Celtic Tree Of the Fall Equinox

Hi To all,

I forgot to post this earlier ( September 23)

I have been so busy around the ole home stead!!

:-) I celebrate Mabon */* Fall Equinox at Harvest Moon. It is tragic really. This is my favorite time of year. Yet it is my busiest.

So I thought I would slip this in here..

I just love fall; Nature paints with all her colors.

Bee

POPLAR / ASPEN LORE

· Tree of the Fall Equinox - (Approx. September 22)

· Latin name: Common Poplar - Populus Balsamifera; Trembling Poplar - Populus Tremuloides; Balm of Gilead - Populus Candicans; Black Poplar -

· Celtic name: Eadha (pronounced: "Eh' uh").

· Folk or Common names: All Poplar - Popple, Alamo, Aspen; Trembling Poplar - American Aspen, White Poplar, or Quaking Aspen; Balm of Gilead - bombagillia.

· Parts Used: Bark and buds (sap)

· Herbal usage: Poplar can be used as a tonic, chiefly used in treating fevers. The infusion has been found helpful in treating chronic diarrhea. Balm of Gilead buds can be used as a stimulant or tonic. A tincture of them is useful for complaints of the chest, stomach, and kidneys, and for rheumatism and scurvy. The sap collected from the buds can be used to make a healing ointment and can be used as an external application in bruises, swellings, and some skin diseases. Teas can be made from the Poplar buds and are useful in helping treat arthritis and rheumatism.
· Magical History & Associations:

In Gaelic tongue the tree was called Peble and Pophuil in the celtic way. Poplar is generally a plant of Jupiter, Saturn and the Sun and is associated with the element of water. Its color is rufous (red) and the bird associated with Poplar is the Whistling Swan. The stones associated with Poplar are Amber, Citrine Quartz, Sapphire and Swan Fluorite. The Anglo-Saxon rune poem seems to refer to the Poplar as being associated with the rune "berkano". Heracles wore a crown of Poplar leaves in triumph after killing the giant Cacus (the evil one) and retrieving Cerberus from Hades. The upper surface of the Poplar leaves was thus darkened from Hades' smokey fumes. Poplar trees are sacred to the Mesopotamian goddess Ua-Ildak. The Grass King of Grossvargula, who was seen as having fertilizing powers, went on horseback wearing a pyramid of Poplar branches and a crown. He led a procession of young men about the town and was then stripped of his branches beneath the Silver Lindens of Sommerberg. Poplar (Aspen) is said to be the tree of the Autumn Equinox and of old age, and is known as the shield makers' tree. The Black Poplar was a funeral tree sacred to Hecate as death goddess, to Egeria, and to Mother Earth. Plato makes a reference to the use of Black Poplar and Silver Fir as an aid in divination. The Silver Fir standing for hope assured and the Black Poplar for loss of hope. The Grove of Persephone in the Far West contained Black Poplars and old Willows. In ancient Ireland, the coffin makers measuring rod was made of Aspen, apparently to remind the dead that this was not the end. In Christian lore, the quaking Poplar (Aspen) was used to construct Christ's cross, and the leaves of the tree quiver when they remember this fact.

· Magical usage: The Poplar's ability to resist and to shield, its association with speech, language and the Winds indicates an ability to endure and conquer. The Poplar is known as the "Tree that Transcends Fear". Poplars symbolize the magic of joy, the aging of the year, resurrection and hope - and are connected to the Other world. Poplar can be used in magic done for success, passage and transformation, Hope, rebirth, divination, shielding, endurance, agility in speech and language, protection, and love - and as an aid in astral projection. Poplar can be used in protection charms of all kinds. Poplar is a good wood to burn in bale fires and ritual fires since it offers protection. Shields can be made of Poplar since the wood is thought to offer protection from injury or death. Carrying Poplar helps to overcome the urge to give way under the burden of worldly pressures, and aids in determination. Poplar buds can also be carried to attract money and can be burned as an incense to create financial security. Siberian reindeer-hunting cultures carved small goddess statues of Poplar (Aspen) wood. Groats and fat were then offered to the figures with this prayer:
"Help us to keep healthy!Help us to hunt much game!"
The Poplar is the sacred World Tree of the Lakota nation. For the sun dance ceremony, a Poplar is carefully cut and lowered, then is re-erected in the center of the dance circle. While being carried the Poplar must never touch the ground. Green branches, a buffalo skull and eagle feathers were used to decorate the Poplar for this ceremony.

Celtic Tree of the Month

Hi To All , "My - O - MY" autumn is near here at RavensWood. Did this year go fast or is it just me??

We are moving on to the Eleventh month in the Celtic Ogham ( Calender).

Ivy reminds me of the movement of the heavens and the way this is reflected on the earth. It has the ability to bind all things together. It can wander freely, linking tree to tree, or form dense thickets that block out the light and restrict passage. Ivy brings shelter or overwhelming darkness and reminds us that where there is life, there is also death. Ivy represents the wandering of the soul in its search for enlightenment and it carries a warning to be sure of the direction of your desires so that you avoid being ensnared by them.

Enoy the read..

Sparkling Falling leaves

B.

IVY LORE

· 11th Moon of the Celtic Year - (Sept 30 - Oct 27)
· Latin name: Osirian Ivy - hedera helix
· Celtic name: Gort (pronounced: goert).
· Folk or Common names: Ivy.
· Parts Used: leaves, bark, berries. (Caution: Some types of Ivy are poisonous. )

*September is said to have originated from the word "Septem," which means "seven," being the seventh month in the oldest Roman calendar. It is the first month of Autumn's rule and a time when the Druids celebrated their Festival of Alban Elued ... bidding the Sun God farewell, while thanking him for the harvest.*

· Herbal usage: The leaves of Ivy can be used for treating female infections. Ivy leaves can also be used externally for poultices to heal nerves, sinews, ulcers and infections. Tender ivy twigs can be simmered in salves to heal sunburn.

· Magical History, Lore, & Associations:

Ivy is the symbol of resurrection.Ivy is an herb of Jupiter and the sun, and is associated with positive ego strength. The bird associated with this month is the mute swan, the color is blue, and the gemstone is yellow serpentine. Ivy is sacred to Osiris and Saturn. It is also connected with the god Dionysus. When Zeus's wife Hera, discovered that Zeus had bedded Semele, the daughter of Cadmus, King of Thebes, Hera suggested to Semele that she should ask Zeus to unveil himself to her. When he did so, his divine flames consumed her and almost killed her unborn child, Dionysus, but for a sudden growth of ivy. In still another story of the deities, Kissos is the name given to a nymph who dances so furiously at a Dionysian feast that she collapses and dies of exhaustion. Dionysus, grieving her untimely death, changes her into ivy. Most Ivies have five-pointed leaves which are sacred to the Goddess.

· Magical usage: The month of Ivy is a good time to do magic for rebirth and tenaciousness. Ivy has attributes of restraint of fear and dealing with Emotions. Ivy grows in a sacred spiral, which symbolizes reincarnation, from lifetime to lifetime, and from minute to minute, day to day. Ivy travels everywhere - it spreads happily and thrives in many places where no other greenery could survive - its determination to reach through obstacles toward light and food is well known, and therefore Ivy symbolizes strength. A talisman made of Ivy would be good to give a friend since it will help ensure eternal friendship. Ivy provides protection against evil when growing on or near a house but should it fall off and die, misfortune was said to be on the way. Ivy is also connected with the Winter Solstice and is often used for decorating at Yule-tide. Ivy, intertwined with Holly, is traditionally made into crowns for the bride and groom at weddings(hand fastings). Ivy was also used in ancient times for poet's crowns, since Ivy was believed to be a source of divine inspiration. Ivy was also used by the Greeks to make victory crowns for conquering heroes in the games held at Corinth. Holly and Ivy make excellent decorations for altars. An early church council even attempted to ban the use of Ivy in church decorations because of its Pagan associations.

Harvest Moon Bon Fire

Hi To all, Well this years Harvest Moon was awesome. Last night the weather was perfect for my bon fire . It was warm out about 51 degrees and not wisp of wind. The lovely moon shone bright above us in the nice little camp spot (thats what I call it) my hubby made it on our property ( he worked for the Forest service when he was a little younger...) He made it just for celebrations.

We had roasting marshmallows and hot dogs<===Nicky's favorite..

Oh here is the story on that !! We have several bon fires during the year. The only way Nickie will attend, and Not be rude, is if there are some hot dogs.. If you forget them<=== he lays far away with his back turned on you and that's it!!

Anyway it was just wonderful. We stayed out for about 4 and 1/2 hours. We listened to music and just reflected on our accomplishments in this last year.. What a way to end a hard day of canning.. Potato's -->>Check -->Check!!
Hope you enjoy the pictures. I think I had about a pint of wine by this time??

Sparkling moon beams

Bee

Falls Approach

Hi to all, The weather is changing here at Ravenswood.. I feel the crisp air more each day. With the garden clean up left to do, and other domestic chores ==> I have over done again!! I have not been feeling well so hubby took me shopping..

Jeez how did he know?

He bought me this beautiful example of fall colors in the form of two dozen roses. I also received another gift about two weeks ago. I had entered a poem into the 2007 International Society of Poets Convention and Symposium. I was invited but alas I cannot attend.. I entered the poem below in July as I was asked to Fed- X in something by my publisher.. I liked this poem so off it went.. In the mail two weeks ago I received this lovely trophy for "Poet of Merit".. It is lovely -- it really is. The blue globe has the images engraved on it and it is so nice. It seems to be a artistic rendition of a hand holding the world.. Anyway I was VERY surprised, very much so!! Anyway I had to share.. Kim told me too!!!! Your a dear Kim!!

Sparkling fall leaves

Bee

Midsummer Night Eve

The night is a glow with sweet summer scent.
The moons watchful eye is on this summer event.
Bon fire ablaze with its crackle and pop,
honey wine flows like the foam off a pot.
Flowers strung round in every hue.
to celebrate life and the world that's renewed.
The magic begins right after midnight,
this night seems a haze in the bright fire light.
Creatures of earth take on a new shape,
Fairies in flight have a renewed gait.
The night stretches on where magic abounds,
The honey wine tastes as sweet as it sounds.
This Midsummer moon turns a shade of orange gold
as the sun comes arising, new beauty to behold.

BeeCharmer
June 16, 2007

More Back to "School"

I just had to do this entry, Sorry! But I will say this was a pain to write up to! I would of hated to fail "Blog 101" the first week of back to school!!! So I worked hard on this one. LOL



B.

"School" word origin

In ancient Greece, "skhole" meant "discussion" or "place for lectures,
" but earlier it meant "leisure, spare time." Education and study
required adequate time away from work, something only the wealthy --
the leisured classes -- had. It became, in Latin, "schola" ("school")
and appeared in English by 1000 AD. A variation of "schola" is found
in many languages: Dutch "school," German "Schule," Danish "skole,"
Swedish "skola," Irish "sgoil," Welsh "ysgol," Breton "skol," and
Russian "shkola." Some Romance languages added a vowel before the
"sk" sound as in the Spanish "escuela" and Portuguese "escola." The
French added the initial "e" and eliminated the "s" leaving "école."
Italian kept the "sk" for "scuola."

Definitions of "School"

"School" can also mean "people united by a general similarity of
principles and methods" (as in a "school of thought"). This entered
the language in 1612. "A group of fish" is also called a "school" in
English, especially American English. The origins of this usage are
found in the Dutch word "schole" meaning "multitude, crowd" which
went on to become, with the same meaning, the Old English "scolu" and
"shoal" in modern English. In the US "shoal" was confused with
"school" and "school of fish" became more popular than the original
"shoal of fish." "Shoal's" meaning of "shallow water" is probably
derived from the Old English "sceald" meaning "shallow." "Sceald" is
related to the Greek, "skeleto," "dried up," from which our word
"skeleton" comes.

Who reads??

One in four U.S. adults read no books at all in the past year,
according to an Associated Press-Ipsos poll. Of those who did read,
women and older people were most avid, and religious works and
popular fiction were the top choices. Of those who read, the mean
number of books read (half read more and half read fewer) was seven.
Those who haven't read any books in the last year are more likely to
be men than women, and older, less educated, with lower incomes,
minorities, from rural areas and less religious.

Statistics from the Association of American Publishers for July book
sales showed an increase in sales of 20 percent for the month, which
raises the year-to-date sales by 11.5 percent. 'Harry Potter and the

Deathly Hallows' caused sales in the children's and YA hardcover
category to rise 504.2 percent for the month, with total sales in the
category of $255.1 million, while audio books went up 240.8 percent,
for $32.1 million. Adult hardcovers were up 28.6 percent, but adult
and children's paperbacks were down: adult mass markets nearly 25
percent lower for the month, and children's down by close to 26
percent.

So alls I have to say about this is; Lets get reading !

OR--> JK Rowling--> Lets continue Please!!!

Interesting English tips for budding writers

Hi to all, Its BACK TO SCHOOL TIME--- Right? I thought these tips were good ones for those of you who write. You know I am a writer and always strive to follow the proper form... But typos and misusage is ever present no matter how much you write!!

Sparkles

Bee, or B., or Bea, or may-be. ;-0

The Apostrophe

Apostrophe misuse is one of the most common mistakes
made in English. Confusing "it's" and "its" is one of those typos we
all make and all miss even if we do know better.
Yet it is very simple to know and remember when and when not to use
an apostrophe.

1) The apostrophe is NOT used to make a plural. Do NOT add _'s_ to a
singular noun to make it a plural noun.

2) Use _'s_ to show something is owned. There are various rules about
creating possessive nouns, but the point we are making it that this
is a proper use of the apostrophe: to show something is "owned."
-- tess's class
-- the dog's claws
-- the boat's oars
What if we've already added a plain old "s" to make a noun a plural?
Place the apostrophe after rather than before the "s."
-- students' books
-- grocers' signs
-- wrens' songs
What about singular nouns that already have an "s" at the end? Well,
you will find some differences of opinion on that, but the trend is
to go ahead and add _'s_.

Want to know the exceptions?

Most experts/styles exempt the _'s_ if pronunciation would be
awkward and use only the apostrophe, as with "for righteousness'
sake."
Don't add _'s_ to ancient proper names ending in -es and -is
[such as Achilles', Sophocles', Jesus']

3) The apostrophe is used to "stand in" for letters omitted in
contractions.
-- it is = it's ("Its," even though a possessive, does not have an
apostrophe. It's not that confusing. Just remember it's means ONLY
"it is" and nothing else.)
-- don't = do not
-- can't = cannot
-- weren't = were not
-- isn't = is not
-- rock 'n' roll = rock and roll
-- o'clock = of the clock
-- ne'er-do-well = never do well
That is, basically all you need to know. Yes, there are exceptions,
but you already know the most important one (_its_ is the possessive
form of _it_) and even a few more. Remember what you've learned and
you will be right the great majority of the time.

Schools out!!

"You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book
will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children. "
-- Madeleine L'Engle (1918 - 2007)

Author Madeleine L'Engle died September 6, in Litchfield, Conn. She
was 88. L'Engle authored over 60 books for adults and children, which
often melded elements of science, religion and fantasy and have been
treasured by generations of readers. Her best-known work;

'A Wrinkle in Time', won the 1963 Newbery Award.

Fairy Garden Update

Hi to all, Well the fairy garden is moving along now. Scotch -on -the -Rocks feels the rest of the ground is stable now from the work done last summer. He has finished the castle wall ( that's what I call it) all the sand is in and Mica stones are being laid.. These pictures were before the all the sand was laid two days ago so it looks a little different now.. As always my Nickie guards us while we work just in case a bear or coyote wants to get to close. My flowers are dying back now but when they open their eyes next spring a new garden will be born... I will take more pictures later on as well.

Sparkles

Bee

Got my Jimmy Stamps

Hi To all you classic movie buffs... I got my Jimmy stamps.. I am very happy too! I collect just of few of the classic actor stamps and was just jumping for joy when I heard my boyfriend --> the late"Jimmy Stewart" was getting the honor!! Yes, I have had a secret affair with him since I was a girl-- totally imagined of course!! But I loved him dearly. So in his honor tonight I am watching " A wonderful Life" or maybe Harvey... ??

"Yes Enchantress" I have a very close relationship with my dust bunnies.. Harvey included. He tracks most of it in with his big feet, and he also has punched ear slots into my gardening sun hat!!

Sparkles

Bee

The Nine Muses 3

Hi To all, Well this is the third and last entry on the 9 Muses. Very interesting talented ladies wouldn't you think? They look to have had a whole lot a fun as well.

To the 9 Muses I say:

"In Veno Veritas"

Many sparkling glasses of wine to all

B.

Melpomene; is the muse of tragedy in spite her joyous singing. She is represented by a tragic mask and is sometimes seen with a garland, a club and a sword.

Calliope; is the muse of epic poetry. Her name means "sweet voice". She and god Apollo were the parents of Orpheus, the great musician.

Polymnia; is the muse of sacred and rhetoric poetry. She has also been called the muse of geometry, meditation and agriculture. Polymnia is also seen veiled.

The Nine Muses 2

Euterpe; is the muse of lyric poetry. She is represented with a flute. Her name comes from the Greek 'Euterpein' meaning "to please".

Thalia; is the muse of comedy and of playful and idyllic poetry. She is represented by a comic mask and is also seen with a crown of ivy and a crook.

Urania; is the muse of astronomy. She is represented with a staff and a celestial globe. She can fortell the future by the position of the stars.

(Seen here wearing blue sitting with Calliope)

History Of the Muses

Hi to all, This is really fun lore... I love the Muses.

*~*

Bee

In Greek Mythology;


These are "the Nine Muses".. I will do them in three blog entry's..

Bee

History Of Muses

According to myth, after the gods of Olympus defeated the Titans, they asked Zeus (king of the gods) to create a group of new divinities whose task would be to sing the praises of that great victory. After Zeus coupled with Mnemo-syne ("memory") for nine consecutive nights,the muses were born at Pieria, at the foot of Mt.Olympus. Besides being divine singers, each of the nine muses had a different talent and was presented with a symbol.

Erato; is the muse of love poetry and mimicry.

She is seen with a lyre and sometimes wears a crown of roses.

Klio; is the muse of history. She is often seen sitting with a

scroll accompanied by a chest of books. She introduced

the Phoenician alphabet to Greece.

Terpsichore; is the muse of dance and song. She is often seen dancing with her lyre.

Tribute To Steve Irwin

Steve Irwin World Class Husband, Father, and Conservationist!

Born: 22 February 1962
Died: 4 September 2006(barbed by a stingray)
Birthplace: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Best known as: "The Crocodile Hunter" on TV

Part wildlife expert and part entertainer, Irwin became world famous for his television series,The Crocodile Hunter, and other nature programs. While he had no scientific degree he was University educated. His education began as he grew up studying and caring for animals at his parents' wildlife park, which is now known as the Australia Zoo. He first learned how to catch and handle his beloved crocodiles from his father and once received a python as a birthday present.
He grew up to become worldwide famous "The Crocodile Hunter". Clad in his signature khakis, and bursting with enthusiasm, Irwin along with his wife, Terri Raines, shared their passion for Conservation by demonstrating a fearless approach to wildlife. Raised by parents who rescued and rehabilitated animals in Queensland Australia, Irwin was exposed to wild animals at a very young age and sought to continue the tradition with his own children, Bindi Sue and Robert, who often appeared in his shows. He was praised for educating children about nature, and awarded for attracting tourism to Australia with his zoo, originally started by his parents as a reptile and fauna park. Fans around the world expressed their shock and grief over The Crocodile Hunter's untimely death in 2006. Steve Irwin's love of animals and message of conservation lives on in his daughter, as she follows in his footsteps in her own television series, "Bindi Irwin, The Jungle Girl".

His family friends all over the world continue his work in Conservation with all of his passion guiding them.

As far as his message .. Nobody said it better than Steve himself!

Steve Irwin Quotes;

"Every cent we earn from Crocodile Hunter goes straight back into conservation. Every single cent."
"I am optimistic globally. So many scientists are working frantically on the reparation of our planet."
"I believe our biggest issue is the same biggest issue that the whole world is facing, and that's habitat destruction."
"I believe that education is all about being excited about something. Seeing passion and enthusiasm helps push an educational message."
"I have no fear of losing my life If I have to save a koala or a crocodile or a kangaroo or a snake, mate, I will save it."
"My field is with apex predators, hence your crocodiles, your snakes, your spiders."
"So fear helps me from making mistakes, but I make lot of mistakes."
"Where I live if someone gives you a hug it's from the heart."
"Yeah, I'm a thrill seeker, but crikey, education's the most important thing."

Steve Irwin Trivia
Discovered a turtle species, which was then named after him - Elseya Irwini, which means Irwin's turtle.
Trained in the fighting/grappling style of Gaidojutsu
Admitted to a fear of parrots, having been bitten on the nose by them several times.
Although happily married, Steve did not wear a wedding ring because of the hazard it could pose to him and the animals

Visit Australia Zoo on line at..

http://www.australiazoo.com.au/

Cheers to you my friend I know you are keeping a watchful eye..

Bee

September is National Honey Month

Celebrate Honey - Nature’s Sweetener -

September is National Honey Month, the National Honey Board urges consumers to appreciate honey as nature’s sweetener and the try the wide varieties of honey available. From clover fields to citrus orchards to mountain wildflowers, bees gather nectar to make honey –> nature’s sweetener.
Honey is "manufactured" in nature’s most efficient factory – the beehive. You can enjoy honey as nature presents it – as comb honey, or as extracted liquid honey or crystallized whipped honey.Whatever the form, it is pure natural honey. Nothing has been added or taken away! The photo is of whats called "cut comb". It is cold slug..--->Which means cut from a honey frame straight out of the hive!!!
"Yummy" finger licking good!!
I just fininshed putting up my honey it it truly a gift..

Sparkling Honey Combs
Bee

Celtic Tree Lore

Hi To all, Yes Grape Vine is considered tree.. It is called in some cultures the bringer of life.

As the grape has many healthy property's..

Sparkling glasses of wine to all

Bee

**VINE LORE**

10th Moon of the Celtic Year - (Sept 2 - Sept 29)
Latin name: Grape - vitis
Celtic name: Muin (pronounced: muhn).
Folk or Common names: Grape (when dried: Raisin).
Parts Used: Berries, wood, leaves, juice, seeds.
Herbal usage: The leaves from some varieties of Grape can be used to make teas for treating diarrhea, hepititas, and upset tummies. Grape leaves can also be used externally for poultices to treat rheumatism, headaches and fevers. The fruit from most viney plants can be eaten and can be juiced for drinking. The juices can also be fermented into various wines and alcoholic beverages.

History & Associations: Grapes are an herb of Jupiter and the Moon, and are associated with positive ego strength. Birds associated with the month of the Vine are the Tit-mouse and the white swan; the animal is the snake; the color is variegated; and the gemstone is amethyst. An annual Grape Vine Festival called the Vinalia Rostica was held by the Greeks and the Romans - this was a festival of thanksgiving for the first of the grape harvest and was dedicated to God Dionysos / Bacchus and to the Goddess Venus of the Grape Vine; and also to Minerva. It was celebrated by offering the first fruits of the grape harvest and prayers for sustenance for all.

The Grape Vine is also sacred to the deities Osiris, Hathor, and Demeter - and its five-pointed leaves are sacred to the Goddess in general. Other specific deities associated with the Vine are Rhea, Oenone, Aphrodite, Branwen, Guinevere and Etain. The wood of Vines is one of the nine traditional firewood's to be added to the Belfire that is burned at Beltane - as the tree of tree of joy (its juice is capable of altering consciousness), Vine is added to the fire as a celebration of joy.
Vines in general are symbols of both joy and wrath. This month marks the vintage season when the Grape crop is harvested and so is a good time to do any and all rituals associated with the harvest - in fact, the Autumn Equinox (called Harvest Home or Mabon) is celebrated during this month. The month of Vine is also a good time to do center your thoughts on things associated with inspiration, imagination, poetry and imagery. The Grape has applications in magic done for Faerie work, garden magic, joy, exhilaration, wrath, mental powers, rebirth, happiness, fertility, inspiration, prosperity, and binding.

The Grape Vine also symbolizes resurrection because its strength is preserved in the wine, that magical elixir that's known for its ability to dissolve the boundaries between us, allow us to mingle more easily, and relax with others. Grapes and Grape wine are often used to symbolize vitality, since tonic healing has always been related to the vine.

Here is a recipe for "Vine Moon Tea" ;

1 part blackberry

1 part dandelion

splash of currant wine or Grape juice

pinch of hibiscus

Pictures of Grapes or grape Vines can be painted onto garden walls to ensure the garden's fertility, as was done in ancient Rome.