Heather Lore

Hi All, I thought I would add this blog info at the end of the month<-- Right I actually forgot to post this on June 20.. and it seems -- the auto post feature here on blogger is sometimes functional?? This is a lovey flower I really like heather..

I would love to walk the moors and see this site!!

Bee

HEATHER LORE
• Tree of the Summer Solstice (Aprox. June 20)
• Latin name: Calluna vulgaris
• Celtic name: Ura (pronounced: Oor' uh)
• Folk or Common names: Common Heather, Ling, Scottish Heather
• Parts Used: herb, flowering shoots.
• Herbal usage: Heather's flowering shots are used to treat insomnia, stomach aches, coughs and skin problems. The plant, used fresh or dried, strengthens the heart and raises blood pressure. It is slightly diuretic and a Heather Tea is often prescribed in cases of urinary infections. Heather is sometimes used in conjunction with corn silk and cowberries.
• Magical History & Associations: Heather is associated with the sun, and with the planet of Venus. Its color is resin colored and its element is water. Heather's bird is the lark, and its animal association is the honey bee. In ancient times the Danes brewed a powerful beer made from honey and Heather.( Hummmm? Might have to try this?) And for centuries the heather flowers have also been a special beverage to the bee, who in return creates delightful Heather honey! Its stones are amethyst, peridot, and amertine - and it is a feminine herb. The herb is sacred to many Goddesses: Isis, Venus-Erycina, Uroica, Garbh Ogh, Cybele, Osiris, Venus, Guinevere, and Butes among them. White Heather was considered unlucky by Scottish loyalists because of its connection with the banishment of Bonny Prince Charles. Heather is the home to a type of Fey called Heather Pixies. Like other Pixies, the Heather Pixies have clear or golden auras and delicate, translucent wings. But these faeries are attracted specifically to the moors and to the Heather which covers them. They are not averse to human contact, but they don't seek them out. They have a pranksterish nature.
• Magical usage: Heather is sacred to the Summer Solstice. Heather is used for magic involving maturity, consummation, general luck, love, ritual power, conjuring ghosts, healing, protection, rain-making and water magic. Charms made with Heather can be worn or carried as protection against danger, rape and other violent crimes. This flower represents good fortune and Heather can also be carried as a lucky charm. It was believed that wearing the blossom associated with your month of birth would bring exceptionally good luck - therefore people born in the month of Heather (August) should carry White Heather, for even better luck throughout the year. Legend has it that a gift of white Heather brings luck to both the giver and the receiver, whereas red Heather is said to have been colored by heathens killed in battle by Christians, so is less lucky. Heather is associated with secrets from the Other world. A sprig of white Heather placed in a special place of silence and meditation has the power to conjure ghosts, saints or spirits. After picking a piece of white Heather at midnight, place it in a glass of river water in the darkest corner of your home. Sit and think of a departed loved one and it is said that the loved ones shadow will visit you. Heather is said to ignite faery passions and open portals between their world and our own. Heather represents solitude because it thrives in wide open spaces, and Faeries who enjoy living in such undisturbed places are said to feast on the tender stalks of Heather. The Fae of this flower are drawn to humans who are shy. Heather is useful for Solitary healing work (going within). Heather, if used along with Mistletoe, creates powerful healing medicine in both spiritual and physical aspects. Heather can be used at Midsummer to promote love - carry red Heather for passion or white Heather for cooling the passion of unwanted suitors. If you give someone a gift of Heather it means: 'Admiration'. A charm bag filled with Heather can be carried for decreasing egotism or self-involvement. As a water herb, Heather is very useful in weather magic. When burned outdoors with Fern, the herbal smoke of Heather attracts rain. Bouquets of Heather and Fern can also be dipped in water to call rain.

Candles of Hope

Hi to all , A dear friend of mine is having life threatening cancer surgery today in Miami Florida . The surgery is a very long surgery, and is being done by surgery teams from around the world. It has only been done twice.

I post these candles for his family, and for a successful surgery for him. My hope is that the warmth of the white light of these candles will some how in my small way keep them all safe from harm. If you would like to lite a candle for his family, and him feel free to go to the Bee's candle page.. All the positive energy one can gather in these matters can always help.

This is for Lonnie;

Quote; "Never let the fear of striking out get in your way. "

By George Herman "Babe" Ruth

Sparkling

Bee

Happy International Fairy Day 2008

Hi to all on this International Fairy Day, I will spend this lovely day in the natural world, just relaxing listening to my Fairy Celts CD. I will wear all the sparkles I can find. I will sit and enjoy my accomplishment's thus far this spring.

Here is a Fairy Poem to enjoy!!

Much Magic to all

BeeCharmer

A Fairy Poem

by
William Allingham

When you feel a little breeze,

or notice a tickle,or need to sneeze

or find your things are rearranged

or something seems a little strange

Look very closely and you might see

sparkly dust, or a buzzing bee:

Behold! a fairy with gossamer wings

has come to show you wondrous things!

Good Morning It is

Hi to all, What a lovely evening last night was..

Our local weather man was so wrong.. AGAIN..

I new better as I watch the weather patterns myself.

To my surprise after a very late night, I looked upon my fairy rocks this morning and one of the three candles that I lite at my fairy rocks was and is still burning. The fairy offering was Thyme & Fairy Thimbles (Fox Glove) The candle is next to the shell ( center) I gave to my fairy Melina who sits upon the rocks. The candles were new Kirks Folly water melon scent "Yummy"!. I think this is a message from the Fae that they liked what I did!! My puppies were so interested and enthused last night by the decorations on and off the rocks. They had a great time. I hope you all enjoyed a nice evening as well!!

Sparkling Bee

Summer Solstice 2008 Has Arrived

MUCH MERRY, and Blessed Be to all. I wish you a wonderful magical eve.. Bringing you all the most beautiful & magical dreams. Spend this day with loved ones & extended family. Tell the people important to you that you love them.
Commune with nature this eve as magic awaits..



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

Litha/Midsummer's Eve / St. John's Eve

These two are often considered separate, but are both the night before the summer solstice. In England, it was the ancient custom on St. John's Eve to light large bonfires after sundown, which served the double purpose of providing light to the revelers and warding off evil spirits. This was known as 'setting the watch'. In Britain, it was once believed you could gather fern seed at the stroke of midnight and rub it onto your eyelids to make fairies visible! Wearing your jacket inside-out on Midsummer's Eve will keep you out of danger. An adventurous few even stay up all night - the shortest night of the year.Other customs included decorating the house, especially the front door, with birch, fennel, St. John's wort, orpin, and white lilies. Five plants were thought to have special magical properties on this night: rue, roses, St. John's wort, vervain and trefoil. Read Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream"Bluebell: Some consider bluebells the most potent plant for fairy magic. Fields of bluebells are said to be so dangerously enchanted by fairies that a child who wanders into one may be held captive there by the fae. Adults who enter bluebell patches may become so enchanted that they are unable to leave until other humans come to lead them out. Plant bluebells to attract fairies to your garden. They are said to be called to their midnight revels by the sound of bluebells chiming. If you hear a bluebell ringing, this indicates the presence of a malicious fairy.

Plants & flowers that will draw fairy's to you;

Clover: Fields of clover are believed to attract fairies. A four-leaf clover is said to provide protection against the fae, and to be able to break fairy spells and glamors. Wearing a four-leaf clover in your hat supposedly grants you the power to see invisible fairies, as does anointing yourself with an ointment made from four-leaf clover, or carrying a charm made of seven grains of wheat and a four-leaf clover.

Cowslip: Cowslip blossoms are said to be loved by fairies, who use them for umbrellas, and protect the plants.

Shakespeare had a fairy say of cowslips:

"And I serve the Fairy Queen,To draw her orbs upon the green.The cowslips tall her pensioners be,In their gold coats spots you see:Those be rubies, fairy favors:In those freckles live their savors.I must go to seek some dewdrops here,And hang a pearl in every cowslips' ear.

"Edmund Canterbell wrote, "That they do dwell within the cowslips hollow is truth for I have seen them fly out in intoxicated abandon.

" Cowslips are used in fairy magic. They are considered helpful in finding fairy treasures, and keys to unlocking the secret location of hidden fairy gold.

Daffodil: Daffodils are useful for evoking fairies and elves.

Dogwood: Pixy Pears is one name for the tree's fruit.

Daisy: Daisies are used in fairy magic, for working with elves or fairies. Putting a daisy chain on a child is said to prevent fairies from beguiling the child and carrying her or him away.

Elecampane: Elfwort and Elf Dock are folk names for elecampane, an herb whose roots are used in fairy magic. Scattering the root about is said to attract fairies to your home, and growing elecampane is said to attract them to your garden.

Elder: Elder trees and bushes are said to protect fairies, especially at night, from negative energy and from people and entities who would do them harm. It was a British belief that placing a child in an elder wood cradle could cause it to be pinched black and blue by fairies.

Elderberry wine is considered fairy wine. Drinking it is said to enable you to see fairies. Add dried elderberries to an incense mixture that you burn to attract fairies to a gathering.

Fairy Wand: Fairy Wands (Dierama pulcherrima) are associated with Titania, Shakespeare's fairy queen. They are used magically to call upon the fae for help.

Fern: Ferns are favored by pixies, who are said to sometimes be found near them.

Fig Tree: The Apsaras, also called Sky Dancers, are fig tree fairies (devas) who are known to us from Hindu mythology. They bless humans at important stages of our lives. They also sometimes seduce scholars and scientists, and sexually exhaust them so that they will not discover things which are better left alone.

Flax: Purging Flax (Linum catharticum) is also called Fairy Flax.

Forget-Me-Not: Forget-Me-Not flowers provide protection from fairies. They are said to help to unlock the secrets of the fae, and pave the way to fairy treasures.

Foxglove: (*Poison) Folk names for foxglove include Fairy Thimbles, Fairy Glove, Little Folks' Glove, Fairy Fingers, Fairy Petticoats, Fairy's Cap, and Fairy Weed. Foxglove is strongly associated with fairies, who are said to wear the tiny flowers as hats and gloves, and to leave their fingerprints upon the flowers. Foxglove is used in fairy magic, and for the evocation of elves or earth elementals. The leaves are said to grant release from fairy enchantment. Planting foxglove is an invitation to fairies to enter your garden. Wearing foxglove is a charm to attract fairy energy. The juice of the plant is said to be effective in breaking fairy enchantments.

Grass: Small fairies are said to ride bundles of grass as horses.

Hawthorn: Hawthorn, also called Whitethorn and Fairy Thorn, is the thorn in Oak, Ash, and Thorn. A grove comprised of those three trees was believed to be the perfect habitat for fairies, and an excellent place to catch sight of them. Pixie Pears is another name for hawthorn berries.

Heather: Heather stalks are said to provide food for fairies. A field of heather may contain a portal to the Fairy Kingdom.

Holly: Holly berries are said to be a fairy favorite.Hollyhock: Fairies are said to love hollyhocks, especially pink ones.

Lavender: Elf Leaf is another name for lavender, which is used in elfin magic.

Lilac: The scent of lilacs is said to attract fairies to a garden.Mistletoe: Adding mistletoe to a fairy spell on Midsummer Night's Eve makes the spell more powerful.

Morning Glory: Plant morning glories in your garden to keep away hostile fairies, especially nocturnal ones.

Mushrooms and Toadstools: Mushrooms and toadstools with knobbed caps are said to be used as stools and umbrellas by small fairies. Some of the folk names for various types of fungi reflect this belief: Fairy Club, Elf Cap, Pixie Hood, Dryad's Saddle, Elf's Stool, etc. A circle of mushrooms on a lawn is called a Fairy Ring, Fairy Circle, Fairy Dance, or Fairy Court. Fairy rings were believed to be places of dangerous enchantment that formed where fairies danced.

Nut Trees: Nut trees provide homes for the Caryatids, who are nut tree nymphs or fairies.

Oak: In British folklore ancient, hollow oak trees that stood in old sacred groves were often believed to be the homes of elves or fairies. Such trees were called bull oaks in England, and bell oaks in Scotland and Ireland. You were supposed to turn your coat or cloak inside out to neutralize their magic:"Turn your cloaks For fairy folks Are in old oaks."Any oak tree may provide a home to fairies, elves, or other such beings. Dryads are oak tree nymphs. (Also see Hawthorn)Orchid: Hammarbya paludosa is called Green Fairy Orchid.

Pansy: Plant pansies to attract fairies to your garden. Oberon, the fairy king, used pansies in his love potion in "A Midsummer Night's Dream":

"Yet marked I where the bolt of Cupid fell.

It fell upon a little western flower;

Before, milk-white; now purple with Love's wound-

And maidens call it Love-in-idleness.

Fetch me that flower, the herb I showed thee once.

The juice of it, on sleeping eyelids laid,

Will make a man or woman madly dote

Upon the next live creature that it sees.

"Peach: Some consider peaches to be fairy fruit.

Pear: Japanese pears were called Fairies' Fire in the old Language of Flowers.

Pearlwort: Placing a spring of pearlwort above the front door is said to prevent fairies from stealing any member of the household away.

Peonu: Peonies are a charm to bring dreams of fairies.

Primrose: Primroses were considered fairy flowers in Ireland and Wales, where they were believed to grant fairies the power of invisibility. Eating primroses is supposed to enable you to see fairies. Hanging a spray of primroses on your door is said to be an invitation to the fae to enter your home, and to draw fairy blessings; but scattering primroses outside your door is said to keep fairies away by making a barrier that they cannot cross. Touching a fairy rock with a primrose posy that contains the right number of blossoms (try five) is said to open the way to Fairyland and fairy gifts. Be cautious though, for using a bouquet with the wrong number of flowers is said to bring certain doom. Use primroses for fairy magic. Plant primroses in your garden to attract fairies to it. Be sure to take good care of them though, for allowing primroses to languish or die is said to earn you the enmity of fairies.

Ragwort: Ragwort stems are said to be used as horses by tiny fairies.

Rose: Cultivate roses to attract fairies to your garden. Rose petals can be used in fairy magic, especially for love spells.

Rosemary: Grow rosemary, or place fresh sprigs of it about, to keep malicious fairies away. Burn dried rosemary as incense to attract the fae.

Rowan: The presence of a rowan tree in the yard or garden is said to provide the home and family with fairy blessings, and the protection of the fae. Rowan is also believed to provide protection from fairy spells. Rowan was once used as a charm to prevent fairies from spoiling butter as it was churned. In Scotland, the smoke from fires kindled of rowan wood was used to protect cattle from malicious fairies.

St. John's Wort: St. John's Wort is said to offer protection from the fae, and from fairy spells.

Thistles: Thistles are also called Pixies' Gloves, because the fae are said to use the tiny flowers as gloves.

Thorn Trees: All thorny trees, such as blackthorn and hawthorn, are said to serve as meeting places for fairies. Kindling a fire of thornwood atop a fairy mound is said to force the fae to return a stolen child.

Thyme: Thyme is associated with fairies. Wearing a sprig of wild thyme, or essential oil of thyme, is said to help one to see fairies. If you place springs of thyme on your closed eyes and sleep upon a fairy mound, this will supposedly guarantee your seeing fairies. Dried, powdered thyme, sprinkled on doorsteps and windowsills, is an invitation to the fae into your home. Wild thyme, gathered from the side of a fairy mound, is especially potent for use in fairy magic.

Violet: Violets are sacred to the Fairy Queen, and may be used in fairy spells.

Willow: The wind in the willows is said to be the whisperings of a fairy in the ear of a poet. Heliconian is a willow fairy who is known to us from mythology.

Wood Sorrel: Wood sorrel is used in fairy magic, and for the evocation of elves.

Solstice Recipe's # 3

Midsummer Chicken

Skin and de-bone 4 chicken breast halves and wrap them in thick plastic or wax paper. Using the edge of a saucer (not your best china, please!) or a mallet, beat the chicken until somewhat flatter. Take a rolling pin and press and roll the chicken even flatter, about 1/4 of an inch. Pour 4 tablespoons of soy sauce into a dish. Remove the wrapping and dip each chicken breast in the sauce. Save what’s left for later.
Next, heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a large skillet. Cook the chicken in the oil over medium to high heat on each side until done. Remove the chicken from the skillet. Leave the drippings in the skillet.

Add 2 teaspoons of oil to the drippings, then the left-over soy sauce.

Mince 2 tablespoons of purple onion for lust; add to the skillet.

Mince 1 clove of garlic, if desired for lust; add to skillet.

Mince 2 teaspoons of fresh ginger for success and power; add to skillet. Sauté.
Add 4 tablespoons of orange marmalade. Stir the mixture in the skillet as the marmalade melts. For love and luck, peel 2 large oranges, separate the sections and remove pulp. Lightly chop. Stir into the skillet.

sprinkle 1 tablespoon of fresh cilantro over the mixture; stir in.

To finish the sauce, warm thoroughly. When ready, pour or spoon over the chicken breasts.
Makes 4 servings.

Flower Sandwiches

White bread

Milk

Cream cheese

Mint jelly

Dill pickles

Cheddar cheese

Stuffed olives

Caraway seeds

Cut thinly sliced bread with flower cookie cutters. Gradually add a small amount of milk to the cream cheese, blending until smooth. Spread one-third of the slices with softened cream cheese. Outline the top of the flowers with mint jelly and use thin slivers of dill pickle for the veins in the leaves. On one-third of the slices place a flower cut with the flower cutter from a slice of cheddar cheese and garnish the centers with a slice of stuffed olive. Spread the leaves and stems with softened cream cheese, and decorate with thin slivers of dill pickle. On the flower portions of the remaining slices spread softened cream cheese. Sprinkle caraway seeds in the center for pollen and spread the leaves and stems with mint jelly.

Honey Cakes

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

2 egg yolks

4 cups flour

1 teaspoon soda

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cloves

1/4 teaspoon ginger

Warm the honey slightly and combine with the sugar. Add eggs and beat well. Sift the flour with the soda and spices and stir into the honey batter thoroughly. Let the dough rest overnight. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness; cut out with a cook cutter. Brush with the slightly beaten white of an egg, press half a blanched almond into each cook and bake at 375 degrees F. for about fifteen minutes.

Honey Poached Apples

4 to 6 cooking apples, peeled, cored, and cut into eighths

1 cup dry sherry or apple juice

1 cup honey

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. grated lemon zest

1/2 tsp. grated ginger (optional)

1/4 tsp. salt

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer over moderate heat. Do not boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until apples are just tender. Remove from the heat and chill in the liquid. Serves 4 to 6. serve on ice cream, cake, or just with a Little cream..

Lemon Thyme Tea bread

2 c cake flour, sifted

2 tsp lemon zest

1/4 tsp salt

2 tsp dried lemon thyme leaves

5 large eggs

8 oz butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/3 c sugar

1/2 tsp almond extract

Combine flour and salt in bowl. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs to creamed butter and sugar. Add zest, thyme and extracts. Add flour 1/3 cup at a time to creamed mixture. When well mixed pour into loaf pan and bake at 350* for 45-50 min or until done.

Lemon-Kissed Honey Scones

3/4 cup honey, divided

1-1/2 cups milk

2 eggs

3 Tbsp lemon juice, divided

7 cups (2 lbs) biscuit mix

Whisk together 1/2 cup honey, milk, eggs, and 2 Tbsp lemon juice. Stir into biscuit mix until a soft dough forms. If mixture is too dry, sprinkle with 1-2 Tbsp of additional milk. Gather dough into ball. Knead several times on flour-coated work surface until dough incorporates. Roll out dough into 1/2-inch thick rectangle (8x12-inches); fold into quarters. Roll out again into 1/2-inch rectangle about 8x12-inches. Cut into 24 2" squares; arrange 1 inch apart on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 450 degrees for about 8 minutes or until tops are golden brown. Cool slightly.
For glaze, warm together 1/4 cup honey and remaining 1 Tbsp lemon juice. Brush top of scones with mixture. Scones can be frozen, tightly wrapped, up to six weeks.

Rosemary Biscuits

1 - 3 oz package cream cheese, softened

1 3/4 cups of biscuit mix

1/2 cup milk

2 tsp chopped fresh or dried rosemary

CUT cream cheese into biscuit mix with a pastry fork until crumbly, add milk and rosemary, stirring just until the dry ingredients are moistened. TURN biscuit dough onto a lightly floured surface, and knead 3 or 4 times. PAT or ROLL dough to 3/4 inch thickness; cut diagonally with a knife into one inch diamonds. BAKE at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, or, until lightly browned.
YIELD : 2 dozen biscuits

Kayla on her sick bed while Sunny Waits!

Hi to all, Well I had my Kayla spayed 5 days ago.( Its seems like a month> LOL that wiggly girl!) But she is healing nicely, and soon her 14 days of solitude will be over. Not soon enough for her Sunny---> He is miserable!! He has no Lil friend to play with. Summer may finally be here? Nice and sunny and warm today!!

Hope it lasts. My garden is just a mess from all this cold wet weather we have had..!!

So Tally Ho ! So off I go! To the garden!! To replant seeds. :-(

Bee

Solstice Recipe's # 2

Here are a few more Solstice recipes to try..... :-)

Cold Veggie Squares

2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup chopped fresh broccoli

1 cup chopped cauliflower

1/2 cup shredded carrots

2 tablespoons salad seasoning mix

Without separating the dough, roll out both packs of crescent rolls onto a baking sheet, forming them into a single, flat surface. Bake according to the directions on the package. Allow the finished rolls to cool.

In a bowl, Mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, basil and garlic powder. Spread the mixture evenly over the surface of the rolls. Spread the broccoli, cauliflower and carrots on top of the cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle the salad seasoning mix over all. Cut into squares and serve.
Makes 16 servings

Day lily Hors d'oeuvres

Day Lily's
1 cup diced cooked chicken

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 (3 oz) package cream cheese (softened)

1/4 cup diced celery

1/2 tsp lemon zest

2 teaspoons Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing

Gather the blooms early in the day. Trim and wash them and place in the refrigerator until ready to use. Mix all ingredients well. Fill each blossom with mixture and set them upright in a pretty serving dish.

Lavender Lemonade

5 cups water

1 1/2 cups sugar

12 stems fresh lavender

2 1/4 cups lemon juice

Celestial Chicken Wings

1 c. soy sauce

1 c. pineapple juice

1 clove garlic, pressed

3 T. minced onion

1 t. ground ginger

1/4 c. brown sugar

1 can beer

1/4 c. butter or oil

2 pkg. chicken wings, cut, tips discarded

Combine first 8 ingredients and stir until dissolved. Pour over chicken and marinate overnight or at least 8 hours. Be sure sauce covers all pieces. Drain and save marinade. In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil and brown chicken on all sides over medium heat. When brown, add 1/2 cup marinade; cover; reduce heat and simmer 15-20 minutes. Stir and add more marinade if necessary. This may be cook4ed a day ahead and then reheated in oven before serving. Add marinade to moisten before heating. Serve hot in a chafing dish. Serves 8-10.

Salad of Wordly Desires

1/2 head of purple cabbage

about 1 hand full of lace lettuce

3 roma tomatoes

Black olives (to taste, about 15)

1/2 purple onion

1 Eggplant

3 Tbl. of Olive oil

1 or 2 (depending on how much you like garlic) cloves of garlic

Cut your eggplant diagonally into 1/2 inch strips. Take the oil and place in a pan over medium high heat.When the oil is hot add eggplant and garlic into the oil. You are going to want to just brown the eggplant a little. Take out and drain on napkins and place in the fridge. Make sure to wash your lettuce well. Gather the purple cabbage in your hand on a cutting board and cut into thin horizontal pieces. Do the same to the lace lettuce. Cut the tomatoes in vertical slices. Start right under the green stalk and bring your knife through to the end. Repeat with all of the tomatoes. cut the olives and the onion any old way you please. Take the eggplant and line the bottom of the plate with it. Layer the cabbage and the lettuce on top of the eggplant in the middle of the plate. Place the olives and the onions on top of the lettuce so it looks like a pile. Take your tomatoes and with your fingers fan them out without breaking them from the stalk. Add one or two on the edge of the pile and your done! try the dressing below as a topper!

Dressing of Worldly Desires

1 C. Oil, Pref. Olive

1 1/2 tsp. of Worcestershire sauce

2 cloves of crushed garlic

1 egg

3/4 C. Parmesan Cheese

3 drops of red food coloring

Take the Worcestershire sauce, garlic, egg and food coloring and mix together vigorously! Add the oil and the cheese, mix as roughly as your little hands can until mixed well. Place in fridge for 30 min, or until chilled, Mix once again and pour onto salad.

7th Moon of the Celtic Year

OAK LORE

· 7th Moon of the Celtic Year - (June 10 - July 7)
· Latin name: white Oak - quercus alba; red Oak - quercus rubra; black Oak - quercus velutina
· Celtic name: Duir (pronounced: dur). Duir means 'door'.
· Folk or Common names: Duir, Jove's Nuts and Juglans.
· Parts Used: Wood, leaves, bark, acorns.

· Herbal usage:

Oaks are known for astringent tonics and therefore tea made from Oak is a good remedy for hemorrhoids. White Oak bark tea helps in sinus infections since it helps unclog congestion. Acorns can be peeled and used to make various homeopathic potions used to treat alcoholism, bad breath and constipation.

Magical History & Associations:

The word Duir, comes from the Sanskrit "Dwr" meaning "door", and is the door to the three worlds of the Shaman. The Oak is associated with the element of fire and is ruled by the sun. The bird associated with this month is the wren, the color is black, and the gemstone is white carnelian or moonstone. Oak has been considered sacred by just about every culture that has encountered the tree, but it was held in particular reverence by the Celts and the Norse because of its size, long life, and acorns. The Druids were said to have worshipped in Oak-groves in Gaul. In Druidic times at "Yule" all fires were extinguished, the Druids then lit the new season fires using Oakwood as Yule logs, and all of the people would start their fires from this source. The Oak tree is sacred to Brighid, the Dadga, Dianus, Janus, Rhea, Cybele, Hecate, Pan, and Erato. In the Vatican, there are statues of the goddess Artemis (often as a perpetual youth) wearing a necklace of acorns. The acorn was under the protection of Cybele (the goddess of Nature). The Oak is also frequently associated with Gods of thunder and lightening such as Zeus, Jupiter, Thor, and the Lithuanian God Perkunas. This association may be due to the oak's habit of being a lightening-magnet during storms. Specific oak trees have also been associated with the 'Wild Hunt', which is led by Herne in England and by Wodin in Germany. King Arthur's Round Table was said to have been made from a single slab of a giant oak tree.

Magical usage:

The month of Oak has summer solstice occurring within it, and Oak is a powerful symbol of Midsummer. In general, Oak can be used in spells for protection, strength, success and stability, healing, fertility, Health, Money, Potency, and good luck. The different varieties of Oak will lend their own special 'flavor' to the magic:

Red Oaks energy is a bit lighter and more 'fiery' than the other oaks;

White Oak is useful for spells requiring strength and solidity; and Brown oak has a very earthy feel, and is useful for grounding.

Acorns can be used specifically for magic done to attract the opposite gender, increase income and prosperity, or can be used for their divinatory powers. Oak is the tree known as "The King of the Grove" and was one of the sacred three: 'Oak, Ash & Thorn'. The worship of the Oak tree may have come from the fact that the acorn was one of the main food sources of the nomadic tribes of prehistoric Europe. In mystic lore the acorn often represented the supreme form of fertility - creativity of the mind. Acorns are used to increase fertility (of projects or ideas, or in matters of human reproduction) and to ease pain. Symbolic of immortality, acorns are especially sacred to the Samhain(Halloween) season, and they can be used to decorate the altar in the fall. The Oak is a holy tree and is the lord of truth. There is a tradition that the voice of Jupiter may be heard in the rustling of its leaves. It is said that at the summer solstice the future can be divined by listening to the wind as it blows through the branches of an Oak tree. Oak is also a very powerful herb for protection. The Oak has protected England through the use of its timbers for the building of ships. Oaks are also used as boundary markers for their protective qualities. Acorns placed in a window can ward off lightning or creatures that go bump in the night. Acorns can be carried in a pocket or charm bag to protect the bearer from storms, from getting lost and from evil intent. An oak leaf can worn at the breast, touching the heart, and it will protect the wearer from all deception and the world's false glamour. A handful of Oak leaves put in the bath water will cleanse the bather both in body and in spirit. Acorns are carried for immortality and longevity, to preserve youthfulness, for fertility, and against illness. Three acorns can be made into a charm for youthfulness, beauty and attainment in life. The three acorns should be tied and bound with the mage's own hair, blessed under the new moon and the full moon, every month of the year, and then the charm should be worn. It is said that if you can catch a falling Oak leaf you shall have no colds all winter. When a sick person is in the house make a fire of Oakwood and warm the house with it to 'draw off' the illness. Acorns can be planted in the dark of the moon to bring financial prosperity. Acorns can also be placed near windows or hung from window shade pulls to bring luck to a house. This custom originates from the Vikings and Druids because of the strength of the oak tree and its ability to attract lightening. They can also be carried to bring good luck.

The midsummer fire is always Oak and the need fire is always kindled in an Oak log. When gathering Oak, be sure to pour wine on the roots of the tree to thank it for allowing you to take a part of it. Acorns should be gathered in the daylight, and leaves and wood by night. A waning moon is the correct time to harvest Oak.

LITHA/SUMMER SOLSTICE

Hi to all, A tid bit of info here on Litha. Also do you not love the wing s on the fairy in this print... I recently dried some yellow rhododendron flowers, and I just look at them and they really look like fairy wings ???
Sparkles Bee



Litha ;
Brings the Fae out and about, revealing the thin veil that connects our world to theirs. Hold a feast in their honor. If you have any questions for the Fae, now is the time to ask.
As Litha / Summer Solstice, it is a good time to do any fire magic, as the Sun is the strongest at this time. One "ritual" (I love to do is to go out on a hill), the beach, or where ever and just watch the sun set in the western sky. Its kind of relaxing to feel its warmth and it kind of reminds us how nothing lasts forever.

Marriage Correspondences and Lore

Marriage, or hand-fasting, is said to be luckiest when held in June. There are also just as many different traditions around to keep the wedding lucky. Where a whole book could be written on marriage traditions, I have chosen just a few, from the well known, to hopefully a couple of obscure ones.

"Something old, something new; Something borrowed, something blue."

Of course, the tradition of throwing rice, breadcrumbs, and other edibles, at the newly wed couple have many different sources. Some sources say that the edibles were thrown to attract good luck. However, most told reason, is that the edibles were thrown to distract evil spirits, thus preventing them from ruining the newly weds fun.

Other common methods for keeping evil and mischievous spirits away are the tying of cans, bells, and other loud noise makers to the car, cart, horse drawn carriage, etc.

Folklore:

Junes Name-sake:

The goddess of women, marriages and childbirth, and the wife of Jupiter, Juno.
June celebrates the Mother aspect of the Goddess and in a sense, things dealing with security, safety and the happiness of the household. The first crops, berries, are in season in many places. Life has gained a new pace. For those that have a foot in the agricultural world, its the time when roses are blooming, and the corn is about knee high. All looks good.
Now is the time to reflect and take account of the home and its preparations for general security. Do you have all your legal documents in order? Could you find a better insurance company? Do you have the right kinds of insurance? Do you have working batteries in all your clocks and alarms? Are all your magical security amulets and talismans doing well?

Solstice Recipe's

A fine Midsummer celebration either solo or for family and friends is to visit a farmer's market and gather all the ingredients for your feast. It supports local farmers and leaves a kinder, gentler footprint on our Mother Earth.

Sparkles Bee

Solstice Herb Bread

3 C. flour


1 tbsp. sugar


1 tsp. salt


1 pkg. dry active yeast


2 tbsp. chopped fresh chives


2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary


1 tsp. fresh thyme


1 1/4 C. hot water


2 tbsp. Crisco


Mix 2 cups of the flour, sugar, salt and yeast in a large bowl. Add herbs, water, and Crisco. Beat slowly, stirring in remaining cup of flour until smooth. Scrape batter from sides of bowl and let rise in a warm place for 35 minutes or until it doubles in bulk. Punch down and beat with a spoon for about 15 seconds. Place dough in a greased loaf pan, patting down and forming a loaf shape with your hands. Cover and let rise again for about 30 minutes or until it again doubles in bulk. Bake at 375 for 40-45 minutes. Brush top with butter or margarine and remove from pan to cool.


HONEY CAKE


3 eggs


1 and 1/3 cups honey


1 and 1/3 cups sugar


1 cup strong coffee or 2 tsp Vanilla extract


2 teaspoons baking powder


3 tablespoons margarine


1 teaspoon baking soda


4 cups flour


1 teaspoon cinnamon


Preheat oven to 325 degrees.


Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.


NOTE: Can use Pam or one of those spray cooking oils (no calories) and don't flour the pan. I've done this with both with the cupcakes and the bundt pan. The cakes came out beautifully. Beat eggs and honey together. Add sugar and mix again. Mix coffee with baking powder; add the margarine to the egg mixture. Add baking soda, flour, cinnamon and beat together well. Bake at 325F for 55 minutes to 1 hour. Cake is done when toothpick stuck into it comes out dry. For the cupcakes the time was around 30 minutes


FROZEN VODKA WATERMELON SLUSH
4 cups watermelon, seeds removed

Simple syrup, to taste
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup Vodka
2 ounces melon liquor
4 lemon twists, for garnish



In a food processor, puree the watermelon flesh. Pour the pureed watermelon into empty ice cube trays and freeze for at least 4 hours. In a blender combine the frozen watermelon cubes, simple syrup to taste, lemon juice and vodka and blend until smooth. Pour into 4 frozen martini glasses and garnish with a lemon twist.



ORANGE HONEY BUTTER





2 Tablespoons Grated Orange Rind


3 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar


1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, at room temperature


1 Tablespoon honey


Combine the orange rind, powdered sugar, butter and honey in a small bowl and blend until well mixed. Chill slightly and serve with scones or biscuits.








Blackberry Spinach Salad



3 cups baby spinach,


1 pint fresh blackberries (rinsed & dry)


6 ounces crumbled feta cheese


1 pint cherry tomatoes halved ,


1 green onion, sliced


1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts


1/2 cup edible flowers



In a large bowl, toss together baby spinach, blackberries, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, green onion, and walnuts. Garnish with edible flowers. Makes 8 servings

Green House Project Update # 2

Hi to all, Well I'm up and GROWING. In the Beecharmers Green house. Hopefully by summers end I will have my proper tables, and shelves built. I have tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumber, lettuce, carrot's, spinach, and many varieties of flowers in there. Soon to start more. My Moon flowers just sprouted a few days ago.

But other priorities are on the front. So here are a few pic's of the inside,and finished front.

Sparkles

Bee

LITHA/SUMMER SOLSTICE CRAFTS

HI to ALL,

As the wheel continues to turn again we find ourselves nearing " Summer Solstice".

Litha/Midsummer is one of the Wiccan Sabbats and is usually celebrated on June 21st, but varies somewhat from the 20th to the 23rd, dependant upon the Earth's rotation around the Sun. This year it is on the 20th of June. The sun is at the height of its power before beginning its slide into darkness and we experience the longest day and shortest night of the year.

While steamy Midsummer marks the beginning of the Sun's dying strength the season itself is very lush. The Sun, flowers and Earth are in full bloom. Hot Midsummer creates a fiery, mature, breathless passion. The God is at the very height of his power as we hit midsummer, at this point of the year the gardens are coming along nicely . We have done all of the planting associated with spring and life gets a little easier as we sit back and tend what we've created. Its a time of great celebration before we meet the work ahead as the harvest comes in. On Midsummer the veil between the worlds is said to be very thin making this a great time for divination, historically many maidens would divine a husband at this time. Midsummer's Eve is said to be a time when fairies abound in great numbers this is a great time to commune with them and leave gifts of sweets outdoors.

Litha celebrates abundance, fertility, virility, the beauty and bounty of Nature. Harnessing the Suns great power makes all types of magic appropriate now. We can also harvest the first of our magical herbs at this time since they are drenched with the great power of the sun on this longest day of the year. It is a good time for empowerment, for strong magic for hand fastings and communing with Nature Spirits.

The journey into the harvest season has begun.

Here are some craft ideas you might like to try, and some traditional Litha activies. I am going to do a series of blogs early this year which will include lots of recipes for the Solstice feast ( lots of new, and some old favorites) crafts, and Litha lore. I thought to do this earlier as even last year I felt I was way to late even for myself to try something new! !! :-)

Enjoy

Bee

Sea Shell Wreath


Courtesy of Jo-Ann etc Experience the Creativity Magazine



Shore thing! A seasonal wreath in celebration of summer makes a comely conversation piece.
Finished size: Approximately 12"/30.5cm across
Materials
10" /25.5cm Styrofoam wreath base
about 15 small bags of seashells (use shells approximately same size and color)
Lion brand textured jute ribbon
hot glue gun & glue sticks
spooled floral wire
scissors
clear-drying craft glue
Preparing
1. With 18"/46cm-long trailing end, wrap wreath base with textured ribbon, gluing in place as you go.
2. Continue wrapping ribbon until entire wreath is covered, slightly overlapping edges to ensure there are no gaps between rows.
3. Trim ribbon, leaving 18"/46cm-long trailing end. Tie ribbon ends in large bow. Trim ends even and seal in back with clear-drying craft glue.
Assembling: Hot glue shells to wreath base, clustering and overlapping shells to create solid surface. Vary placement of shells for design interest. Use smaller shells to fill any gaps. Cut small piece of wire and use to secure bow. Tuck wire ends under knot.

BEE Bird House

Materials:

Gourd
Sand Paper
Paints...Black Light buttermilk (Americana)Straw (Delta Ceramcoat)Old Parchment (Delta Ceramcoat)
Drill with Bits
Jute
Matte Spray Varnish
Black Permanent Marker
Flat Brush for Base coat
Round Brush for detail
Tack Cloth
Pencil
Instructions:Clean, and sand a dried gourd.( you can grwo these your self) Wipe with a tack cloth. Drill 2 small holes at the top of the gourd large enough to thread jute. Drill a larger hole to act as a hole for the bird. Base coat the gourd with 2 coats of Old Parchment allowing each coat to dry thoroughly. Draw on the Bees (See Bee Pattern above) in a random pattern making sure they are facing all directions. They look goods in groups of 3 or alone. Base coat the wings in Light Buttermilk. Let dry. Base coat the bee body in Straw. Let dry. Base coat the head and stripes in Black. Let dry. Outline the wings, add antenna and a stinger with a permanent marker. You can also add the dotted lines to show where he has been and the curved lines to hint at wing movement. Allow to dry thoroughly before you spray with a matte finish. Thread jute through the top holes of the gourd and tie for hanging. You can add lengths of jute in a bow if you'd like. Optional: You may want to add Buzz on Inn around the door opening but make sure you allow for this when you draw the bees on.

Activities:

• 
  This is a good time for clearing away non-useful energies, and establishing a stable base. (bees choice)

• Cleansing may include leaping a fire (a low one, please), or putting herbs symbolizing (or charged with) the non-useful energies into a fire. You may leap a fire not only for purification, but to re-energize yourself.
• 
  Litha is a time for healing of all kinds, and protection rituals.
• 
  Get all your friends together with some drums and rattles, and dance the whole night through. A Spiral Dance would be nice, too. "Sing, Dance, make Music and Love, all in my Presence..." ( I think i will organize this for Castsel Raven?)
• 
  Make your own "Green Man" mask. Cut eye-holes in a paper plate. Let them glue on real or construction paper leaves.
• 
  Go berry picking. Have the children chose their best berry and throw it back into the berry bushes as they thank the Goddess and the bushes for the fruit.
• 
  Burn a Wreath in the bon fire or try using Wreaths of Vervain and Mugwort which were burned in ancient times at the end of the festivals to burn away bad luck. (bees choice)
• 
  Many families placed roses on the tables, as this is the Goddess flower for this time of the year. Try this yourself for a beautiful and fragrant decoration. (Bees choice I love my roses!)
• 
  Leave out milk and honey as an offering to the Fae folk (Bees choice)
• 
  Put a ring of flowers around a bowl full of mugwort
• 
  Hang a bundle of fresh herbs out to dry and use them to spice up a Litha feast of cooked summer vegetables (bees choice)
• 
  Light a white candle and place it in front of a mirror. Say your own Litha prayer over it, and then let it burn out ( bees choice)
• 
  Make a charm to hang around your neck with a seashell
• 
  Have an outdoor breakfast picnic to welcome the Solstice (great idea!! Bees choice)
• 
  Stay up and watch the sun come up on the longest day of the year! (Bees choice)
• 
  
  Try a fire divination, stare into the coals of your bonfire as it settles or look for forms in the leaping flames.
• 
  
  Make protection amulets for friends and family dispose of last years amulet in the Litha bonfire
  

In Memory

I am a United States Marine. My tenets are Duty, honor, and commitment in service to god, country, and corps. No matter the cost; nor matter the sacrifice; to the last full measure; I will do my duty. I will honor the traditions of those Marines that have gone before me; as they have passed to me so will I pass to those who follow the sword to freedom, the banner of courage, the unblemished honor of the corps; for service without honor is not service. I will serve with honor and remain faithful at all times; to my Corps, my division, my regiment, my company, my platoon, my squad, my fire - team, and to these tenets. I will be commented. I am a Marine. Not a ex, or a former marine; I am or I am not. There is no middle ground.

I AM A UNITED STATES MARINE

William MacDonald

Lady Luna

Hi to all, Are these moths fairy like or what.. ? I hope to see one,*~* One day...?

Sparkles

Bee

"Luna Moth Lore"

Their power is of the whirlwind - Ease of movement in darkness/shadow - Transformation - Ability to confuse enemies - Ability to find light in darkness

This nocturnal insect is found in deciduous hardwood forests in North America, from Canada to Northern Mexico. The Luna moth has a wingspan of 3 to 4 1/4 inches (7.5-10.8 cm). Males and females are similar in appearance, but the antennae of the males appear more feathery. Classification: Family Saturniidae, Genus Actias, Species luna.

Luna moths are one of the most unusual and beautiful of the North American moths known as Saturnidae. They are a light-green moth that has long, curving tails on its hindwings and distinctive eyespots on all four wings. Although they are often seen in pictures, they are a real surprise when found in nature. Although they are common throughout the eastern U.S., their night flying habits and short life span as an adult moth, only about 1 week, combine to make them a rare find. The luna moth, with a wingspan of 4.5-5.0 inches, is one of the largest moths in North America and is very common in many of the eastern states from Maine all the way to Florida. They usually are seen less as you go westward to Texas and the Great Plains. It is also found in southern regions of many Canadian provinces such as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskachewan.



Life Cycle: The Luna moth starts life as a tiny egg that hatches into a plump lime-green caterpillar with tiny orange spots along the sides. This slow-moving caterpillar eats the leaves of the white birch, alder, persimmon, sweet gum, hickory, walnut, or sumac trees. After eating and growing, the caterpillar builds a brown, tent-like cocoon, and eventually emerges as a fully-grown adult. The adult Luna moth does not eat; it only mates and reproduces.

May is Fairy Month

The month of May is tradition­ally associated with the fairies, and interactions between this world and the fairy realm. In Celtic folklore, human beings venture forth to meet with both mortal, and fairy lovers. If you desire this type of relationship, carry talismans of protection that will allow you to return to this world. These Scottish lyrics tell of a union with a fairy lover — use them if you dare.

Wine of the wort
I'll give to thee,
Well I'll love thee,
Under the plaid,
If you come home with me
To the fairy knoll.

I was last night In the meadow,

Drinking ale with the Beguiling one.
I left my love in the doorway Of the fairy bower

With eyes like a star, and a voice like a Stringed instrument
My green-clad love Of the mist.

I must add this tid bit. Maybe some of you can try this next year?

In the month of April on Betane Eve try this "Beltane Eve Fairy Spell".

On the eve of Beltane the fairies are out in force. this is a fairy spell to work in your own garden or backyard. Gather together violets, St. John's wort, and clover. The violets are a fairy favorite. The St. John's wort will protect you from becoming fairy-led or tricked, and the clover is for prosperity and good luck. Gather these plants together, forming a little posy, and then tie it up with green ribbons. Blow the fair­ies a kiss and leave the posy as a gift. Now go and sit in the garden and try to meditate or to communicate with the fairies.

Say to yourself;

Fairies from far and wide,

I offer you a gift,

Tied up in green for luck,

And sealed with a kiss.

I can sense you If I'm pure of heart,

Bless me with good luck and sooth my dreaming heart.

Fleur-de-Lis - Mists of Antiquity

Hi to all, I wanted to do a blog entry on the "Fleur" for some time now. I find it so interesting. Not only as a flower, but it's long historical significance. The photo above is in the color of the Fleur that live in my gardens--> Royal Purple.

Enjoy!



Sparkling Bee






The emblem of royalty. The symbol of elegance, refinement and opulence. The iris has been cherished by kings, queens and gardeners since the beginning of history. During the Crusades,Louis VII of France chose the iris as his personal
symbol, known as the FJeur-de-Louisr which later became Fleur-de-Lis. Ever since, the stylized iris has been the symbol of French royalty. It glistened on the robes of the Sun King, Louis XIV. It is etched,carved and gilded into every comer of Versailles, the palace of Trench kings. And in the gardens of this paradise, the noble iris still reigns supreme.





Fleur History

Few heraldic emblems have been so controversial as the fleur-de-lis (or fleur-de-lys or flower-de-luce). Its history stretches far back in time, allegedly into the "mists of antiquity", and its quasi-mystical origins were seemingly accepted unquestioningly by early churchmen. One scenario identifies it as the lily given at his baptism to Clovis, King of the Franks (from AD 481 to 511), by the Virgin Mary, a tradition presented in evidence by the French bishops at the Council of Trent (AD 1545-63) to support their arguments for the precedence of their king, François I. The lily was claimed to have sprung from the tears shed by Eve as she left Eden (just as that unrelated flower, the lily of the valley, was said to have grown from the tears of the Virgin at the foot of the Cross). From its earliest records (it was the flower of Hera, the Greek moon goddess) it has been the symbol of purity and was accordingly readily adopted by the Church to associate the Virgin Mary's sanctity with events of special significance. Thus when Pope Leo III in AD 800 crowned Charlemagne as Emperor, he is reported to have presented him with a blue banner covered (semé) with golden fleurs-de-lis (an event which may have given birth to the legend of the Virgin's gift to Clovis, as it undoubtedly formed the basis of Nicolas Upton's reference, around AD 1428, to Charlemagne having received the banner Azure semé of fleurs-de-lis Or from an angel). Clovis is the same name as Lois, Loys and Louis, and as Loys was the contemporary spelling used by the Kings of France until Louis XIII (AD 1610), ":fleur-de-lys" has been claimed as a corruption of "fleur-de-Loys". Other imaginative explanations include the shape having been developed from the image of a dove descending, which is the symbol of the Holy Ghost, and, as Rouge Croix Pursuivant John Guillim explained in his Display of Heraldrie (1611), of it being a distortion of the outline of a toad.
That the French kings long used the fleur-de-lis as an emblem of their sovereignty is irrefutable. On his seal of AD 1060 (before heraldry became formalised) Philip I sits on his throne holding a short staff that terminates in a fleur-de-lis. The same staff appears in the great seal of Louis VII (AD 1137-80), whose signet ring was charged with a single fleur-de-lis. The great seals of Philip II and Louis VIII show them seated, holding in one hand a flower and in the other a sceptre on which is mounted an heraldic fleur-de-lis within a lozenge. But long before this, although it may perhaps be merely coincidence and unrelated to later practice, the Roman Emperor Hadrian (AD 117-138) issued a coin which represented Gaul (as France then was) with a woman holding a lily in her hand Louis VII is believed to have been the first to use Azure semé of fleurs-de-lis Or (now abbreviated to Azure semé-de-lis Or and designated "France Ancient") on his shield, but its use on a banner, and especially on the French royal standard, may have been earlier than this. (The reduction to three fleurs-de-lis, today designated as "France Modern", was commanded by Charles V in 1376, reportedly in honour of the Holy Trinity. This was copied by Henry IV of England who, following Edward III, had symbolised the English claim to France by placing the French lilies in his first quarter.)
Alexander Nisbet in 1722, after distinguishing between the natural lily, "the lily of the garden", and the stylised lily, "the lily of the flag", observed of the oriflamme ~





The other lilies, as those of France, so well known ....... having only but three leaves, is by the Latins called flos iridis, and by the French fleur de l'iris; being always called the flower of the rainbow or iridis, which the French call fleur-de-lis, from the river Lis, as some will; and anciently flams or flambs, which signifies the same: Whence the Royal Standard of France was called the oriflam or oriflambe, being a blue banner, charged with golden flower-de-luces, a suitable figure, say some, for the Franks, who come from the marshes of Friezland.





Two points are worth noting here. First, the seeming confusion between the iris and the lily is commonly found throughout all the early writings on this subject, for it was only during the 19th century that the iris ceased to be known as a lily. Second is the reference to the river Lis. Today, in France, this is the River Lys, and its continuation downstream into Flanders is, in Flemish, the River Leie. Here, to the west of Ghent (where it flows through the lands once held by the Gavere family, the first to bear the tressure flory-counterflory featuring the fleur-de-lis), the golden iris may still be found on its banks. The heraldic representation of the flower sweeps the upper pair of its five petals inwards to merge with the centre one, while the lower pair curve downwards. The photograph of the pressed and dried flower below left shows the results.
So although the legendary origins of the fleur-de-lis have caught imaginations down the centuries, and are still to be found in heraldic textbooks, Nisbet's casual comment is worth more than later writers have allowed it. The lily, now called an iris, still grows along the Lys in lands drained by the Franks. When pressed and dried it reveals clearly the shape of the stylised heraldic charge. This is, on balance, its most probable origin.





The Baronage Press