Autumn Fairs

As September was possibly the last mellow month of the year, many feasts and fairs were held around this time to take advantage of the weather and the abundance of food.

One popular type of fair was a 'mop fair' at which servants were normally hired for the coming year. Those wanting a job would line up and each one wear or hold a sign of their trade. E.g. a crook for a shepherd, a pot for a cook, a mop for a cleaner (hence the name 'mop fair'). If they were lucky enoughto be hired their employer would give them what was known as a 'fastenpenny' which was a gift of money to bind them to their new post at which point they were free to go off around the fair and enjoy themselves.

Enjoy the last few days of September and let's hope for an Indian summer to carry us into October.

The Autumn Equinox

The equinox arrived along with the full moon yesterday (23rd) at 10.17 BST. From now on our world with descend further into darkness whilst the earth begins her period of rest and renewal following the gathering of the final crops.

The equinox is a strange time, it is unpredictable, brings strange weather patterns to our door and often makes us feel unsettled. When this is coupled with the effects of the full moon, be prepared for the unexpected.

'Gather, gather the last fruits of summer

Drink of their sweetness

And bathe in their juice,

Gather, gather the last fruits of summer

For winter is bindingAnd tightening her noose.'

From 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers'

The arrival of Jupiter

Tomorrow (21st September) Jupiter's approach comes closest to the earth and as such it is the best time to view both the planet and its moons.

In our solar system there are approximately 140 known moons of which Jupiter has the lion's share at sixty two, four of which are the largest around any planet.

1. Callisto: The outermost of the four and the most heavily cratered. It is thought to hold a body of water.
2. Io: The innermost moon and the most sulphurous and volcanic, with hundreds of eruptions at any one time. It also appears to have an atmosphere.
3. Europa: This has an icy surface which may cover liquid water.
4. Ganymede: The largest moon in the solar system being larger in diameter than Mercury and has its own magnetic field.

Resurrect your telescope and enjoy the view!

Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries will provide more detail on the planets and their fascinating moons.

The Element of Ether

'The fifth element or ether, is that which surrounds every living thing. It is that which houses the seat of the spirit, that which holds the blueprint of the physical body before birth and that which is last to dissipate after death........I believe that when the soul incarnates into the physical body, the flame of life is lit and that is what I consider to be the spirit. To me, spirit is the essence of life that sits within the etheric body. It ignites at our birth and evaporates at our death......that is unless someone meets with a violet or unhappy end.......'

From Mrs Darley's Pagan Elements by Carole Carlton

Abbots Bromley Horn Dance

September has always been the traditional time for feasts and fairs, with folk taking advantage of the last warm dry days before the onset of autumn and celebrating the earth's bounty with suppers and food fayres.
In Abbots Bromley in Staffordshire however, a very different type of public event is carried out every September called the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance, thought to date back at least 1000 years. Here six men carry reindeer antlers on their shoulders and dance around the whole village visiting all the outlying houses and local inns, having of course a sample of ale at each. The dance takes all day and they are accompanied by a motley crew of a male Maid Marion, a fool, a hobby horse and a boy with a bow and arrow.
Its origins are shrouded in mystery but suggestions include that it was once performed to ensure good hunting; that it was a dance to honour the sacrificial Corn God, or simply a harvest celebration which is said to bestow good luck upon all those who watch it.
It is normally held on the first Monday after the first Sunday after the 4th September but do check the web site to make sure as the date has been known to change on occasions.
If you miss the dancers going out in the morning however it's a long wait until they reappear late in the afternoon! There are stalls and a festive atmosphere in the village however and on a nice day it's worth a visit.
Read more in Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers by Carole Carlton

The Element of Earth

'Earth is our home. It is our Mother, our provider. It offers us deeply wooded forests, sheltered mountain caves, rolling hills, fields of corn and a plethora of animals and plants. It is the food on our table and the touch of someone's hand. The earth is always in a constant state of flux beneath our feet, confirming that nothing stays still and that the only constant is change. The earth element is the abode of the gnome and reminds us that we are flesh and blood and should not live our lives in a constant state of otherworldliness but should enjoy the pleasures of the senses of sight and smell, of hearing, taste and touch and in doing so give thanks to the Divine essence for allowing us this experience.'

From 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Elements' by Carole Carlton