Witch Dance

י״ז באייר תש"ע
Annwyn 18
Shabbat Sabbat Beltane, 32 Days of the Omer

My poem, originally published on my old Geocities website (Walking on Fire), republished since on my poetry blog, Awenydd. Reposted now for Beltane.

Witch Dance

a tapestry
a seamless epiphany

of deep shadows
dancing naked with the night

chaos thirsts
ordering the mystery tale

as serpents sing
and scorpions weave music

here, where Lilith laughs
to the sound of brilliance

Beltane Fire Dance

י״ז באייר תש"ע
Annwyn 18
Shabbat Sabbat Beltane, 32 Days of the Omer

Beltane Fire Dance (Huron) HD, Loreena McKennitt

Beltane Shaman Stones

י"א אייר תשס"ט
Annwn 12

Today May 5th is astrological Beltane .. let the Beltane fires burn brilliantly within me!

I've acquired during this powerful season of Beltane a ritual gift for the only witch I personally know - me! LOL. I'll be using them as a special shaman stone set (along with the other 36 shaman stones I've collected) for my pathwork with the ancestors.

The stones are brought together as an amulet, made from a nugget of Preseli Bluestone (the stone used by the ancient Brits for building the inner sanctum of Stonehenge) from the Preseli Hills in Wales and a nugget of White Quartz from among those scattered all over Snowdonia and in the foothills to Snowdon, also in Wales. May it be a blessing and a protection for me from my ancestors. So mote it be!

Gates Of The Great Rite

י"ג תשרי התשס"ט
Blodlessing 14

In follow-up to my previous two entries (Sanctuary Of Delight and Consummate Life To Enliven), where it is brought forth that even as the Gates of Prayer are closing and the Gates of the Temple are opening, I further note that connected to these Yom Kippur Gates of "closing" and "opening" are two Gates of the Celtic New Year, Beltane (now closing) and Samhain (now opening).

The Gate of the Celtic New Year is opening (as are the Gates of the Temple), becoming fully open at Samhain. Samhain is the Gate to the dark half of the year (corresponding to Essential consciousness). Beltane, the Gate to light half of the year (corresponding to emanated awareness), is closing (as are the Gates of Prayer).

The two Gates of the Year, represent a time of consummate interinclusion among the worlds (of both witchcraft and kabbalah) where worlds unite - symbolized by the Great Rite ritual (the originally "hidden" divination card) - to bring forth that which is greater than anything in the worlds alone - an experience of Essential Being.

Sabbat Consciousness

כ'ז בניסן תשס"ח
Annwyn 28

In follow-up to my previous entry, In The Current Of An Epiphany, I note that the Sabbat fire festival called Beltaine is traditionally observed tonight, and astrologically observed May 4 in my location. Veronica Cummer in her new book Sorgitzak, writes of Sabbat consciousness:

The Sabbats in ancient times were as much altered states of consciousness as they were celebrations tied to a particular place or season. The powers that were called upon and raised were as much within each Witch as they were in the sacred hilltops or the secluded valleys or forests where the rites took place, for we are all filled with webs of energy in much the same manner as the Earth. To work with one is to work with the other, as the inner reflects the outer and the outer reflects the inner.

In this way, when we activate those webs inside us, we also activate them in the Earth. We spin into physical being the patterns of energy brought down ... To be clear, Witches of old entered into altered states of being when they attended their rites and so became as one with the very patterns they created, whether old or new ones.

In The Current Of An Epiphany

כ'ו בניסן תשס"ח
Annwyn 27

This evening's Beltaine and Yom HaShoah Hebrew and Ogham letter tarot reading was performed under the waning crescent moon 17% full, during the planetary hour of Venus. Three Hebrew letters and 1 Ogham letter were ritually chosen with a Beltaine flame lighting my altar.

לעז, a shoresh meaning to ridicule as strange [1].

When Israel came forth out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language;

The shoresh לעז is used in the above phrase from Tehillim, leading one to understand that the state of expanded consciousness called "the house of Jacob" is directly derived from the experience of being ridiculed for being "strange" and different. The house of Jacob also refers specifically to the female experience corresponding to the Jacob state of consciousness.







Following the Hebrew letters, came the fid ailm. This ogham letter has the following meanings [2]:



*inception
*loudest of groanings
*cry of birth and death, where birth and death are one
*celestial current of consciousness
*point of initiation
*a new thing coming into being
*a new cycle of experience and enlightenment
*moment of discovery
*rush of an epiphany

Clearly, the Hebrew and Ogham letters are lucidly, harmoniously and meaningfully interwoven together in my tarot reading this evening. Both the Hebrew letters and the Ogham letter equally touch and elucidate the same liberating story of consciousness. There is complete prophetic-divinatory peace between the two mystical alphabets for me.

Footnotes:

[1] Etymological Dictionary Of Biblical Hebrew, R. Matityahu Clark

[2] Ogam, Weaving Word Wisdom, Erynn Rowan Laurie

Coarse Grains Of Redemptive Blessing

י'ד בניסן תשס"ח
Annwyn 15

In follow up to Transformative Pesach Prophecy, several elucidating ideas emerge from Ceridwen's cauldron of transformative prophecy.

Pesach-Beltaine Connection

Pesach Sheni is May 19 (Iyar 14, corresponding to the time we count the 30th day of the Omer) and astrological Beltaine (Beltaine Sheni) is May 4 (Annwyn 30) this year of 5768. Consequently, both Pesach Sheni and Beltaine Sheni come together through a "time" value of 30.

Ceridwen is associated in Celtic witchcraft with Beltaine. Yet, Ceridwen delivered to me a prophecy associated with Pesach. Taken together, Ceridwen represents for me stepping above the time of both, transcendently joining together Pesach and Beltaine.

As a lunar goddess, Ceridwen is linked with blessings bestowed through Yesod into Malchut. Pesach Rishon this year is April 20 (Nissan 15). The full moon of the witches' month of Annwyn is called the Drawing Down The Moon full moon, also on April 20 (Annwyn 16), suggesting a time through which the redemptive blessings are bestowed is April 20, which is the date of both Pesach Rishon and the Drawing Down full moon of Annwyn.

Grains Of Redemptive Blessing

The blessings bestowed from Ceridwen's cauldron are redemptive, drawn down from the powerful full moon which marks redemption from Mitzrayim, which is Pesach in Jewish tradition.

In Celtic tradition, six sacred grains of spellcraft were brewed as a grael in Ceridwen's cauldron. In terms of middot (measures), 6 grains = 388.79346 milligrams.

388 is the gematria of למשיח meaning "belonging to Mashiach"

79346 represents the five letters ודגטז, where five identifies the Divine Feminine of both Binah and Malchut. The five letters have a combined gematria of 29 - the same gematria as a Torah word used in Bereshit 48:16 to bestow blessing upon both children of Yosef, namely וידגו meaning "and let them grow".

And Yisrael blessed them saying, "let my name be named in them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth."

Taken together, Ceridwen's cauldron contains and "bestows the receptive" blessing "belonging to Mashiach" and "of Yisrael", suggesting that Ceridwen is the unified feminine archetype corresponding to masculine Yisrael. Importantly, Ceridwen represents she who bestows the blessing which ignites messianic consciousness, causing it to grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth, as waters cover the sea. Within the letter-sets of both blessings are the letters of the sha'ar (gate) דג, implying quick multiplication in great numbers.

The word וידגו (of Yisrael's blessing) begins with the letter ו, with a value of six, like the six grains of spellcraft brewed in Ceridwen's cauldron. Similarly, the letter-set ודגטז (of Ceridwen's blessing) also begins the the letter ו.

Yet differently, the word of Yisrael's blessing ends with a ו (the letter of connection) while the letter-set of Ceridwen's blessing ends with a ז (the letter of selection). Thus, Ceridwen's blessing represents the extension of Yisrael's blessing into manifest reality. Also, his blessing contains the letter י (a letter of projective energy, שפע), while her blessing contains the letter ט (a letter of receptive energy, קבל).

Ceridwen (Boudicca) and Yisrael (Yaakov) are parallel quantum coarse grains (one primarily an involutionary stream and one primarily an evolutionary stream of consciousness), who together, decohere consciousness into manifest history as described in my poem Coarse Grained Histories, Dialog With The Divine.

Related entry: Ceridwen Candle Dressing Oil

33 - Sha'ar Gilah

י"ח באייר תשס"ז

In an entry posted earlier today (on astronomical Beltane, a Celtic bonfire festival), I posited that the inner two flames of the 4-shin of Binah symbolize the attributes of mindful understanding and joy. Specifically with respect to joy, I focused on the joy rooted in Beriyah called gilah (גילה).

The 2-letter root (sha'ar, gate) of gilah is gal (גל). Of gilah, R' Yitzchak Ginsburgh teaches:

Gilah, from the root gal, meaning "to reveal," describes the full revelation of joy as contained within one's heart (as expressed by the frequent idiom in Torah: yagel libi -- "my heart shall be joyous").

The sha'ar of gilah - גל - has a gematria of 33. Interestingly, the joy of gilah brought forth on Beltane demonstrates another synchronicity of my eclectic individuality with the universes entwined - this evening is Lag B'Omer, the 33rd day of the Omer and a Jewish bonfire festival.

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A Time For Discrimination

ט"ז באייר תשס"ז

Hospitality is an ethic of both Celtic and Jewish culture. Similarly, both cultures have built within their systems times when showing hospitality to strangers is to be avoided. Within Judaism, this time of discrimination where hospitality is not advised is during the Pesach seder. Within Celtic witchcraft, this time of discrimination is during Beltane (Beltaine, Beltaen, Calan Mai-Welsh).

From Kehillas Torah:

“This is the decree of the Pesach-Offering; no ben neichar (gentile) shall eat of it, …no uncircumcised male may eat of it.” (Exodus 12:43,48)

Every year, the Pesach-Offering (korban pesach) was brought in the Bais Hamikdash (Holy Temple); just as it was that very first Pesach when the Jews actually left Egypt; and was distributed to be eaten by the Jewish people. The korban pesach was not to be served to a non-Jew.

From Celtic Well:

Avoidance of strangers and refusal of requests to share from neighbors were a hallmark of Bealtaine. Although the Celtic community ethic was usually one of generosity and hospitality, on Bealtaine to share was to risk having one’s share of prosperity stolen by an unscrupulous neighbor or Otherworld being. In general, Bealtaine was a time to guard one’s luck and belongings against magical theft.

From this we can see that there are legitimate times in both cultures, if not all cultures, when it is advisable to withdraw from sharing with strangers or those not previously known to be within the sphere of an established reciprocally caring relationship.

During Pesach, chesed/din distinctions are made for the coming year at the Yam Suf. One oppressed group traverses the sea in safety. One unscrupulous group is overcome by it. One group's chesed is the other group's din.

Likewise, during Beltane, chesed/din distinctions are made for the coming year, and one needs to guard one's portion from the unscrupulous who seek to steal it, either directly or surreptitiously.

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Astronomical Beltane

י"ד באייר תשס"ז

Henceforth, I will observe [1] a witch's Fire Festivals (cross-quarter points), equinoxes and solstices according to their actual astronomical correspondences.

For example, while Beltane (the Fire Festival marking the cross-quarter point between the vernal equinox and the summer solstice) is generally observed October 30/May 1, the actual astronomical midpoint between the vernal equinox and summer solstice is Saturday, May 5 at 4:08 pm in my time zone.

Consequently, I am resetting Beltane observance to May 5 this year and will observe the Sabbat a second time in parallel with Shabbat.

Footnote:

[1] ritually as an individual; although as a witch within the greater community of witches, I will still mark it at the traditional time

Technorati tags: beltane beltaine beltaen cross quarter days sabbats fire festivals

Mei Niddah

י"ד באייר תשס"ז

The third phase of the 3-month reversal and protection ritual was initated this evening of Beltane 5767, with the Moon 100% full in Scorpio (corresponding to the Hebrew letter nun נ).

Daytime ritual preparations were performed on day 28 of the omer, under the influence of Malchut of Netzach (by both the Gra and Ari arrays of the sefirot), during the planetary hours of Pluto (Da'at) and the Moon (dalet ד). The ritual proper was performed counting day 29 of the omer, under the influence of Tiferet of Hod (Gra array) or Chesed of Hod (Ari array), under the influence of the Moon (dalet ד).

Incenses used: kabbalistic name blend, dragon's blood, amber moon (to protect psychic centers) and Satisfaction.

Ceromancy: A hooded Druid-like figure emerged from the burning wax, appearing to "guard" the black Beltane ritual candle; by the time the candle had burned out, the black wax had both dripped down to the base surface and towered up over the candle holder.

The shoresh נדד meaning to "separate", "withdraw" and "distance" emerges from the spell data. Thus, this phase of the reversal and protection ritual finalizes the separation of the curse cast against me from me and from those I love, severing it completely, thereby fully releasing it to return back to its source.

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Sabbat Hitkalelut

י"ג באייר תשס"ז

Beltane is one of the Greater Sabbats (also known as Fire Festivals) of witchcraft observed beginning April 30th and continuing through May 1st, marking the midpoint between the spring equinox and summer solstice in the Celtic witch's wheel of the year.

My Beltane Solitary Sabbat focuses this year on the concept of hitkalelut התכללות, integration.

Beltane Candle Dressing Oil

1 tbsp jajoba (carrier)
1 gtt lilac (protection)
1 gtt lavender (protection, purification, peace, happiness)
1 gtt vanilla musk (mental powers, love, grounding)
1 gtt jasmine/sweet pea (love, prosperity, prophetic dreams, friendship)
1 gtt cinnamon bark (success, healing, protection, love, raise vibrations)
1 gtt sandalwood (protection, healing, fruition of intention)
1 gtt frankincense (protection, raises vibrations)
1 gtt myrrh (protection, healing, raises vibrations)
1 gtt benzoin (purification, prosperity)

Candles (all inscribed with התכללות)

yellow votive (clarity, joy)
10 inch white formal (focus, culmination)
brown citrus bergamot votive (grounding, stability, success)
4.5 inch white ritual taper (focus, culmination)
bonfire* braided 3-wick havdalah candle (integration)

Incenses

sandalwood/sage/peppermint (protection, wisdom, fruition of intention)
daffodil (love, fertility, mazal tov)
saffron/ginger (love, healing, happiness, wind raising, nevuah, success)

Altar Gemstones

clear quartz crystal (transduces/amplifies/focuses/activates energy & intention)
10 blue sapphires in a circle on a gold bracelet (entire sefirotic array)
green chrysoprase (transformation, healing, abundance)

Food/Wine

custard or yogurt sprinkled with flaxseed
kosher red wine

Music

Ancient Futures, Daughters of Gaia

Ribbon Colors (3 sets of 3, ט)

green (growth, prosperity)
red (love, energy, strength)
orange (attract positive gain)

brown (earthy stability, grounding, success)
blue (tranquility, peace)
pink (love, friendship, harmony)

yellow (clarity, joy)
purple (spirituality and nevuah)
white (focused clarity)

Beltane Ribbon Ritual (described here)

[This is a] ritual binding of life and the beauties of life to the Earth plane/the self.

[You'll need] some lengths of ribbon to braid during the Magick making portion of your ritual. The idea here is that you (your body) symbolically becomes the shamanistic tree -- that you see yourself as the shaman on the tree (in your body), able to bring forth a variety of things from the Otherworld into manifestation here on Earth.

Each ribbon will represent one aspect of your life that you'd like to bind closer to you (while realizing the constraints that doing so might imply). Choose the ribbon colors accordingly.

For example, if you want to bring financial security into your life and bind it to you, have a green ribbon on your altar. (Or perhaps you find silver or gold might work better for you here.) If you'd like your life to be constantly surrounded by love, add a pink (or red) ribbon to the array on your altar. If you'd like peace of mind/emotional stability to be a constant in your life, add a light blue ribbon to the mix, etc.

I'd recommend each ribbon be as long as you are tall. Symbolically then, each ribbon represents your physical self. Be sure your altar set-up includes a symbol/tool associated with each of the four elements.

Now light your candles and incense and create your sacred space in your usual manner. Invoke Whom you feel is appropriate. Ask [the Divine] to join you in your dance of life. Include movement in your invocation if you like.

You'll now need to bless each ribbon by the four elements. Take your time in doing this. Pass each one through the incense smoke (Air), over a candle flame (Fire), sprinkle each with water (Water), and pass each through a bowl of sea salt (Earth). Or, think of the smoking censer as representing Air and Fire. Put some sea salt in your water vessel, stir, and think of it as representing Water and Earth.

Then just pass each ribbon through the smoke and sprinkle it with the water mixture, thereby blessing each by all four elements.

However you decide to do it, take some time to think about just exactly what it is each ribbon represents to you. What it is you'd like to bind to you/bring to the fullness of life within your life? What benefits will accrue to you in so doing? What is the down side in each case, and how will you handle it?

Now gather all ribbons together and tie a knot at the top to hold them together. Meditate on bringing all these things forth in your life and on how they will interact with each other to turn your life into a beautiful braid of happiness and well-being. Remember to envision yourself enmeshed in this braiding as it progresses. When you near the end, tie it off in similar fashion to your beginning knot.

End the Magick by blessing the finished braid with your body. After all, your body symbolically lies at the heart of the braid. Breathe on it (Air). Gather it to your heart (Fire). Spit on it or lick it (Water). Coil it up and stand with it under your foot for a few moments (Earth). Now call the blessing of the Goddess into it.

Wear your braid now, or carry it on your person for the rest of the day and/or night. [Afterwards, ] keep the braid in some secret and safe place away from the prying eyes and possible ill wishes of others. Or, if you're not worried about that, keep it on your altar for the coming seasons of growth and harvest.

*A community bonfire is characteristic of both Beltane and Lag B'Omer; while Beltane is set according to the civil calendar at April 30-May 1 in the northern hemisphere, Lag B'Omer varies as to its civil date independent of one's location on earth.*

The ritual proper began during the planetary hour of the sun, under a waxing gibbous moon 98% full. The yellow votive was additionally inscribed with a 4-shin on top. The brown citrus bergamot votive was additionally inscribed with a 3-shin 4 times around the side circumference of the candle. All candles were additionally dressed over the oil with the incense blend called Delight.

The first set of 3 ribbons were braided during the planetary hour of Venus (kaf), the second and third sets of 3 ribbons during the planetary hour of Pluto (da'at elyon and da'at tachton), and the 3 braids were then braided together during the planetary hour of the moon (dalet). The two Hebrew letters which fall out with the ribbon braiding planetary hours are כד, like in kadkode (כדכד). Kad has a gematria of 24; given the sets of 3, 3 X 24 = 72, like the Name of 72.

Similar to havdalah, the braided "bonfire" candle was extinguished in a chalice of kosher wine.

Technorati tags: Torah Talmud Torah Judaism Kabbalah jewish mysticism mysticism jewish meditation meditation shamanism kabbalah iyunit kabbalah maasit witchcraft jewitchery jewitch witch sacred feminine divine feminine shechinah lilith spiritual development spirituality kosher spirituality beltane beltaine sabbat hitkalelut