Pagan & Alternative Spirituality, Wk of 4/18/05

BigRed · 04-19-2005, 04:02 PM

Has anyone started thinking about the next Sabbat yet? I think Beltane is May 7th, so it's really just around the corner. Beltane celebrates the start of summer, the crop and pasturing season.

I found an excellent article on the May Pole at:
http://paganwiccan.about.com/cs/abou.../aamaypole.htm

(exert)
On the surface, the tall Maypole is simply a phallic symbol to reflect the fertility of the season. But it originates with the ancient Irish story of the Bile Pole. The Bile Pole was a sacred tree of life that grew up through the Earth to join the Heavans above and the Otherworld beneath. A similar story to the the Norse tree, Yggdrasil.

One does not simply put up a Maypole at Beltane, the pole must be draped with ribbons and flowers, and it must be danced around. In the past, it was the young children who did the dancing. Long ribbons are attached to the top of the pole, usually in pastel Spring colours. Half the ribbons would be taken up by the boys, and the other half by the girls.

Mootzee · 04-19-2005, 04:32 PM

Forgive me for such a simple question but I am interested in making a small altar for my own use at home. I am not Wiccan but more Pagan (well actually more of an amalgamation of different religions). How do you go about creating one? Do I just more or less use things that feel right to me? I will use it more or less for meditation and as a retreat space. Any books or websites that you could recommend would be great.

BigRed · 04-19-2005, 04:59 PM

I can't think/find any specific books for alternative alters, but I think you are on the right track of putting things out that mean something spiritual to you.

Off track (hijack)
I think it's kinda funny that there are SOME people who, at the mention of the word ALTER, think - spells, witchcraft, evil - when in reality it is just a place of spirituality.

My EX-inlaws were very very very Catholic and had a small alter in thier front room. They had a family friend who was a priest up north, and would bring thier elderly parents (ex's grandparents) down each winter. While he was there he would preform daily morning mass at the alter in thier living room. Buddhists have alters, as I suspect others do.

It is a place, where when you pass it or gaze on it, it brings your spirit comfort. And like pavlow's dog, helps you quickly center your spirit and open it to ... what you are seeking.

I have a place in my front room that has a couple of celtic crosses, and 3 different buddha's, candles and a bowl for burning my worries and requests to God. When I look at the face of the buddha, I feel ... in tune.

Mootzee · 04-19-2005, 05:45 PM

Oh, I knew others had altars, not just Wiccans. I was looking for info last night and saw where Buddhists and Catholics often have them in their houses.

I also found different goddesses that I am being drawn towards so I know I will add them to the altar at some point. I already have my favorite incense and some crystals that are comforting to myself.

Right now it's in the planning stages. I'm trying to clear a space in my bedroom (it's the quietest room in my house) and to try to visualize what I would like there. I want to be better at meditating and revitalizing myself when I need to.

Spring! The time of new beginnings!!

BigRed · 04-19-2005, 06:40 PM

I had a goddess (that I made from terra cotta clay) for incense burning along with 5 candles in one bathroom. I like to light them during the day with a pray or maybe just an afirmation. In my other bathroom I only have candles but I am thinking about makeing some clingy afirmations to put on the mirror. (If I make 30 then I can change them at night and remember them each morning.)
In my front room I have the buddha's and crosses.. gosh I sound over welmed with spiritual things don't I .. but I really am not. They are mostly very modern and decorative looking. The front room is about to get revamped once again... who knows what I will look like in a couple of months!

dizneegirl · 04-20-2005, 09:32 AM

Here are some books on altars from Amazon. Might give you some ideas...

Altars : Bringing Sacred Shrines into Your Everyday Life
by DENISE LINN (Hardcover - October 1999)
Springs from a New Age / Women's spirituality / Native American background. Gorgeous close-up photographs of indoor & outdoor altars. Symbolism explained from world traditions. Ceremonies.

A Place of Your Own
by Edward Searl
Christian Unitarian. No illustrations - 52 weekly devotions/decorations honoring the seasons & many religions including a discreet & friendly nod towards paganism. Beautiful.

Altars and Icons: Sacred Spaces in Everyday Life
by Jean McMann (Editor)
Photographs. Interior design rather than spiritual focus but seeing others' highly personal and often very witty creations will give a shot to your own creativity!

Altars Made Easy: A Complete Guide to Creating Your Own Sacred Space
by Peg Streep (Paperback)
Spiritual background seems minimal, unobtrusive women's world traditions. Line drawings. Very thorough reference of traditions, symbols, herbs, icons, candles, all altar elements. Very helpful!

In a Spiritual Style: The Home as Sanctuary
by Laura Cerwinske, Matthew Fuller (Photographer) (Paperback - November 2000)
More interior design than spiritual focus though does have discreet New Age flavor. Absolutely stunning color photos of entire rooms & gardens transformed into sacred space.

---

Beltane is actually May 1st (hence, May Day). I was hoping we'd have our new house by then (complete with woods & a pond), but I don't think it will be. I'd love to have some space outdoors (without neighbors RIGHT THERE), to be able to have a celebration! We'll probably have a small fire & just take in the spring around us.

By the way... there is a full moon on Sunday, the 24th of April (the hare moon).

Garnet · 04-20-2005, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mootzee

Oh, I knew others had altars, not just Wiccans. I was looking for info last night and saw where Buddhists and Catholics often have them in their houses.

I also found different goddesses that I am being drawn towards so I know I will add them to the altar at some point. I already have my favorite incense and some crystals that are comforting to myself.

Right now it's in the planning stages. I'm trying to clear a space in my bedroom (it's the quietest room in my house) and to try to visualize what I would like there. I want to be better at meditating and revitalizing myself when I need to.

Spring! The time of new beginnings!!

No matter what you call it, it should be a comforting place for you. You can set it up with dieties, with traditional tools if you use those, set it up according to the directions, or change it with the seasons/sabbats.

Garnet · 04-20-2005, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dizneegirl

Beltane is actually May 1st (hence, May Day). I was hoping we'd have our new house by then (complete with woods & a pond), but I don't think it will be. I'd love to have some space outdoors (without neighbors RIGHT THERE), to be able to have a celebration! We'll probably have a small fire & just take in the spring around us.

By the way... there is a full moon on Sunday, the 24th of April (the hare moon).

You are correct about Beltane date, thank you for noting that. I was going to respond, but thankfully I read all the posts b4 posting my own...

Are you moving within Ohio, or out of state? Are you up by Columbus? or am I confuzzled... I am pretty certain I have asked you this b4.

This full moon energy would be well used for initiation, rejuvenation and spells related to rebirth, particularly in relation to invoking your 'true self'

As for Beltane.... since my DH is away I will be refraining from any kind of 'that' celebration... however I shall have a fire and burn away negativity. Most likely spend the day outside with my children enjoying the springtime beauty all around us.

dizneegirl · 04-20-2005, 12:36 PM

Near Dayton now... will be moving in-state, closer to Columbus, if all goes well, though it doesn't seem to be going as smoothly as when we started out! If it's right, it'll happen, though!

Garnet · 04-20-2005, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dizneegirl

Near Dayton now... will be moving in-state, closer to Columbus, if all goes well, though it doesn't seem to be going as smoothly as when we started out! If it's right, it'll happen, though!

Well, my wish for you is that all goes as you hope for!

dizneegirl · 04-20-2005, 03:15 PM

Bless you. It would be a move into the country with some land, and that wonderful pond (complete with tiny turtles, tadpoles, bluegill & frogs!)...not to mention a bigger house. It would be sooooo nice!

Garnet · 04-20-2005, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dizneegirl

Bless you. It would be a move into the country with some land, and that wonderful pond (complete with tiny turtles, tadpoles, bluegill & frogs!)...not to mention a bigger house. It would be sooooo nice!

Sounds like absolute BLISS

BigRed · 04-20-2005, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garnet

You are correct about Beltane date, thank you for noting that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dizneegirl

Beltane is actually May 1st (hence, May Day). I was hoping we'd have our new house by then (complete with woods & a pond), but I don't think it will be. I'd love to have some space outdoors (without neighbors RIGHT THERE), to be able to have a celebration! We'll probably have a small fire & just take in the spring around us.

By the way... there is a full moon on Sunday, the 24th of April (the hare moon).

I stand corrected... sorta...

I had to do a double check!!! The date I put on was to a local gathering and it too is NOT right on, but instead the closest Sunday to the actual date - MAY 5. I think that it moves because it's not like a birthday, but rather an astrological event, like having a blue moon. So, even though it's rare, it isn't always on the wheel where we expect it.

BUT yes, a lot of people celebrate Beltane on MAY 1st (where it more often actually is) THUS MAYPOLES.... BUT this year... astrologically it's May 5th.
Here are a couple references that I found on the web:
http://www.witchvox.com/xholidays.html
The Standard Holidays of the Wheel of the Year:
(Date Note: The actual date* of some holidays will vary depending on the year. Consult a proper Astrological reference book to be sure.)

BELTAINE: (May 1*) The Land represented by the Goddess is now ripe and fertile and the Young God expresses His Love for Her. This is a time of joyous reveling as the first flowers of Summer are gathered in Their Honor.

and

http://www.packrat-pro.com/celtholidays.htm
Beltaine or Beltane
Traditional date: April 30 and/or May 1
Actual astrological date: May 5th in 2005
Midpoint between Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice
The beginning of the light half of the year, exact opposite day of Samhain
Third Celtic fire festival (male)
Old Irish "Beletene" means "bright fire"
Gaelic "Bealtaine" means the month of May
Celtic word Beltaine mean fires of Bel
"Light of the Earth"
Time of rebirth
House fires were extinquished and relit from hilltop bonfires
Need-fires are built, walk between for purification
Bonfires of sacred wood are lit in honor of the Celtic god Beli
The veil between worlds (Shield of Skathach) is thin, allowing faeiries to cross over
Colours: Blue, pink, yellow, green
Evolved into May Day

http://www.earthspirit.org/newsletter/dates_2005.html

dizneegirl · 04-20-2005, 05:19 PM

Ahhhhh... I went by the Witches Almanac.

No matter when, or when you celebrate, a blessed Beltane!

BigRed · 04-20-2005, 07:10 PM

I sound awfully knowing... I AM NOT!!!

but rather a student... of life.. and love.. and well everything!!!

Blessed be everyone!!!

OH and shakespeare's birthday is THIS SATURDAY!!
DH is taking me to OSF - Midsummer's Night Dream!

Wife of a Vet · 04-22-2005, 10:24 AM

Merry Meet all!! This is my favorite time of year, all the springing back to life, the new life, all affirms my love of life. Don't have any special plans for Beltane myself, but do not want much in the fertility area! There are a couple of areas of my life that need some rebirth, re-creation.... I think I will work that angle for myself.

My altar is a very small space, maybe 6-8" square, with a few items that hold a spiritual meaning for me. Some Quartz that I found which in its smooth roundness, makes me think of a Goddess - for one.

Best of luck with that move Dizneegirl. I love living in the country, and having a private space, and tolerant neighbors, who really couldn't care less about what goes on in my little patch of woods.

04-19-2005, 04:02 PM	#1
BigRed MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,896 Gallery: BigRed	Pagan & Alternative Spirituality, Wk of 4/18/05 Has anyone started thinking about the next Sabbat yet? I think Beltane is May 7th, so it's really just around the corner. Beltane celebrates the start of summer, the crop and pasturing season. I found an excellent article on the May Pole at: http://paganwiccan.about.com/cs/abou.../aamaypole.htm (exert) On the surface, the tall Maypole is simply a phallic symbol to reflect the fertility of the season. But it originates with the ancient Irish story of the Bile Pole. The Bile Pole was a sacred tree of life that grew up through the Earth to join the Heavans above and the Otherworld beneath. A similar story to the the Norse tree, Yggdrasil. One does not simply put up a Maypole at Beltane, the pole must be draped with ribbons and flowers, and it must be danced around. In the past, it was the young children who did the dancing. Long ribbons are attached to the top of the pole, usually in pastel Spring colours. Half the ribbons would be taken up by the boys, and the other half by the girls.

04-19-2005, 05:45 PM	#4
Mootzee Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: West Virginia Posts: 11,085 Gallery: Mootzee Stats: A Tight Size 22/12/8 (5'2") WOE: Glycemic Index Start Date: Jun 2008 (restart)	Oh, I knew others had altars, not just Wiccans. I was looking for info last night and saw where Buddhists and Catholics often have them in their houses. I also found different goddesses that I am being drawn towards so I know I will add them to the altar at some point. I already have my favorite incense and some crystals that are comforting to myself. Right now it's in the planning stages. I'm trying to clear a space in my bedroom (it's the quietest room in my house) and to try to visualize what I would like there. I want to be better at meditating and revitalizing myself when I need to. Spring! The time of new beginnings!! __________________ Kimberly Montani semper liberi. Nemo me impune lacessit. You bet your sweet bippy! Mootzee's Space

04-20-2005, 09:32 AM	#6
dizneegirl MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,884 Gallery: dizneegirl	Here are some books on altars from Amazon. Might give you some ideas... Altars : Bringing Sacred Shrines into Your Everyday Life by DENISE LINN (Hardcover - October 1999) Springs from a New Age / Women's spirituality / Native American background. Gorgeous close-up photographs of indoor & outdoor altars. Symbolism explained from world traditions. Ceremonies. A Place of Your Own by Edward Searl Christian Unitarian. No illustrations - 52 weekly devotions/decorations honoring the seasons & many religions including a discreet & friendly nod towards paganism. Beautiful. Altars and Icons: Sacred Spaces in Everyday Life by Jean McMann (Editor) Photographs. Interior design rather than spiritual focus but seeing others' highly personal and often very witty creations will give a shot to your own creativity! Altars Made Easy: A Complete Guide to Creating Your Own Sacred Space by Peg Streep (Paperback) Spiritual background seems minimal, unobtrusive women's world traditions. Line drawings. Very thorough reference of traditions, symbols, herbs, icons, candles, all altar elements. Very helpful! In a Spiritual Style: The Home as Sanctuary by Laura Cerwinske, Matthew Fuller (Photographer) (Paperback - November 2000) More interior design than spiritual focus though does have discreet New Age flavor. Absolutely stunning color photos of entire rooms & gardens transformed into sacred space. --- Beltane is actually May 1st (hence, May Day). I was hoping we'd have our new house by then (complete with woods & a pond), but I don't think it will be. I'd love to have some space outdoors (without neighbors RIGHT THERE), to be able to have a celebration! We'll probably have a small fire & just take in the spring around us. By the way... there is a full moon on Sunday, the 24th of April (the hare moon). __________________ "The whole idea the diet doesn't work when you go off of it? That's the whole point. Why would you go off of it? Here is a diet that's fun to eat..." Dr. Robert Atkins, CNN's Crossfire, 1999

04-22-2005, 10:24 AM	#16
Wife of a Vet Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Having Fun in Killeen/CopperasCove/Kempner - ish (TX) Posts: 13,802 Gallery: Wife of a Vet Stats: Highest 280/LC start-222/210 (grr)/145 5'8" WOE: Low Carb (Diabetic) Start Date: 8/26/03	Merry Meet all!! This is my favorite time of year, all the springing back to life, the new life, all affirms my love of life. Don't have any special plans for Beltane myself, but do not want much in the fertility area! There are a couple of areas of my life that need some rebirth, re-creation.... I think I will work that angle for myself. My altar is a very small space, maybe 6-8" square, with a few items that hold a spiritual meaning for me. Some Quartz that I found which in its smooth roundness, makes me think of a Goddess - for one. Best of luck with that move Dizneegirl. I love living in the country, and having a private space, and tolerant neighbors, who really couldn't care less about what goes on in my little patch of woods. __________________ ~~Pati~~ Searching for my lost shaker of salt... "The geometry of judgement is a circle. Hate is a snake that turns to consume itself from the tail...." Dean Koontz Supporting America's Gold Star Families

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04-19-2005, 04:32 PM	#2
Mootzee Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: West Virginia Posts: 11,085 Gallery: Mootzee Stats: A Tight Size 22/12/8 (5'2") WOE: Glycemic Index Start Date: Jun 2008 (restart)	Forgive me for such a simple question but I am interested in making a small altar for my own use at home. I am not Wiccan but more Pagan (well actually more of an amalgamation of different religions). How do you go about creating one? Do I just more or less use things that feel right to me? I will use it more or less for meditation and as a retreat space. Any books or websites that you could recommend would be great.

04-19-2005, 04:59 PM	#3
BigRed MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,896 Gallery: BigRed	I can't think/find any specific books for alternative alters, but I think you are on the right track of putting things out that mean something spiritual to you. Off track (hijack) I think it's kinda funny that there are SOME people who, at the mention of the word ALTER, think - spells, witchcraft, evil - when in reality it is just a place of spirituality. My EX-inlaws were very very very Catholic and had a small alter in thier front room. They had a family friend who was a priest up north, and would bring thier elderly parents (ex's grandparents) down each winter. While he was there he would preform daily morning mass at the alter in thier living room. Buddhists have alters, as I suspect others do. It is a place, where when you pass it or gaze on it, it brings your spirit comfort. And like pavlow's dog, helps you quickly center your spirit and open it to ... what you are seeking. I have a place in my front room that has a couple of celtic crosses, and 3 different buddha's, candles and a bowl for burning my worries and requests to God. When I look at the face of the buddha, I feel ... in tune.

04-19-2005, 06:40 PM	#5
BigRed MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,896 Gallery: BigRed	I had a goddess (that I made from terra cotta clay) for incense burning along with 5 candles in one bathroom. I like to light them during the day with a pray or maybe just an afirmation. In my other bathroom I only have candles but I am thinking about makeing some clingy afirmations to put on the mirror. (If I make 30 then I can change them at night and remember them each morning.) In my front room I have the buddha's and crosses.. gosh I sound over welmed with spiritual things don't I .. but I really am not. They are mostly very modern and decorative looking. The front room is about to get revamped once again... who knows what I will look like in a couple of months!

04-20-2005, 12:36 PM	#9
dizneegirl MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,884 Gallery: dizneegirl	Near Dayton now... will be moving in-state, closer to Columbus, if all goes well, though it doesn't seem to be going as smoothly as when we started out! If it's right, it'll happen, though!

04-20-2005, 03:15 PM	#11
dizneegirl MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,884 Gallery: dizneegirl	Bless you. It would be a move into the country with some land, and that wonderful pond (complete with tiny turtles, tadpoles, bluegill & frogs!)...not to mention a bigger house. It would be sooooo nice!

04-20-2005, 05:19 PM	#14
dizneegirl MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,884 Gallery: dizneegirl	Ahhhhh... I went by the Witches Almanac. No matter when, or when you celebrate, a blessed Beltane!

04-20-2005, 07:10 PM	#15
BigRed MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,896 Gallery: BigRed	I sound awfully knowing... I AM NOT!!! but rather a student... of life.. and love.. and well everything!!! Blessed be everyone!!! OH and shakespeare's birthday is THIS SATURDAY!! DH is taking me to OSF - Midsummer's Night Dream!