I decided yesterday that I am going to put more effort into my meditation practice. Currently, it consists of brief moments of quiet reflection amidst the joy and chaos that four young children bring. Let me clarify, however, that, for me, meditation does not consist solely of passive meditation, i.e. remaining physically still while focusing on either nothing or on one single thing, such as a mantra, candle flame, or one's breath. I much prefer active meditation, i.e. being so engrossed in a task that the mind is calm and open to whatever may come (active meditation also involves taking that act and rendering it an offering to the Divine. All acts of love and pleasure are My rituals.)

At this time of year, one of my favorite things to do is to grab my basket and head out into the woods and fields to pick wild edibles for meals. In fact, they can become quite the staple for us, being added to nearly every meal. It's a great way to eat seasonally and, thus, better align oneself with the Natural forces at work throughout the year. Plus, there's just something so rewarding about going outside and picking your meals.

There's so much going on right now! Life, for us, is certainly moving forward. Ah. It makes everything that happened last Summer seem so far away. Granted, yes, it has been nearly a year now, but enormous, Universe powered, life changing events have a way of sticking with you (hence the "life changing.")

Destruction is a powerful force to deal with: it's really scary. The power in and of itself is... awesome, unrelenting, and unstoppable. And, since it takes away everything, that, too, only adds to the fear.

As mentioned in the previous post Introduction to Charm Bags, these types of charms are incredibly versatile, able to be used as an amulet (repelling unwanted forces) or as a talisman (attracting desired forces.) Their use is simple: just keep them as close to the person they are mean to effect as possible, or leave on your altar (or other primary magickal working place.)

Charm bags are a simple and effective magickal craft to create and employ. Their use is found throughout many cultures and magickal systems. Other names for and types of Charm Bags include: Herbal Charms, Sachets, Mojo Bags, Gris Gris, and Medicine Bags.

Went hiking today with the kids today. The weather lately has been so... questionable. It snowed a few days ago, then warmed up, then rained. But, today was gorgeous. We went to our favorite park, a 280 acre Nature preserve. We didn't hike as far as we wanted (only about 2 miles,) but it took us about 3 hours. Needless to say, the kids had a blast.

There's promise in the air. A gentle tingling up the spine, it's time to act on plans that have already been decided upon. So many hopes and goals, I find myself drawn to limit efforts to only two: one for my family and one for myself.

Recent astrological events suggest that the Universe is apt to be more helpful now (that's for all my fellow Taureans, too,) and I've this same point echoed in recent Tarot readings, as well. My own feeling of the energetic currents warrants feelings of anticipation and urgency, but also the confidence to take the steps that need to be taken.

Yesterday was a rather unusual day. Certainly not a typical May Day but that was to be expected as not only was the weather dreary, cold, and about as non-Summer like as it could possibly be (though it didn't snow, surprisingly,) but it was the day my sister would be confirmed into the Lutheran style of Christian faith, and my grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary celebration.

My sister had been sad that she wasn't going to be able to have a confirmation party due to my grandparents' seemingly deliberate scheduling, so I agreed to attend the Church service that morning to witness her Confirmation.