Mokosh and Devana – Mother and Maiden

I have mentioned a small selection of the male deities of the Slavic Pantheon, just the surface of the various Gods and semi-divine beings that stalk those Easter European lands, but I have only mentioned one Goddess so far. Although Mati Syra Zemlya is an important Goddess she is one among many, so it is about time I turn my attention to them.

Pantheons are made up of archetypes. We have seen the Lord, the Lawgiver and Trickster in the previous posts but now we look at some different ones. The roles of women in traditional cultures are not as one dimensional as we may first believe. The identity of Wife and or Mother are two very important ones but they are not the be all and end all of being a woman. The wild child and huntress are also identities which many woman claim as their own. Even though these independent women may decide to marry or have children that doesn’t mean the have to give up an element of their identity or freedom in the process. 

Mokosh

Mokosh is another of the supreme goddesses of the Slavic people. Although she is often referred to as being the same as, or interchangeably with, Mati Syra Zemlya there are some critical differences between them. Mokosh is the Goddess and Protector of Women.

She was often accompanied by the Suđaje, divine figures who would foretell the future of new-borns as they spun wool and flax into fine thread, similar in nature to the Greek Fates. Similarly, Mokosh is associated with the act of spinning, and with the nurturing and protection of the herd animals which provide the wool to enable such an activity.

Mokosh was honoured at all times of the year, being honoured at the start of spring as being pregnant with the forthcoming harvest and then celebrated upon the successful delivery of the seasons bounty. She was honoured as being accomplished at all tasks associated with womanhood and the keeping of the house.

Offerings – mead, porridge, cottage cheese, bread, flax seed, golden apples, grapes, wool, hair.

Altar – spindle, distaff, shearers, scissors, sheep’s wool, yarn, wooden idol.

Space – home, hearth fire, pastures, barns

Day – Friday

Animals – bird, sheep, bee

 

Devana – Goddess of the Hunt

Devana is the Goddess associated with the Hunt and of the Wildwood. Like Diana and Artemis she is described as a maiden and virgin, wild and unwilling to be owned by any one man. She is fiercely protective of her virginity, bordering on the aspect of a warrior goddess when aroused.

Unlike her Roman and Greek counterparts Devana does become the wife of Veles after he manages to placate her by transforming himself into a basil flower. Although she does retain her fierce independence she is often referred to as being the help-meet of her husband and is sometimes referred to as the mother of Yarilo, God of the Harvest, Anger and War.

 

Because of her close similarity to Diana and Artemis, and the fact that her story is attested in only one 15th century Polish source now thought to be unreliable, it is thought that Devana is not an originally Slavic deity but represents the defining of an older concept known as Šumska Majka. Meaning “Forest Mother” this entity was believed to wander the wildwoods as a protector of both land and animals although in later tellings she becomes a being of torment, said to plague young children with nightmares.  

Offerings – meat (preferably hunted), mugwort, mullen, wormwood, basil, elm, silver.

Altar – forest animal motifs, bear, fox or marten skin, silver, moonstone, stone icons

Spaces – forests, elm groves, wooded mountains

Day – Monday

Animals – mare, bear, marten, fox

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Pagan Parenting – Essential Crystals for Kids

Crystals are often recommended for children as indirect methods of introducing them to a spiritual mindset whilst at the same time bringing healing and soothing influences into their lives. One of the reasons I introduced my girls to crystals was their preference for exploring the world through a sensory experience. The various colours, shapes and textures they were able to experience through my crystal collection drew them in and they would often come up with spontaneous associations as to how the stones could help and support them. Sometimes they were right on the mark, often they would shoot miles wide but their reasoning was always fun to listen to.

I have two main rules when picking out stones for kids when they were small

1. nothing which dissolves in water and/ or is poisonous
2. the stones must be too big to fit in the mouth

Obviously anything that was heavy, has sharp edges or was particularly fragile was off limits but beyond that they had full access to all the stones I had to hand without much real concern about the uses.

Now they are older I am less bothered about the size as they have (theoretically)gotten over the “exploring the world though the mouth” stage. I am still mindful that there are toxic stones which are commonly used but as long as they are not putting them in water and/or their mouths there should be little to no concern.

There are some stones that that come highly recommended for children and blogs recommend anywhere between 7 and 25 different collections. I have chosen to list 14 in total, split into the seven Chakra Stones and seven key healing stones, for your consideration.

©Victoria Newton

Chakra Stones

Crown Chakra – Clear Quartz

Clear Quartz is the most abundant and popular crystal available on the market and is the most helpful and healing as well. As well as helping maintain a clear mind clear quartz is also useful in clearing away negative energies and also protecting against them.

For Children – meditating with clear quartz will help them with attaining higher vibrations whilst at the same time offering protection from negative influences.  

Third Eye Chakra – Amethyst

Amethyst is another popular crystal and what attracts people the most is the variety of shades of purple that can be found. From calming lavender hues to deep soothing purples Amethyst is often used to improve intuitive abilities and dreaming as well as supporting them emotionally.  

For Children – carrying amethyst can help with processing periods of emotional pain, such as after a death or divorce, as well as providing general emotional support in anxious situations.

Throat Chakra – Sodalite

Sodalite is a stone which helps strengthen self expression and confidence in oneself through through the power of self belief. It can be difficult to find a sense of identity when you are young, and it is tempting to join the herd mentality; Sodalite can help find the confidence to be who you are.

For Children – encourage your child to carry Sodalite when they are experiencing peer pressure and need to stay true to themselves.

Heart Chakra – Aventurine

Aventurine is a balancing stone which helps people to connect with their emotions and find balance in stressful situations. It is also used to stimulate creativity and the imagination whilst at the same time encouraging confidence in expressing our ideas.

For Children – Aventurine is often called the Friendship Stone and can be used to boost the confidence of children entering a new situation.  

Solar Plexus Chakra – Citrine

Citrine is a stone prized for its ability to brighten even to most down of outlooks. Known as the confidence stone it helps the carrier find happiness, confidence and joy in their lives.

For Children – meditation or reciting of positive affirmation which help your child in finding confidence through a soothed and balanced mind state.

Sacreal Chakra – Carnelian

The warm hues of Carnelian range from deep reds through burnt orange and warm pink giving it a wide range of uses. It is particularly associated with self esteem and self acceptance.  Carnelian also helps us connect with our creative side, giving us the confidence to express ourselves.

For Children – carrying carnelian before and during school performances can help with your child’s confidence.

Base Chakra – Obsidian

Obsidian is black volcanic stone known for its grounding qualities amdrew it is most often used to ground negative emotions such as anger, Grief and despair. There are many different varieties of obsidian but with regard to grief many prefer the use of Apache Tear because of its association through mythology with the tears of grieving Apache women.

For Children – meditating and carrying obsidian can help your child deal with feelings of anger or grief over the death of a loved one. Placing a stone undress their pillow can also help with this process as well.  

Healing Stones

Blue Lace Agate

Agate is one of the most common gemstones available on the market, and it is available in many colours but blue lace agate is particularly useful when given to children. Agates in general are grounding and calming and Blue Lace Agate particularly opens the Throat chakra for more effective communication and acceptance of oneself.

For Children – Good for children with short tempers who struggle to communicate effectively what is frustrating them.

Flourite

Flourite provides a rainbow of colours ranging from pinks and green to purples and even golden colours. This crystal helps promote mental acuity and focus and is useful for older children who may be going through phases of testing.

For Children – This powerful healing stone helps in meditation and is used to neutralise negative energies.

Jade

Jade is a soothing and inspirational stone which helps boosts a sense of confidence and resilience. It is also able to help children realise their dreams and desires whilst at the same time promoting a sense of being loved. Jade can help children who may be staying away from home for the first time.

For Children – This stone is able to sooth the emotions of more sensitive children, helping them to feel that they are not going to overwhelmed by emotional situations.

Moonstone

Moonstone is inextricably linked with the moon and with women’s mysteries but this is a stone that can be used by any of the sexes to help soothes emotions and calm hyperactivity. This shimmering stone can also promote intuition and empathy whilst at the same time promoting an awareness of the phases of the moon.

For Children – Moonstone can help sooth children experiencing nightmares and troubled sleep. Place a stone under the pillow, or within the vicinity of the bed.

Pyrite

The energy associated with Pyrite is best described as “energy” which makes sense as it is a masculine stone. Pyrite lifts and energises our little ones, helping them feel more confident and willing to have a go at new things. Pyrite inspires creativity, particularly in fields where patterns are strong like art, maths and science.  

For Children – A protective stone, placing brassy stones around the room to reflect negative influences away from your child.

Rose Quartz

This soothing, pink stone is filled with gentle and loving energy which helps children learn unconditional love, forgiveness and compassion. This stone promotes a sense of nurturing and bonding and helps children develop and maintain positive friendships.

For Children – Rose Quartz helps soothe emotional states, keeping the Heart Chakra open and protected.

Tiger Eye

This stone promotes clear and grounded thinking in children, allowing them to focus on the world around them. Sometimes children get carried away and get lost in their dream world and Tiger Eye helps to pull their awareness back into themselves.

For Children – This stone promotes good luck when trying new ventures and activities so it perfect for children trying things out for the first time or when success is important to them.

Healing Stones

Flint & Chert

Following on from my post on beach finds something else that I found, and seem to find in perfusion, is flint. I am always drawn to this silicate based stone, in particular because I can ‘see’ the possibilities within it, even if I don’t have the skills to bring it out.

© Vicky Newton

The Ancient Multi-Tool

Flint is probably the most versatile stones out there. A skilled flint knapper can made any number of bladed tools, or weapons, from it including;

• Axes
• Adze
• Chisels (admittedly, only aware of these in archaeological reconstruction)
• Arrow Heads
• Spear Heads (hunting, fishing, battle)
• Knives
• Scrapers

Technology and techniques changed not only over time but as a result of available of quality of the materials available. Where high quality flint was unavailable in quantity the production of a hand axe from a single nodule would be high consumption. Great for displays of wealth but not all that practical. This partially accounts for the changes in practice that occurred during the Mesolithic. Now, instead of production objects made of single flakes and nodules tools and weapons would be constructed by mounting many small flakes into wood. These may be secured using pine resin and other forms of naturally occurring glues. As flakes dulled, broke or were lost they were easily replaced by roughly napping. Or even from the waste materials left over from producing larger items.

Modern knappers and reconstructionist are constantly exploring the techniques associated with the process of crafting a usable blade out of a lump of flint. As well as attempting to recreate the techniques of the ancestor they explore just what is possible and practical to achieve in this medium. I’ve seen some interesting experiments by following people like Will Lord on Facebook.

Stone of the Underworld

I find flint on my beach walks and although what I find is relatively low grade and are small, water worn pieces it is possible to find larger nodules from time to time. The most reliable way to find good quality flint in large quantities is through mining. The mining of flint took on a life of its own during the Neolithic period, when a whole ritual process was built around the mining process.

The most famous prehistoric flint mines are found at Grimes Grave in Norfolk. The mines were recently reopened to the public and it is possible to explore the world of ancient flint miners and there are some startling observations to make. Many of the off shoot mine shafts are small, in some cases too small for a full grown adult to traverse indicating that adolescents were being used in the extraction process.  The inherent danger involved in this process has lead some to suggest that in addition to the practical element the use of adolescents, males in particular, may be a process of initiation or transition from boy to manhood. The mines represent a connection with the Underworld, which is presumably where the Dead and other worldly spirits reside. The act of descending into this realm in order to remove a material which may then become a prized tool can be viewed as a transformative act both for the object and the individual. Working in the mine may become a task that is carried out on a regular basis but that first venture into the mine will be filled with fear and apprehension. That there were ritual elements to the work being carried out in these spaces is not disputed, though the exact  nature and rational behind he acts is open to discussion.

Putting that level of speculation aside there is clear evidence of planned abandonment of tools and objects as tunnels were decommissioned. Antler picks, pots and other objects can be found at the end of tunnels and left upon special altars through out the mines. The justification for this may be two fold.  

1) the process of mining removes any object from the ground and people may have believed that a reciprocal object be added in its place, especially if a locating is being decommissioned. Certainly there is evidence from smaller flint mine features, and even granary stores, that pits ‘closed’ after objects were ritually placed at the bottom and then filled with detritus. It is possible that the same process is beige undertaken here as well.

2) objects become spiritually tainted and cannot return to the mundane world. There is evidence from any cultures of the spiritual processes which can be undertaken to purify the body of negative forces and the miasma of the Underworld but personable this process was not an option for essentially disposable objects like antler picks.

It wasn’t only the mining process our ancestors found fascinating, the changes that it can undergo also drew their attention. The most common process is heat treatment. Flint nodules are heated to temperatures in excess of 300 – 400 degrees Celsius, temperatures which are well within the capabilities of wood fires, to create micro fractures which improve the knapping process. The heat treatment also alters the appearance of the silicate, giving it greater shine and lustre. The transformation would have appeared magical, without explanation even though the benefits would have been clear.

Antler Picks Grimes Graves

Another magical transformation of flint appears to have been the impetus for the beginning of the Stonehenge landscape. Blick Mead, a site not far from Stonehenge which has evidence of human activity dating back from the Mesolithic, made a splash in the media when title was noted that flint placed in the waters of a nearby spring would change colour after about five hours and the flints take on a bright pink hue. The effect, which is caused by the combination of the warm water, dappled sunlight and algae, would have been striking and again without explanation and it is thought that this may have been the origin of the emphasis on this landscape as a ritual space. True, no finished items in day glow pink have been located but this is likely because the process does not survive log periods of burial in the ground.

I couldn’t resist including a pic of     Pink Flint

Just as our prehistoric ancestor had their own understanding of the magical properties of flint so to did they pass them on through history. Flint has been perceived as a magical stone throughout time so here is a quick trip through some of the historical associations of the stone.

Magical Uses of Flint – A Potted History

The main theme associated with flint, and it’s sister mineral chert, is protection. Just what it is protecting you from depends on the culture and land you are looking at. The most prevalent use of flint in a religious or magical context is in the form of “Thunderstones“. After the end of the prehistoric period it was not unusual for farmers to find flint axe and arrow heads which would have been strange and magical in appearance, emerging from the ground fully formed as if crafted by unseen hands in the Underworld. It is important to remember that the farmers of iron and early middle ages Wrexham far more removed to the earliest stone ages than we are from them and there is no written record for the to refer to. These stones were therefore associated with God’s and otherworldly beings you explain not only their original but various other phenomenon, or ward against them.

For example the northern cultures of Scandinavia believes that if offered to the household Gods the Thunderstone would aid them in protecting the house and people within it. This could be from evil spirits, witchcraft or even from lightning strike. In Switzerland, if a farmer found an arrow head he would suspend it from from a string, swig it above his head three times and then release it to strike the door of his home in order to protect it in stormy weather. Moving further south the protection offered morphs to ward against elves (Sweden), protect mothers and babies during childbirth  (France), protect against the Evil Eye (Italy) and to prevent madness in dogs (Roman times, interesting side note the same operation of placing placing a shard of flint and a nugget of coral in a pouch around the animals next has morphed into a modern spell to protect animals against wandering).

In Britain the associations of the stones centre around the elves and various fae and the names associated with them, particularly arrow heads, reflect this.

Elf arrows, elf bolts, elf darts, or fairy arrows were all names given to these prehistoric finds and the Powers associated with them reflect this. The most common expression of this was the linking of pain, particularly unexpected and unexplained ‘shooting’ pains as being caused by being hit by these magical bolts. It was believed that being shot by such a bolt could kill, both human and animal, and the way to ward against this was to wear one around the neck.

In the Americas the associations vary depending on the tribe but the themes remain consistent being associated with fire, protection against evil spirits and against witchcraft.

The Attributes and Qualities of Flint

• Core Qualities
• Protection
• Grounding
• Manifestation

Specific protective qualities include protection during meditative, spiritual and astral journeys and against mischievous entities such as elves and fairies.

Flint stimulates our psychic abilities and perceptions and can support through processes of spiritual transformation.  It grounds and strengthens us  during times where our will power and determination may be tested. It can help us understand the messages we receive during meditative journeys and allows us to refectory upon meanings. Flint is particularly useful for journeys into the lower spiritual realms and when working with chthonic energies. It can also support past life regressions and reviews of our personal history with with a view to growth.

On a metaphysical level flint creates balance and is connected to all of the chakras, facilitating the movement of energy from higher to lower energetic levels and back again.

© Vicky Newton

Hekate and Flint

It has been a little hard to build deity associations for flint. Beyond the associations with Mayan death cults and North American shamanism. The most local connection I could make was the association of particularly shaped Thunderstones appearing in burial and ritual contexts with Thor, God of Thunder and Lightning.

In truth I was searching long and hard to find a connection between flint and the Great God Pan but beyond my own belief that He prefers a more rustic blade over metal, in the same way the fae and other otherworldly beings do, there is little I can find. What I did find was was a couple of devotees that believe that flint is one of the stones associated with Hekate. Their rational was clear, flint is a stone which has the ability to produce a spark. Strike a flint flake with a metallic substance a in just the right way and you can turn the resultant spark into a flame. With time, care and attention this method of fire stating can be even more effective than messing around with matches and lighters and the parallels to Hekatean devotion are also clear. Hekate is the keeper of the flames. Whether you define those flames as being divine emanations, knowledge or the generative spark of creation she is the curator of these flames. When they ebb low she tends to them, and where they die, or require lighting she is there to strike that first spark. Many devotees refer to Hekate as igniting something within them, be that inspiration or devotion itself; what better way to apply that spark than with a flint.

I would take this a step further and draw on the chthonic nature of flint. This light giving stone is mined out of the earth. We’ve already looked at the prehistoric ritual context on mining and it is impossible not to draw links to a Goddess who has strong chthonic connections Herself. Historically, Hekate is often approached in Greek literature through the process of digging a pit in order to measure out libations or place the remains of animal sacrifice. The placing of a substance into the earth in thanks or supplication is consistent with the prehistoric use of pits, including decommissioned flint mining pits/shafts.  Similarly, As a torch bearing goddess who guides the vernal Goddess Persephone back into the world the emergence of light out of underground places also plays it’s part.

A Witch Alone suggests handing flint above a heketeion for protective reasons, drawing on the many associations that exist around this stone already, but there are other associations to be drawn which make the inclusion of flint on a Hekatean altar appealing. For those who offer their own blood as part of their practice flint may also be appealing because of the wicked edge that it can carry.

I’ve had a flint blade for a number of years now. Although it really intended for decorative purposes it carries enough of an edge to be a practical in cutting and carving but is is, by and large, not edged sufficiently to cut skin. In the process of breaking up a large flint node in order to make a pendant I managed to add an effective cutting edge to a couple of the flakes, as you can see by the sliced finger I gave myself. The cut was very clean, deep and slow to bleed and didn’t actually hurt all that much at the time. The wound healed quickly and cleanly. It was unintentional, but that pendant flake will make a very good ’emergency’ blood letting tool should I not have a lancet to hand.

© Vicky Newton

What I Will Be Doing

I’ve already mentioned that I will be turning one of my pendant pieces into a wearable ritual blade, and to do so I will use the wire wrap method of jewellery making. I will add more pieces to my shrine and altar area specifically for Hekate rather than in the generic space in association with Pan.

One plan is to turn some of my favourite pieces into pendulums for myself and the girls. The biggest issue will be how to hang them as wire wrapping will not work well on these smaller pieces. I am researching capping methods and may even try my hand at polymer clay.

Finally, I will also be incorporating flint into my household protection. There are a couple of suggested processes available on the Web but I intent to craft something myself in the future. If nothing else it will give me the opportunity to use some of the masses of flint I have collected from beaches in the last 5 years.

Dazhbog and Stribog

Personifications of weather and celestial bodies are always present within mythological cycles and the Slavic pantheon is no different. Although my original research didn’t delve too deeply into every possible personification I think it is somewhat relevant to be discussing the personification of the Sun and Wind given the resent astronomical and meteorological going’s on in America at least. Though I have see at two partial eclipses in my lifetime and who knows, I might make it into my 11th decade and live to see the annular eclipse in 2093, I am unlikely to ever see a total eclipse in person without travelling so living the excitement vicariously through my American friends has been fun. Yes there is a lot of woo woo nonsense that got bandied about but there is no denying the awe of seeing the sun completely obscured by its little sister.

On the other hand, as soon as the excitement of the experience died away friends who live in and around Texas began to make preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Harvey. Although the Slav’s didn’t experience this kind of destructive wind in their own lands it made sense to pay my respects to the God of the Winds himself.

Dazhbog

Dazhbog, whos name literally means “the giving god” is another of Svarog’s son. Like his Father Dazhbog is associated with fire and the sun however he represents the disk of the sun itself. Each day the God would rise up into the sky, riding upon a white horse, and his transit across the sky would mirror that of the sun itself. During the day he brought light and growth to the world of Yav. At night, he descended into the world of Nav, symbolically dying to away rebirth the following morning.

Because of this Dazhbog is associated not only with the life bringing force of the Sun but also with fertility and the joy that is brought by such things. He is also associated with the hearth or household fire. As such he is also a protector of the household and those within it.

Offerings – beer, bonfires, coal, gold or silver coins

Altar – solar motifs, iron scythe, kolovrat, metallurgy, holly, yew, sage, ivy, evergreen, mistletoe.

Spaces – caves, tunnels, mine shafts, crossroads

Day: Sunday

Animals – wolf, frog, salamander

Stribog

Strigbog is the God of the Wind and Sky. He is reveared as being the grandfather of the winds of the eight directions and is often depicted as an old man wielding a horn. In my original research I came across a conversation on Facebook regarding the names of the eight winds according the the Slavs. The following names were suggested as being the grandchildren of Stribog;

1. East – Cervenko – the greedy wind from the rising sun
2. Southeast – Izedin – hot and fierce winds
3. South – Voda – the warm and humid white wind
4. Southwest – Bjalensko – the wind of growing grain
5. West – Dogoda – favorable spring breezes of the setting sun
6. Northwest – Kyustendil – the masterly mountain winds
7. North -Chorna – the barbarous black wind
8. Northeast – Vokoldav – the wolf wind

Source

It was on the winds of Strigbog that the seasons were drawn in and carried out and he was particularly venerated for bringing Vensa the Goddess of Spring at the start of each growing season. He was considered her protector and despite being depicted as an man of advanced age he was still a mighty warrior. The root of his name is the word Stri- which is the same as the root verb “to spread”. This is consistent with his role in bringing in the spring weather and pollination of plants and trees.

Unlike many wind deities Stribog was not considered a destructive element. Even where damage to property and forest occurred it was considered a blessing as it allowed for renewal of these things.

Offerings – blackthorn, vodka, water, wood ash

Altar – raptor motifs, kerchiefs or flags, bells, wind chimes, wooden icon

Spaces – gorges, hilltops, other windy places

Day – Monday

Animal – hawk

Images

Holidaying in the Lakes

Apologies for the interruption to normal service; they don’t call it Seldom Seen for nothing.

© Vicky Newton

The Tribe and I have been holidaying in the deepest darkest valleys of the Lake District and we have been out of touch both in terms of the Internet and a reliable phone connection. I could have tried the scheduled a post but I have found that unreliable in the past, and there is a certain satisfaction to hitting the ‘publish’ button myself.

Cumbria, in particular Carlisle, are my old stomping grounds and it was at the then Carlisle campus of the University of Central Lancaster (now a university in its own right) that I gained my degree in Archaeology and History. The area is steeped in history, ranging from the prehistoric onward. The Halls of residence that I stayed in during my first and final year (long story involving the 2005 flooding) was constructed over a portion of the Luguvalium fort, Roman remains are still bring located and excavated as recently as 2017 and it was in the Cathedral that I received my degree. It was inevitable that I would drag the tribe hither and thither to see the various sites and sounds of Carlisle, if only to give the daughters some point of reference for my stories from University.

I wasn’t paying for photo privileges, so here is a picture from Wikicommons

We’ve done as much history as we can, taking into account the weather, including visiting the highest Roman Fort in Britain at the top of Hardknott Pass before travelling down the narrow gauge railway to Ravenglass. We also visited the Senhouse Roman Museum and I finally got my hands on a replica Roman altar (albeit as a glorified tealight holder).

Jupiter best and greatest. Citizen of Rome 1st Cohort of Baetasians Titus Attius Tutor, Prefect Willing, Gladly and Deservedly Fulfilled a Vow  Photo ©Vicky Newton

Senhouse sits just outside of the costal town of Maryport and is located directly next to Alauan Roman fort, which remains as earthworks and is particularly known for its pits containing a large number of legionary altars. In addition to religious altars Senhouse has a number of very interesting artefacts on display including a Horned warrior, Epona and a number of phallic depictions.

 

Upper Left: Epona  Upper Middle: Horned Warrior  Upper Left: Cup and Ring  Lower Middle: Phallic Carving                               Photos © Vicky Newton

The main aim of the holiday was to finally complete the Cumbrian Trivandrum of Castlerigg, Long Meg and Swidale. The aim had been to do a series of day trips with routes which took into account each site but as with many best laid plans things went quickly awry. Long Meg was planned into the journey up, and we had a nice family picnic amongst the stones.

Long Meg – showing the cup and rings designs ©Vicky Newton

Castlerigg was very close to where we were staying so was done on the way back on a sunny afternoon.

Castlerigg ©Vicky Newton

Swidale unfortunately proved to be too far out from where we were staying so was missed off the list. I had planned to visit King Arthur’s Round Table and Maybury Henge instead but we were repeatedly rained off . I have consoled myself with the thought that by visiting Hardknott Fort (Mediobogdum) I was at one of the settings included in the Camulod Chronicles by Jack Whyte. The Fort at Rivers Bend follows the youth of the Once and Future King and is the pivotal point in the series between the forging of the sword verses the forging of the man. Standing in in setting in your favourite rendition of the Authurian Legends, travelling (albeit by car) the route described and experiencing the bitter wind experienced by the young Arthur and Merlin added a certain quality to the trip.

Hardknott Fort overlooking Ravenglass © Vicky Newton

We will be back on subjects as of now, and as well as a couple of holiday inspired posts I have also a couple planned on Hekate and various astrological bodies which I will write and slot in as appropriate.

All in all we had a lovely time and may even plan to go back another year and do all the other circles we missed out on this year.

Pagan Parenting – A Spell to Heal a Friendship

The ED was going through a complex friendship dynamic earlier this year and asked me to write and perform a spell with her to help the situation. In the end I came up with this spell, a variation of a love spell which is intend to create harmony between friends.

This spell will take place over three days starting on a Friday and ending on a Sunday. Moon phase does not matter overly but a waxing phase would be ideal.

Candles in the Dark

• Two pink spell candles
• One orange spell candle
• A pin

Carve the names of the friends into the pink candle and your own name in the orange candle using the pin.

On the first day set the candles out in a space they will not be disturbed. They should be in a line with the pink flanking the orange candle in the centre spaced about two centimetres apart.

Light the first pink candle and say the inscribed name and think about why you are friends.

Light the second pink candle and say hello name, thinking about why you are friends.

Light the orange candle and say;
“Step by step (name) and (name) will be united as friends once more.”

Visualise to two friends being friendly towards each other as the candles burn down.

Allow the candles to burn about 1/3 of the way. The type of candle you are using will dictate how long this takes. I recommend using 10 cm chime candles (sometimes called spell candles) so you aren’t at it ages. Once ready blow out the candles.

Repeat this process for a second day, moving the candles candles closer, until they are about 1 cm apart and lighting the candles in the same order with the same words.

On the third day move the candles into a triangle so that they are touching and the wax can mingle together.

Light the candles and this time allow the candles to burn down and the wax to mingle. As you light the candles say;

“United once more, (name) and (name) are united in their friendship with me.”

Once the candles have burned down dispose of the remains of the spell appropriately.

10 Stupid Crochet Questions

1) What you knitting?

RDJ Eyeroll

Here we go. This is a hook, singular, and it doesn’t even look like a knitting needle. People tend to assume that the two things go hand in hand but I don’t actually knitting, it plays havoc with an old arm injury. I’ve even had people ask me what I’m knitting when I am spinning on a hand or drop spindle which may be a reasonable extension of the activity is still pretty aggravating.

 

2) My (insert relative here) knits, they taught me once

That’s nice but I’m still not knitting. Ugh!

3) My (insert relative here) crochets, they taught me once.

Closer at least, but I am not here to share relative ‘war’ stories. I’m here to hook stuff and … well, hook stuff. People always assume that it is an inherited activity, that if your grandma’s grandma didn’t make sure the super secret skills were passed on you will never learn.  A lot of people get put off learning yarn craft skills because of this nonsense. In this modern age of books and Internet all you really need is a set of hooks, some wool and an internet connection… and maybe a bit of determination.

4) What are you making?

The perennial conversation starter which is always a wind up for questions 5. I hate this because it’s either something blatantly obvious, like a blanket, or something I know they won’t understand. Having to explain Lovecraft and the identity of Cthulhu is not my idea of fun but the girls wanted their very own Elder God so who am I to say no?

My “Hello Cthulhu”

5) Can you make me one?

Depends on who’s asking, often I just say no because people always want it for free. Family and close friends are charged material costs but random strangers get a full time and labour quote and deposit requests. Often I will say that it’s easier than it looks why not learn… in a nice way

6) How much?

Just because I like crochet doesn’t mean I’m going to give up my time for free my friend, and I assume that you want a decent quality wool (between £2.50 to £3.50 per ball) and not the cheep stuff I buy for myself. Wool ain’t cheap and I expect some payment for my time. I don’t think half minimum wage is an unfair expectation. Any less and I would be operating a one woman sweatshop.

Pay Me

7) Why don’t you just buy one?

By the Great Apis (aka Holy Cow) I can buy blankets? I never realised I just thought the pleasure I got from making things myself was a fortunate byproduct of learning ye olde worldy life skills. I am so better informed now…

Or more politely

I suppose I could but I enjoy making them.

8) Are you making another blanket?

This is what I get from my OH. Why yes dear I am. It’s a relatively simple pattern which allows me to listen to my podcasts, audio books or binge watch my favourite TV series. Besides, when the end of civilisations comes at least we won’t be cold. So yes, it’s another blanket.

Another Blanket

9) How do you find the time?

Multi tasking. Although I haven’t bought into the concept of Audio Books, basically because I think Amazon is a rip off, I can etc my mobile device to read books to me and I am very diligent at snapping up free kindle downloads. So instead of reading my books I can now listen to them as I hook; or I can listen to podcasts instead. I recently downloaded a decent document reader app so I can listen to non-Kindle e-books and pdf’s as well. Its so good I may even invest in a new android device solely dedicated to books.

The other way is recognising when I can get the hook and yarn out. Car journeys and longer commutes are perfect opportunities to get hooking, as are interminable children’s parties where I have to stay but refuse to helicopter my kids.

10) Aren’t you being anti social?

Yes, yes I am. I have anxiety, particularly when it comes to social engagements involving my kids, and this is my ‘I don’t want to talk’ signal, did you missed it?

I can’t small talk to a person I just met for two whole hours without getting anxious so fk it I will crochet instead. I will find a quiet corner and be productive. The same is true for travelling long distances on the train, with the exception being if I am travelling with friends.  I would much rather be doing something productive than be sat twiddling my thumbs so I will risk the double edged nature of the sword.