The Mystery of Runes

There is something to be said about the Ancient Runes, the mystery and magic that surrounds these ancient symbols that have captivated those of us stuck in the modern world.  Is it the need to feel a deep connection to our past, or our need to be connected to something bigger than us?

Today we see the set of 24 Runes knows as the The Elder Futhark.  The word “futhark” is like “Alphabet” and it is actually the first 7 letters in the Runic Sequence.  For some reason this little interesting tidbit brings a smile to my face as I imagine Odin standing around tired after 9 days hanging upside down from Yggdrasil and has he shares the wisdom that he gained some asked “What are they called”? To tired to think he just reads off the first 7 letters lol 

From the beginning, the Runes were part of rituals, serving as the casting of lots, for divination, and to help invoke the Gods that could influence people’s lives for better or for worse.  The craft of Runes touched every aspect of life, from the most sacred to the most practical. There were rune spells to influence the weather, the crops, love, wealth, travel, battle and much more.  They were also used for blessings and curses. Runes were carved on amulets, drinking cups, swords and even on the Viking ships themselves. Fast forward a hundreds of years and the Runic language is alive and well in the 20^th century.

The runes have always fascinated me yet eluded me for a long time. I felt as if they were complicated beyond me something so simple but yet complicated at the same time. So I decided to learn to cast the stones.  I started with a book there are many on the market but my favorite to date is “The New Book of Runes” by Ralph Blum.  This book has been around for years and I have been blessed with three copies, all given to me by very special people. It is one that I highly recommend for beginners.

Rune sets come in many different types of materials and I have seen some very creative ways of creating runes, from sea shells, acorns, pieces of twigs but to this day I prefer either stone or wood runes.  So it is purely personal choice as to which type of Rune set you want.  With that said, there is great joy in creating your own stones. I have recently made a set of runes form beautiful pieces of colored glass. I spent quiet time as I created each one and making sure I held the intention as I painted the symbols on to the surface of the glass.  This is a great way to infuse your runes with your own energy by creating your own.

I cast the runes on a regular basis and they never fail to give me some insight on what happening in my life at any given time.  Robert Blum describes the runes as follows:

“The Runes are described here are healing, merciful Runes; they will do you know harm. Learn their language and let them speak to you. Play with the possibility that they can provide ‘a mirror for the magic of knowing ourselves’ a means of communication with the knowledge of our subconscious minds”

How true this description is, for when picking up the runes you are consulting an Oracle rather than having your fortune told.  The runes are the gateway to becoming…

So will you cast the runes?

Blessed Be,

Rayven

RavensWing Rune Stone Sets & Books

Robert Blum's book is available on amazon here : The New Book of Runes by Robert Blum

Smudging

Smudging and smudge sticks are a part of  a practice brought to us from the ancient traditions of the Native Americans, and typically involves the burning of a variety of herbs ( sage, cedar and sweet-grass being common herbs for smudging) to create a smole that purifies, cleanses and can even carry your prayers to the divine. Often times healers will use smudging to remove negative energies associated with an event or illness. 

For myself I have always used smudging for cleansing, purification and blessings. It has become part of my daily practice and for any rituals that I create. It is also a great way to clear the air so to speak. Smudging can shift the energy of any space bit it in your home, office, car etc etc it also does wonders for one's moods.  I know that after a hard day I can come home and sit quietly and smudge as I release the energies that are not needed. 

What I have noticed over the years is that people who have never smudges before often think it requires some sort of skill and are a bit nervous when asked to give it a try. It really is quite simple :

1. Find your desired smudge stick or loose herbs to burn. I highly recommend White sage, sweet-grass or cedar, for they are always good to use and quite fragrant and catch the spark quickly and easily.  ( Though make sure you have a well ventilation area for I can't even count how many times I have set off the smoke alarm during smudging! ) 
2. Always have some sort of holder that can hold your smudge stick or to burn your lose herbs in. Mini cauldrons work really well or something as simple as a large shell or pottery bowl.  This will eliminate any worry of your altar catching on fire. 
3. You may light your smudge stick with either a match, lit candle or lighter by holding your smudge bundle over the flame allowing the leaves to catch fire. Using your breath gently blow the end of your smudge stick to fuel the flame and allow it calm to a smolder. Then enjoy the sweet smelling scent that fills the room as the smoke rises around you.  Please note that smudge sticks and your holder can get very hot, just be careful not to burn yourself.
4. You may also use some sort of smudging tool to help move the smoke around your body or sacred space. A feather or smudge wing works well, or just cup both your hands and move the smoke over your head and body.

My own personal favorite is White Sage, which is great for purification, cleansing and protection.  Here are a few herbs that may of be use to you :

SAGE
Sage is used for purifying, to clear negative energies, spirits, emotions, intentions etc. It is also a very protective herb and is used to protect sacred areas during rituals. There are different varieties of Sage, but the main genus Salvia is generally used for smudging. Salvia has three main varieties Garden Sage, Desert Sage and White Sate. All are acknowledged for their healing properties. 

CEDAR
Cedar is used for purification, healing and protection.

SWEETGRASS
Sweetgrass is used to attract and welcome positive energies. Often used in conjunction with or after sage.

LAVENDER
The whole plant is highly aromatic. It is used for smudging in conjunction with or after sage, to create harmony and tranquility. Lavender & Sage is a common combination to use for areas of high stress. 

Once you get the hang of smudging and understanding the properties of the herbs you are using you can create your own blends to suit your needs. 

So allow yourself to relax, and honor the spirit of the plant as you welcome it into your sacred space.

Blessed Be! 
Rayven


Feel free to browse through our collection of smudge sticks at RavensWing :
RavensWing Smudge Sticks

In the Heart of Shadow

Blessings all!
Winter is coming....as is the darkness.  I love this time of year and unlike many I welcome the longest nights.  Everything seems different at night and more focused.  My thoughts, my intentions and as I delve into myself  and I wait.  I wait for the flicker of ME...it is time to reintroduce myself to my shadow side, the darkest recesses of my soul.  The area's that I haven't wanted to look at and bring them to light. 

Though recently it seems The Morrigan is making that decision for me, bringing situations and people into my life that is forcing me to move out of my comfort zone and address things that make me uncomfortable.  I have grown complaisant in my inner work and feeling a sense of "I am ok and on top of things".  She is showing me that I still have work to do,  the healing never stops and I must let go of things that bind me emotionally, if I truly wish to become the warrior I want to be.  

This week's reality - I am not a victim, I am a survivor and I have the battle scars to prove it.  And for those who wish to find weakness, where there is now only strength...I say to you  BRING IT ON!   
 This is inspired by my short stint on a jury today - the topic sexual assault.  The defendants' lawyer came at me with a vengeance when I had to disclose that I had experienced a sexual assault. He was looking for the victim who can't handle the emotional scars that this can bring, and proceeded to tell me how I could not be objective, that I would let my emotions rule me....he was way off base.  I told him I was not a victim but a survivor and I resented the fact that he was trying to label me a victim and proclaim to everyone that I was weak because of this.  And that my objectivity remains intact and I will look at facts and base my decision on those facts.   He let me go in the end....lol 

This experience of proclaiming to all those in that room that I am a survivor was tough, even though I felt strong, I also felt very very vulnerable but I did not let that rule me. I stood strong in my power...  

Just wondering what the darkness brings out for you all?

Much love,
Rayven

Face to Face with Sheela-Na-Gig

Llandrindod Wells Sheela-na-gig 

I have been fascinated by the images of Sheela-na-gig for as long as I can remember.  She is an enigma!  Her image can be found on churches, castles and old buildings through Ireland and Britain. In my research I found that the first mention of the Sheela-na-gig in church documents is the early 12^th century. The most common notion is that the Sheela-na-gig is a fertility and sex goddess, even though none of the figures have ever depicted a child birth.  It is also of the mind that she represents a warning against lust as well as protection against evil. So as you can see there isn't really any concrete evidence as to what the Sheela-na-gig’s purpose truly is.

It was on my first trip to Wales  that I had a chance to get up close and personal with the Sheela-na-gig.  I was visiting my husband who at the time was living in Llandrindod Wells in Wales.  He took me to the old parish church which sits above the lake, and he told me about the Sheela-na-gig that was found. 

Old Parish Chruch - Llandrindod Wells 

 Even though the church is fairly modern, the first mention of it is in the Church documents dated 1291. According to local lore, the Sheela-na-gig was found buried face down under the enterance of the church.   The Llandindod Wells Sheela is said to be the one of the most well preserved Sheela’s in the UK .  After it’s discovery it sat in the window of the church up until 1990 where it was moved to the Radnorshire museum.   Because this Sheela is a loose piece of carving, it is very hard to date. However there is some evidence which suggests that it was carved in the 12^th century, for it bears an similarities to the Sheela found at St. Pafarn atLlanbadarn Fawr. This suggests that it may have been carved by the same person.

For as much research as I have done in my search for understand the Sheela-na-gig, I was not prepared for what I experienced in seeing her first hand or the excitement that over took me.  First we explored the Old Parish Church which sits on an Old Celtic site a natural mound of sorts. Standing in the doorway you have a beautiful view of the soft rolling hills and a 360 degree view if the church was moved. It is quite breathtaking and so beautiful. I can  understand why they picked this spot to build a church, for it felt sacred as we walked the grounds.

Entrance to the Old Parish Church

Next stop was the Radnorshire museum where I was going to get to see Her in person. It may seem silly, but I was nervous, excited for I was just about to see the REAL Sheela-na-gig. Something that I thought would never happen.  I was amazed at the detail of this Sheela and how fierce she looked compared to the Kilpeck image that we are so used to seeing. One of the most noticeable differences is that she had teeth, and that her ribs were visible  as if she were starved.   I stood in silence for sometime just taking in the all her detail and feeling a huge sense of gratefulness that I have been able had this experience . For now when working with the Sheela-na-gig, I have real life images and memories to pull from and nothing gets better than that. 

                                                              Kilpeck Sheela-na-gig

So in hindsight I was gifted with the experience and a brief glimpse into the minds of  locals.  In my own humble opinion I can only see the burial of the Sheela-na-gig in the entrance way as a sign of people who believed deeply in their traditions and heritage. So much so that they buried her deep, knowing that each time they crossed the threshold into the church that they were honoring the old gods, even if they had to “pretend” to honor the new.

A special note of thanks to Will Adams the Curator of the Radnorshire Museum who granted me permission to use the Sheela-na-gig photo.  I enjoyed my visit to the Museum and I recommend it to anyone who is traveling in Powys. 

For more information on the Radnorshire Museum please visit :  http://www.powys.gov.uk

For more information on the Sheela-na-gig please visit : http://www.sheelanagig.org/

For Statue images of the Sheela-na-gig visit RavensWing : http://www.ravenswinginternational.com

A Gift from the Heart ~ My Magickal Box

My Magickal Oak Box! 

I have been blessed with a gift that will last me a lifetime and perhaps generations to come.  My Magickal Box!  This box was made for me by Pete, who is an amazing woodworker and my husband’s best friend. I had no idea he was creating this amazing box and it was a complete surprise! 

Interior sections of wooden box

This gift was one from the heart and one that was created with thought on how I would use it in my ritual work. Made in the UK, the box is hand crafted of solid oak. All of the corners are perfectly dovetailed  ( no nails or screws) The are two sections of the box a top section and a lower more deeper section for ritual items that may be slightly larger to carry.

Top Section 

The top section I have my oils, tea lights, altar cloths, cord, feathers and my athame, Even with all of these items I still have room to add more if needed.

Bottom Section

I love the lower section of my box, it is deeper and allows me to add my ritual items that need more depth.  It is a perfect fit for my mini cauldron and has sections for my divination tools ; such as tarot cards or rune stones.

  

                                   Hand Forged Hinge                                                                            

What is most amazing are the hand forged hinges by a traditional blacksmith. This particular attention to detail just adds to the value of this already beautiful box.  

Pentacle on Lid

Another feature that I just love is the pentacle that is burnt into the wood with inlaid black border. The box in itself is a portable altar! 


I am so grateful and just blown away at the time and effort put in to this one of a kind gift, he is even a non believer!!! lol

 There are no words of expression that I can use to describe how I felt and feel every time I open my box.....other than OMG!  lol   Who says I need mediation to get into my magickal groove....all I have to do is open my box and I am there!

Have a wonderful week all!

Rayven
(A very happy witch) 

RavensWing

If you are looking for a box for your ritual items check out our boxes :
RavensWing Boxes

                     

                                                                        

Dedication

I have been on this path for many years and the one thing that eluded me over time was dedication to one particular Goddess.  I was forever rebelling against the idea.  But in hindsight I fear I was not worthy of the one who lingered in the background waiting. Waiting for a time when I would step up and claim my power.

The road to dedication was a long windy road for me. Starting out by working solitaire I maneuvered my way through books, dreams and my own intuition on how things should be done. This solitary work allowed my own magical realm to be created, and from which I stayed for many many years. Though my skills sharpened, my ability to create rituals, spell working flourished when I started my very own circle.  We had one rule; we all come to the circles as equals. In this setting it allowed us to grow with each other, learn from each other and heal in some ways. 

My spiritual work was powerful, deep with and entirely internal. I was in my head way to much of the time. I wanted to get lost in the magical world I had created.  I had shifted my focus so much inward, and in the realms where Spirit spoke to me I forgot what was going on around me. I found the real world lacking and full of disappointment, so I embraced my inner world.

I studied many different aspects to paganism, pulling from different traditions but never standing up and saying this is me and this is my path. I am an initiated Priestess of the Avalon Tradition, in the Sept of the Swan. This was a year and day training. At the time I needed focus and something to stick to, so I decided to do the work. It was very powerful and the amount if inner work that I did was very good for me. At the end on the day of initiation I was to dedicate myself to one Goddess, but I couldn’t. I still was not ready. I then switched gears branching into the shamanic realm, when I was preparing for my first trip to Ireland and heard the call of The Morrigan.

Though all of early years I faced many challenges to my spiritual path. People not understanding afraid of whom I was becoming as I moved into my power. However I truly did not know what that was until now.

What I lacked was balance, I did not know who to bring my magick into reality. I had no comprehension that I needed to get out into the world and experience things which I could bring back to my path.  It wasn’t until I met my now husband that I came face to face with moving out of my head and into the real world.

It wasn’t easy, my safe haven was in my head, all of my energy I drew to infuse my workings came from within, which is good, but lacks the power of real life experience. So he opened up the door to reclaiming my heritage, my roots and dragging me into reality.

So I choose heed The Morrigan's call and I answered, I dedicated my path to her.

Whom did you choose?

Rayven

 

Vision

Blessings all, It has been a long time since I have blogged and it is time I started again. I read this quote and my thoughts started to spin. “A vision, can put you on a path that you don’t want to follow”

These words really resonated with me.  There are three paths in my life where this applies and where I have fallen complacent and wanting to take the easy road.  Believe me nothing is easy in this life, and for whatever reason I was taking a break from the difficult.   But I realize now in doing so I grow stagnate and not evolving into who I envision myself to me.

It is ok to rest, it is ok to feel safe and comfortable. However it is not ok to have a false sense of security that becoming complacent can provide. It is an illusion that one can get lost in and I for one do not want to get lost.

So it is time to shake off the dust, look myself in the mirror and dare myself to be better than I am at this very moment.  I am ready to follow my vision…..

So where are you being complacent in your life? 

Rayven

Connection

There was a time when the only thing I was sure of was the sun rising and setting everyday, and being able to watch the moon move across the sky.  If I think about it that is the only thing that was consistent in my life.  It was in those moments of watching the sunrise and set, the full moon shining down on me that I felt connected to something. In this feeling of connection I felt like I was valued.

So much of the world today is about money and numbers not people. We are forced into this society to have a plan for everything. We have to know the outcome before we leap.  We are losing our sense of adventure if because we have to see what is coming around the corner. I am a planner and it really gets my knickers in a twist when I can’t plan.

My husband is a man who doesn’t plan, he lives by his own rules and whatever takes his fancy at the time. He never worries about the outcomes and takes one day at a time. He is in tune with the world around him in a way that I hope to be one day. He has a need and the universe always provides without fail.

He said something to me the other day that stuck a cord. That I have lost my connection to nature, that only when I am at the mercy of the elements will I fully understand what it means to be part of nature. He is right I have lost that, but have a chance at getting it back in our adventures.

Last night was a beautiful night so I spent some time outside under the full moon, listening the wind move through the trees, the silence of the night and I once again felt the familiar feeling of connection. It truly is a daily practice of keeping connected….and one that I won’t let fall by the wayside any longer.

So where do you find your connection?

I have this song running through my head....it seems to fit this blog

Wising you all a beautiful week!

Kat

RavensWing

The Copper Offering Bowl

Since ancient times copper has been known as the great healing and sacred metal. Fashioned into jewelry before recorded time, copper is the first metal our ancestors utilized. Metal workers were often regarded as magicians in early societies. Copper was also a symbol of power.

Created out of fine copper, this fantastic offering bowl offers the golden red finish copper is known for both within and without. On its outer surface this is accented by skillfully sculpted brass accents. These take the form of scroll work that decorates the bowl's rim and base, and intricate triple moon patterns, representing the Goddess, that run along the bowl's sides.

I have to tell you the first time I saw the picture of this bowl, I fell in love with it. It was different and unique. I have always found copper beautiful and with the brass trimmings it just stood out. I was quite pleased when the box arrived and I got to hold the offering bowl in my hand.

It is the perfect size for small offerings measuring 3” tall and 1 ¼” wide. It fits in the palm of my hand easily and would make a perfect addition to a traveling altar. I have been using this offering bowl for the last couple of months and here are several different ways I have put it to use.

 ~ As a tea light holder. By placing a small tea light in the center you will illuminate your altar with the light that reflects off the copper and brass. The light is warm and inviting and just a lovely addition to any altar. 

~  It makes a perfect bowl to hold many different things, sea salt, dried herbs, soil, small rocks etc. I  have also used it to hold water, but I empty it right after.

~ It also makes a wonderful bowl to hold your written intentions. I would advise against using it to burn herbs or anything else.

So I am quite please with this new addition to my altar. 

This retails @ $12.95 and also comes in the Om Symbol, Tibetan Dragon and Triquetra which can be found here.

RavensWing Singing bowls and Offering Bowls

Blessings,
Kat
RavensWing

Sickness and Healing

I am sitting here a month after my surgery amazed at how different I feel. Which makes me wonder how long I had really been ill?  How long had my body been fighting of poison that was running through it?

I look back and think before my surgery, IF they had only listened to me and ran tests, would I have been able to save the organ that I lost?  Could I have cured it naturally? I had been to the doctors 3 times and gotten the same answer, your fine it will pass.  Each visit was 10 mins long and they didn’t even want to take time to answer my questions. It took me walking in pain and very sick for them to realize – She is sick.   It was like a whirlwind of activity to get me in to see the surgeon  and the operation scheduled. If I had waiting any longer for the surgery it I would have been in dire straights according to the surgeon.

It seems to me that they want us to be over medicated; if we are over medicated then we are complacent, a way to control the masses. There is a drug for everything these days. An example, I went in to talk about leg circulation which is tied to my diabetes, and dizzy spells around my cycle.  My doctor wanted to give me anti seizure medicines and an anti depressant; well I told her where she could stick the prescriptions. I talked to my husband, we just decided to up my iron intake around my cycle and make sure I am massaging my legs, to help with the circulation. Problem solved….no drugs….just common sense. 

The point of this blog is to NEVER allow your doctor to just push you off, NEVER take the first pill they give you. Ask questions, CHALLENGE them make them explain WHY. If you can’t do this yourself, then take someone with you who can. 

 In this day an age of corrupt insurance and medical practices, you have to be your own advocate. YOU are the only on in your corner when it comes to your health. Because in reality we are just numbers, dollar signs and sheep to take the first pill given. 

Well my eyes are open; I will be fierce in my ability to know my own body better than my doctor.  I am grateful for having my husband in my corner. I go to him before I even think about seeing a doctor….he has never been wrong. 


Blessings to you all,