The Wheel Turns......

"Slowly the energy of summer has shifted, and we begin to see signs of the wheel's turning. The earth ripens and grows mellow~we can smell the warm and heavy difference in the air. All around us, plants once stiff with juice are softening and drying, going to seed. Everywhere are signs of the early harvest, with roadside stands and farmer's markets overflowing with produce. The light at sunset grows hazy and golden, and the nighttime insect's lullabye outside our windows are softer and less strident, weaving through our dreams. Summer has passed its prime." Celebrating the Great Mother.

Sassafras leaf turned orange-gold

Dogwood berries call to the birds

Eastern Tent Caterpillars getting ready to come out of their home
Bee Balm gone to seed.

Daily Yoga Check In

Boy, I would really love to do yoga on the beach. Maybe one day I will get there and find out what it's like to be so near to the Great Mother of us all~the ocean. Yoga this morning was great, after all the walking at the festivals yesterday, I am a little sore and the yoga stretching was wonderful after I got through the initial stiffness. It's a beautiful day. Tonight is my circle's Summer Solstice celebration, so I will have a post on that tomorrow. Blessings.

Solstice Pics!

Finally, Solstice pictures from my circle's solstice gathering. This was on Sunday evening, we had our feast on Saturday, but didn't get to the bonfire until then. It was a blast! Everyone had a great time. Sophie enjoyed leading the dance around the Solstice fire. :)

The altar with our little wickerman. ;)

Sophie's own version of the fire dance. She enjoyed herself immensely.

John, our drummer, with a little help from circle sister, Glorymoon. :)

A little faery helps get the altar ready.

David and I dance with the kids.

Our very own solstice faery!

The solstice bonfire in all its glory, thanks David.

Sophie with her drum, she seems to have a natural talent for drumming.

Taking the drummer, John's drum and her own to the circle to begin the drumming.



What a great night! I hope you all had a wonderful solstice. Blessings.

Our Summer Solstice

I did not get a lot of photos, still trying to learn how to use my new camera, but here are a few. We had a great solstice! We grilled dinner, had a wonderful bonfire and wickerman burning. A lot of fun and John provided some awesome drumming for us again. Thanks John.

Summer Herbs

Chalk drawing of our focus

Dinner at Dawn's house

Sacred herbal offering

Glorymoon placing the Wickerman

Beltane Celebration~as promised

Last night my circle had our Beltane celebration. It was wonderful with a potluck feast and much socializing, May pole and Beltane fire dancing.

Ribbons in the wind.

Spiral Goddess bread

Table with fresh flower headbands

The children having their feast

Sophie loves her headband

Getting ready to weave the ribbons

Nearly there

Finished May pole ~ lovely

Our Beltane fire

Our drummer ~ yeah ~ thanks John

Fledgling drummer

Beltane dancing

Dancing around the fire

I hope everyone had a Blessed Imbolc/Brigid's Day. We had a lovely celebration as a circle. I can't begin to say how wonderful it feels to have a circle of sisters that I know I can count on and who can count on me. Its such a blessing to know these women and to grow together as a circle with each ritual we share. I love them all deeply and I am learning a lot about myself as I learn about them. So a heartfelt thank you to my circle sisters, Glorymoon, Wolfsong, Mari, Tumbleweed, and Rachel. Blessed be.

Temple

I promised a post about the temple I created in my home, so here goes. The space is an alcove created when the previous owners converted the double staircase into one. It came with two second floor windows and a wall of shelves. I painted it royal purple, because I love it and because purple is know to enhance spirituality. Along the ceiling there are stenciled names of the Goddess from many cultures. In between those are semi-precious stones. Symbols for the four elements are painted on their respective walls. The altar is in the east and changes with the seasons and festivals, this was at Winter Solstice. A gorgeous Celtic tapestry, gifted by one of my circle sisters, Mari, hangs across the open end to act as a door. The walls are covered with beautiful artwork done by myself and other members of the circle. Its a peaceful, beautiful space and I love spending time there. It is a wonderful place to do yoga and meditate. I like to read and study there occasionally too. The shelves hold all of the books and other reading material related to my spirituality and also related to women centered pursuits, beading, doll making, knitting, writing, child care, crafts, art, etc. Also on several shelves are dolls which are ancient symbols of ourselves, some I made myself, so they are there to honor my creativity and that of all women. There are also some from my childhood, for obvious reasons. All of the figures of various Goddesses that I have collected are on the shelves. I am always coveting more. My favorites are Aphrodite and the Minoan Snake Goddess. The Goddess prayer flag above the window is one I did, based on a design I saw at an art shop. The large mosaic piece of Inanna was done by circle sister, Glorymoon, and is on loan to the temple for now. Isn't it gorgeous!? There is also a six foot diameter, Wheel of the Year on the ceiling, in progress. I will post a pic as soon as it is done. Be sure to click on the pics for a larger view. Blessed be.