Creativity is the singing of the soul. When we create, we draw from the deepest parts of who we are and express ourselves to the world. The act of creation, the drawing forth and connecting to our inner selves, is the joy involved in creativity. Having something nice in the end, to me, seems like a bonus! I believe this act of channeling the awen is not only inherently spiritual, it is also part of what it means to be human. But to allow our souls to really sing, we have to grow comfortable with what we create, we have to set aside our judgement, and and to grow our skills as bards.

Last week, I explored what the bardic arts are, the cultural challenges associated with the bardic arts, and some ways community groups circumvent said challenges. We looked at the creative spirit of children, and how that spirit…

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Animal Spirit and Medicine: Animal Spirits

Good Witches Homestead

Animal Spirits work with us in many capacities and on a variety of levels. As Totems, they reflect aspects of our personalities teaching us to know ourselves better and understand our interrelationships. Power Animals are much the same; they are the dominant Totem and merge in a sacred spiritual manner with our inner spirit. Guides are not always animals but they can be; these creatures guide us through spiritual realms and to our teachers showing the way to enlightenment. Some Animal Spirits act as messengers coming once or twice in a lifetime while others are frequent visitors. All these capacities reflect their abilities to impart a wide variety of messages on many different levels. All Animal Spirits are our teachers in one way or another. They can act as protectors giving us warnings, or defending us in other ways. While they teach us about ourselves and our lives, their highest…

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THE MENTAL BALANCER STONE ~ LEPIDOLITE

Good Witches Homestead

LEPIDOLITE CONTAINS LITHIUM AND IS HELPFUL FOR STABILIZING MOOD SWINGS AND BI-POLAR DISORDERS. IT IS extremely useful for overcoming any kind of emotional or mental imbalance; it is supportive in releasing one from addictions and emotional disorders like anorexia.

Colors: purple, some with pink tourmaline crystals

Uses: called the stone of peace and rich in lithium, excellent for out of body experience, increasing psychic ability, acceptance, awareness, peace, and tranquility, relieving stress, soothing anger and diffusing negativity, good luck, restful sleep, and pleasant dreams.

Star Sign: Libra
Planet: Venus
Element: Air
Chakra: Heart

TIPS FOR LEPIDOLITE

Keep lepidolite near you when you study to boost concentration

Place lepidolite in your living room to enhance a calm atmosphere

Wear lepidolite to release unkind feelings you may be holding

Keep lepidolite near you to help free yourself from addictions

Put lepidolite in the places you spend most time to help lift depression

Reassuring…

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Happy Litha and Summer Solstice

Oak Tree ~ June 10th-July 17th ~ Celtic Astrology

Good Witches Homestead

Summer Solstice ( Alban Hefin )

Celtic Symbol: The White Horse or The Golden Wheel

Zodiac Degrees: 18º00` Gemini – 14º59` Cancer

Ruling Planet: Jupiter – Jovyn; Mars; Element: Water; Metal: Gold; Color: Gold

Ancient Gods Associated With Jupiter: Greek – Zeus; Celtic – Dagda; The Green Man, Janus, Diana, Cybele, Hecate, Pan

Symbolism: Sovereignty, rulership, power, Strength & Endurance, Generosity & Protection, Justice & Nobility, Honesty & Bravery

Stone: Diamond, Aventurine

Flower: Coltsfoot

Song Birds: Oriole, Wren

Folk Names: Jove’s Nuts, Juglans

The Druidic religion was reputedly based on the oak-cult mythology and all ancient thunder-gods were associated with the oak tree. There is evidence to suggest, however, that the oak-cult was imported into Britain from the Baltic regions during the Bronze Age; and although it became the principal sacred tree of the Druids, the rowan, willow, elder, and alder cults were already established. As Druidism evolved, the significance of the…

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Taking up the Path of the Bard, Part I

The Druid's Garden

Bardic Artistic Expression through Clay, Sand, and Straw (cob)! (This is part of a tree piece I collaborated on at Strawbale Studio in Michigan)

A group of people sharing stories and songs by the fire. A fine pair of leather shoes. A beautiful woven garment. A tale full of twists and mystery. Finely wrought iron doors. An amazing wood carving on a stump. A marble sculpture. A wildly painted mural on a wall. A cob structure with whimsical trees and forms. A song that reaches deep within you when you hear it. A rousing speech. Each of these, and so many others, represent the natural creative expressions of humanity. Taking up the path of the bard is one of three paths in the druid tradition (along with the work of the Ovate and the Druid). Yet, many people aren’t sure how to take up the path of the bard because…

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The Sphinx Moth, Butterfly and Moth Totems

Great info!

Cultivating the Flow of Awen in our Lives

The Druid's Garden

I shall sing of the awen, which

I shall obtain from the abyss

Through the awen, though it were mute

I know of its great impulses

I know when it minishes;

I know when it wells up;

I know when it flows;

I know when it overflows.

–Taliesin, “The Festival” from the Book of Taliesin, 13th century

What the poet Taliesin writes of is the “Awen”, a central principle in the druid tradition meaning “flowing inspiration” or “divine inspiration.” In ancient times, bards embraced the flow of Awen to be masters of memory, sound, and expression. The bardic path was a lifelong pursuit and vocation; bards would spending many years (by one Scottish account, 7 years[1]) learning the bardic arts which included the arts of memory, diction, rhyming, and composition.

The flowing of Awen isn’t just an experience, it is a magical and meditative process. Perhaps you’ve…

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