Of Water and Air

[Simply Iris]

My Lady Brigid,
Keeper of the Three Flames
Mother of Passion
Daughter of Poetry
Guardian of Home and Heart

Mother Moon,
the Sun is rising!
And I call upon You
to protect and guide me
in these times of darkness
til winter's end

So mote it be.

[Simply Iris]

Blessed Brigid,
and ever-watchful Morrigan should You see me now
I pray to all the Gods that would hear
that my actions are as You wish
and that I travel the path set before me

Merciful Athena,
grant me power
over myself and my words
so that I may do harm to no one
as it is willed of me

And I thank You, my Gods and Goddesses,
for all the gifts of Earth and Sky and Sea and Sun
that I have been given

By the Goddess, Mother of All, bless it be
and may Ostara come swiftly

[Simply Iris]

My Lord and Lady,
I pledge myself to You
and this path that lies before me
I devote myself
to the study of this path
'til 13 moons have come and gone
and the sacred circle stands
unbroken

And my witches' chant shall
reach my Lady's ears
for She is the Trees, the Earth, and Sea
and my Lord shall hear it too
for He is the Sky, the Air, and the Fire
in my heart

[Simply Iris]

My Gods, I shall speak frankly, for I think our correspondence can be far too formal at times. And I know prayers and such are different and often all dressed up in pretty words, and all the better for it in my opinion.

But now, I simply wish to speak.

And I mean that in the most literal way. I wonder why it was that I just happen to lose my voice just days before an extremely important oral French test? Fate can be a tricky mistress, but I like to think that all things have to have their silver lining.

Maybe it was so I would take the test sooner or study it more thoroughly? Or so I would write more? Maybe just so I remember how precious my health (not to mention my voice) is?

It's something that will have to come with time, I think. Better a lesson learned late than never. And there's always the possibility that I could take this particular lesson completely out of context, humans are like that you know, Were we meant not to make mistakes we'd find a way to anyways just for the sake of rebellion or something equally as trivial or we wouldn't lose our voice at all now would we? That's why I think no one is meant to be perfect, nor is it a realistic goal to strive for.

And it begs the question of how we can dream up deities, perfect and yet somehow still in our image, when we ourselves have no idea what perfection truly is.

Nor should we.

And that's why I don't ask any such thing of You, my gods. You too have Your lessons to learn I think. I mean no disrespect of course, merely that we're all here for some purpose, even You.

Yes, I think it was definitely so I would write more...

It's amazing how easy it is, talking to You like this. I thought it would be much harder thinking of something to say, and yet here I am.:)

Out of habit though, bless it be.

[Simply Iris]

May clarity grow within me
Open my eyes to life's many wonders
May I feel the pulse of all creation within me
Open my spirit to Awareness
Fill my heart with deeper Understanding
May my life be of service to Earth and the Goddess


Open my ears to the needs of those around me
Make my hands strong, sure, & gentle in Your service
May I remember always, the Goddess works through me



~ A lovely prayer by Abby Willowroot

[Simply Iris]

This day

this hour

this moment

I breathe in life's

eternal energies

my atoms mingle

with all creation

This day

this hour

this moment

I eat other life

sun filled energy

nourishing my atoms

with the life forces

of another that lived

plant, animal, fish, foul

life that was, feeds me now


This day

this hour

this moment

I spend my life

energy held, leaves

my atoms flow outward

mingling with all creation

I am in all and all is in me

Bless all life

so mote it be

~ Another amazing Abby Willowroot prayer! :heartthro

[Simply Iris]

The Tree of Life...all things connected and eternal...
Its roots deep within our Mother Earth...its branches reaching up to our Father Sky...and through all the seasons it stands...for it is Life and Death both...the world...all that we can and cannot see...it is.

http://www.wildravens.net/images/designs/tree_of_life.gif

[Simply Iris]

I shouldn't let such small things ruin my day, I know that, but sometimes words mean more than we think.

But I know I'll find Your strength in me, and Your guidance.

It's rather cold for May...

[Simply Iris]

You know why.

http://lavecchiacredenza.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/3-lit-candles-711128.jpg

[Simply Iris]

When you need strength call upon me. I am within you.

I was with you at the beginning of your life and I will be there at the end.

So speaks the Goddess

[Simply Iris]

Goddess Mother help me
to be patient and strong
to see what is truly important
to act without selfishness or fear




Goddess Mother help me
to trust your wisdom
to resist the coward's way
to walk in faith and compassion
to be truly human in spirit and heart




- By the brilliant Abby Willowroot!

[Simply Iris]

You are the Great Goddess, the Queen of Heaven.
You, Goddess, I adore.

[Simply Iris]

I want to thank You for giving me hope.
I want to thank You for giving me something to look forward to.
But mostly I want to thank You for showing me You care, even though You didn't have to.

I like to think it's one part magic, and one part the guidance of Your hands.
I've always had the power to create my own happiness, You help me to realize it.

And for that, I thank You, my Gods.

[Simply Iris]

With each day my anticipation builds, and my excitement.
But I must remember to be patient.
I am ready to dedicate myself to You.
At least, I hope I am.
I would be lying if I said I didn't doubt myself, or if I have truly learned all I should by now.
But this is a learning process, isn't it? I must take this step so that the true adventure can begin.
It's a good kind of doubt, I think.
I am as ready as I'll ever be.

With Your blessing, my Gods.

[Simply Iris]

I thank You, Goddess of Healing, for Your gifts.

http://chaplaincy.weblog.glam.ac.uk/assets/2010/1/20/candle.jpg

[Simply Iris]

Blessed Cerridwen, Mother of Witches, may I always strive to achieve my goals.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X7cq0i0IwXc/S56bT6BbZqI/AAAAAAAADME/pnkMV0H9Dus/s320/cerridwen.jpg

[Simply Iris]

Hail to Thee!
Glory to the God
Lord of the Sun
Brightest Star in all the Sky
Hail to Thee!
Horned Hunter
Blessed Father
Giver of Warmth
Protection
And Strength
Hail to Thee!
Master of all that is Wild
And Free
In the name of the Lady
Who is ever with Thee
Bless it Be!

[Simply Iris]

Oh Goddess
There is great sadness
A cherished one has gone


Emptiness engulfs me
Loss languishes within
Help me bear this grief


Accompany their spirit
Comfort we who grieve
Let us rejoice in their life



This is for Esther Earl, age 16, who died this week after a battle with cancer. She was a great friend to many and inspired so much love in the world. And while Esther was amazing, she was a person. Like every person Esther had hopes and dreams and fears, and we should remember that, just because she is gone from this life does not mean she has left us forever. She was not an angel or a saint or a model of perfection, and we loved her for everything that she was.

Esther, even though I never met you, I will miss you. We all will. You shall not be forgotten.

Rest In Awesome.

[Simply Iris]

So tomorrow I head back to school...

It's scary and exciting and pretty much everything that it has been since I was five. I have my lucky amulet, and I know that You will be with me wherever I go. Somehow that makes all this a little easier.

If my English teacher makes us write a narrative about our Summer again, I'm going to write it about my self-dedication ritual. I already have it written in my head. Last year we had journals that she would read, and eventually mine became something like a diary of my Craft study. She seemed genuinely interested in what it was I believed though, so I don't think she would be very surprised to read my essay.

I'm almost hoping she assigns a narrative, even though I've always been terrible at writing them.

I've a lot to look forward to really. Mabon is just around the corner and in a few weeks I get my new glasses. It's going to be a good year.

With Your blessing, my Lord and Lady.

[Simply Iris]

Sometimes we find ourselves asking: what did I do to deserve this? Why is the universe picking on me when there are so many people out there who should be punished more? And I know it's petty and self-centered, but it happens. I asked myself these very same questions today.

It's stupid and the specifics aren't important. All that matters is that I ended up in a place I didn't want to be. I knew I shouldn't let this ruin my entire day, but I did. I was angry and emotional (something we cancers do best)

I began to think the world was just unfair.

And I don't like that kind of mindset. It doesn't make me happy and it doesn't make those around me happy. I hate being bitter, but it's so hard to remind myself I have a choice at that moment.

I'm still angry and hurt, but less than before. So I'm going to forget about it this weekend and start off the week refreshed and ready to embrace whatever the universe throws at me.

This I promise to myself.

Because if nothing else I have the power to change my life, my thoughts, my words, my actions.

So mote it be.

[Simply Iris]

I'm finally beginning to feel like things are starting to settle down again. The chaos of life is slowly but steadily disappearing, the pieces are falling into place. I can breathe again.

Granted, things are far from perfect, but I look to You to guide me and hopefully soon I will find peace.

Self-knowledge, spirituality, moderation.

I'd just like to thank You for all the blessings I have been given. I admit that I haven't exactly found the time lately to be thankful, but Mabon is coming up and I figured it was long overdue.

I need to take a moment and just slow down, gather my thoughts, listen to the rhythms of Nature. Time slips by so fast anyway and in the long run so many of the little things will be what matters the most.

Bless it be.

[Simply Iris]

I had the most wonderful Mabon.

My friends and I celebrated it together. We had to do so a day early because of our schedules but it didn't matter to us. We made a lovely dinner of harvest soup, carrots, sweet potato fries, and jasmine ice tea.

Then, as we walked to the park, we all said what we thankful for. When we got there, we sat in a circle of trees and held hands in silent meditation and prayer. This particular tree seemed to call to us. It had to be the oldest tree there. I can't even describe the feeling; it was such an intense magical energy. I sat beneath this tree and it felt like that very spot was made just for me. I was completely content and at peace.

Needless to say, we stayed at the park longer than we had planned.

I am so blessed to have such amazing friends. They were what made the sabbat truly special. I just loved having someone to share it with.

To good friends and abundant harvests!

[Simply Iris]

I'm not going to think about the fact that my school may close next year or that I have nowhere else to go. I'm not. Instead I'm going to focus on positives today. For example, I got my new glasses! And my brother came to dinner last night. It was very nice.

I have faith that everything will work out somehow. The Universe will always find a way to remain balanced. And if this is the last year, well I'm going to make it the best one yet.

[Simply Iris]

I haven't written in some time.

Samhain was wonderful. My friends and I sat in a circle on my bed with a sage leaf and talked for hours about our year and our future and then just the past in general. We laughed and cried and I've never felt closer to them than I did at that moment.

I miss the sun, I can't wait for Yule, we are already making plans. It's going to be lovely.

Oh, and my school is going to stay open next year! Yay!!

For some reason though when I write it, it doesn't quite seem real...

Thank you, Goddess, for everything.

[Simply Iris]

I wrote a poem today. It has been quite some time since I've written one. Not that I haven't been writing, just not poems. It makes me think about time even more now that my kindergarten teacher sent me a message on facebook tonight. I had forgotten about her.

Thank you, Brigid, for the inspiration. I am ever your humble servant, an interpreter of the Gods.

. . .

She who works in silent displeasure
wondering why they never learn
and still she stitches the broken hearts
back together again.

. . ... .

Hers is a methodical task
such fragile things they are,
and she takes each one in her palms,
like a wounded bird.

She knows only Patience will ensure it's done right.

Some are even grateful, in the end,
but Time sighs and sets down her needlework
wondering why she never learns
no matter how many curse her name.

. . ... ..
. .. . ...

Envy is a selfish woman who wants everything
but cherishes nothing of value
and yet Time cannot bring herself to harm
the poor blind soul.

And she isn't the only one . . .

Truth, who just can't help the pain she causes;
Passion, the pretender;
Mercy, so often overlooked;
Purity, who never saw sunlight;
Empathy, driven mad long ago . . .

Death is her closest consort
at least he knows what it is
to be alive.

She keeps the delicate balance
carefully mending the broken hearts
and always wondering why
her children never learn.

[Simply Iris]

Hail Bright Maiden of quicksilver delight,
shine upon me.
Thy morning blessing, which,
like the new dawn, refreshes my Spirit and
lifts my heart with song.
Blessed Be.

[Simply Iris]

Hail Mother of the golden wheat,
You of plenty and fertile womb,
breathe Thy blessing upon my heart,
nourish my soul
that I, too, may create the world with love.
Blessed Be.

[Simply Iris]

Hail Dark Lady of the Crossroads,
of wisdom hard-won,
grant me Thy blessing, purify my heart,
and teach me the truth of my soul;
show me that death is but the gateway to life.
Blessed Be.

[Simply Iris]

Thanks to Thee, Lord of the Dance,
for leading me into the deeper mysteries
of the heart.
Be with me now and always.
Blessed Be.

[Simply Iris]

A few things happened recently. The first being that my friend and classmate, McKenna, died suddenly this week. I have scarcely been able to put my thoughts into words regarding her passing. It could have so easily been anyone else that it makes me wonder if the people I see everyday will be there tomorrow. I will make an effort not to take those around me for granted anymore.

I feel like I should go to the memorial, even though they never seem to do the person's life much justice. And no, the reason I'm so apprehensive is not because the service is being held in a church. I'd probably just end up crying in front of a bunch of strangers anyway.

And she would have wanted me to smile.

On a different note, today my best friend asked me to perform her dedication/initiation ritual with her. I was honored but uncertain of what was involved in such a task. My own self-dedication was in August, and hers is this Imbolc. We have always shared our interests, so it wasn't really a surprise when she told me that she had started her year and a day of study.

We celebrate the sabbats together now. She says that all I have to do in order to dedicate her is say a few words that make her feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I pray that the Goddess will help me to find those words. I don't want to disappoint my best friend. I am no priestess by any means, just a young Witch a few months out of self-taught apprenticeship with a lot left to learn.

[Simply Iris]

Yule was positively amazing.

There was a circle of candles. We drank apple cider and read aloud. The wind was howling outside all night long, and at one point the energy in the room shifted and we felt as though we weren't alone. Once we acknowledged the spirits that were with us, however, they seemed to settle down significantly.

We exchanged gifts; I got a pentacle necklace which is something I have been wanted since my dedication.

I've said it before, but celebrating the sabbats with good friends makes it that much more powerful. I am blessed to have them in my life.

I can feel the darkness receding.

Blessed Be!

[Simply Iris]

Yeah, all right, it's been a while since my last post. Imbolc has come and gone and Ostara is on its way, although I'm still holding out for some snowflakes this week. Keep your fingers crossed!

Anyway, I'm going to pretend like I didn't disappear for months and move on.

I think there are certain times where magic is more abundant in the air. Like, you can actually feel it all around you. Maybe it's the collective excited energies of everyone hoping for snow. Or maybe I'm crazy. Who knows?

I'll have to cut this short for now. But I promise to post more frequently. It's nice to know that maybe someone reads this, and maybe the Gods are listening as well.

Who knows?

Blessed Be!

[Simply Iris]

Yesterday was Easter. I've never really celebrated Easter for its religious significance anyway, but my mother did give me a cauldron. It's beautiful! There was also a bunch of rosemary and sage and a Brigid's Cross necklace.

Beltane is this Sunday. It's going to be fantastic. My best friends and I are planning a lovely day at the park with tea. Let's hope it's sunny. You never know in Oregon.

[Simply Iris]

I can honestly say this has been the most perfect day of my life.

First I found my chalice, which I'd lost since we moved into our new house. It was just sitting there on my herb shelf. So we mixed rosewater, orange essence, and beeswax oil to make a cleanser. Then we lit all our candles and cast the circle. After that, we blessed each other and invoked the Goddess - Tip: Dry sage burns rapidly. If you use it as an offering, have water on hand, luckily we did and we burned it in the cauldron - Next we performed protection spells on one another.

My best friend remembered my Craft name even though I've only told it to her once. This alone nearly brought me to tears.

The next day, the weather was absolutely marvelous. The sun was shining, the flowers were in bloom, it wasn't too hot or too cold. We packed a picnic lunch and went to the park. Even though we knew we should logically be worried about the stressful week ahead, we couldn't bring ourselves to care at that moment. Everything was perfect.

Then, to make it even better, we came across a group of maypole dancers in the park! They let us join in. It was so much fun. I'd never had the opportunity, so I sucked at it at first, but then we did a simple dance and had a great time. It has got to be the funniest form of exercise, not including what Beltane is actually about. ;)

I don't know what I did to deserve such awesome friends to share this most perfect day with, but I am grateful.

[Simply Iris]

112012

[Simply Iris]

It's been a long time. How long has it been? Well, I don't know, a long time.

I ask that You please guide my along my path.
I still believe in nature's power over me, and in magic.
I do...with all my heart.
But I need Your guidance.
Help me to understand this world in which I live
and my place within it.
I wish to honor You.

That's all I have to say.

[Simply Iris]

The first anniversary of my dedication is exactly a month from today.

My year and a day was all about acquiring as much information as I could in order to build my own practice. After my dedication I felt great, but then I started to feel quite lost. I suppose I figured it would just come to me like a maternal instinct or something. I've had several amazing sabbats with my dearest friends, some of whom are not Wiccan, but that doesn't prevent us from sharing the experience as a sort of informal coven. I don't do magic very often, mostly during rituals, but I know that one doesn't necessarily have to weave spells all the time to be a witch.

I was, however, faced with the task of defining myself as a witch. I'm reminded of the 13 Goals of a Witch that I attempt to emulate whenever possible. Among them is: know yourself, and, know your Craft. I always assumed these would just fall into place eventually, but I've recently realized that it will take a bit of work on my part. I think this next year is going to be primarily about learning who I am as a person as well as who I am as a witch.

I also keep forgetting the God and Goddess are not only in nature, but also within me. So I shall make an effort to remember that. I write all this largely for my own benefit. Now I will be able to have documentation of where I was at this point on my path, and see where I am in the future.

[Simply Iris]

Mighty Brigid, keeper of the flame,
blazing in the darkness of winter.
O goddess, we honor you, bringer of light,
healer, exalted one.
Bless us now, hearth mother,
that we may be as fruitful as the soil itself,
and our lives abundant and fertile.

http://www.shedrums.com/images/SheDrums/Brigidworkshop08/brigid-li.jpg

Bride of the earth,
sister of the faeries,
daughter of the Tuatha de Danaan,
keeper of the eternal flame.
In autumn, the nights began to lengthen,
and the days grew shorter,
as the earth went to sleep.
Now, Brigid stokes her fire,
burning flames in the hearth,
bringing light back to us once more.
Winter is brief, but life is forever.
Brigid makes it so.

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=Brigid&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=Gbi&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=840&bih=426&tbm=isch&prmd=ivns&tbnid=so4Kpy7MUHrHnM:&imgrefurl=http://www.shedrums.com/sdBridgid%2527sQuickeningImbolc.htm&docid=3opZVBWSfGPvLM&w=323&h=428&ei=Ju9ATu2KA9TXiAKRkpirBQ&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=618&page=1&tbnh=108&tbnw=103&start=0&ndsp=11&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0&tx=46&ty=25http://www.google.com/imgres?q=Brigid&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=Gbi&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=840&bih=426&tbm=isch&prmd=ivns&tbnid=so4Kpy7MUHrHnM:&imgrefurl=http://www.shedrums.com/sdBridgid%2527sQuickeningImbolc.htm&docid=3opZVBWSfGPvLM&w=323&h=428&ei=Ju9ATu2KA9TXiAKRkpirBQ&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=618&page=1&tbnh=108&tbnw=103&start=0&ndsp=11&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0&tx=46&ty=25

[Simply Iris]

First-Born of Earth, hear my prayer,
And accept my offering of love.


I found this lovely prayer and others here: http://northernway.org/school/onw/prayers.html

I will post something for Mabon tomorrow.

[Simply Iris]

Witching starts within. That's my motto.