The solstice draws ever closer and many are anxious about what this my bring. For me, I feel that the old world orders that have held sway for 2000 years will begin to fall away, our consciousness will rise and we will gradually come to see through the religious and commercial spin that has been fed to us and begin to take responsibility for our own lives and our own beliefs.
We have become slaves to misery, commercialism, greed and fear, always thinking we're not good enough, not clever enough, not pretty enough or rich enough to be accepted by those we consider to be 'better' than us, when in reality we should simply try to accept ourselves for the unique people that we are.

December New Moon

Today sees the birth of the Oak Moon in the sign of Sagittarius.
This moon completes the lunar cycle and to the Celts personified strength, stamina, life, death and rebirth, The oak was sacred to bothCeltic Druids, as many of their ceremonies were carried out in oak lined groves and also to the Roman God Jupiter.
The Oak moon wasan especially appropriate name for the December moon as the Winter Solstice was the time when the Oak King battled with the Holly King and defeated him, thus signifying the return of spring and summer.

Read more 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

December Skies

What an exciting month lies in store across the heavens.
Tomorrow sees Jupiter at its closest approach to earth and it will be visible all night. On the 11th Mercury is at its greatest brightness and, along with Venus is visible in the early morning sky.
On the 12th the asteroid Toutatis comes close to earth, although it still remains 180 x further away than the moon. It is moving gradually towards Jupiter and can be seen with a small telescope in the early evening.
The 13th and 14th sees the Geminids meteor shower, with a multicoloured display, although meteors should be on view between 6th and 19th. View in the east after midnight. the 13th is also the date of the new moon.
The 21st heralds the return of the light and is the date we have all either been waiting for or feel apprehensive about as it heralds the end of the longest calendar of days in the Mayan calendar and has many pieces of folklore attached to it, from the end of the world to a substantial shift in consciousness.
Whatever the end of 2012 brings may it help to put you in touch with your true life's purpose.

Full Birch Moon & Penumbral eclipse

Tomorrow the moon is fat in the sign of Gemini and although we may misplace objects of importance, it is an auspicious time fore travel, buying, selling, learning and communication.
This full moon however sees a penumbral eclipse, ie a partial eclipse, where the top half of the moon will be obscured. If the skies are clear we should be able to see it as it will rise eclipsed at 4pm, but will have cleared around 5pm.
The word 'eclipse' derives from the Greek 'ekleipsis' meaning 'abandonment', for the ancients felt abandoned when the moon and the sun behaved in a strange way and would perform many strange rituals in order to 'bring it back'. The Masai tribes of Africa threw sand in the airwhilst the north American Injdians rattled pots and pans .
Eclipses have always been feared throughout history and in Shakspeare's Richard 11 we are told:
The pale-fac'd moon looks bloody on the earth,
And lean-look'd prphetswhisperfearful change..
These signs forerun the death orfall of kings'
Mrs Darley however looked upon the eclipse as a time when personal transformation and forward movement are experienced, as outlined in our lunar eclipse celebrations at the moonstone in 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries.'
May this partial eclipse and its changes bring you more in line with your true self.

The Principle of Polarity

'Nothing is in a state of being, only in a state of becoming.'
The law of polarity tells us that everything is duel, everything has an opposite and yet opposites are in actual fact identical in nature and only differ by degree.
For example, quick is the opposite of slow, but at what point does quick become slow or slow become quick? Dark is the opposite of light, but at which point does one become the other? No-one can say, as it is up to the individual and their perception of quick and slow or dark and light.
In magick it is possible to transmute one state which is identical in nature into another e.g sickness into health or poverty into abundance by utilising the power of the mind and the ability to visualise one state metamorphosing into the other, whilst also of course acting in accord on the physical plane.
Read more 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Paths to Magick'

The Birch Moon

The new crescent moon should be visible either tonight or tomorrow and this moon was known as the Birch Moon to our Celtic ancestors.
This was the moon under which the development of sacred inner awareness was practised as it was thought to hold a promise of things to come. The Celts attributed protective qualities to the birch tree and it was therefore treasured throughout the dark months of winter.
The moon moves into the sign of Sagittarius today, which is indicated for all legal matters, education and ethics.
As I write the Moon is passing in front of Mercury which is visible with a motorised telescope from the UK, but due to cloud cover will not be seen by many.
Read more:  'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

The November Heavens

The heavens offer us a real treat this month beginning with a total solar eclispe on the 13th, albeit, it will only be visible from Northern Australia & the South Pacific, but nevertheless the winds of change will be felt around the world, especially as it occurs in the sign of Scorpio, the sign of death, rebirth & dramatic change.
On the 14 the moon passes in front of Mercury between 9.30 & 10.12am, but will only be visible with a motorised telescope, due to it being daylight.
The 17 & 18th bring us the Leonids meteor shower, one of the best of the year with up to 40 meteors per hour.
The 28 produces a penumbral lunar eclipse as only the top half of the moon will be covered but it will be visible from the UK at 16.00 and will last just under an hour.
Here's to clear skies.

The Principle of Vibration

Everything is energy and everything has a vibration regardless of whether it is perceived to be tangible such as an object or person, or whether it is more tenuous such as a thought or a deed.
The quality of our thoughts and deeds therefore affects our overall energy and the more positive our outlook, the higher our vibrational energy. As such we are only able to change the world around us by changing ourselves - such is the power of magic.

I despise, vibrations weaken. I complain, vibrations slow. I mistrust vibrations fall.
I am kind vibrations quicken. I give thanks, vibrations lift. I rejoice, vibrations rise.

From Mrs Darley's Pagan Paths to magick

Sacred Samhain

Tonight the veil is thin. Tonight we remember those who have gone before. Tonight the Goddess takes on a duel aspect, on the one hand She is the expectant mother who will give birth at the next festival of the Winter Solstice and on the other She is the Dark Mother - the Wise Woman. This is the Crone who asks us to journey within to explore our shadow selves and to give that aspect as much reverence as the sunnier side of our nature which is more often the aspect we portray to the world.
It matters not which face of the Goddess turns to face us, Her other aspects are always there and just because they may not be visible to the naked eye does not mean they fail to exist.

'In the marriage bed
Your Goddess lies,
Her youthful eyes
Still shine behind an ageing veil......'

From 'The Mermaid' - Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers

Samhain & the Full Blood Moon

The full blood moon graces our skies as Samhain approaches and for the Celts this signified a time of feasting, fires, honouring the ancestors & sacrifice.
The Gods were thought to draw near to the earth plane under this moon and kings would gather their tribes in order to make a human sacrifice to appease the Gods & keep everyone safe through the harsh winter to come. On occasions the sacrificial victim may be a beggar, whilsr on others an elderly king would give up his life.
Today gentler alternatives are preferred such as sacrificing a habit which no longer serves us or sacrificing the clothes which hang unworn in our wardrobes by giving them to a deserving cause. Afterall what better time to make new resolutions & clear out the clutter than at the beginning of the celtic new Year?
Read more 'Mrs Darley's pagan whispers'

The Principle of Correspondence

The Hermetic Principles tell us that every level of being is governed by the same universal laws, 'As above, so below, as below, so above.'
Hence we are able to call upon the Gods from the higher realms to aid our magickal workings, just as we may use a crystal, or candle from the earth realm, thus a table of correspondences is invaluable for those who wish to craft their magick.
Read more: 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Paths to Magick'

The Priciples of Hermetics

The Principles of Hermetics are complex to understand & even harder to incorporate within our daily and magical lives.
Hermetics tell us that this world and indeed everything that is throughout time and space is a creation within the mind of 'The All' (God, The Divine, Goddess, The Light - call it what you will). Man also creates mentally, thus everything that we see on the earth plane other than that which is part of nature, began with a thought in the mind of man.
The newly released Mrs Darley book, 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Paths to Magick', investigates the seven Hermetic Principles in detail.

The Blood Moon

October's new moon should now be visible in our skies just before sunset. This was the Celtic Blood Moon and was the time when the maternal qualities of the Goddess were honoured, including the gift of life itself. The Celts believed that the spirit of a person dwelt within the blood and as the harsh times approached, the Gods were called upon to strengthen the blood of the tribe.
This Blood Moon is in the sign of Libra - time for artistic activities, justice, partnerships, emotional balance, love, and diplomacy. May the Blood Moon strengthen your resolve and bring you peace of mind.
Read more 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

For thousands of years witchcraft and sorcery had formed an accepted part of man's culture. The earth's elements, the chanting of charms and the power of natural forces were used by many  ancient cultures to weave spells and to enhance or hinder the flow of life.
With the firm establishment of the Roman Church throughout Europe however a new meaning was given to the words 'witchcraft & sorcery' and it was this new definition which led to hundreds of years of persecution and misconception.
This new definition began to associate witchcraft with the devil, whose job it was to bring down the Christian church and so it was that the witch hunts began, leading to one of the most horrendous and degrading eras of religious persecution.
'It fastened on European juisprudence for nearly three centuries the duty of combating the devil and saving mankind from his clutches.....it served as justification for pitiless persecution'  (Hansen)

The brutal history of the persecutions are explored in great detail in the latest Mrs darley book - 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Paths to Magick'

Golden October

October is a month of contrasts, beautifully warm days with a dusting of frost to begin and end. The month begins with green leaves and ends with the forest floor covered in a blanket of gold. Christmas goods may be in the shops but for those who follow the seasonal wheel, the most important event in the Pagan calendar happens this month- that of Samhain. Here the end of the old and the beginning of the new is celebrated and those who have gone before are honoured and remembered as remnants of their wisdom are recalled in the flames of the Samhain fire.
In the heavens this month we have a treasure trove of meteor showers, beginning with the Draconids on the 8th and 9th in the North West after midnight. It is a sparse shower however with around 10 meteors per hour. On the 21 and 22 the Orinoids shower us with around 20 meteors per hour of yellow and green fireballs and is best viewed in the east after midnight. On the 29 Uranus is at its closest approach to earth and can be seen all night due south.
For more information on the festivals Read 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers', visit 'Mrs Darley's Herbal' shop in Bewdley Museum, Worcestershire, or visit www.arcanus.co.uk for courses and workshops.

Mrs Darley's Pagan Paths to Magick

The new Mrs Darley book is now out and finds the enigmatic Mrs Darley leading the author further along her magickal path as she reveals some of the secrets that underpin the workings of Divine Magick.

The word 'magick' evokes an air of mystery, wonder & excitement, but can it really be as simple as waving a wand and chating a spell? In truth the practice of magick is far more complex than we might imagine, requiring the practitioner to be both disciplined and dedicated.

The book also investigates why the word 'witch' still holds such negative connotations and provides a stark account of the barbaric witch hunts of Europe, Britain & Salem.

'How many screams have splintered the darkness?
How many nails have clawed at the stone?
How many lives have longed to be taken?
Free from the racking, the blood and the bone?'

From 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Paths to Magick'

The Wine Moon

Today ushers in the Wine Moon and this was the time in Celtic society where prophecy and communion with the Gods became a priority. In order to accomplish this task, they drunk copious amounts of wine, which had been fermented under summer skies, in order to go deep within and access the other world.
In our modern society we are still capable of consuming copious amounts of wine, yet often use its effects in order to forget what lies deep within, rather than to access it, and perhaps that is why our society is often full of disappointment and unrest - for the very thing we seek is that which we fail to bring into the light.

 

Read more 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

September Skies

This month is somewhat quieter across the heavens although Jupiter, Mars and Venus are all visible at certain points.
The planetary positions however promise sexual tension and jealousy before the new moon on the 16th, followed by a time of power, of driving things forward and of seizing the moment. For those who do take advantage of this exciting time, this could be a life changing.
Just before my Mum died, in a rare monment of clarity, she told me to 'take a risk' and never have those words been more appropriate than on the 22nd, when the autumn equinox coincides with the first quarter waxing moon. Be brave, take a chance and the results might just be priceless.
For more information on the Moon and Her effects or the turning of the seasopal wheel read 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries' & 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers'.

The Blue Moon

Yesterday saw the rare and beautiful Blue Moon grace our skies, although for the most part, the skies were overcast. Tonight however promises to be clear and as the full moon effects are felt for a night either side of the full moon date, this is the ideal time to dance, sing, feast and cast your magic beneath.
Mrs Darley told a fascinating yet an alarming tale concerning the Blue Moon and warned us about following any compulsion we may suddenly have of being drawn to visit a particular outdoor place, just incase we became bewitched by the pipes of Pan and then spent the rest of our lives attempting to recapture the high we had experienced by hearing them.

Enjoy this special event and give a word of thanks to the Blue Moon in all her glory

Mrs Darley's Pagan Paths to Magick

The new 'Mrs Darley' book is due out on 12 September, entitled 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Paths to Magick' and continues to follow my magickal journey which leads me to not only discover the truth behind the witch hunts, but also to understand what makes magick really work.
Mrs Darley intimated that anyone can light a candle, burn some incense and chant a spell, but it is through having an understanding of the Hermetic Principles, which the book explores in detail, that we can begin to understand the principles that underpin real magick.
In this book we see amidst the wisdom, a certain vulnerability in Mrs Darley which brought home to me the realisation that to master even a fraction of what these principles mean and to attempt to incorporate them into our daily and magickal lives is a task which even the most experienced occultist sometimes struggles with.

The Harvest Moon

Today welcomes the new 'Harvest Moon' , the moon under which the remainder of the corn and the beginning of the vegetable harvests took and indeed still take place.
This is the time when our Mother Earth allows us to take from her belly the very food that will fill our own and so it is a moon beneath which we should give thanks.
For the Celts this moon signified a time of magic, healing and wisdom and many late summer evenings would be spent around the fire chanting healing charms and listening to old tales of magic and mystery.
Enjoy these golden days of summer as the bountiful Goddess shares her gifts with Her children.
Read more - 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

Having strength of Character

This year has not been without its challenges and it certainly appears that way for many with whom I've come into contact. Perhaps it is due to the fact that there is a rise in consciousness and that we are being pushed to increase our spiritual awareness.
After a particularly stressful day earlier this week, I sat quietly around midnight and contemplated my plight whilst running my hand through the Rune stones. After a while I drew 'Perth' reversed which told me that worrying about what once was and feeling anxious about what might be, meant that I was actually depriving myself of the true present - the only time in which I could make changes. I also began to appreciate that  each challenge is a test of character and that without such happenings we would never grow and therefore be unable to experience our true selves - shadow side and all.

The Lavender Man

This is a time of reaping and sacrifice, a time for understanding that death is a natural part of life and that in order for something new to spring forth, the old has to be laid aside.
This is a time when the golden fields yield their summer bounty into the arms of man and when the lavender fields offer their delicate perfume to the Gods.

Beware beware the Lavender man,
The lavender man,
The lavender man
Beware, beware the lavender man
He'll lure you to his bed

Lavender sheets and lavender wine,
Lavender grapes from lavender vines
Beware beware the lavender man
His charms will weave and bind.........'

From 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers' (The Lavender Man)

August skies

Lammas or Lughnasadh is past, although no doubt the corn God will continue to be sacrificed throughout the month, according to the weather and individual farming practices.
August however promises an interesting month in the skies, for although Thursday saw the full moon grace the heavens, we have another full moon this month, on the 31st. This is a rare and exciting event which only occurs approximately every 2 1/2 years and, according to Mrs Darley, has some fascinating yet rather disturbing folklore assocaited with it - but more of that nearer the time, although you can read about it in 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'.
On the 12-13th we are treated to one of the best meteor showers of the year - that of the Perseids, which produces up to 60 meteors an hour and is best viewed in the northeast after midnight.
All of this and a promise that the summer is due to return later this week - what more can we ask? Enjoy!

The Festival of Lughnasadh

The festival of Lughnasadh is upon us. A time for sacrificing the old in order that our lives may be richer and more fruitful. Clear out the garage, take clothes to the charity shop, de-tox the body,or give up an outmoded habit.
This is where we bid the God goodbye, albeit for a short while, as he resides in the underworldd as a shadowy figure, whilst the Goddess mourns, provides and is radient in her pregnancy.
This is time to reflect on the year so far and to give thanks for our own personal harvest of achievement, be it as a parent, a provider, or an olympic champion, we each have our unique talents to share with others upon the web of life. Read more 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers'

Wishing you all Lughnasadh blessings.

Secrets of Divine Magick

For those who stand outside of the occult world the thought of magick is dark- evil even, whilst for others it holds a certain allure and fascination. Afterall who wouldn't be tempted to chant a spell, wave a magick wand and have all their dreams come true- but can it really be as easy as that?
In truth, magick consists of hard work and the mastery of many hard won skills, which only come after both practice and dedication. In our 'let's have it all now' society, this often proves to be a path too far and only those who have the tenacity and will to continue will actually reap their magickal rewards.
Many speak of white and black witches or white and black magick, but magic is a neutral force it is simply the intent of the practitioner which makes it one thing or the other.
'Mrs Darley's Pagan Paths to Magick' explores the underlying priciples of magick which help us to understand not only the ebb and flow of daily life, but also shine a little light on the secrets which unerpin the very essence of creating Divine Magick.
'Mrs Darley's Pagan Paths to Magick' is available for pre release order on Amazon and is due for publication on the 2 August.

The Birth of the Wort Moon

At 5.24am on the 19 July, the Wort Moon will be born into the heavens and the stagnant energies which have plagued us for sometime will begin to move.
The Celts referred to this moon as the wort moon because it was under this moon that the sweet infusion of malt (wort) was combined with yeast to make beer. This was due to the fact that the warm weather would produce just the right conditions for fermentation to take place.
It was also beneath this moon that the Celts would note the movement of the heavens and predictions would be made for the forthcoming year.

Read more 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

Mrs Darley's Pagan Paths to Magick

Many people are aware of the horrific period of history which saw the relentless persecution of witches, but few realise the reasons that underpin the witch hunts and the fact that they differed from country to country. Even the methods of torture and execution varied greatly, as it was left up to individual regions, especially in Europe, to determine the fate of those accused.
'Mrs Darley's Pagan Paths to Magick' which is due for release in August, explores in detail this terrifying period of history and illustrates how fear and greed can distort the thoughts of those with once rational minds.
Now avaiable to pre order on Amazon

July's Heavenly Nights

Here we are entering the second half of the year and yet so far our view of the sky at night has been quite limited due to the vast cloud cover, but perhaps the skies will clear enough to allow a glimpse of the two meteor showers that come into our orbit later this month.
On the 28-29 the Delta Aquarids shower displays around 20 meteors per hour, travelling relatively slowly and will be best viewed in the east after midnight, although the full moon will affect viewing to a degree.
On 29-30 the Capricornid show will appear. These again are slow meteors, but are differentiated by their yellowy brightness and can often produce wonderful fireballs. Again view after midnight in the east.
Also on view this month are several planets, namely Mercury which can be seen now in the west after sunset. Venus is visible early in the morning (2.30 ish) and is at its greatest brightness on the 9th, low in the north east, whilst on the 15th the moon will pass in front of Jupiter in what is known as a 'grazing occulation' between 2.45 and 3.15am.
Here's to clear skies. Enjoy.

Water - A call for us to become emotionally aware?

Although in Britain we are now supposedly in the season of fire, the Gods are insisting that we experience more than our usual share of rain.
According to Carl Jung the element of water represents our feelings and emotions, be they love and compassion, or hatred and despair. He believed that those with a dominant water personality have an innate understanding of their fellow man and are able to empathise with his worries and concerns, his joys and successes.
Perhaps the continual rains come to remind us that our compassionate side is lacking, that we need to be more understanding of our neighbour.

She
She is the Goddess of the still waters
Lie upon Her
And She will lull your mind to slumber

She is the Goddess of the flowing waters
Ride upon Her
And She will speed your journey

She is the Goddess of the seething seas
Sail upon Her
And She will call your soul to adventure

From 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Elements'

the magic of Mid-summer's Eve

This is one of the most magical nights of the year and one of three during the year when the veil grows thin. It is a time of elementals, mystery, magic & enchantment, but as Mrs Darley once told me:
'Enchantment, my dear, always has a price.'
So take care this eveing if you are out amongst the hills, woods & moors & take heed of where you roam.

'Take care before you're tempted by the moonlight,
And seek the mystery of Mid-summer's Eve.
Think twice before your heart becomes enchanted
As through your soul the magic starts to weave.'

From 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers.'

Summer Solstice

Here we are almost at the midpoint of the year and tomorrow marks the time of the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere. This is a time for directing our energy into ongoing projects in order that they may be brought to completion during the 6 months that follow. It is time to give thanks for the union of the earth beneath our feet - the gracious mother and the sun above our heads - the mighty God. We should however never forget the imput of water and air which all makes for an abundant harvest.
The word 'solstice' means 'the standing still of the sun' and perhaps we should all stand still for a moment and be still - a piece of advice once given to me by Mrs Darley and now, some 20 years later, I understand the wisdom of her words.

'Perhaps you should do this more often,' she said.
I looked at her somewhat puzzled.
'Smell the roses,' she smiled. 'We always think the good times will last for ever, that we will always be young, that we will have time to do the things we dream of next week or next year, but summer my dear is fleeting, one drop of rain and it is washed away, one cool breath and it is gone. Remember these words when the leaves of autumn swirl around your feet,' she said and quietly closed the door.
From 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers'.

The Troubadour

I have always been captivated by good story tellers and none more so than by the troubadour who visited Bodmin Moor one September night in the early 1990's.
'So,' he said in a voice no more than a whisper, 'you came.'
There was something in the way he said these words and pointed his black gloved hand at what seemed like each and everyone of us that made me shiver as I looked into his partially masked face.
'I knew you would,' he said, 'for although you may not know it, I called to each and everyone of you in your dreams. Tonight, my friends I will tell you the tale of Cob, guardian of the eastern well - the dream maker, but take heed my friends, take heed and remember - whatever you put out into the world will come back, albeit in strange ways.'
From 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Healing Wisdom'

Midsummer Skies

June brings us an exciting time across the heavens with particular emphasis on the 4th. On this day there is a full moon in Sagittarius at 12.04 BST and also a partial eclipse, which unfortunately will not be visible from the UK although if you happen to be in Asia, Australia, the Pacific or the Americas then you will be able to see it.
On the 6th, an extremely rare event occurs, which is the transit of Venus across the face of the sun. At sunrise a partial transit can be seen from all parts of Europe, eastern Africa & western Asia, whilst at sunset it can be seen in North & central America & western south America. DO NOT LOOK AT THE SUN WITHOUT SUITABLE EYE PROTECTION.
On the 14-16 June the Lyrids meteor shower visits the skies and will produce approx 10 meteors per hour in the east after midnight.

The 21st is the summer solstice at 00.09 BST in the northern hemisphere and is the longest day of the year.
Lots to look forward to both in the heavens and on the earthly plane as the sun reaches its height and the long summer days are upon us. Enjoy

Hibiscus Tea - the Nectar of the Pharaohs

Hibiscus tea was the drink of the pharaohs and was thought to give them vitality and act as a preventative to many diseases. Today scients have undertaken much research on the benefits of hibiscus tea and have found it to be an extraordinary tonic to the circulatory system.
It is documented that three cups a day over a three month period will regulate blood pressure and it is indicated in cases of atherosclerosis, angina and disorders of the blood. In addition it is also a tonic to the immune system.
Please note: If you are on medication or are under medical supervision for any disorders of the heart or circulatory system please contact your GP in the first instance.
Hibiscus tea can be ordered from 'Mrs Darley's Herbal' at mrsdarley@btinternet.com and is £1.95 per 25grams (P&P £3.95)

May Changes

Today sees the new moon in Gemini and indicates a time when we may be undecided as to where to go and what to do. This is accentuated by the solar eclipse, a powerful event which will shape our lives for the next 6 months regardless of whether we can actually see it from our stance on the earth or not. This morning it was visible from Southern China, Japan, and the Western U|SA.

This next 6 months is a time for new beginnings, to cast away that which no longer serves our highest good, whether on a personal, or global scale and although the ground beneath our feet may not feel quite as firm as it might for a while, reast assured that any sweeping changes will ultimately be for the good.

The Element of Air

Usually by now the element of fire is making itself known as spring edges ever closer to summer, but with continuing cool winds we are still very much much in the hands of air. For me, being very much a lover of the air element, this is fine, but I know many are anxious for a touch of fire to warm the lengthening days.
Mrs Darley however gave me an appreciation of air at a barbeque we attended together one summer's evening, following the telling of a legend as to why jasmine only releases its perfume at night.
'What a sad yet beautiful story,' I said.
'Out of sadness a moment of beauty is eventually born,' she replied gazing into the far distance. 'Of course, without the element of air, nothing we have spoken about in the last few minutes could be experienced.'
'What do you mean?' I asked.
'Well dancing demands that you slice through the air with movement. Music and words require their vibration to be carried through the air to our eardrums and evocative aromas are brought to our notice on the air, like tonight's jasmine. In fact our laughter, our words, our very breath are transmitted, carried and made possdible by this precious element. We should choose our words carefully my dear, for they are forever caught within the energy of air.'
'Yet something else I have come to appreciate,' I smiled.
'And experiencing appreciation is a step closer to knowing the Divine,' she said as she turned her attention towards the buffet.
From 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Elements'

Full Super Moon in Scorpio

At 4.35 BST, the moon hangs full in our skies - but this is no ordinary moon. This is a super moon, the term used to describe the largest and brightest full moon of the year, due to the fact that the moon is at its Perigee (closest to earth). As a result it is 14 x larger than the other moons of the year and 30 x brighter. If the clouds are kind enough to part just to give us a glimpse of this spectacular event we should perhaps offer a word of thanks to Diana, Lady of the full Moon.
This super moon arrives in the sign of Scorpio which brings sex, psychic matters, secrets, transformation, morals and the truth all to the fore.

The Eta Aquarids meteor shower is also in play both tonight and tomorrow although the brightness of the moon will detract from the show which produces up to 10 meteors an hour and is best viewed in the east after midnight.
Enjoy the beauty of the heavens.
Read more in 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

Magickal May Day

It may be raining across Britain, but nothing can dampen the joy a wedding brings and today is just such a day as the God and Goddess join together to bring about abundance and fertility during the year to come.
May Day or Beltane, honours the partnership of the masculine and the feminine, of the sun and the earth and it is worth taking a moment in order to give thanks for any type of partnership or relationship we may have in our lives.
Beltane is joyous, spontaneous and reminds us that the combination of male and female energies brings us the gift of harmony and balance.

This is also the time when (if we are lucky enough to find a patch of clear sky after dark), we will see Venus in all her heavenly beauty and it is the brightest it can possibly be when viewed from earth.
Enjoy these beautiful gifts and may both the Goddess and the God bring you many Beltane Blessings.
Read more 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers'

Beautiful Beltane

Beltane is a magical time, when nature comes to life and the marraige between the earth and the sun is evidenced from the beauty which is all around us. The first verse of 'The Wedding' captures the essnece of this joyful festival.

'Sweet hangs her scent on the first breath of morning
Soft drapes her gown in the first light of day
Come now my Lady the Green Lord is waiting
Waiting to wed his Queen of the May'

Read more'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers'

April Night Sky Delights

This Saturday (21st) marks the time of the April New Moon which was known to the ancient Celts as the Hare Moon as its lusty nature was synonymous with this fertile time of year. Itwas thought that as the earth began to warm up so did human passions! Interestingly the new moon rises in the sign of Taurus, the earthy sign of physical love and sexuality.

The 21st and 22nd also bring us The Lyrid meteor shower. These meteors disintigrate as they hit the earth's atmosphere, but often produce luminous trains of dust that last for several seconds. Around 20 meteors per hour are visible and will be best seen after midnight in the north east. As long as it is clear the new moon will give good visibility.

Enjoy the show.

Read more ' Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

The April Full Moon, Eostre & Christ

Tomorrow (Fri) marks 3 specific events. In the lunar calendar it is the day of the April full Moon. In the Pagan calendar it is the festival of Eostre or Ostara, Saxon Goddess of the dawn & new beginnings and in the Christian calendar it is Good Friday, the time when Christians remember the crucifixion of Christ. Despite however the unliklihood of the former two having anything to do with the latter, they are all inextricably linked.

The festival of Eostre was always a moveable lunar festival and was calculated as falling on the day of the first full moon following the Spring Equinox. When Christianity came to these islands & the powers that held sway were trying to convert the peasants to the new religion, they decided to replace the festival of Eostre with that of Easter and made a slight alteration to the date so that it was celebrated on the Christian holy day - that of Sunday.

Thus Easter is always calculated as being the Sunday following the first full moon following the Spring Equinox.

Whether you choose to honour the full Moon, Eostre or Christ tomorrow may the day bring you peace & solace.

For more information read 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers' or 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

April Fools Day

The origins of April Fools day appear to be lost in the mists of time although suggested pre-cursors to this strange custom have similarities in the Roman festival of Hilaria where jokes and laughter seemed to be the order of the day.
In the UK, the first recorded mention of such a day appears during the 14 century in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.
In the UK & many other European countries jokes should only be played up to 12 noon, afterwards the joke is on the person who instigates it, whilst in other countries jokes can be played all day.
In my youth I remember the day being divided into strict segments: Jokes up to 12 noon, tripping over up to 4pm after which you could kiss the person of your choice for the remainder of the day!
Have a jovial April Fools!

Honouring the Lent Lily

This is the season of the daffodil or Lent Lily & although it is the most cheerful of flowers it does have some rather sinister undertones.
If the first daffodils you see hang their heads toward you then the year will be one of misfortune, whilst if you have laying hens then they will not provide many eggs if you bring daffodils into the house before the 1st March and if a bunch is less than 13 in number.
The Roman writer Pliny said that daffodils grew on the banks of the Acheron river & delighted the spirits of the dead who called then 'asphodel', which later derived into daffodil.
You are now safe to bring a huge bunch of daffodils into your home to honour the forthcoming festival of Ostara on the day of the April full moon.
Read more: 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers'

Welcoming the Seed Moon

Today at 14.37GMT the Seed Moon emerges in the sign of Aries.

To the Celts this moon signified the planting time and the promise that the strengthening sun would nuture them and bring forth summer fruits.

Tonight is auspicious for magic rituals involving new beginnings and projects, especially with its Arian aspect as this heightens leadership, rebirth, willpower and general health and vitality.

May the Seed Moon bring you many blessings.

Welcoming the spring

Today is the Vernal Equinox - the first day of spring and the first time in the year when day and night are of equal length, but from this point forward until the Autumn Equinox we are journeying into the light.

This is the festival which celebrates the union between the God and the Goddess, between the strengthening sun and the awakening earth. It is a time of balance, of male and female energies binding together to bring forth a year of abundance and fertility.

Why not light a fire tonight or even a candle and welcome the return of the light as we spiral outwards into spring.

Read more 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers'.

The Ides of March

The 15th of March (tomorrow) was once known as 'The Ides' in Roman times and came from the Latin word 'idus' meaning 'half division' which indicated that it was half way through the month. It was the festival day of the Roman God of War, Mars and a military parade was usually held in his honour.

Its more sinister connotations derive from the fact that Julius Caesar was assasinated on the 15 March in 44 BC, by a group of Roman senators who stabbed him 23 times. A seer had predicted his death as being on the 15th March, hence the term in Shakespeare's play, 'Beware the Ides of March'. Here's hoping that the 15th will be a peaceful day for all.

Heavenly March

This month is full of promise & excitment especially in astronomical terms.

Tomorrow (3rd) sees Mars at its closest approach to earth and as its face will be fully illuminated by the sun, it will be at its brightest. See it best in the eastern sky just as the sun sets.

The 20th March marks the occasion of the Spring Equinox and the first day of spring, after which the hours of day light exceed those of darkness for 6 months until the autumn equinox.

This is a month to celebrate the increasing light and to let our energies spiral outward into the world.

Nicky Nan Night

This coming Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian calandar,with Shrove Tuesday or 'Pancake Day' as it is now more popularly known being the last day upon which the faithful can eat sweet and fatty foods until Easter Sunday.

A 150 years ago howeverit was a rowdy festival at which cock fights, horse racing and dancing often took place, whilst in 1868 it is recorded as 'Blackamoor Night' where little boys blackened their faces and went from door to door begging for sweets.

A lesser known Cornish festival however used to be celebrated on theMonday before Shrove Tuesday and was known as 'Nicky Nan Night', where young men roamed the streets causing mischief and mayhem. A procession carried a burning straw figure which was said to be the Queen of the Cornish piskies, Joan the Wad, following which a meal of pea soup was served.

Whether you choose pancakes or pea soup this week, spare the burning of Joan & enjoy.

The Sap Moon

Tomorrow (21st) sees the birth of the 'Sap Moon' at 22.34GMT in the sign of Aquarius. This moon was one of hope to the Celts and brought sure and certain knowledge that the sap was beginning to rise within the earth's vegetation and that the new planting time was now only a moon cycle away.

The moon in Aquarius signifies a time of fairness, objectivity, trustworthiness and reason. It is also capable of bestowing flashes of genius and general good luck. Enjoy!

Read more in 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

Holy wells and springs

Watery places have always held a certain amount of fascination, especially natural springs and wells and, over thousands of years, have become sacred places of pilgrimage and sacrifice where the Gods who dwell beneath the depths ultimately decide the fate of man.

Both Bronze and Iron Age man saw water as having supernatural powers, whilst its mysterious depths were gateways to the underworld. As such, many offerings were made to appease the Gods as evidenced by archaeological finds of jewellery, plaques, coins and both human and animal remains. No doubt these places were the origin of today's wishing wells!

Discover more about these strange watery places in 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers'