Hermes and the Golden Cattle

This is one of my favorite Greek myths, and I wanted to share it with everyone. I have always liked Hermes. He's a trickster, but he is good-natured for the most part, and unlike most of the other Greek gods and goddesses, he is said to care about the individual lives of mortals.

Hermes was the son of Zeus, and the nymph Maia (one of the Pleiades and the child of Atlas). He was born in secret (so that Hera, Zeus' jealous wife would not find out), on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia. When he was born, Maia wrapped him in cloth, and exhausted, fell asleep. Hermes, although a newborn, was very intelligent and cunning. He broke free from his clothes, and ran off. He finally came to Thessaly, and found the golden cattle of Apollo. Hermes stole the herd of cattle, and made his way back to Mount Cyllene. On his way back, he killed a tortoise and removed it's shell. He took the shell, and the intestines of one of the cattle, and created the first lyre.
In the morning, Apollo saw that his herd was missing, and being a god, knew that it was Hermes who had stolen his cattle. He went to Mount Cyllene to confront Hermes. Zeus was called to judge Hermes' actions. While Apollo told Zeus what had occurred, and the trial went on, Hermes began to play his lyre. Apollo, who is the God of music, was enthralled by the beautiful sound of the lyre. He then made a deal with Hermes. Apollo agreed to let Hermes keep the cattle in exchange for the lyre.

I always loved this story. I like the idea that the beauty of art or music can cause people to put their differences aside. That is one of the things that I take away from this myth.

Blessed Be,
Eirwen

Thanks to my readers!

To all my readers,

Thanks you so much for following my blog. I really appreciate it. I really want to share my experiences and my path with others, especially since there aren't too many books on Hedge witchery, although there are more popping up lately. I have been studying the craft and the occult for 9 years now, and I finally feel like I have enough of a foundation to share my ideas publicly like this.
I want to hear your ideas too, so don't hesitate to reply to my posts, or to email me at eirwenmoon@yahoo.com
And please, if you like reading my blog, let your friends know about me!
Again, thank you for reading.

Blessed Be,
Eirwen

Home Blessing Chant

I like to use this chant that I wrote for blessing and cleansing my home. It is for the protection and well-being of the house and those in it. I hope you like it!

Bless this home and all within,
Mothers, Fathers, Children, Friends,
Keep safe and calm this hearth and home,
Never here let evil roam,
Protect this house from darkest sorrow,
Bless this home, now and tomorrow.

I like to chant this while going around my home smudging it with sage (or other incenses). This can be done every full moon, month, week, day, whatever you prefer.

Blessed Be,
Eirwen

Meditation

I was trying a new guided meditation the other day, and I realized how out of practice I was. I have not been meditating at all lately, and I am trying to get back into practice with it. I had trouble concentrating, I couldn't get comfortable, I was unable to relax into the meditation. So, I've decided to go about re-training myself as if I were a beginner. However, I have learned a few things over my 9 years of studying and practicing the craft, so this time I am more prepared. On this note, I want to share my meditation tips, either for beginners of for those who are out of practice and want to get into meditation again.

1. Try guided meditations. I find these very helpful, and I still used them all the time when I meditated on my own. I know that cd's and mp3's cost money, but luckily there are many good guided meditation podcasts available for free on iTunes. I personally enjoy Wynyfryd's Meditation Room and Meditation Oasis. These guided meditations can provide structure and can help you focus and concentrate. You can also learn techniques that you might want to use in your own personal meditations.

2. Practice often. Practice makes perfect, and the more often you meditate, the better at it you get. When you are used to meditating often, you will be better able to fall into a meditative state. This can help with other aspects of your craft too.

3. Keep a journal. This can be tedious, but it really helps. Write in it even if you can't concentrate and you don't really meditate. You can find connections, like maybe you have more trouble concentrating if you meditate before work, or if your best meditations happen in the afternoon. It is also a good place to keep a record of any spirit guide meetings or astral journeys that happen.

4. Consider mantras. Find a personal mantra to chant either aloud or mentally, or use one that already exists. Om (Aum) is a powerful sound that can aid in meditation and deep breathing. You can also try using a pagan song or chant, such as "We All Come From the Goddess" or "Isis, Astarte, Diana..."

5. Set the mood. Try different kinds of music, candles, incense, etc. (since you will most likely have your eyes closed, be careful to observe fire safety precautions). Find some things that work for you. I enjoy listening to Enigma when I'm meditating. You can find some wonderful music at import stores (I have one that I bought in an Indian import store that has some eastern music themes and a techno beat).

6. Learn what works for you. As always, use your intuition. Try different things, and you will learn what you like, and how you prefer to meditate.

Blessed Be,
Eirwen

August Herb of the Month: Apple Mint

Element: Air
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Sacred to: Hades (Pluto), Hecate
Used for: Money/Prosperity, Lust, Healing, Travel, Exorcism, Protection, Attracting Good Spirits.

Magickally as well as medicinally, apple mint is used for pretty much the same purposes as other mints.

It is grown as an ornamental plant (look at the pretty green and white leaves!), and used in jellies and teas, and some recipes (see below for a recipe for Apple Mint Couscous).

All mints are sacred to Mintha (Mentha, Menthe). Mintha was a nymph, who fell in love with Hades, and he loved her as well. Persephone (his wife) became jealous, and trampled Mintha, killing her. (In some versions, Demeter, Persephone's mother, is the one to kill Mintha). Hades was saddened by the death of his love, and he raised her up as the first mint plant.

Apple mint can be used to fight headaches, and calm stomach problems. It is often eaten or drunk in teas. It can also be used in a balm to soothe muscle pains.

Worn around the wrist, mint protects against bad health.

To attract money, place or rub a few mint leaves in your purse or wallet.

To expel evil, sprinkle salt water with sprigs of mint, rosemary, and marjoram.

Place it on the altar to attract good spirits, it is extremely useful for this purpose.

Keep some apple mint close to you for protection, prosperity, good health, and to attract good spirits to your home and hearth.

Apple Mint Couscous:

Ingredients

* 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon butter, in all

* 1 cup peeled and finely chopped sweet apples

* 1 tablespoon minced shallots

* 1 teaspoon minced garlic

* 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, plus extra for garnish

* Salt and pepper

* 1 cup couscous

* 1 tablespoon olive oil

* 1 cup chicken stock

* 2 ounces crumbled feta

* Fresh rosemary

Directions

In a saute pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter. When the butter is melted, add the apples, shallots, garlic, and mint. Saute for 2 minutes. Add the couscous and olive oil and saute for 1 minute. Stir in the stock and bring to a boil, stirring for 2 minutes. Reduce the heat and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the remaining butter and remove from the heat. Cover and allow to sit for 2 minutes. Uncover and fluff with a fork. Fold in the feta cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Mound the couscous in the center of the platter. Lay the carved lamb over the couscous. Garnish with fresh rosemary and mint.

(courtesy of Emeril Lagase, http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/apple-mint-couscous-recipe/index.html )

Refrences:
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham
Green Witchcraft by Ann Moura
The Master Book of Herbalism by Paul Beyerl

Thanks so much for bearing with me!!! I am really going to try my best to keep this blog up to date. I know I am a month or two late on starting Herb of the Month, but I'll continue doing it. Stay tuned for September's Herb of the Month: Chamomile!!!

Blessed Be,
Eirwen

Podcast possibilities and the Mother Grove.

I'm thinking about starting a podcast. I would talk about the same kind of things that I talk about here, but I would have different shows devoted to different topics. I would like to interview people as well. I know some wonderful people who might want to be interviewed. So my few but wonderful readers, what do you think? Comment on this post, or write me at eirwenmoon@yahoo.com

On another topic, the Mother Grove, a Goddess temple in my area has been recently given official non-profit church status!!! This is such a wonderful thing. They have yet to get their own land, so light a candle or say a blessing for them! Check out their website here.

Also, tell your friends about my blog!

Blessed Be,
Eirwen

I'm back! Also, waterfalls. )0(

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I actually forgot my password! I had a very hectic school semester as well.

The other day, I went hiking with my boyfriend Nick. We hiked up to see some local waterfalls. I am very out of shape, and it was about a three mile hike to the bottom of the falls (we didn't go to the very top, because it is very difficult terrain, and for more advanced hikers). I almost gave up, but I pushed myself just a little harder, and I made it. It was so incredibly beautiful there. I felt so peaceful there. There were butterflies everywhere! Different kinds, tiny purple ones, large yellow ones, and a medium sized blue one. I told Nick (who is very rational minded) that maybe the fae were there, and he smiled. It was amazing, seeing those different kind of butterflies all gathering there. Nick and I went for a swim in a small pool below the falls. The water was frigid, but it felt good on sore muscles. I felt the energy of Mother Gaia all around me. I felt like I could have stayed in Her waters forever, but after a while we gathered our things and walked back down the mountain. I felt so amazing, and I was glad to share the experience with Nick.
I love living in the mountains so much.

I hope that everyone had a blessed Lammas!

Blessed Be,
Eirwen