Drawing down the moon spiritual exercise

A powerful exercise to complete when the moon is full is drawing down the moon. This exercise will fill you with the moon’s wonderful energy and its effects will last well beyond the night it is performed. You can perform this drawing down the moon exercise when the moon is in her waxing gibbous phase just before she is full, or on the night of the full moon and the three days following. It is at this time that our moon is at her peak of energy and thus we can bask in her glory and bring her strength and spirituality down through our bodies and into our lives. This will not only benefit us but those around us. More information on  moon cycles can be found on my website here: http://www.astarte-moon.co.uk/Astartemoon/Moon_Cycles_Phases_waxing_waning.html

Before you begin, create your sacred space in a spot where the full moon or gibbous moon is visible to you and kneel with your arms on either side of your head so that they gently curve inwards. If you can find somewhere where there is not too much light pollution around that is great; I do it in my garden though which is on the edge of a town, as in all such things I believe that you should work with whatever you have got and there is no right or wrong.  First of all clap your hands once just above your head, this will help to clear the space and focus your concentration. Open your arms again to the curved position. Close your eyes and take some deep breaths to centre yourself, then open your eyes and gaze upon the glory of the moon in her fullness. 

Once you feel mentally centred and in tune with the moon’s amazing energy, then mentally bring the moon down into each of your chakras and allow the light to spread throughout your body. You may like to keep your hands in the same position or bring them down to your side as you feel the moon’s energy coursing through your body. Allow the moon energy to pour through your crown chakra, head, arms and neck and then on down through your chest, heart, to the base of your spine, your legs, and your feet. Visualise the white light of the moon moving through each of your chakras and balancing each one of them in turn.

As you do so focus your mind upon the symbol of the Goddess and you may like to chant or repeat in your head

’ Lady of the Moon, Lady of the Moon, come to us be with us Lady of the Moon’

Think about all that our moon does for us and the land and visualize her silvery energy filling your body. At this point, you can meditate to contemplate the powers of the moon. The moonlight is moving through you. You become one with the moon. This wonderful energy you now have within you can be used in many ways for healing and empowerment. You may like to use the energies to heal any sickness in your body, ask for help with depression, or stabilize menstrual cycles.  Lunar energy is also perfect for boosting your energy and self esteem, leaving you feeling fulfilled and empowered. Stay in this meditative state visualizing the moon’s healing energy for as long as you feel you need to.

When you are ready thank the moon for her wonderful gift and be sure to ground yourself before you carry on with the rest of your evening. You can do this by simply standing barefoot on the earth or the grass of your garden for ten minutes. You may like to imagine yourself as a tree with the roots reaching far down into the earth.

For more wonderful ideas on sacred celebrations and working with the moon you could try this brilliant book from Glennie Kindred: Sacred Celebrations

Enjoy the feeling of contentment and power that you will carry inside you for many days to come.

The amazing artwork is from Splendidstories on Deviant art and depicts the moon goddess Luna. Be sure to check out her work it is fabulous, she can be found here: http://splendidstories.deviantart.com/

Many moon blessings to you, Alison xx

The world is evolving- Hazrat Inayat Khan quotation

The world is evolving from imperfection to perfection. It need all love and sympathy, great tenderness and watchfulness are require from each of us. Hazrat Inayat Khan

Good friends, Glastonbury tor at full moon

Good friends are like stars, you don't always see them but you know they are always there.

I took this photograph at the full moon on Glastonbury Tor, that wonderful place of magick and mystery.

Enjoy the full moon in all her glory! It's a cloudy night tonight here but I know that the stars and moon are there behind the clouds I can feel the energy. And of course I aways know that my friends are there for me whenever I need them.

Blessings, Alison xx

Goddess Nematona Celtic Goddess of the sacred space

Goddess Nematona

Nematona is a very ancient goddess of the Celts, specifically those in Gaul (what is now France).Her name derives from the Gaulish word nemeton, meaning "sacred space". She is the guardian deity of all sacred places such as circles or magickal groves. During ancient times our ancestors held most of their sacred ceremonies outdoors, favouring small woods with well-formed trees and circular formations made out of primeval rocks and stones. These sacred spaces were nurtured by Nemetona, who silently watched over the ceremonies, infusing them with wisdom and guidance. Thus Nematona personifies the ancient Celtic and Druid way of celebrating and honouring their Gods and Goddesses.

This beautiful artwork is by Nicole Cadet on DeviantArt. Nicole says about the painting "She embodies the link between magic and sacred sites. She's quite stylized/ decorative as compared to a lot of my other work." You can see more of Nicole's amazing artwork on her website http://www.nicolecadet.com/, she is definitely worth taking a look at she has some beautiful work.

Nematona is a liminal creature, who is at her most powerful at dawn and at dusk. She holds the space, usually a circle, when in ritual or simply sitting out. She is that which lies between – she is both of this world and another. The blackbird if often her messenger, singing to her in the still softness of dusk. 

 Nematona is a Pagan goddess whose worship was once widespread around the area of Trier, Germany by  people known as the Nemetes.   A shrine to her was erected at Bath, England, where she was depicted as seated and surrounded by three hooded figures and a ram. The three figures represent the Triple Goddess and the ram is a male fertility symbol often linked to Cernunnos, the Horned God. Inscriptions found have shown that the Romans affiliated Nemetona with Mars. In Trier and Altrip, in Germany, inscriptions have been found pairing her with Mars specifically and in Bath with Loucetios Mars. Goddess Nematona's  name survives in many place names including Augustonemeton (France), Nemetacum/Nemetocerna Atrebatum (Northern France), Nemetobriga, Nemetodurum (modern Vernantes), Nemetatae (A tribe in Northern Spain), Nemetostatio (England), Vernenetum and Medionemeton (both in England).

Call upon the Pagan Goddess Nemetona to bless your circle and for bestowing protection on all your sacred spaces.

This sacred circle can include our own personal aura, that subtle body that marks our boundaries in a deeper, more intangible way.

Nematona's arms enfold us within the sacred circle. She shows us through her power how to connect with our inner soul. She is a Goddess of sanctuary and as such you can call on her when you need protection for your home and family.

With the connection of Goddess Nematona you can celebrate the beauty of the sacred circle together with your own sacred being and power that you build within yourslf.

Desiderata- go placidly amid the noise and haste.

Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. Desiderata by Max Ehrmann. 

I love these words, I used to have them written around the top of the walls in my hallway as a constant reminder! Life is full of noise and rushing here there and everywhere, it  does us good to slow down from time to time; meditate, and find that peace in silence.

Full Moon in Virgo February 2013 achieving your potential

Full Moon for February and how to achieve your potential during this time of heightened emotions. 

Our moon will be full tomorrow Feb 25, 2013 – 20:29 (GMT). She is a full moon in Virgo this month, so focussing on the practical side of your life and ensuring you are well grounded is ideal.

The moon has reached her fullest size and potential at this time. She rises at sunset and sets at sunrise so we are able to gaze upon her beauty all night long. Her energy is at it’s peak on the night of the full moon, although this increased energy can still be felt for three days following the full moon therefore it is an ideal time to make the most of this.

The sun and moon are opposite each other at this time and the moon reflects all of the sun’s wonderful light.  Now is a perfect time for celebrating and expressing your emotions. 

The full moon is represented by the Mother aspect of the triple goddess and bestows on us, at this time, the wisdom and maturity that the Mother Goddess represents. The Mother goddess shows us that relationships are of paramount significance at this time, and you feel a need to share, to merge, to partner, whether romantically or through other channels.

You may find that you are restless at this time of the month with all the increased energy therefore it is important to find a channel for this energy. Rip tides of emotion swing and sway during this time, so make sure you don't get carried away in the undertow. The moon energies are turbulent but highly positive now.  This is sometimes the time during an acute illness when people feel their worst because our Full Moon intensifies whatever else is going on. Often people aren't even aware that they're sick until the Full Moon hits therefore it is a good idea to be extra vigilant about listening to what your body is trying to tell you at this time. This is also an excellent time for psychological therapy because emotions seem closer to the surface than usual. You may find that you are more honest with your feelings at this time therefore it is a perfect time to express them.

The Full Moon draws all of life toward it; even the ground rises several inches when the Full Moon passes overhead! In nature plants benefit from the increased light to aid their photosynthesis. Our moon also pulls the water in our planet towards us and tides are highest at the time of the new and the full moon, when sun and moon are lined up with earth. Just as the moon pulls the tides in the oceans, it also pulls upon the water in the ground, within seeds and even within our bodies. Our moon causes moisture to rise in the earth; this in turn encourages growth within plants. The highest amount of moisture is in the soil at this time, and tests have proven that seeds will absorb the most water at the time of the full moon. Just as the plants and seeds grow at this time of the moon month, so can you grow to reach your true potential.

This is a peak time for psychic awareness and the heightened energy is sometimes a lot to deal with.  Now is the time to use your energy to finish any projects that you have started and to take any action towards increasing the happiness in your life. It is a good period to ask for a promotion at work, raising money that you are need of, finishing any DIY project in your home,  or conceiving a baby.

Enjoy this Virgo full moon, try and embrace its potential and if you are feeling a little restless, look around you and see how you can use this increased energy towards something productive. You will be glad that you got some nagging things finished once you enter the gentler cycle of the waning moon. 

How will you celebrate this full moon? Full moon blessings to you, Alison

Full Moon Pagan Names February 2013

Full Moon February 2013

Our next full moon is nearly here! She is due to be 100% full Feb 25, 2013 – 20:29 (GMT)


This full moon was given many different names depending on what she meant to the people that were gazing upon her. This February moon was traditionally called the snow moon by American Indian tribes due to February being the month that saw the most snow. It was also called the hunger moon as this was the month when time were hardest. Other names that the February moon has been given are trappers Moon, opening buds moon and quickening moon, all related to what people experienced in their daily lives at the time of the February moon.

This moon is perfect for renewals. It is time to complete any tasks that are currently on-going in order to make way for new beginnings in your life. Blessings, Astarte-Alison

artwork AstarteAlison xx

Love is eternal, always enduring

Just as the snow lands on the bloom of the rose, so love is eternal, always enduring, always there, dependable though all weather. AstarteAlison

She Wolf Night: Flowers charming the plough

Fabulous blog to check out: She Wolf Night: Flowers charming the plough

Full Moon moonlight dance, how will you celebrate?

How do you celebrate the full moon? We have a beautiful full moon appearing soon so I thought that these words and this beautiful artwork were appropriate. The full moon is a fabulous time for expressing your emotion and using that extra energy in a positive manner. So get dancing and singing! The beautiful pic is called Dance for the Goddess and the artist is Viviana at http://mi-eterna-primavera.deviantart.com/, check out her fabulous work!

Full Moonlight Dance

Under the full moon light we dance, Hand in hand we dance Heart to heart we dance Soul to soul rejoice.

The light you shine may be a guiding force for others

The light you shine may be a guiding force for others xx

Read something positive every night Tom Hopkins

Read something positive every night and listen to something helpful every morning. Tom Hopkins

What does it mean to be a Pagan?

This is one definition that I came across which I personally think is a good one.

"When one defines oneself as Pagan, it means she or he follows an earth or nature religion,

one that sees the divine manifest in all creation.

The cycles of nature are our holy days, the earth is our temple,

its plants and creatures our partners and teachers.

We worship a deity that is both male and female, a mother Goddess and father God,

who together created all that is, was, or will be.

We respect life, cherish the free will of sentient beings, and accept the sacredness of all creation."

Edain McCoy 

Express love and gratitude.... Micheal Teal Quote

Express Love and Gratitude for your many Blessings and have the Courage to be Yourself. It is when we are Authentic that we are most Sacred. Be Compassionate towards Yourself and the Light of your Greatness will Illuminate your Path. Life is an Expression of our true Essence. Feel Beautiful Today, Feel Bountiful Tomorrow and Feel Blessed every Moment of every day.~ Michael Teal

Treat the earth well it was loaned to you by your children

I found this quote and thought it was lovely. We have a duty to care for out mother earth. Gaia for the sake of our children, their children and many generations yet to come.

"Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, 
it was loaned to you by your children. 
We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children. 
We are more than the sum of our knowledge, we are the products of our imagination. "

Ancient Proverb

Divine mother-Laurie Sue Brockway quote

I love this quote from Laurie Sue Brockway. May all your obstacles melt away, blessings, Alison xx

Divine Mother of All there is, whose essence Lies within us all and in all things. 
Please fill this place with your sacred light and presence. 
Please protect me and heal me. 
Please bring me to wholeness and wisdom. 
Make this a day of fresh starts, new beginnings. 
Melt all obstacles in my path--gently, gracefully, lovingly. 
Reconnect me to my highest self. 
Awaken me to what I need to know next. 
Let my higher self select and connect with the divine energy that is right for me, right now. 
May I be uplifted and empowered by your love . 
So be it and so it is.

--Laurie Sue Brockway, 
from Discovering the Goddess

The best and most beautiful things, Glastonbury Tor

This is one of my favourite places in the world, Glastonbury Tor. Often described as the heart centre of the world, the Tor has a unique and amazing energy.  The Tor lies on the intersection of several ley lines including the famous St Michael's ley line. The alignment of the St Michael's line is connected through many ancient sites named after St. Michael and St. George. The tor also possesses two aquifers underneath it which in turn feed to the red spring and the white spring. The water from these springs, said to be representative of female and male energies, feels truly magickal to drink or to use in any blessings you carry out.  Throughout time the Tor has been a very spiritual place, most notably the legend of King Arthur. You can feel the energy of the tor and it is a wonderful place to feel grounded and in touch with the universe. I always feel like my internal battery has been re-charge after a visit to this magickal place. 

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be touched, they must be felt with your heart.  Blessings, Alison

The light you shine

The light you shine may be a beacon in the darkness for others to follow. Don't be afraid to let it shine xx

Waxing gibbous moon, a time of energy

The Waxing gibbous moon gives us a time for finishing off projects started with the new moon.

This is the phase when the moon is almost full and she is visible from just after sunset right through the night until dawn.

From here until the full moon you can make the most of her incredible waxing energy. This is an ideal time for expressing your feelings and for making the most of the energy you are feeling.  The moon is visible in the sky all night so try and make a point every evening of offering up a blessing for all that you have in your life and asking for help with any tasks that you are completing in time for the full moon.

Blessings, Alison

Recommended blog-Celtic Sprite

Check out this fabulous blog with a Celtic theme, Eliseo has just written a lovely blog post regarding moon water:

http://branawen.blogspot.com.ar/#.URzcNt30vUg.google_plusone_share

Dear Goddess..on practising gratitude

Dear Goddess, I would like to take a minute, not to ask for anything but to say thank-you for everything that I have right now....

We all know that we should be practising gratitude but how many of us really do it? I'm as guilty as the next person for letting 'life' get in the way of what I know is good for my soul. So I do try and practice gratitude, even on really bad days there is always something to be grateful for, fresh air, hot water, friends and family.

What are you grateful for today? 

Blessings, Alison

If you change the way you look at things, Wayne Dyer

If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

Sometimes we need to look at life from a different perspective. We need to look and really see what is going on around us instead of going through our daily lives without ever looking properly at things that are right under our noses. Nature is always giving us signs but a lot of the time we are too busy to really understand what she is trying to tell us. Our mother earth, Gaia needs our help right now, by looking after our mother earth we will be looking after ourselves and everyone will benefit. So tomorrow really look at the world around you, notice the snowdrops, notice the trees bending in the wind, look up to the moon and think about what those things mean to us and how we need to take care of them. Blessings, Alison xx

Sometimes when things are falling apart....

Sometimes when things are falling apart they are actually falling into place. Blessings, Alison *´¯`•.¸¸. ♥

First Quarter waxing half moon phase

Waxing half moon or first quarter moon.

When our moon is approximately a quarter in size she is termed the first quarter moon or waxing half moon. At this time she rises about midday and sets about midnight. We are thus blessed with the sight of her wonder for longer into the night now as she grows in fullness. On the night of first quarter moon, we see half of the moon’s day side, or a true quarter of the moon. Another lighted quarter of the moon shines just as brightly in the direction opposite Earth.  Take some time if you can to notice the way she increases in size every night. Imagine that this increased growth is pouring energy down into your heart, making you stronger and more able to carry out day to day tasks. 

This is the time of the month that you might find you are at your most productive. This moon phase is an excellent time for really getting stuck into any projects that you may have started during the new moon phase.  You will possibly find that tasks seem easier as you put more of your increased energy into carrying them out.  The waxing half moon phase is excellent for attracting luck and prosperity into you life; it is also a perfect time to work on improving relationships, new or old. Any activities that you carry out during the waxing phase of the moon will respond well to this increasing of the moon’s size and strength. This is a perfect time for blessings and affirmations that attract, that bring positive change, love, good luck. 

To promote hair growth this is the best time of the month to visit the hairdressers and get your hair trimmed. To encourage your lawn to grow, mow during the waxing moon cycle. This cycle of the moon is all about growing, working on things and developing ideas into concrete action. This first quarter moon is often considered to be the phase of the Warrior Maiden with goddesses such as  Artemis, Minerva, Bridget, Diana and Athena.  

I will post some more ideas on activities best to carry out at this phase of the moon in a later post. Blessings to you on this moon of growth, Alison xx

The most beautiful thing we can experience. Einstein

I actually managed to catch a shot of a single snowflake when it was snowing earlier in the week. It got me thinking about how amazing our world is and how there is so much that we still don't know. Our planet is alive and mysterious and there is something new to discover everyday. Warm sunny day here now-such bizarre weather!

Anyway, I found this quote that I thought was apt to go with the photo.

The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.  Albert Einstein

Search for the place inside you

Search for the place inside you where everything is possible. Blessings to you, AstarteAlison

Spread the love... Valentine's Quote for the day

Spread the love, tell someone close to you how much they mean to you today xxx

St Valentine's Pagan origins, Lupercalia roman festival

Pagan St Valentines Day or Lupercalia.

I thought you might like to know the Pagan origins of St Valentine's Day. Yes I know it has become over commercialised like so many things nowadays but if you go back to it's roots, like so many things, it's deeper than the giving of cards and chocolate! In our house I decorate my dining room for my children with fairy lights and candles and make them a valentine supper with heart shaped and red food!!

St Valentine's Day is the Eve of Lupercalia, the Pagan Roman festival of fertility.

In fact, the 14th of February was the day specially set aside for love lotteries in Pagan Rome. A holiday devoted to Juno, Queen of the Gods, and patroness of marriage, the 14th was also the day on which young girls' names were written on slips of paper and thrown into jars to be picked out by the boys. Chooser and chosen would then be partnered for the duration of the Lupercalia festival. Such arbitrary pairings often resulted in lasting relationships.

So I know it's hard to escape the commercialism of such days as Valentine's day but nice to know that it perhaps wasn't just dreamt up purely by the Greetings Cards industry!

Love and light to you, AstarteAlison

Photography AstarteAlison

Tree closely associated with magic-Scott Cunningham quote

I find something truly magical when I am amongst trees, there is something about their magnificent strength that is very grounding and soothing. It is beautiful this time of year with all the snow and frost about, the trees steadfast in their beauty.

"Trees have from time immemorial been closely associated with magic. These stout members of the vegetable kingdom may stand for as long as a thousand years, and tower far above our mortal heads. As such they are symbols and keepers of unlimited power, longevity, and timelessness. 

An untouched forest, studded with trees of all ages, sizes and types, is more than a mysterious, magical place - it is one of the energy reservoirs of nature. Within its boundaries stand ancient and new sentinels, guardians of the universal force which has manifested on the the Earth." - Scott Cunningham 

Blessings to you, Alison xx

I still find each day too short...John Burroughs quote

I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read and all the friends I want to see. John Burroughs.

Pagan origins pancake day, mardi gras

Pagan Origins of Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras

As those of you who know me will not be surprised to find I found some pagan origins of pancake day! 

The custom of eating pancakes at Shrove Tuesday was popular in many parts of Europe, including many parts distant from Britain, such as the Zemaitija province of Lithuania where it was an important celebration.

People traditionally ate bacon, meat and black puddings as well as pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. There was dice and card playing, mumming and revelry. Wagons were drawn by horses today, all decorated with hundreds of bells. Today was apprentices' holiday in old England. They also presented their petitions to parliament on this day.

The lunation immediately preceding the Egg Moon is the Lenten Moon. This is an old Saxon name basically meaning lengthening, signifying the period when the days are getting noticeably longer, but still preceding the Vernal Equinox. The true definition is the month that contains a full moon in the solar month of Herthamonth, which runs from 19th February until 20th March.

Lent originated in the ancient Babylonian mystery religion. “The forty days’ abstinence of Lent was directly borrowed from the worshippers of the Babylonian goddess
Lent developed from the pagan celebration of weeping, fasting, and mourning for 40 days over the death of Tammuz (one day for each year of his life), the son/husband of the Babylonian idol Ishtar, who was killed by a wild boar and then allegedly resurrected.

Another shrove tuesday tradition; the energetic rituals of Shrove Tuesday football ties in neatly with spring festivals and that the round ball representing an egg links it to fertility rituals.

Enjoy your pancakes! blessings, Alison xx

The world is evolving..Hazrat Inayat Khan quote

The world is evolving from imperfection to perfection. It needs all love and sympathy, great tenderness and watchfulness are required from each one of us. Hazrat Inayat Khan

Dark Moon Phase a time for rest and meditation

Dark Moon

The moon is said to be in her dark moon phase when she has waned so much that she is no longer visible to us. This happens for 3 nights before the new moon. This is a time for quiet reflection and meditation in readiness for the new moon phase to follow.  The crone goddess is represented now and demonstrates to us her inner wisdom and knowledge.