Crystal Charms and Goddesses for Healing which are you drawn to ?

Emerging as I often do like a sleepy kitten from a long sleep when I have had these long stretches of migraines I feel drawn to sit and create so that is what I am going to do today, catch up on orders that need posting and make some new pieces. I would like to make some new healing charms I think so if anyone has any needs then please let me know, I love doing special pieces. Each crystal and charm has its own story to tell and put together may be just the right combination for you to begin your own healing and transformation. First thing I am going to make this afternoon is a good luck charm for my daughter who has been studying so hard for her A levels.

Moon Goddess Healing Angelite Pendant www.astarte-moon.co.uk

New Moon Jade Charm for luck and positivitywww.astarte-moon.co.uk

Aceso was the main Greek Goddess for healing. Indeed her name is said to mean curing. She was known for tackling the healing process, the root cause not just the problem itself, thus can be seen as the root of holistic medicine. We of course have a lot to learn from our ancestors in terms of the way we approach modern healing methods. She shared an altar with Aphrodite and Athena and was the daughter of Epipione and and Asclepius. Aceso also spelt Akeso knew the importance of maintaining good health as well as good hygiene in order to stay fit and well, something that was often neglected when looking to cure a specific disease or illness. 

Amethyst Pentacle Charm may help pain relief www.astarte-moon.co.uk

Many of the well known Moon Goddesses such as Aine, Brigid and Isis were known to be powerful healers. Brigid or Brigit was also said to be responsible for fertility and Aine was known for breathing life force into being. Aine is connected with lakes and healing wells. Water is extremely important as a healing aid and I cleanse all my crystals with water from the red spring at Chalice Well gardens in Glastonbury. I bless them all before they are sent out to you so that you may receive the full force of the healing power.

If you are interested in the ancient Celtic ways you might like to take a look at this course that caught my attention. Cat Curacelo's Celtic mysteries course invites you to look at the background that shaped your own life journey and the shapes and symbols that occurred along the way. Cat says

" Whether you are new to 'the journey' or returning to this tribe, this will be a wonderful opportunity to explore and extend your travelling, using visual narrative as a form in this brand new Celtic Mysteries journey that celebrates ancestral remembering and our deep myths."Once Upon a Mythos Cat Caracelo

The important thing to note when looking for healing is to find the right mix of things that are right for you and to remember that your biggest help is Mother Earth. If you are drawn to a particular crystal, goddess, pentacle, stone, herb then there is often a reason for that. Modern medicine can often be used alongside traditional remedies and there is often no reason you cannot take both as long as you check with your healthcare provider. Our earth is a powerful healer and she has much to offer us as long as we give back in return.

Celebrating the earth at Glastonbury White Spring Beltane 2014

In the words of the wonderful Glennie Kindred
"Experiencing deep heartfelt connections to the Earth will bring us closer to understanding ourselves and trusting out intuition. It will help us foster a sense of belonging and love for the Earth and all peoples of the Earth.  To live in harmony with the earth, we need to remember our connection to her."
Glennie Kindred Earth Wisdom

So do you have a favourite healing goddess, a favourite crystal or a favourite icon? Strong symbols can often make us feel powerful and obviously colour makes a difference in the choice of crystal we go for. A carnelian stone with an owl and wolf charm might be my choice for my exam charm.......

Goddess blessings to you, may you be abundant and blessed in all you do this month, AstarteAlison XXXXX

Beltane Celebrations and Maypole Dancing Glastonbury 2015

So I'm finally sitting down on Sunday afternoon to write a little about Beltane in Glastonbury this year, 2015. We had a lovely day and this year it stayed dry all day! The sun did try to shine on us a little to bring in the glorious start to summer but it was a very brief showing!

Beltane celebrates the start of the summer on the Pagan Wheel of the Year and it is celebrated in great style in Glastonbury with much joy and merriment. This follows ancient traditions, Beltane always was a festival of great joy, a time for honouring all of our Mother Earth's bounty and the love and fertility that is all around us at this time of year. Beltane is not for the shy it is for celebrating love and not being afraid to express that love.

We started the day with a beautiful ceremony in the Chalice Well Gardens. Having driven down just for the day I didn't think I could make it through the day getting up at 2am so we had to forgo the dawn ceremony on top of the Tor which was a shame. The Chalice Well was beautiful as usual and the fire jumping occurred with great gusto this year which was immense fun! I met Tessa and Sosha there, both looking beautiful in this pic. 

Celebrating the love at Beltane

The crowning of the May King and Queen and the entertainment in the Town Square was as usual hugely enjoyable with lots of folk joining in with a song to contribute. We the processed up to the White Spring for the blessing of the May Pole. I chatted to Julie Ann there who makes many of the handmade cloaks being worn today. www.avaloncloaks.co.uk. We then made our way unto Bushey Coombe for the ceremony and Maypole dance.

I hope you enjoy the photos and if you were there please do drop me a line. If any of you are in them and you would rather I take them down then please do say and I will take them down right away.

Beltane blessings to you all,

AstarteAlison

Photographs owned by myself. Please feel free to use them for personal use, any professional use please contact me for prices.

The origins of Maypole and Morris Dancing at Beltane

This week we are looking forward to Beltane on the Pagan Wheel of the Year calendar.

Greenmen and the Maypole Glastonbury Beltane 2014

Beltane really does herald the beginning of spring. I have just this morning noticed that my beautiful Ceanothus in the back garden is showing its first blue buds. The tadpoles are turning into little frogs, the birds are looking after their young and the grass once more needs mowing. Spring is indeed in full swing!

Maypole Dancing Glastonbury 2014

Our ancient ancestors worshipped the earth we walk upon and venerated her for what she gives her, giving thanks at every turn of the wheel and as Pagan's we like to do the same. At Beltane this is a wonderful time to give thanks to our Mother Earth for all she provides for us. There has been a lovely increase in popularity in recent times in local maypole dances and morris dances so I'm sure you could find one near you happening over this Beltane may bank holiday. The may pole was a traditional symbol of fertility and the red and white ribbons symbolised the entwining of male and female energies. Morris dancing has long been popular at Beltane, reference's made

Morris Dancers Glastonbury Tor Beltane 2014

by Shakespeare in 'All's Well that Ends Well' point to Morris Dancing being performed on May 1st. It is believed that the Morris dances have magic weaved into them and can bring about luck and ward off evil. More information about the customs and traditions of Beltane or Beltain can be found here Beltane Traditions

I am particularly looking forward to going down to Glastonbury where there will be much Maypole and Morris dancing to welcome in the Summer. We shall welcome in the dawn with Morris dancing on the top of the Tor followed by a ceremony and Maypole at the Chalice Well followed by another Maypole dance at Bushey Coombe. Do try and get to a celebration if you are able to. If not perhaps you can entwine some ribbons whilst you think of our wonderful Mother Earth and all she provides for us, if you are able to get up and see the sunrise, enjoy the splendour of a new dawn, the wonder of our amazing sun.

Morris Dancers welcome the sun Glastonbury Tor

Beltane blessings to you,

AstarteAlison

As always if you are featured in any of my pics and would like me to take it down then please message me, many thanks, Alison 

Ten Fun Facts You may not know about Imbolc, festival of Brighde

Ten Facts You may not know about Imbolc

So of course you know that Imbolc is celebrated on 2nd February and that is is the festival of the Goddess Brighde, Brigid or Brigit. There seems to be many different spellings of her name around! Imbolc celebrates the beginning of our earth's awakening and the return of the light. So the following are just a few facts about Imbolc that I put together that you may or may not know!

Imbolc derives from the word Oimelc which means lactating sheep, hence the connection to the spring time and fertility.

Imbolc is also said to be translated as 'in the belly'

Brighde is known as the Goddess of fire and Imbolc is strongly related to fire with bonfires being lit throughout the land in ancient times.

Brighde or Bridey dolls and Brigits cross are strong Imbolc symbols

Imbolc is often a good time for spring cleaning and cleansing of ones living space to prepare for the year ahead.

Imbolc was re-named Candlemas and celebrated by Christianity 

Groundhog day is celebrated on Imbolc and it is said it originates from the legend of Brighde's snake emerging from the ground.

Trees representing Imbolc are the Rowan and the Willow.

Other symbols for Imbolc are the snowdrop, the swan, candles and the plough.

Enjoy this wonderful season of our earth's awakening, may the spirit of Brighde bring love and light into your hearts and your homes.

Blessings, Alison

Cold Yule Moon Saturday 6th December 2014. Moon phases December

We are coming up to our beautiful Yule Cold Moon on Saturday 6th December. We haven't seen any snow here but the other side of the Atlantic have had more than enough already! This December Full moon was often called the Snow Moon, Cold Moon or frost Moon for obvious reasons! More background on Full Moon names can be found here: Dec Moon names

This Full Moon is our Christmas moon, our Yule moon. It is often thus named as 'The Long Nights Moon' or 'The Moon Before Yule' as the Solstice occurs usually around the 21st December when we have the longest night and the shortest day. More information on the Pagan celebration of Yule may be found here. Yule Celebrations

Below are details of Full Moon times wherever you might be.

Setting moon earth sky.org

Saturday 6th December 2014 01:26:48 pm Central European Time (CET)
Moon sign: Gemini 14° 17'

WELLINGTON = Sunday * 7th Dec 2014 * 01:26:48 am (NZDT)
SYDNEY = Saturday * 6th December 2014 * 11:26:48 pm (AEDT)
TOKYO = Saturday * 6th December 2014 * 09:26:48 pm (JST)
BEIJING = Saturday * 6th December 2014 * 08:26:48 pm (CST)
BANGKOK = Saturday * 6th December 2014 * 07:26:48 pm (ICT)
DELHI = Saturday * 6th December 2014 * 05:56:48 pm (IST)
MOSCOW = Saturday * 6th December 2014 * 03:26:48 pm (MSK)
RIYADH = Saturday * 6th December 2014 * 03:26:48 pm (AST)
BERLIN = Saturday * 6th December 2014 * 01:26:48 pm (CET)
LAGOS = Saturday * 6th December 2014 * 01:26:48 pm (WAT)
LONDON = Saturday * 6th December 2014 * 12:26:48 pm (GMT)
RIO = Saturday * 6th December 2014 * 10:26:48 am (BRST)
NEW YORK = Saturday * 6th Dec 2014 * 07:26:48 am (EST)
MEXICO CITY = Saturday * 6th Dec 2014 * 06:26:48 am (CST)
LOS ANGELES = Saturday * 6th Dec 2014 * 04:26:48 am (PST)
HONOLULU = Saturday * 6th Dec 2014 * 02:26:48 am (HAST)

And here are the moon phases for December 2014, sorry I am a bit late in updating this post for you.

Full Yule Moon Blessings to you, Alison

November Full Frost Snow Beaver Moon. Which name is your favourite?

On Thursday 6th November we will have the beauty of a wonderful full moon gracing our skies once again.

As we consistently see, a lot of our ancient ancestors named our moons depending on what Mother Nature was doing at that particular time of year. November is unsurprisingly no different. Thus we see names such as Snow Moon and Frost Moon for the cold weather we will experience in November. One descriptive one I like is the Dakotah Sioux Moon when Horns are broken off. This refers to the rutting season of the deer. Their neighbours the Lakota referred to the November full moon as ‘the Moon of the falling leaves’. Meanwhile the Ojibwe name was ‘the freezing moon’ and the Osage called it ‘the Coon breeding Moon’

The time of the November full moon was often a traditional time for trading amongst the traditional native American Indians. It was the traditional time for the friendship festival called ‘Adohuna’. Adohuna was a day for atonement for the Cherokee and ritual fasting was observed on the day itself. It was a time for charity and the needy in all the local area were looked out for.

Other popular names for the November name are Hunter's moon and Beaver Moon. More information can information can be found here

In Japan the Goddess Kami was honoured as the Goddess of the kitchen. She is responsible for the food that comes into our kitchens and its preparation into the food that we eat.

Enjoy the cold crispy days of November, as the last of the Autumn leaves fall we see our mother earth gently settling down into the winter slumber. We can look forward to cozy nights in front of the fire or tucked up in bed with a good book(that’s me!) Look out for our wonderful November Frost Moon in the night sky, perhaps you would like to give her your own personal name?

Below are the full moon times in different time zones around the world.

Moon sign: Taurus 14° 25'

Thursday 6th November 2014 11:22:54 pm(CET)
WELLINGTON = Friday * 7th Nov 2014 * 11:22:54 am (NZDT)
SYDNEY = Friday * 7th November 2014 * 09:22:54 am (AEDT)
TOKYO = Friday * 7th November 2014 * 07:22:54 am (JST)
BEIJING = Friday * 7th November 2014 * 06:22:54 am (CST)
BANGKOK = Friday * 7th November 2014 * 05:22:54 am (ICT)
DELHI = Friday * 7th November 2014 * 03:52:54 am (IST)
MOSCOW = Friday * 7th November 2014 * 02:22:54 am (MSK)
RIYADH = Friday * 7th November 2014 * 01:22:54 am (AST)
BERLIN = Thursday * 6th November 2014 * 11:22:54 pm (CET)
LAGOS = Thursday * 6th November 2014 * 11:22:54 pm (WAT)
LONDON = Thursday * 6th November 2014 * 10:22:54 pm (GMT)
RIO = Thursday * 6th November 2014 * 08:22:54 pm (BRST)
NEW YORK = Thursday * 6th Nov 2014 * 05:22:54 pm (EST)
MEXICO CITY = Thursday * 6th Nov 2014 * 04:22:54 pm (CST)
LOS ANGELES = Thursday * 6th Nov 2014 * 02:22:54 pm (PST)
HONOLULU = Thursday * 6th Nov 2014 * 12:22:54 pm (HAST)

Full November moon blessings to you, AstarteAlison xxx

A Pagan path with Gratitude for all creatures on our Mother Earth, Gaia.

We are not the only creature on this planet with emotions, feelings and a family life.

Isn't this a beautiful picture? Just reminds us of the importance of all the wonderful beings who inhabit our Mother Earth alongside us. We sometimes have to be reminded that we are not the only ones who to whom things such as family and feelings are incredibly important. Following a Pagan path means to me that all creatures are important on this earth we call Gaia and I constantly offer Gratitude for each and every one of them.

Gaias blessings, AstarteAlison

Supermoon times 2014 July August September. Supermoon meditation. What is a Supermoon? How will the Supermoon affect me?

What are the times for the next Supermoon?

I just thought I would do a very quick post as we have woken up to very rainy weather here in England and it looks as though it is set in throughout tomorrow too. So just to remind you that the next Supermoon in August is going to be closer than Saturday's and then we still have one to follow in September. I just thought I would draw up a quick table to remind ourselves of the times of the full super moon for July August and September. 

What is the Supermoon time July 2014 for my time zone?

Enclosed is the Supermoon times for various timezones around the world

I've included some useful links to previous posts I've written for explanations about general Supermoon information. 

Why do Supermoons Occur?

What is a Supermoon?

Can I still enjoy the super moon if it is cloudy?

Remember the moon stays approximately full for about three days so although she reaches fullness about midday tomorrow, Saturday we still have quite a while to enjoy her fullness even if there are cloudy skies on Saturday night. Even if there are cloudy skies and we cannot see her we can still feel the amazing energy. 

How close is the July Super Moon?

Does the Supermoon really look bigger?

Why does the supermoon affect me?

eye4weather.info

How will the supermoon affect me?

The Moon has been shown to affect us in various ways. One study has looked in depth into how the moon affects our sleep. The study was conducted at Basel university in Switzerland and looked at how the full moon affects the quality and quantity of the sleep we get at the time of the full moon. At the time of the Supermoon these effects will be heightened because our moon is nearer to us and therefore if you are affected you will feel these affects to a greater extent. You can read more about the study here How does the Supermoon affect my sleep

Supermoon Water

I have often made some wonderful moon water on fabulous stormy nights. It has been filled with incredible moon energy even though the light of the moon hasn't been able to shine on it, her energy has been all around and has been absorbed by the water. I have used the water made on nights like that for situations that I feel really need that boost of stormy strong energy!

You can find out how to make Supermoon water here moon water

What is a Supermoon?

Supermoon Meditation

So if you can't see the super moon just stand somewhere where you can feel the direction her rays will be coming from, preferably bare footed on the earth.  Imagine her wonderful super moon energy beaming down on you and filling you with that wonderful silvery light. Your feel are rooted deep into the ground and your crown chakra is open to receiving her amazing love. Stand meditating in the darkness of the night for as long as you need to. Remember that feeling and draw upon it as often as you need to at times during the month when you feel under stress or pressure. Remember the feeling of your feet firmly rooted to the ground whilst your spirit soars as high as it wants to. It is a feeling you can always come back to, it is always there when you need it.

July Capricorn Supermoon


Enjoy the amazing super moon energy that is building at the moment. How is it affecting you? Personally I do struggle with it a little, the moon energy always gives me a migraine and that is building at the moment but trying to rise above it!
Supermoon blessings to you, Alison

Supermoon Saturday 12th July 2014. Why does a super moon occur and how will it affect me?

The first super full moon for 2014 happens on Saturday 12^th July 2014.

What is a Supermoon?

These ‘supermoons’ were originally termed Perigree moons until they were given the catchier title of Supermoon by astrologer Richard Nolle, he  defined a supermoon as:

“… a new or full moon which occurs with the moon at or near (within 90% of) its closest approach to Earth in a given orbit.”

A supermoon may make the moon appear up to 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than usual.

Due to the given Richard Nolle definition we have approximately 4-6 supermoons on average in any given year, this includes full and new moons. In 2014 we will have three full super full moons occurring on July 12^th, August 10^th and September 9^th.

More information on the super moons we had last year can be found here together with some useful diagrams: supermoons 2013 explanations

Why do Supermoons Occur?

www.quantumphoenix.com

Supermoons occur because our moon does not follow a circular path around our earth, it follows an elliptical one. Therefore at its furthest away it is 405,000 km away, this is called an apogee, and at its nearest it is 363,000, this is called a perigree. When the time of the perigree aligns with a full or new moon it is called a supermoon.

How close is the July Super Moon?

Our closest Supermoon this year will be the supermoon in August 2014. On that date the moon is 356,896 kilometres away from our earth. The supermoon on July 12^th 2014 will be 358,285 km away from us.

Demonstration of super moon from NASA

Does the Supermoon really look bigger?

The good thing about having the supermoon during the summer months is that it appears low on the horizon. This means that with the trees and buildings as reference it actually looks bigger to our eyes. The moon is the same size on the horizon as it is in the sky it just looks bigger to us when it is on the horizon so it really does look like a supermoon! We will have therefore three really super summer moons to enjoy this year therefore, make sure you see them rising, our beautiful super moon rises shortly after sunset.

Why does the supermoon affect me?

We don't really know why the full moon affects some people. However one explanation may be to do with the way the moon affects the water on our planet. All full moons bring higher-than-usual tides, and perigee full moons bring the highest (and lowest) tides of all. These are called Perigean Spring Tides.  Similarly these supermoons have an increased affect on the cells in our bodies. At the full moon all water on our planet is pulled towards the moon. Therefore if the moon is closer there is a greater pull and the affects will be felt more strongly. You may feel the usual affects of the full moon are accentuated during the time of the supermoon therefore. The full moon affects different people in different ways and thus the same applies to the supermoon. 

How will the supermoon affect me?

You may find you are more restless than usual or you may have more energy. We may often experience much more turbulent emotions than we are used to and it is important to recognize that when we are decision making.

If you are able to then try and plan ahead as to how you may use any excess energy you may have and plan your supermoon nights! Prepare for the increased emotion and use it as an opportunity for growth, however do not make any rash decisions that you may later regret. It is important to recognize in yourself any emotional changes that may be due to the effect that the moon is having on you that may be making you not act like your normal self!

Perhaps meditate on where your life is now, where your priorities lie and where you would like them to be heading. Channel this wonderful energy into growing your life, do not be fearful of the energy but use it to your advantage, the world is your oyster and this supermoon could be your key to unlocking as yet untapped potential.

July Capricorn Supermoon

This July supermoon is in Capricorn. This particular sign tells us to pay attention to balancing our own needs. We should look at what is needed in areas of our lives such as home, work and children and see what should be done to address any areas that might be out of kilter. Demands that are put upon us might need to be changed slightly so that we can accommodate more pressing issues. Prioritising issues is key right now, you are only one person and you cannot be stretched to breaking point! One of the names given to the full moon for July is the Buck Moon which is a perfect symbol for the Capricorn Moon. Other names for the July supermoon are Hay Moon and Blessing Moon. Check out the post on July moon names for further info! July Moon Names. I like Blessing Moon. This Super Moon is closest to the Pagan feast of Lammas or Lughnassad which is a particular time for giving gratitude and blessings. I send out blessings to you all! More information on Lammas may be found here  Lammas History and Traditions

So get ready for the three supermoons in a row July August September 2014. Buckle your seat belts it is sure to be a bumpy roller coaster of a ride but enjoy that roller coaster, raise your hands in the air and embrace that wonderful energy! Lean into the corners and scream if you need to but above all enjoy it and send out joy and love into the universe.

Supermoon blessings to you, Alison

Ten fun facts about the Summer Solstice or Litha

Ten fun facts about the Summer Solstice

The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year and is  generally celebrated on the 21^st June. So those are facts that you knew already! Below are a few facts that you may or may not know about this wonderful time of year, a celebration of the wonderful strength of our amazing sun.

The common name used amongst Pagans for the Summer Solstice is Litha. Other names for Litha include: Lithia, Alban Hefin(Gaelic for light of the shore), Sun Blessing, Gathering Day, Feill-Sheathain, Whit Sunday, Whitsuntide, Vestalia(Roman), The Feast of Epona(Ancient Gaulish) Thing-Tide, Sank Hans Aften(Denmak) and St. John's Day. If you have heard of any more I would love to hear from you!

The word Solstice comes from the Latin ‘solstitium’ meaning 'Sun stands still' because the apparent movement of the Sun's path north or south stops before changing direction.

Litha is often synonymous with Midsummer and is said to be associated with Faeries or the fey folk. Offerings of milk and honey were often left out for them.

Transformed by Ruth Calder Murphy

As well as faeries there were thought to be evil sprits around at this time of year therefore our ancesters wore garlands of herbs and flowerflowers to protect themselves. The most popular of these was St Johns wort which was known as ‘chase’devil’

Litha was known as Sankt Hans Aften in Denmark and was an official holiday until 1770.

Litha was celebrated with bonfires as a reflection of the sun. Folk would jump through the fires and it was said that the height that they jumped would be the height of their crops the following year.

The Chinese celebrate this time of year by honouring Li the Goddess of Light

The Druids celebrated the day as the wedding of heaven and earth. They believed this to be a very sacred day, seeing the wonderful long day as a blessing given to us by mother earth. Handfasting ceremonies became very popular during June and even today it remains popular to have a June wedding.

The full moon that occurs near the time of the Summer Solstice is often termed Mead moon, name for the drink made from honey, often served at handfasting ceremonies.

In Poland the night of merrymaking - also known as St. John’s Night or “Noc Świętojańska” - is still observed in some areas and some Polish communities in the United States

Go placidly amidst the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence.....

Go placidly amidst the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence..... Desiderata

It does us tremendous good to take time from our busy lives to listen to the silence and draw the peace from it. Nature has a tremendous amount still to teach us. 

Through listening to the signs Mother Nature has to teach us we can continue along our spiritual path, it is often only by listening to the silence that we can slow down enough to hear what is truly important. Mother Earth has much to teach us about our own spirituality. Try and take some time out in your busy week to just sit quietly even if it is for only a few minutes, in a park, woodland or garden if possible and listen to the sounds and the quietness present in the nature around us.

Blessings to you all, Alison

Full Moon in May, gravitational pull and migraine trigger?

So who got a good view of our May flower full moon last night? I was driving back from the cinema with a friend when we spotted her above the trees. It was a clear night with just a handful of clouds slowly meandering their way over her surface, providing a beautiful vista and demonstrating her powerful glory perfectly. I had a wonderful day full of energy yesterday, how does the moon affect the way that you feel?

Today I still feel that energy and want to get lots done but am being slowed down by the migraine that I often get at the time of the full moon. We know that the tides are higher at the full moon. This is because of the gravitational pull that our Moon has. Tides are affected by both the sun and the moon and although the moon is much smaller than the sun, its proximity to us gives it greater 'pulling power'. When the sun and moon line are in alignment as during a new moon or full moon the moon has a greater effect on the tides and thus they are higher. The moon doesn't just affect the oceans however, although these are most noticeable as they are such a large body of water. This effect happens to all the water on our planet. This is why gardening by the moon is important as the water in the soil will move towards the surface. The water in the cells in our bodies is affected too. Now this is just a theory of mine but I believe that the full moon affects migraines. We see that the full moon affects the behaviour of both people and animals and one of the theories behind this is because of the affect the moon has on the water in the cells of our bodies. I believe that this in turn leads to the full moon being a migraine trigger in certain people. 

Sometime when my head hurts a little less I intend to do a bit more research into this. For now I found this:
"During the early part of the nineteenth century the Swedish chemist Jons Jakob Berzelius laid the groundwork for modern chemistry. He devised Latin symbols for the elements and combined the atomic weights with a chart of electrical charges. His book Larebok I Keon [Foundation of Chemistry] was translated into all European languages, and was largely responsible for the spread of basic chemical knowledge. From the age of 23, he was tortured by migraine headaches, which he believed followed the cycles of the moon. In earlier life, they were irregular, but now they came twice a month, on the days of the new and full moon."http://www.earthpulse.com

Obviously migraine triggers are very complicated and if you do suffer from migraines you will know that there is often not just one trigger. However it is interesting to note that the full moon may be one of the contributing triggers towards a migraine. A little sad I find that such a wonderful occurrence can lead to such pain but I guess it is all part of the cycle of life!

Full moon blessings to you, Alison xxx

Ostara, Oestre blessings, How will you be celebrating the Spring Equinox

How will you be spending this Ostara?

*´¯`•.¸¸.☽◯☾ *´¯`•.¸¸

Myself and my daughters took this photograph on a lovely spring walk last Ostara, I love walking out in the countryside and seeing all the daffodils that have pushed their way through the soil at this time of year. I love in particular the clusters of these beautiful yellow flowers that can be found on the verges of our roads, they really brighten up an otherwise very dull and grey vista. Nature's beauty can be found even in the heart of our cities and you do not need to be living in the countryside to appreciate the wonders of our Mother Earth.

Take some time to spend in nature if you can. Go for a walk, read a book or meditate with the trees. You do not need to live in the countryside in order to do that. Thank the Goddess Mother Earth, Gaia for all the wonders she provides for us.

I hope that you and all that you hold dear have a wonderful Ostara, Oestre planned, may the Spring Equinox bring warmth and balance to your lives. Equinox blessings to you, Alison xxx

There is no internet in the woods but you will find an amazing connection there! Pagan nature quote

There is no internet  in the woods but you will find an amazing connection there!  Next weekend leave your wi-fi behind and go and spend some time in nature. Trees have so much wisdom and love waiting to be shared with us, you will definitely come back feeling more at peace and a whole lot more grounded after a wander around your local park or woodland. 

Leafy blessings to you, Alison

Full Moon In Leo February 2014. Snow Moon, Trapper's Moon

The full moon in February is often called the Snow Moon or the Moon of Ice due to the chilly conditions often present at this time of year.

“Shoulder to Shoulder Around the Fire Moon” (Wishram Native Americans) and “No Snow in the Trails Moon” (Zuni Native Americans) reflect how geography and weather often influenced moon naming.

The February moon was also called the Hunger Moon and Little Famine Month due to the fact that this month was often one of the hardest, the food stores being low at the end of the winter.  The Bony Moon is the name given by the Cherokee. This is may be  due to the fact that this is such a time of low food that bones had to be used to make soup on a regular basis.  It has also been suggested that it was so named because this was the moon when the Cherokees celebrated their ancestors and performed the Medicine Dance.

The Druids called the February moon the Storm Moon. They named the month Carmoil and it ran from the February Full moon until the March full moon.

The name of February comes from the Roman Goddess Februa or the God Februus. This was a time for spiritual purification, a time to cleanse both yourself and your home. The Roman feast of Lupercalia was celebrated at this time, a festival of cleansing and renewal.  It was believed that purifying removed any negative vibrations thus inviting in positive ones. This is a perfect time for you too to cleanse your life of any negative influences and invite the positive ones in.

Among the Incas this time was known as Hatun-pucuy or the Great Ripening. This Moon was called Hatun Pucuy Quilla or (Great Growing Moon),In China this is seen as a New Year Moon as it falls around the time of the Chinese New Year.  Tibet celebrates the February Full Moon as the time of the conception of Budha, this is known as The Feast of Flowers.

Below is a list of the vaious names for the February Full Moon

American                  Trapper’s Moon

Chinese                     Budding Moon

Cherokee                  Bony Moon

Choktaw                   Little Famine Moon

Dakatah Sioux           Moon of the Raccoon, Moon When Trees Pop

Celtic                       Moon of Ice

Druid                        Storm Moon

Pagan                       Snow Moon

The full moon is in zodiac sign Leo this month. A strong sign, being in Leo will bring us an energy filled month full to the brim with creativity and love. This coupled with the fact that is Valentine’s day on 14^th makes this a very positive time for relationships both new and steady.

What name would you like to give this moon, one of the above or perhaps you have a new idea in mind. I am going to go with Renewal Moon, a fabulous time to renew anything in your life that needs it. Let go of anything you no longer need and watch all the positive turns your life will take.

Below are the Full Moon times for February 2014 around the world:

Saturday * 15th February 2014 * 12:53:00 am

Central European Time (CET)

Moon sign: Leo 26° 12'

In other time zones:

WELLINGTON = Saturday * 15th Feb 2014 * 12:53:00 pm (NZDT)

SYDNEY = Saturday * 15th February 2014 * 10:53:00 am (AEDT)

TOKYO = Saturday * 15th February 2014 * 08:53:00 am (JST)

BEIJING = Saturday * 15th February 2014 * 07:53:00 am (CST)

BANGKOK = Saturday * 15th February 2014 * 06:53:00 am (ICT)

DELHI = Saturday * 15th February 2014 * 05:23:00 am (IST)

MOSCOW = Saturday * 15th February 2014 * 03:53:00 am (MSK)

RIYADH = Saturday * 15th February 2014 * 02:53:00 am (AST)

BERLIN = Saturday * 15th February 2014 * 12:53:00 am (CET)

LONDON = Friday * 14th February 2014 * 11:53:00 pm (GMT)

RIO = Friday * 14th February 2014 * 09:53:00 pm (BRST)

NEW YORK = Friday * 14th February 2014 * 06:53:00 pm (EST)

MEXICO CITY = Friday * 14th Feb 2014 * 05:53:00 pm (CST)

LOS ANGELES = Friday * 14th Feb 2014 * 03:53:00 pm (PST)

HONOLULU = Friday * 14th February 2014 * 01:53:00 pm (HAST)

http://www.fullmoon.info

The full moon names in the Southern Hemisphere are as follows: Grain Moon, Sturgeon Moon, Red Moon, Wyrt Moon, Corn Moon, Dog Moon, Barley Moon. A lot of these names are related to the fact that it is mid summer in this hemisphere.