Hedgerow Ramblings // Crows

I have always had a soft spot for crows.

For the past few years I have felt like they turn up whenever something significant is going on in my life - particularly big changes. 

Furthermore, I often see a crow in my 'mind's eye' - it is a symbol which I believe guides me. 

Whenever crows appear, I am reminded to focus upon the spiritual as well as the practical goings-on around me - something which I too often allow myself to be swept away with, forgetting to nourish my soul. It also reminds me that change is inevitable, natural - good even - and there is a bigger picture to look towards.

Many people fear crows and other dark birds - they have a reputation for being harbingers of death, omens of bad times. In legend and myth they are one of the prophetic symbols of war and the shape-shifting tricksters associated with the Morrigan - a goddess of war and strife.

However, the crows also have a great many positive facets in legend - most of which seem to have been buried beneath all this negativity. They have long symbolised resourcefulness, the law, a watchful eye, a link to the magick around us, change, justice, integrity and divination. 

Do any of you have any animals you feel a strong affinity with? 

Tingles

I am now covered in stings from nettles after walking through the knee-deep grass of our neighbouring field...

...and lying amongst the stems to stare at the sun-filled blue sky...

...and crouching down, not daring to stir, while trying to capture this wonderful sight...

...

Dock leaf in hand...and on arms...and legs...I don't care that my body is tingling with tiny white bumps... 

...because my soul is tingling too. 

3 things

I have been wanting to write this post for a while now and it was the inspirational words of Faerwillow over at ~serendipity~, with her thoughtful 'giveaway' that have provided me with a clear sign to get my thoughts down.

Three is a number which many would say they find magickal or sacred. In physics, we consider our universe to have three spatial dimensions; many Christians consider the Holy Trinity to represent the three aspects of their deity; in Hinduism, the Trimurti - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - represent 'the creator', 'the preserver' and 'the destroyer' of life and creation. Similarly, Bhuddhists look towards the 'three jewels' for guidance, Judaism is filled with symbolic 'threes' including the three sections of the Hebrew Bible.

In Wicca and neo-paganism there is the Triple-Goddess - three representations of the stages of life the Goddess travels through during the year (maiden, mother and crone) - as well as the threefold law of return by which many choose to live.

Much like Faerwillow, I find that much of my life is influenced by this magickal little number and during this Spring season of renewal I have been reminded of a daily ritual I used to perform, particularly while I was studying at university.

During this time I found that so much of my day was taken up with intellectual pursuits and I felt my life was out of balance as a result. Consequently, I took up the practice of setting myself a 'threefold' task each day. I had to make sure, by the end of the day, I could say I had done three things: one to nourish my body, one to improve my mind and one to soothe my soul or spirit.

This is something I wish to take up again now. As so much of my time is focussed upon teaching others, I wanted to ensure I was also continuing to learn, grow and create myself.

And so today, my three will be as follows...

~ a run through the woodland walkways near my parents' home ~

~ watching this week's fantastic Wonders of the Solar System programme ~

~ photographing my rare Snake's Head Lilies in the garden ~

Don't forget to check out Faerwillow's wonderful post and giveaway right here...



Brightest blessings!

An honest post

A few weeks ago I mentioned that, on a recent trip to Glastonbury, I had purchased a piece of black Obsidian crystal that I intended to fashion into a pendant.

Pendant created and being worn regularly, I thought I would post about some of the quick-acting properties and healing qualities of this intense, protective stone.

Obsidian is said to provide a 'shield' against negativity, absorbing energy from the environment of the wearer. It is also believed that Obsidian can protect the sensitive from the effects of depression, helping the user get in touch with internalised and subconscious issues before they become explosive and allowing them to find balance.

IMPORTANT! Please take note of this before you read any further...What I am about to say should in no way be taken as an 'absolute' or generalisation and to anyone who is reading this who knows, believes or has concerns that they are dealing with depression, I would advise you to seek the advice of a medical professional. 

Now that that's out of the way...

In the past I have experienced periods of clinical depression that I have treated in a variety of ways. I  found that medication did not work for me. If anything, it made my situation worse; the pills I was taking gave me sleepless nights and vivid dreams that left me exhausted when I awoke. I did not feel the professed benefits of a regulated mood; I found that my depression deepened, a mental 'fog' set in and the answer given by the doctors I saw was to simply 'up my dose'.

After over two years of this existence, it was a hedgewitch friend providing me with some amethyst for absorption of negative energy and rose quartz for emotional healing that enabled me to find the balance I needed to take steps forward. From that point, I booked appointments with an acupuncturist, took myself off my medication and realised, after years of dabbling, that my true path was with witchcraft.

This is a long winded route to the obsidian...we will get there in a moment, I promise!

Fortunately, with a combination of healthy eating, exercise, meditation and 'alternative' practices such as crystal healing, herbalism and aromatherapy, I have managed to keep the depression at bay for almost three years now, which is wonderful. Particularly as this year has tested me with some of the most challenging life-experiences I have ever faced. However, one thing I have realised is that being around people who are experiencing pain or sadness, anger or frustration is a sure-fire way for me to feel consumed by negative feelings.

I have come to understand that I act somewhat like a sponge for other peoples' emotions, as what I would call an 'unrefined' empath. I do not think I have the heightened sensitivity to others' emotions experienced by true 'high-level' empaths, but I certainly find I experience changes in mood and physical sensation when I am around people. This has led me to consider my own periods of depression and the reasons for them.

Looking back, patterns emerge: I can see how being surrounded by others who are struggling with pain and sadness has sometimes brought me to the brink of despair. Recently, this has come to the fore, as I have watched my father struggle with the very real pain associated with a terminal illness and the emotional turbulence this has created within my family.

Hence, the obsidian.

As I have recently been experiencing a reactivation of disturbed sleep patterns, anxiety and mood swings, (particularly after having spent time in crowds of people) I decided to try wearing this crystal which would act as a barrier for the negativity which usually manages to permeate me as well as drawing out issues which were affecting me from deep within my psyche.

Now that I find myself becoming more and more honest with any of you, reading out there, and myself, I see the effect of this stone coming to life. Not only do I feel more centred; I can walk through a busy town centre and not feel like I'm about to implode! Success so far!

Please note: As obsidian is such a powerful 'magnet' for negative energy, it is important that it is cleansed regularly in running water .

Rune of the week

Tiw (Tyr): The Warrior's Rune

Named after the Norse god of war, Tiw, this rune represents courage, compassion and conflict. Today, this is more likely to mean a battle of principles or intellect, frequently referring to legislation, rather than the physical battles this rune's origins depict. Psychologically this rune can also represent determination or male sexuality so a personal interpretation would very much depend upon the question asked.

If you consider the shape of this rune, interpretation becomes both logical and instinctive: a forward facing arrow (much like the one in the image) would guide the reader to move forward with determination and courage; a reverse arrow, pointing towards the reader could either advise caution or suggest an aversion towards conflict - the reader would be guided to work towards overcoming shyness; an arrow which lies face down (converse) suggests the need to uncover hidden talents of leadership or the possibility of finding a courageous leader in unexpected parties. 

As Tiw was also god of justice and regulation of law, this rune reminds the caster that the truth will always out and justice will always be done; having the courage of your convictions and moving forwards with honesty to oneself and others will lead to victory in all endeavours. 

Rune of the week

Jera: the Rune of Success.

Its literal translation is ‘year’ and this rune’s message is one of rewards reaped from seeds sown. The symbol acts as a reminder of the cyclical and interlinked nature of the wheel of the year and the fact that hard work inevitably produces a harvest.

Usually a very positive rune, it implies a project will come to fruition, goals will be achieved or a profit will be made. As it represents the cycle of the seasons, it also suggests change and progress but as with all ‘cause and effect’ situations, the outcome can sometimes be a negative one. If a course of action has been unfair or harmful to others, it can represent justice and punishment rather than reward.

This rune can similarly serve as a reminder that, while we should be joyous in celebrating the fruits of our labour, we must not forget that the cycle is never-ending; complacency would lead us to a winter without stores. Just as we would conserve part of our harvest for the colder months, so too should we conserve our energy and the wisdom we have gathered for the challenges ahead. Jera symbolises life being a series of twists and turns – a goal achieved should not be regarded as an end point, but rather another step along the journey.

If Jera falls face down (converse), it suggests that rewards must be rooted out and talents may be hidden. If you take the time to look inwards, you may just unearth the key to your success.

Rune of the week

Although I don’t often use tools for divination, preferring to focus my craft on visualisation and healing using herbs, candles and crystals, a friend blessed me with a beautiful set of runes carved in pieces of amethyst. Occasionally, I will have a particular question that I wish for a little help with, and I will cast the runes for inspiration and guidance. I do not consider this practice as one which presents ‘the answer’: I often find, however, that the process of thinking through the various aspects that the runes ‘suggest’ will help me come to a decision.

I was not planning to do a reading today, although there is a significant question about the next steps on my path which has recently come to the forefront of my mind. As if reminding me that they are there to help, my little velvet pouch of runes came tumbling out of my desk drawer as I was searching for a notebook. Five of the stones spilled onto the floor and I took it as a sign that these particular runes could offer guidance with my question.

My favourite rune was the first to present itself and it is the meaning of this one I will share with you today.

Gyfu (or gebo) : The literal translation of this letter is ‘gift’.  It is an auspicious rune, representing love, partnership, forgiveness and gifts (meaning either presents, windfalls or abilities and skills).

This rune advises the reader to show compassion, declare love without fear and embrace the gifts of partnership.  As forgiveness is perhaps the greatest and most difficult of gifts to give or receive, the rune reminds us that true union cannot exist without it. Any gift presents the individual with the choice to accept or reject: if you accept you must be prepared to give in return.  Furthermore, the rune encourages the reader to be discriminate in giving; you must decide when and to whom it is suitable to give.

If this rune lands face down, it advises to think twice about romance and partnerships as gifts which are presented may not be what they seem.