Volume 17 Issue 4
Lammas 2020

Seasons of the Moon is a quarterly online magazine published by students and members of The Order of The White Moon, an eclectic international order of women dedicated to The Goddess. The Order provides personal empowerment and priestess training, and operates local groups. All contributions are original material submitted by our students and members. (We do not accept outside contributions.) Please direct comments and questions to the Ezine Editor.

Lammas 2020

Holy Days
Lammas ‐ Origin and Custom, M)0(rrigan
Lammas, Ajna DreamsAwake
Mabon, Ajna DreamsAwake

Southerly Sisters
Imbolc and Ostara, Ajna DreamsAwake

Ritual Work
Lammas Ritual, M)0(rrigan

Goddess Work
A Tree Story, Muriel
Essential Oils for Lughnasad, M)0(rrigan

Witchy Writings
Guides and Familiars, Peace Whitehorse

Thou Art Goddess
Feather Flame and Song, Lunayana Freebird

Sacred Sites
Temple of Osun, Ajna DreamsAwake

OWM Awareness
OWM Happenings, Ajna DreamsAwake

The Bardic Soul: Poetry and Song for the Spirit
Blessed Be, Peace Whitehorse
Pagan Lore, Peace Whitehorse
I Believe in Magick, Peace Whitehorse
The Sea Goddess, Mystic Amazon
Ocean Dreaming, Mystic Amazon
Beach Reverie, Mystic Amazon
Surrender, Ajna DreamsAwake

Recipes Fit for a Goddess
Apple Bread, M)0(rrigan
Plum Jam, M)0(rrigan
Lammas Cookies, M)0(rrigan
Spelt Bread, M)0(rrigan
Lammas Wine, M)0(rrigan
Fresh Corn on the Cob, Crystal Fire

Just For Fun
Altar Decorations, M)0(rrigan
Mabon Abundance Tarot Spread, Ajna DreamsAwake
Lammas Herb Sticks, Ajna DreamsAwake

Holy Days

Lammas ‐ Origin and Custom

At the August Full Moon, Lug ‐ Llew Law Gyffes ‐ celebrated his wedding with the goddess of the Earth Annona, the matron with the cornucopia who nourishes the world. They will be reigning until Samhain. Their Time is the Harvest Time. Lugh's Festival was a Fire festival. Huge piles of wood were lit. The Fire symbolising the metamorphosis of the god. For 3 days ‐ so was the custom of the Island Celts ‐ Water was taboo. No washing, no bathing, no fishing, nor could a net be cast. The Corn King was brought to the village in a solemn procession and sacrificed. The Anglo‐Saxons called the feast for the blessing of the grain harvest Hlaf‐mass, from which came the name Lammas.

On the Feast of Lugh all herbs that were necessary to keep Health and Wealth of the Farm/House in the coming year were consecrated. It made sense to collect the plants in these hot days, because aroma, taste and healing power are the expression of the cosmic powers of Warmth and Light that the plants are absorbing in this time of the year. The women consecrated these herbs to the Goddess. The missionary Bonifatius ‐ the same who had cut down the sacred trees of the heathens ‐ tried to ban this custom in a synod of Liftinae (in the Year 743 CE), but the Women kept to their ritual, and so the church allowed the tradition, but under the patronage of the Virgin Mary, saying those herbs were the flowers found in her tomb (instead of symbols of the Goddess' body). So the herbs were collected and consecrated to the Holy Mary on her Ascension day.

Healing Herbs were used for protection against sorcery, fire and hail, for a good cohabitation, and for an easy birth. Some of them were laid in the chest where crops were stored, others were put in the coffin of a deceased person. Many of the herbs were used as incense, smoked during the sacred times ‐ like the Rauhnächte (Twelfth night or Epiphany), or Winter Solstice.

These Herbs were:
Yarrow, Mugwort, Arnica, Marigold, Sage, Lovage, Dill, Valerian, Tansy

The sacred bunches were embellished with Corn stalks or cornflowers (which brings to mind, with their blue colour, the sky cloak of the Goddess). They were then framed with shorter growing herbs like camomile, creeping thyme, cleaver, and feverfew. At the center, the goddess herself was represented by the common mullein.

My name is Morrigan. I am a Priestess of Morrigan and practice Shamanism, Runes, Tarot and Usui Reiki. I am a sister in the Sacred Three Goddess School.

Lammas

Lammas introduces the season of ripening. Its focus is on the first harvests of Summer. Our ancestors celebrated the crops, knowing that a successful harvest would see them through the long dark months to come.

Sunlight is noticeably beginning to decline as the Wheel turns toward the dark half of the year. We may already be starting to lament Summer's end, but for now, we can rejoice in warm sunny days, and partake of the endless bounty of seasonal fruits and vegetables.

As a grain festival, our ancestors would burn an effigy of the Grain God at Lammas, to ensure the continuing cycle of death and rebirth in the Spring. The God was a willing sacrifice, giving up His life so that His people may live. We can honour this tradition by celebrating the abundance of the Earth and all She has to offer, sharing our bounty with others in Her name, and make our own sacrifices for the greater good of our communities.

Sacrifice is something that we do willingly. We can look at our metaphorical garden, the seeds we planted, the ways we nurtured our dreams, prioritizing what needed nourishment and what needed to be thinned out. We pulled the weeds, removing some things in order for others to prosper and grow. We did a lot of hard work to arrive at this point. We can celebrate our successful harvest as we acknowledge the sacrifices we made. We can look honestly at the sacrifices that may still be required, letting go of the attitudes, behaviours, or beliefs that may still be hindering us. This is but the first of the harvests, there remains time to work on our goals and reap the benefits in the coming months.

Mabon

Mabon is a celebration of the Second Harvest on the Wheel of the Year. The spirit of the God that was sacrificed at the First Harvest is now journeying to the Underworld. As the God withdraws from the land, the life force of the mourning Goddess follows him, creating a portal which can facilitate our own transition into the Underworld.

Offerings of fruit from our harvest can serve as a reminder of the sweetness of life. Even though Mabon signals the end of the growing season, and a transition into death, we celebrate the abundance and blessings that our hard work has reaped.

At Mabon, we say farewell to the power of the sun, and give thanks for the warmth and the light it has provided. This is also a time of rebalancing after intensive work, an opportunity to rest after our labour. We honour our hard work and celebrate all that we have brought into manifestation in the past few months.

People are busy gathering from fruit trees and gardens, canning and freezing, preserving their bounty for the coming months. But we will also leave some of our harvest behind, to lie fallow. In the act of dying, their remains will form a rich compost that will nourish our gardens in the Spring.

We can do the same for the inner garden of our visionary mind. The seeds we first planted at Winter Solstice, which germinated in the Spring, manifested this summer. But at Mabon, it is time to harvest the memories of dreams fulfilled, even as we mourn the loss of what did not come to pass. We often tend to be more focused on what did not grow rather than celebrating our successes. Not all that we plant will be fruitful, some of our dreams will get left behind, transforming into compost for next year's harvest.

Think on the things you wanted to accomplish or enjoy but did not have the opportunity to do so this Summer. Select one event you were looking forward to that did not occur. Without judgment, consider the reasons why it didn't happen. Perhaps you were too busy, too tired, too overwhelmed, or the timing wasn't right. Perhaps the global pandemic prevented you from enjoying your usual Summer activities or vacation. Feel the disappointment, mourn the loss, then allow those emotions to lie fallow. Let them go, to break down into compost which will feed the seeds of future dreams and goals. Who knows what next year will bring. But it is never too early to begin planning next year's dreams.

Southerly Sisters

OWM is a global organization, with Sisters in countries around the world, including the Southern Hemisphere. The Wheel of the Year is reversed for our Southerly Sisters. To ensure we remain inclusive, we would like to share some information about the Holy Days that pertain specifically to them.

Imbolc and Ostara

The Wheel turns toward another Season. At Imbolc, we sense the stirrings of our own life force as well as the life stirring below ground. After months of retreat time and going within, hibernating and cocooning through the frosty months, we begin to feel alive once more. As the Earth warms up, we find ourselves spending more time outdoors. We feel a strong connection to the Goddess at this time, seeing the life burgeoning around us.

The days are getting noticeably longer. The sun rises higher in the sky, bringing warmth, and we are once again able to bask, though the cooler temperatures remain. The sun is setting later in the evening, which allows more time to be outside in nature. We feel a quickening within, a need to move, to learn, to grow. As Mother Earth prepares Her Body for the Spring thaw and renewed life, so may we feel pregnant with expectation as to what the season will bring. We have completed our retreat time, birthing the self into a new and wondrous creation, a Goddess, a Vision.

We begin to see buds on the branches and the sprouting of the first flowers of Spring. We all seem to be in need of hope at this time. After a long hibernation through the cold winter months, we anticipate the warmer weather to come. We may feel a quickening within, the urge to purify, to cleanse our home, or to plan our gardens. There is a sense of excitement in the air as we move out of the stagnancy of Winter into the hopeful promise of Spring. Like the animals emerging from their burrows, or the buds appearing on trees, so too is our own retreat nearly at an end.

Ostara marks a time of equilibrium, when night and day are at equal length. Not only is it a balance of light and dark, but of masculine and feminine, inner and outer, life and death, above and below. Ostara offers an opportunity for us to bring balance into our own lives.

As the dark half of the year gives way to the light, we can reflect on what is out of balance in our lives. Is there too much of some things, or not enough of others? Perhaps we need to let go of old beliefs or patterns that no longer serve us, or maybe there is something we would like to invite into our life. Look honestly at your life, and, if you are unhappy with what you see, now is the perfect opportunity to do something about it. What would you like to nurture and grow, what would you like to release or transform?

Ajna DreamsAwake is a High Priestess and founder of Dark Moon's Heart School. Her personal journey of self‐discovery continues as she supports and guides women along their own healing paths.

Ritual Work

Lammas Ritual

Some thoughts about Lammas

Jera rune

I see Jera as a rune for Lammas ‐ it explains the atmosphere around this day. How important patience is for a good harvest… Jera stands for the Year, but also time and patience ‐ for the things in life that take time. Also, often, in a reading, it indicates that one must wait, and that the time for something has not yet come. Just like the pregnant woman of the 7 of Discs in the Motherpeace Tarot. It is the card before 8 ‐ before the fulfillment. It serves as a reminder that when we wait for things, until their time has come, we can profoundly relish in them.

At Lammas we celebrate the fruits of our efforts and the gifts of the Mother Goddess. These fruits may be a salary raise, a completed project (a move, a new flat/house, a new job, something you were longing for). What matters most is that we take the time to acknowledge our efforts, these blessings, and that we celebrate ourselves ‐ our Goddess within and the Mother Goddess that nourishes us.

Being grateful fulfills us, makes us feel 'connected' with all ‐ especially with our own source of creativity ‐ and fuels us with positive energies that provide the power to move on. Being grateful gives us the inner security and assuredness that allows us to be patient.

At and around Lammas we may still feel the influence of the New Moon that just passed, or the Waxing Moon, supporting us in all our future endeavors. So even if you are having a difficult time right now, and you don't actually feel like celebrating ‐ use the opportunity to make a change with a fresh spirit.

If you are able, it's, of course, best to spend the day outside and celebrate the ritual under the free sky. If you do so, pay attention to your local regulations about the Corona situation, or restrictions concerning open fires… ‐ use your discretion and try not to cause damage.

Not all of us are blessed to live in the country side, with fields and meadows around. Where you can find the wild herbs, field flowers, wheat or other cereals, or where there is also a nice sacred space to conduct the ritual outside. Some of us may have no other option than to stay inside ‐ because of location or for weather reasons. This ritual is designed to be held indoors.

Lammas Ritual

Preparation work

Altar Decorations
Fieldflowers, Sunflowers, Summer Flowers, Fruits of the Season ‐ preferably Apples, Prune Plums, Reenekloden (Precious Plums), Mirabelle Plums, Wheat Sheaves, Wheat/Spelt Grains
The wheat sheaves that you use for the altar may also be used to decorate the doors (like Mistletoe at Yule).
Altar Cloth, Taper Candles, Incense, Water, Salt, Amber Stone

If you have a store nearby, buy yourself a piece of Amber ‐ maybe one with a hole so you can wear it as a pendant.
Alternately, Amber softens with heat so you may be able to drill a hole with a hot thick needle.
You can also carry it with you in your pocket as a talisman.

Brisingamen ‐ Freya's magical necklace ‐ is made of Amber. It grants power over the elements. The power over the elements ‐ or rather, the knowledge of how to work with the elements ‐ is vital in agriculture/farming, and is required to ensure a good harvest. Of course, this can be taken to a different level as well, and refer to our inner alchemy, and the understanding and balancing of the elements within us… Also, Amber is the color of gold ‐ and is almost as valuable. It can serve as a representative for both wealth and health.

Cakes and Ale
(refer to Recipes Fit for a Goddess)

Suggestions for "Cakes": Apple‐Bread, Plum Jam, Lammas Cookies, Spelt Bread
Suggestions for "Ale": Mead, Cider, Apple Juice, Water, Lammas Wine

Altar Setup

Use a yellow or light‐green altar cloth (can include blue or other colors as well).
Use red, yellow and white candles ‐ and one single blue taper candle.
Place plenty of healing flowers like Chamomile, St. John's Wort, Lavender, Echinacea Flowers, Marigolds (Calendula)
Include floral products that you use, like red oil made of St. John's Wort, Calendula Cream, Chamomile Tea etc…
Arrange some shiny things ‐ little Mirror Pieces, Wind Chimes ‐ Fairies like them.
Incense: Sandalwood, Lavender, Honeysuckle

If you are a circle of several women, let every women bring something they made themselves.
After the ritual and opening the circle they may give them away to each other.

Ritual Body

Draw your circle.
Light the red, yellow and white candles
Light the incense ‐ You may want to use an incense stick to draw the circle.

Speak aloud:
Come gentle Fairies, Elves, Mother mine
I invite you to join me at this first harvest time
Protect me and guide me
Join this circle and stay
Let joy be the topic
Of this wonderful day
Let us feast and celebrate
This union so gay (you may refer to the union of the circle or the wedding of Lugh)

Have your amber stone, the flowers and the healing floral products arranged

Light the blue candle (representing the healing power)

Ask the Goddess to bless them and give power to them

Speak aloud:
I give thank for this harvest
Bless Goddess your kids (referring to the flowers, fruits, plants, healing products…)
So they heal once it's needed
Your wonderful gifts!

If there are several women, you can let each woman ask for her own healing.
You can also let everyone in the circle share some memories on a special healing experience.

On closing the circle speak aloud:
I am thankful and opening this circle so bright
Part in peace now
The light of the Mother shall always be our guide

Now it's time to eat and drink.
It is also a good time to share the 'gifts' that each woman has brought.

ENJOY YOUR CELEBRATION!!!!!

My name is Morrigan. I am a Priestess of Morrigan and practice Shamanism, Runes, Tarot and Usui Reiki. I am a sister in the Sacred Three Goddess School.

Goddess Work

A Tree Story

Francis Bacon raised the question: If a tree falls in a forest, and no one is around, will the falling sound of the tree be heard?

For me there is only one answer ever possible ‐ Yes of course! Why?

Well, first of all, the Tree Angels would raise an alarm to make Others of Nature aware of the tree falling. Second, a tree song that goes missing is always heard.

If you were to walk in my gardens you would understand my answers. What Francis Bacon failed to consider is the reality of a living forest and the trees themselves.

In my gardens are many trees. There is White Pine, who offers a song of quiet peace. There is Apricot, who laments her story of betrayal. There is Juniper, who loves to be called Gillian. There is Blue Spruce, who asks where the woad is growing. There is Plum, who hints at my need for umiboshi. There is Maraschino Cherry, who sings the Sacred Three song of Life, Love and Earth. There is Apple, who whispers 'take your vitamins'. There is the runic songs of Rowan, who guards the North Gate. There is my Spirit Tree, Hazelwood, who guards the East Gate; Her staff awaits patiently next to Ashwood for both angelica and feather adornments ‐ a sacred staff is never left unattended. There is Elder, for jam and wool dyeing. There is Oak to hold the North Star tight to my Being and Becoming. There is Yew and His fearsome voice against predators. There is Holly King, tucked away in the shade. There is Cedar for smudging.

This is a special year in many ways. Why? Two wild neighbours arrived into the garden courtesy of Nature ‐ Black Cherry, for abundant prosperity, and Black Walnut, for deep wisdom. Nature seemed to know what I needed to be reassured of in these unusual times. All I can say is that to sit with them and listen for their heart songs is more beautiful than a sunset over the neighbours Field Maple.

When next you get a chance, listen for the Heart Song of your Soul Tree. She or He will be waiting to share their love with you in ways most unexpected.

Love and blessings to all,
Muriel

Muriel is a Level II Initiate in Sisters of the Rising Moon

Essential Oils for Lughnasad

These Essential Oil blends are creations of mine. I call them 'Switch on the Light' and 'Brighten Your Day' ☺

I find them appropriate for the season as they are refreshing and brighten things up…
The number represents the proportion.

Switch on the Light

1 Rosemary
3 Patchouli
4 Ylang Ylang
2 Black Pepper

Brighten Your Day (and your mind)

3 Lemon
4 Citron
2 Bergamot
2 Ylang Ylang
1 Peppermint

My name is Morrigan. I am a Priestess of Morrigan and practice Shamanism, Runes, Tarot and Usui Reiki. I am a sister in the Sacred Three Goddess School.

Witchy Writings

Guides and Familiars

A Plethora Of Guides

Spirit Guides, Spirit Animals, Angels and Archangels, Guardian Angels, Ancestors, Elementals, Ascended Masters, local spirits such as that of a tree or a body of water, just plain Guides, Animal Guides, Familiars ‐ oh MY!

Wow. That's a lot of Guides! What do they all mean? I've looked them up and have a little blurb for each of these to help figure them out…

First off, Spirit Guide tends to be a generic term referring to any of the above. Also used often to refer to a "just plain Guide" ‐ that's a technical term (not really, it's my term…).

Spirit Animals share information with you that you need to achieve balance or to grow in your path. Qualities are those inherent to an entire species. Does not refer to any specific individual animal, but to the species in general.

Angels are any spiritual being in the angelic hierarchy. They bring messages, provide comfort, protection and give directions. Angels predate Christianity and Judaism.

Archangels are the highest of all angels. They are said to be made of pure love. They bring messages. They can function as a Guardian Angel.

Guardian Angels are assigned to you at birth, to help you throughout your lifetime. Can be any angel including an Archangel.

Ancestors are connected to you through some sort of genetic memory, either to you or your people or tribe. May have been related to you in this life or a previous one. They are guardians and protectors.

Elementals are spirits that inhabit nature. Earth has Gnomes, Air has Sylphs, Fire has Salamanders, and Water has Undines.

Ascended Masters are enlightened earthly beings who have transformed spiritually. Examples are Buddha, Christ, Confucius, Mother Mary.

Local Spirits are spiritual beings of a tree, rock, mountain, body of water, or any other local landmark important to you or to your people. See Elementals.

Guides, the "just plain Guides" that I mentioned earlier. They are spiritual beings that help you for any length of time. They may come and go, or be with you for a lifetime. This is generally what someone means when they say they have a Spirit Guide.

An Animal Guide is a spirit of a specific individual animal, that may have been known to you in physical form, such as a beloved pet. As opposed to a Spirit Animal that is generally a representative of an entire species.

A Familiar is an animal that assists you and is generally a specific living creature.

So, after reading all that, it all makes sense, right? LOL. Clear as mud and twice as thick. But I tried!

So, do we all have all of these in our life? Not necessarily. But I believe all of us have one or more of these. And there may be more in your life than you are aware of.

See this article by Kai Greenway, https://www.gaia.com/article/what-is-a-spirit-guide.

Familiars

What is a Familiar?
A familiar is generally seen to be a living animal that you have a magickal connection with. However, it could also be an animal spirit, perhaps of a beloved pet, or one that has come to you in meditation or a dream. In some paths, elementals ‐ salamanders (fire), undines (water), gnomes (earth) and sylphs (air) ‐ are seen as familiars. Familiars, like any being, have free will. So the familiar is a being that wants to be with you and to assist you.

What does a Familiar do?
A familiar generally assists in magick. They are sometimes seen as beings that can be sent forth to do a witch's bidding. They bring their own personal power to your magickal working to enhance your power. They join together with you in the performance of your magick.

Am I a real witch if I don't have one?
Absolutely. Basically, a familiar is a tool like any other tool in your witchy toolbox. Can you be a real witch without a wand, a besom, a spirit guide? Of course you can. Every witch does not have access to each and every tool available.

Why would I want a Familiar?
Simply put, they provide assistance to the witch. So, to have that assistance, and the magickal power enhancement that a familiar provides is generally why a witch would want a familiar.

How do I get a Familiar?
Please don't go out and get an animal with the idea of making it your familiar. That's not a good reason to acquire any animal. And there is no guarantee that animal would become magickally connected to you. I think most familiars choose us, rather than us choosing them. Since they are beings of free will, it is up to them to decide if they want to be drawn into magick, and more importantly, if they want to be drawn into circle with you specifically.

Do I have a Familiar?
Yes. His name is Tobey and he is the spirit of my late heart dog. Tobey was drawn to my circles when he was still in earthly form. Now that he is a spirit being he still comes and adds his power to mine in my magickal workings. Tobey left the earthly plane in 2010 but he has never left my side. He works together with my spirit guide to assist in my life and workings.

Click on the link to follow Peace at Witchy Writings

Peace Whitehorse is a graduate of The Sacred Three Goddess School and a High Priestess in the Order of the White Moon, teacher at the Peace Grove School of the Goddess and facilitator and High Priestess of the Peace Grove Coven. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and her Shetland sheepdogs, and is active in Sheltie Rescue.

Thou Art Goddess

Feather Flame and Song

Her Message

Womyn,
You are pure gold.
Authentic.
100% pure, NO MATTER WHAT.
No need for stars; you glow.
Your path well‐known within your belly.
Sacred fire ignites your soul.
You live~
unbound
limitless
whole.

Sacred Sites

Temple of Osun, Nigeria

Nestled along the banks of the Osun River, outside the city of Osogbo, lies one of the last sacred forests in Nigeria. The Osun‐Osogbo Sacred Grove is dedicated to the Goddess Osun, and is home to forty shrines, honouring Osun and other Yoruban deities. A procession road leading to the Grove is lined with artwork made from stone, wood, iron, mud and concrete. There are two palaces within the Grove, Ile‐Osun and Ogboni House, which commemorate the site of the first two settlements in the area. Osogbo may come from the words "Oso‐Igbo" (Bush Witch), referring to the Forest Spirits who dwell in the Sacred Grove.

Osun, the Yoruba Goddess of Love and Sweet Waters, is the protective deity of the river in Nigeria that bears Her name. The Osun River, a manifestation of the Goddess, has powers of healing, protection, and fertility, and the fish who dwell in the waters are believed to be messengers of the Goddess. The Goddess Osun is a healer of the sick, Her Grove is home to over 400 species of plants, many of which are harvested for their medicinal properties. She is the bringer of song, music and dance, as well as prosperity and fertility. She taught the Yoruba agriculture, culture, and mysticism, as well as the art of divination using cowrie shells. Osun may be depicted as a mermaid, or as a beautiful, sensual young woman, adorned with gold jewelry, beads, and mirrors.

The Osun‐Osogbo Grove was discovered by a man named Olutimehin, while he was out hunting. His village was suffering from drought and so he approached his friend, Gbadewolu Larooye, and suggested that they move their people to the lush forest. Larooye did so, building Ile‐Osun along the banks of the river. One day, while clearing brush, a tree fell, crushing dye pots sacred to Osun. This angered Osun and She caused the river to flood the settlement. She then made a pact with Larooye, the Goddess would help the people if they, in turn, respected Her grove and the river. The people built a shrine to Osun and then moved their village to higher ground. They established the Oja Lara, a place where humans and spirits could interact.

Colonialism nearly destroyed the Osun‐Osogbo Sacred Grove. As with so many other sites sacred to the indigenous people, the forests were desecrated, the shrines neglected. By the 1950s, fishing and poaching were occurring, statues removed, and trees cut down. An Austrian artist living in Osogbo, Susanne Wenger (who became known as Adunni Olorisha), with the support of the local community, created the New Sacred Art movement to protect the Grove.

The movement deliberately created large, fixed sculptures in iron, cement and mud, replacing the smaller traditional wooden statues. This helped to protect the Grove and stop thefts. The sculptures were inspired by Yoruba mythology and brought international attention to the Grove. In 2005, Osun‐Osogbo Sacred Grove became a Unesco World Heritage site, protecting the area from further devastation. Visitors from around the world arrived, many coming to attend the annual Osun‐Osogbo International festival.

Osun-Osogbo Festival

For more than 700 years, in August, the people of the Osogbo area have gathered in the Sacred Grove, to honour their Goddess and to pay their respects to their Ancestors. At this time, the current ruler, the Oba, re‐dedicates himself to the Goddess Osun, and renews the bonds between the spirits who dwell in the grove and the people of Osogbo. Devotees believe that the sacred grove forest is one of the last remaining places that the spirits, or 'Orishas' reveal themselves. The Arugba (Calabash Carrier) is a young maiden who serves as an intermediary between the Orishas and the people.

The Osun‐Osogbo festival begins with a traditional cleansing of the town, followed by the lighting of an ancient sixteen‐point lamp called 'Ina Olojumerindinlogun'. A procession down to the river is led by the Arugba, who carries on her head a calabash (bottle gourd) as an offering to Osun. The gourd, draped in a colourful veil, symbolizes the sacrifices of the community. The festival also includes drumming, dancing, musical performances, and elaborate costumes. It has become a popular attraction to both tourists and devotees of the Goddess.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osun-Osogbo
https://zodml.org/discover-nigeria/heritage-and-culture/osun-osogbo-grove
https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-africa/oshun-african-goddess-love-and-sweet-waters-002908

Ajna DreamsAwake is a High Priestess and founder of Dark Moon's Heart School. Her personal journey of self‐discovery continues as she supports and guides women along their own healing paths.

OWM Awareness

White Moon Happenings

OWM is proud to announce that Rin Fairweather has completed Level I of our White Moon studies to become an Initiate and Lifetime Member of the Order. See her Final Project here: https://orderwhitemoon.org/goddess/Bear_Mother/Bear_Mother.htm

Several of our Sisters have been gathering weekly over Zoom. It is a wonderful opportunity for OWM Sisters living around the world to connect more deeply with each other. During this pandemic, so many of us may feel isolated or lonely, having a supportive circle of beautiful, vibrant and loving women is a gift of Goddess,

It is with the deepest regret that we decided to cancel our OWM Annual Gemstone Exchange this year due to COVID-19. This long-standing tradition is one many of us look forward to every year. We hope to be able to resume the Gemstone Exchange next year.

We are, of course, delighted to welcome our new students in Pyramid of Light Mystery School , The Sisters of the Rising Moon, Sacred Three and Dark Moon's Heart from all over the world! We are always happy when sisters find their way to OWM!

More About OWM

If you're not an OWM student and you'd like to learn more about the Order of the White Moon, the schools offering Traditional White Moon Studies, or browse the Goddess Gallery, we welcome you to learn about us!

For those who are not currently Sisters of the Order but would like to feel supported, we encourage you to visit OWM's website and submit a Prayer Request. This Public Outreach program is one of the ways that OWM gives back to the community. We offer prayers, distance healing, and loving support to members of public.

You can connect with OWM on social media! Follow us on Twitter at @OrderWhiteMoon for regular updates on Seasons of the Moon, the Weekly Tarot Zodiac and other OWM public outreach programs. Our Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/orderwhitemoon.

Visit and like us! The Twitter feed and Facebook page are available to the public. Feel free to share these links. We appreciate your feedback so please let us know if you have any questions or suggestions.

May the Peaceful, Compassionate and Healing Presence of the Goddess be with you now and always.

Ajna DreamsAwake is a High Priestess and founder of Dark Moon's Heart School. Her personal journey of self‐discovery continues as she supports and guides women along their own healing paths.

The Bardic Soul: Poetry and Song for the Spirit

Blessed Be

(Sung to the tune of The Beatles' "Let It Be")

When I wake up in the early morning,
Mother Goddess sings to me,
"You must make a difference,
Blessed Be."

We must be the change in the World
That all of us want to see,
We must make a difference,
Blessed Be.

Blessed Be,
Blessed Be,
Blessed Be,
Blessed Be.
We must make a difference,
Blessed Be.

Now, we find ourselves in times of unrest,
And Goddess says again to me,
"You must make a difference,
Blessed Be."

Lives endangered, race an issue,
It's not the World we'd like it to be
Strive to make a difference,
Blessed Be.

Blessed Be,
Blessed Be,
Blessed Be,
Blessed Be.
We must make a difference,
Blessed Be.

We must make a difference,
Blessed Be!

Pagan Lore

Did you know? Have you heard?
There is a little bit of Pagan in everyone
Things we do and say and celebrate,
Superstition, Moon, Stars and Sun!

Christmas coincides with Yuletide,
The Winter Solstice. Christmas trees
And evergreens were honored on this day
The longest night of the year, you see.

Groundhog Day on February second
Falls on Imbolc, when sheep give birth,
Which is the middle of the winter season,
Celebrated with fire and mirth!

The Day of Hearts in February,
Known as Valentine's Day
Comes from Lupercalia
Celebrated in the Roman way.

Easter is from the Spring Equinox.
With bunnies and eggs galore,
Fertility is celebrated on this day,
According to Ostara lore.

May‐day then comes rolling 'round,
Or Beltane as it's known.
Wash your face in the morning dew,
Your freckles left upon the ground!

Halloween, or All Hallow's Eve,
Is a harvest festival day,
The final crops are coming in
And winter's on its way.

So you see, many customs
And things we celebrate
Are Pagan in their origins,
A fact you can't debate.

I Believe in Magick

I believe in Magick, it decorates my life!
It takes away the Mundane and all its stress and strife.
I bathe in Magick moonbeams each and every day,
And sprinkle Magick fairie dust along my happy way.

I believe in Magick, it's with me every night.
And every day, in every way, it makes my heart's delight!
Makes wiggly my body, all my fingers and my toes,
Makes happy and glad my earthly heart and ticklies up my nose!

I take Magick with me, everywhere I go,
It talks to me and walks with me in Sunshine and in Snow.
I never leave my home alone, never go without it,
And when I can I love to jump up and down and shout it!

Spreading Magick rainbows all along my walk,
And sprinkling Magick tongue‐drops every time I talk,
Some people think I'm crazy, and maybe they are right,
But I believe in Magick, in Darkness and in Light!

The Sea Goddess

From deep within the sea I rise
Ancient knowledge in my eyes,
I am the sea goddess, Ran.

Wearing sea shells in my hair,
Dragging down sailors to my lair
I'm either savior or enemy, to man.

Sea balls carried on the waves
Are scrying crystals for my gaze;
And waters rise to my command.

My waves can lull you into sleep
Or wreck your ship within the deep,
I am the sea goddess, Ran.

The ancient Vikings worshipped me
Left offerings upon the sea,
And I carried them to the New Land.

My fish have sustained many lives
But some have teeth as sharp as knives;
You must respect the goddess Ran.

Ocean Dreaming

May love wash over you
Like an evening wave from the ocean;
Cleansing away all your sorrows and fears
And may the Great Mother fill your life
With Her guidance and wisdom.

Now is a new time, a new year;
But the sea has always been with us
Like Mother Earth, it is ancient and beautiful.
Cry your salty tears if you must;
Cry out the pain so there will be room at last
For the joy that will come.

Walk upon the sandy beaches,
Your feet will take you to your special place.
Rest there in the moonlight;
as the Faeries come down upon the moonbeams.
After you rest, swim skyclad, with the mermaids
And the dolphins keeping you company.

The ocean will wash away your tears,
And you will be reborn;
For the sea is the womb of the Mother.
Float upon the waters,
Giving yourself entirely over to trust;
And She will bring you home.

Listen! The mermaids sing lullabies to you,
And the faeries have brought you food
And drink. Watch the faeries dance, and dream…
Dream of the life you long to have;

Then let your requests
Fly home to the Mother.
When you awake, the faeries have your
Crown of flowers waiting; and Pan
Is playing his pipes for the dance.

Beach Reverie

I walked on the beach in the dark
The waves calmly lapping at my feet,
The oceans sounds charged with energy.
I felt you walking with me, companionably,
Your ghostly hand holding mine.

Walking in the dark, cold sand on my feet
I felt salty breezes sweep us upward
And our souls flew together, over the ocean…
Watching the moon glimmering on the water.

I see you in dreams and trances;
And tonight in the dark, walking…
You said you'd always be there for me,
Although I didn't know you would die so soon.

Sometimes at home I feel you with me
Sitting across from me, telling silly jokes.
I remember our passionate kisses,
How we laughed so hard our stomachs hurt.

Talking at your favorite Chinese restaurant
(We went there on your birthday),
Dancing at your family's Low Country Boil
With seafood… your mother dancing, too
The men didn't dance, just us women.

Now in the moment with the foamy water;
Then again fluctuating in time with you.
Here, lets walk together some more!

I may not be able to see you, but I know
That you are there looking out for me,
Caring, and wanting me to be happy…
And when I find a corporeal love to be with,
You will wave goodbye with a smile.

Mystic Amazon is a High Priestess of the Order of the White Moon and an Ordained Minister. Her hobbies include writing, folk art, folk magick, Reiki, and reading.

Surrender

Every Summer
The same ritual
Watching the River
Slowly receding flood waters

A perfect combination
Hot day, gentle currents
Sitting on the beach
Allowing thoughts to drift

Stepping into the water
Ankles, knees, hips
Running back to the beach
Not ready, not ready

Building determination
Waist, breasts, shoulders
Rushing back to shore
Not yet, not yet

Trying a third time
No thinking, no doubt
Running, diving into icy waters
No turning back, committed

Suddenly swept up
Weightless in the current
Arms and legs stretched out
A Star Goddess floating

Every Summer,
Hesitancy, fear, doubt
Transcended by faith
And complete surrender

Recipes Fit for a Goddess

Apple‐Bread

The Irish goddess Tailtiu reconnects us with the Earth's cycles and the spirit of excellence. Her foster son, Lugh created the Tailtean games, which took place during Lammas. Lammas is the first of three Harvest festivals and so, preparing dishes with the first fruits or grains of the harvest is one way to honour Tailtu.

Ingredients

500g (2 Cups) Apples
250 g (2 Cups) Flour
150 g (⅔ Cup;) Sugar
2Pkg [16 g] (4 tsp) Vanilla‐Sugar
Vanilla‐sugar is a common ingredient in traditional German recipes. It may be found in the specialty foods section of your local grocery store.
½ Pkg [7.5 g] (1½ tsp) Baking Powder
4 eggs
Cinnamon

Directions

Mix the flour, sugar, vanilla‐sugar, baking powder, eggs and cinnamon. Peel the apples, remove the core and cut the apples into small pieces. Add them to the batter.

As you stir, chant:
Flour from grain, the spell begins, let the power rise within;
Apples from trees, now impart, Tailtiu, bring _ _ _ to my heart.*

Fill the blank with a word that describes the area in which you want to encourage improvements or develop mastery.

Put all in a greased pan, bake for 40 ‐ 45 minutes at 160° C (325° F).

Eat the bread to internalize the energy

* From our Level I text ‐ 365 Goddess by Patricia Telesco

Plum Jam

Ingredients

2 Kilo (8 Cups) Plums (Italian plum/prune)
1 Kilo (4 Cups) White Sugar
500 gram (2½ Cups) Brown Sugar
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Cardamom
2 pieces Star Anise

Directions

Wash and pit the plums, then fill them in a pot (non‐stick coating).
Add some water ‐ so half of the fruits are covered.
Add the sugar, the cinnamon, cardamom and the star anise.

Close the lid and bring all to a boil ‐ let it simmer for an hour. Stir frequently.
Purée with a stick blender and let the mass simmer for another hour ‐ or less if you see it has the right consistency/ thickness.
Sterilize jars and lids in boiling water.
Pour mixture into sterilized jam jars.

You can also set aside some of the jam to decorate or fill cookies, or enjoy immediately with fresh bread.

Lammas Cookies

Ingredients

300 grams (1¼ Cup) of flour (Wheat or Spelt)
2 tsp of Baking Powder
a pinch of Salt
30‐50 grams (2‐3 tbsp) Sugar (depends on how sweet you like it)
100 grams (½ Cup) Softened Butter
2 Eggs
100 ml (½ Cup) Milk

Directions

In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.
Add butter and mix together with your hands until it flakes.

Separate one egg and place the egg white in a small bowl, set aside.
Whisk remaining egg and yolk, add milk and mix this very good until it's foamy.

Now add egg/milk mixture to the flakes and make it a mass you easily can roll out.
Keep it about 0.5 cm thick.

Preheat at 200° C (400° F).
Take a glass and use to shape small moons - half ones, full ones, as you like.
Position the moons on a baking sheet and brush the tops with egg white.
Place the baking sheet on the center rack, bake for 6 to 10 minutes

Spelt Bread

Ingredients

330 ml (1½ Cup) Spelt Flour
330 ml (1½ Cup) Milk
1 pack Baking Powder
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp cardamom
⅓ Cup Sunflower Seeds
⅓ Cup of Sesame Seeds

Directions

Preheat oven to 175° C (350° F). Mix flour and baking powder.
Blend in milk, salt and spices.
Add sunflower seeds and ½ of the sesame seeds. The dough will be like that of a cake.
Put the dough in a loaf pan and sprinkle the remaining sesame seeds on top of the dough.

Place on the middle slide of the oven and bake for 20‐30 minutes.

Lammas Wine

Ingredients

1 bottle Red Wine (Merlot)
1 split Vanilla Bean
1 Clove
1‐2 Oranges, peeled and sliced
Calendula Petals

Directions

Heat the wine in a large pot, carefully, on medium low heat.
Add vanilla and orange slices.
Add one clove

Mix together and place in the fridge to cool. Serve chilled.
Pour into glasses and top each one with calendula petals.

My name is Morrigan. I am a Priestess of Morrigan and practice Shamanism, Runes, Tarot and Usui Reiki. I am a sister in the Sacred Three Goddess School.

Fresh Corn on the Cob

Ingredients

Fresh unshucked ears of corn
Foil wrap
Spice to taste

Directions

Rinse corn (pull back the silks, husk and recover corn)
Wrap corn individually in foil and place in a roasting pan
Stack as a pyramid and cover with foil (to steam corn)
Roast in the oven for 40 minutes at 400° F
Rotate corn in oven and spice corn if preferred

I have also cut ears of corn onto a plate and placed in freezer for future recipes like corn and potato chowder.

All the best with love,
Crystal Fire

Crystal Fire is a Level III Adept in Dark Moon's Heart School

Just For Fun

Altar Decorations

Orange and Apple Candle Holders

For the orange candle holders, you need thick‐skinned oranges. Cut the top, with a sharp knife or athame, use a spoon to scrape out the flesh. Now you can put a votive candle or tea light in the orange.

For the apple candle holders, you just take some nice red apples and take out the core with some special knife ‐ or any sharp knife ‐ until the candle fits in.

My name is Morrigan. I am a Priestess of Morrigan and practice Shamanism, Runes, Tarot and Usui Reiki. I am a sister in the Sacred Three Goddess School.

Mabon Abundance Tarot Spread

At this time of year, we can look within and reflect on the abundance of our lives. Mabon is the second three harvest festivals, there may still be plenty of time to reap and give thanks for the many blessings we have received this year.

Questions to ask:

What is my current relationship with abundance?
How do I achieve a more enlightened perspective of abundance?
Where do I need to focus my energy in order to attract abundance in my life?
What blessings am I grateful for right now?
How do I honour the many blessings in my life?

Lammas Herb Sticks

Herb sticks are simple to make and can provide a unique addition to your magick.

Do your research ahead of time. What is the intended use? Protection? Healing? Purification? etc… Work with herbs that will match your intent. Scott Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs is a good resource for spellwork.

Wildharvesting allows you to develop a close relationship with local trees, herbs and flowers. Plants which grow within your bioregion will resonate more strongly with you and enhance your magickal work. Ask permission from the plants before harvesting, state your intended use and give thanks or leave an offering in exchange. I use the Peterson Field Guide of Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs by Steven Foster and Christopher Hobbs to identify local flora (so as to avoid gathering poisonous or noxious plants).

You can also cultivate herbs from seeds (use Heritage seeds when possible as they have not been genetically modified). This provides you with the opportunity to be involved in every aspect of the life cycle, from planting, to nurturing and harvesting, and, finally, as a ritual offering. Honour your plants by asking permission before harvesting for ritual purposes.

Note: if the intended use is as a smudge, burn a small amount of the herb prior to bundling. Some plants may smell nice, but may not have the same pleasant aroma when smouldering.

Gather Materials
Herbs
cotton string (Use cotton or other natural fibers for the string as well as corresponding colours to match your intent. )
scissors

Directions

Prepare your ritual space.

On a clean flat surface, place your base plant and then, one by one, add each ingredient. Name the plant, its intended use etc…

Cut a long piece of string, gather up the bundle and begin wrapping. Chant an incantation, or repeat your intent, as you wind the string up and down the bundle. Tie off the string. Trim the ends and any parts of the bundle that stick out.

Hang to dry (approximately 4‐8 weeks).

Uses:
As a smudge, light one end of the herb stick with a match or candle flame, blow gently and direct the smoke with a feather to cleanse and purify ritual spaces etc … Place the smouldering herb stick on a safe, fireproof surface when not in use.
Place in a hearth for a ritual bonfire.
For those with smoke sensitivity, herb sticks can be left unlit. Once fully dried, wrap one end with a strip of cloth to use as a handle and use the bundle to direct energy or cast a circle.

Ajna DreamsAwake is a High Priestess and founder of Dark Moon's Heart School. Her personal journey of self‐discovery continues as she supports and guides women along their own healing paths.

The articles featured in Seasons of the Moon are written and/or submitted by members of the Order of the White Moon and are their own intellectual property. Please feel free to share this publication but do give credit where credit is due and link back to the source.

Thank you for reading, we hope that you have enjoyed it just as much as we have enjoyed presenting it to you.

Many blessings to you and yours,
Seasons of The Moon Staff

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Seasons of the Moon Home

Volume 17 Issue 4 Lammas 2020

Lammas 2020

Holy Days

Mabon

Southerly Sisters

Imbolc and Ostara

Ritual Work

Lammas Ritual

Goddess Work

A Tree Story

Essential Oils for Lughnasad

Witchy Writings

Guides and Familiars

Thou Art Goddess

Feather Flame and Song

Sacred Sites

OWM Awareness

The Bardic Soul: Poetry and Song for the Spirit

Recipes Fit for a Goddess

Apple‐Bread

Plum Jam

Lammas Cookies

Spelt Bread

Lammas Wine

Fresh Corn on the Cob

Just For Fun

Altar Decorations

Volume 17 Issue 4
Lammas 2020