may wish to re-organize our lives from start to bottom, getting rid of anything that we feel no longer serves us. This time of year, I find I have no tolerance for procrastination and dithering after decisions are made.  I also have very little patience with my own bad habits and dysfunctional routines. I want everything that feels like clutter, the feels extraneous and dysfunctional, out of my space.

     I know that unless I make sure I don’t over-schedule myself, I will  over-commit my time and energy, and then look up suddenly and say, “Wow, when did Spring start? And where has it gone?”   If I   don’t remember that the impulse to clear clutter out of my house  is so amped up right now, I will follow that impulse and get ri of   things I might need later. Plugging into the rising earth energy after such a long rest can be exhilarating, and it can be also be overwhelming and uncomfortable.


    At times of change and transformation, it helps to get quiet.   Do not  be fooled by the sudden pop of energy and action everywhere. We  still need to get quiet especially when the world gets loud. Don’t lapse on your meditation practice now.


    Speaking of meditation, as the weather get nicer, take some  time to walk in a park or other natural area. Walk silently and take  in the scents, sounds and sensations of the waxing year. Put all   your awareness into noticing the life around you, even if much of it  is still hidden.


    Cleansing and purification are huge elements of the ritual work  of this time of the year cross culturally. Clean your house, then purify it with smudge or incense. Open the windows, even for a brief  time, to get the power of Air clearing out your space. Sprinkle your  space with Florida water, or blessing oils or Van-Van oil diluted in water.  If you drop the ball on New Years’s resolutions, now is the best time to give it another shot.  In any case, here’s hoping that your spring (and mine) will be full of the energy and light of this dynamic and magickal season. Blessed be!

April 2013
BBI Media News
Publishers of Crone,  SageWoman, and  Witches&Pagans magazines.

     The concept of non-violence is practiced by all great spiritual masters. It inspires me every day, and I’d like to share it with you.

     In most situations, it’s best to choose the path of pacifism, since pacifism ultimately leads to peaceful, non-violent outcomes.

     Thoughts, words and deeds that are peaceful never lead to violence. When confronted with violence, the fact of not responding in kind and creating more aggression, eases the tension and prevents it from escalating.

     Responding to violence with violence only creates an endless cycle of aggression.



      If you want to put out a fire, it’s wiser to throw water on it rather than gasoline. Similarly, there’s no shame in refusing to fight. There’s no code of honor that says you have to stand-up to an adversary who is stronger than you, and who could put your life, and the lives of those close to you, in danger.

     Spring begins with the vernal equinox at 7:02 A.M. (EDT) on March 20, 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere.  Ah, spring! This season brings increasing daylight, warming temperatures, and the rebirth of flora and fauna.
 
      Spring arrives this week, opening up a world of new possibilities. The Sun entering Aries on Wednesday heralds the Vernal Equinox, followed by Venus entering Aries on Thursday. These fiery influences team up with Mars and Uranus in Aries to ignite your passion, motivation and individuality, which will likely influence your love
life.

Equinox Means "Equal Night"

 Translated literally equinox, means  "equal night." Because the Sun is positioned above the equator, day and night  are about equal in length all over the world during the equinoxes. A second  equinox occurs each year on Sept. 22 or 23; in 2013, it will be on Sept. 22 at  4:44 P.M. EDT. This date will mark the autumnal equinox in the  Northern Hemisphere and the vernal equinox in the Southern  (vernal  denotes "spring").

     Did you know we all have a Protective Tree? It’s a gift to you from Nature, and you can use it to recharge your energy, improve your life, stay in good health, and remain mentally agile to a ripe old age. How? Well, the answer to that question is all the more relevant today, because of our global awareness of the importance of ecology, which has forced us to take another look at our priorities.

     You can determine what tree is associated with you personally by using Celtic astrology, and your date-of-birth. Below you’ll find a list of dates, and the trees associated with them. Look for your own special tree, as well as those of your family and friends. It’s fun, especially when you start discovering more about your tree’s special powers.

- Date-of-birth between December 23 and January 1, or between June 25 and July 4.  Your protective tree is the Apple.

- Date-of-birth between January 2 and January 11, or between July 5 and 14.
Your protective tree is the Fir.

- Date-of-birth between January 12 and January 24, or between July 15 and July 25.   Your protective tree is the Elm.

- Date-of-birth between January 25 and February 3, or between July 26 and August 4.   Your protective tree is the Cypress.

- Date-of-birth between February 4 and February 8, May 1 and May 14, or between August 5 to August 13.   Your protective tree is the Poplar.

- Date-of-birth between February 9 and February 18, or between August 14 to August 23.   Your protective tree is the Cedar.

- Date-of-birth between February 19 and February 28, or between August 24 to September 2.   Your protective tree is the Pine.

- Date-of-birth between March 1 and March 10, or between September 3 to September 12.   Your protective tree is the White Willow.

- Date-of-birth between March 11 and March 20, or between September 13 to September 22.   Your protective tree is the Linden.

- Date-of-birth between March 22 and March 31, or between September 24 to October 3.  Your protective tree is the Hazel.

- Date-of-birth between April 1 and April 10, or between October 4 to October 13.   Your protective tree is the Sorb.

- Date-of-birth between April 11 and April 20, or between October 14 to October 23.  Your protective tree is the Maple.

- Date-of-birth between April 21 and April 30, or between October 24 to November 11.   Your protective tree is the Walnut.

- Date-of-birth between May 15 and May 24, or between November 12 to November 21.  Your protective tree is the Chestnut.

- Date-of-birth between May 25 and June 3, or between November 22 and December 1.  Your protective tree is the Ash.

- Date-of-birth between June 4 and June 13, or between December 2 to December 11.   Your protective tree is the Elm.

- Date-of-birth between June 14 and June 23, or between December 12 to December 21.   Your protective tree is the Fig.

- Date-of-birth is March 21.   Your protective tree is the Oak.

- Date-of-birth is June 24.   Your protective tree is the Birch.

- Date-of-birth is September 23.   Your protective tree is the Olive.

- Date-of-birth is December 22.   Your protective tree is the Beech.

Two important points:
1.    These dates are not chronological, but are determined through the application of Celtic astrology and the Celtic calendar, which is different from our own.

2.    If your corresponding tree doesn’t grow anywhere near where you live, you don’t need to move! Simply walk through a forest, and find a tree you are particularly drawn to. It may not be ideal, but it will do just fine.

How To Communicate With Your Protective Tree

-    When you determine what your Protective Tree is, locate one and walk towards it. Look to see if there are other trees of the same species growing nearby. If so, walk in a circle around them.

-    Stand about 50 cm (25 inches) in front of your favorite Protective Tree, which we’ll call your Master Tree. Let your arms hang down by your sides.

-    Relax your mind and body as much as possible. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Try to feel the energy of your Master Tree.

-    Take a step closer and put your arms around it.

-    Keep your eyes closed and your mind open to everything you feel.

-    Your mind and body should be completely relaxed.
If they aren’t, wait until it happens, otherwise you won’t benefit from the beneficial purifying powers of your Master Tree.

-    The first time you do it, you can just enjoy the feeling of well-being that comes over you, and let your thoughts wander.

-    During subsequent contacts, you can ask a specific question, or request that a wish of yours be granted, like becoming rich, regaining your health, finding true love, or whatever else you desire.

-    Keep your arms around your Master Tree for as long as you want. The important thing is that you feel relaxed and well.

-    When you feel ready, let go of your Master Tree, and thank it for helping make your wishes come true.

Effects of the Ceremony

This powerful Shamanic ritual has been used in many traditions around the world since the dawn of time. It’s bound to yield results, if only to make you feel better and more positive.

What happens next will depend on your attitude. Try to sustain the mental vitality and physical strength the ritual endows you with, and use it to improve your day-to-day life.

Perform this Magic Tree Ceremony regularly, and it will eventually bring you what you seek. The tree won’t grant your wishes, but will attract the energy of Luck you need to make them a reality.

http://tara-medium.com
 

     "The Principles of Wiccan Belief," which many Witches continue to endorse, and which many Witches continue to endorse, and which were later incorporated into one or more editions of the handbook for chaplains in the U.S. Army.  In adopting the thirteen principles, the Counsil stated:
 
In seeking to be inclusive, we do not wish to open ourselves to the destruction of our group by those on self-serving power trips, or philosophies and practices contradictory to those principles.  In seeking to exclude those whose ways are contradictory to ours, we do not to deny participation with us to any who are sincerely interested in our knowledge and beliefs, regardless of race, color, sex, age, national or cultural origins or sexual preference.
 
Shortly after this landmark action, the Council disband, due in part to continuing differences among traditions.

The Thirteen Principles of Wiccan Belief
 
1.  We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the Moon and the seasonal Quarters and Cross Quarters.
 
2.  We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment.  We seek to live in harmony with Nature, in ecological balance offering fulfilment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.
 
3. We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that apparent to the average person.  Because it is far greater than ordinary it is sometimes called "supernatural," but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.
 
4.  We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as manifesting through polarity-as masculine and feminine-and that this is the same Creative Power lies in all people, and functions through the interaction of the masculine and the feminine.  We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive of the other.  We value sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magickal practice and religious worship.
 
5.  We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological, worlds sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconsciousness, inner Planes, etc.-and we see in the inter-action of those two dimensions that basis for paranormal phenomena and magickal exercises.  We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfilment.
 
6.  We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given of themselves in leadership.
 
7.  We see religion, magick and wisdom in living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it-a world view  and philosophy of life which we identify as Witchcraft - the Wiccan Way.
 
8.  Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch - but neither does heredity itself, nor the collecting of titles, degrees and initiations.  A Witch seeks to control the forces within her/himself that make life possible in order to live wisely and well without harm to others and in harmony with nature.
 
9.  We believe in the affirmation and fulfilment of life in continuation of evolution and development of consciousness giving meaning to the Universe we know and our personal role within it.
 
10.  Our only animosity towards Christianity, or towards any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be "the only way" and have sought to deny freedom to others and to surpress other ways to religious practice and belief.
 
11.  As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions.  We are concerned with our present and our future.
 
12.  We
do not accept the concept of absolute evil, nor do we worship any entity known as "Satan" or "the Devil," as define by Christian tradition.  We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor accept personal benefit can be derived only by denial to another.
 
13.  We believe that we should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well-being.
 
Taken from The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft, Publisher Facts on File, Inc.copyright 1989
http://factsonfile.com 
  
 

Fate is dictated by moments, you can neither, expect or control.

Pictures taken by me of the Statues at Heart Castle - The Castle in the Sky
Hearst Castle is a National and California Historical Landmark mansion located on the Central Coast of California, United States

     Hearst Castle is located near the unincorporated community of San Simeon, California, approximately 250 miles (400 km) from both Los Angeles and San Francisco, and 43 miles (69 km) from San Luis Obispo at the norther end of San Luis Obispo County. The estate itself is five miles (eight kilometers) inland atop a hill of the Santa Lucia Range at an altitude of 1,600 feet (490 m). The region is sparsely populated because the Santa Lucia Range abuts the Pacific Ocean, which provides dramatic seaside vistas but few opportunities for development and hampered transportation. The surrounding countryside visible from the mansion remains largely undeveloped. Its entrance is adjacent to San Simeon State Park.


      Hearst Castle was built on Rancho Piedra Blanca that William Randolph Hearst's father, George Hearst, originally purchased in 1865. The younger Hearst grew fond of this site over many childhood family camping trips. He inherited the ranch, which had grown to 250,000 acres (1,012 km2)[3] and fourteen miles (21 km) of coastline, from his mother Phoebe Hearst in 1919.[4] Although the large ranch already had a Victorian mansion, the location selected for Hearst Castle was undeveloped, atop a steep hill whose ascent was a dirt path accessible only by foot or on horseback over five miles (8 km) of cutbacks.

     Hearst first approached American architect Julia Morgan[3] with ideas for a new project in April 1915, shortly after he took ownership. Hearst's original idea was to build a bungalow, according to a draftsman who worked in Morgan's office who recounted Hearst's words from the initial meeting:

"I would like to build something upon the hill at San Simeon. I get tired of going up there and camping in tents. I'm getting a little too old for that. I'd like to get something that would be a little more comfortable."