June Skies

Tonight (14) sees the beginning of the Lyrid Meteor shower, which should last until Sunday. It's not the best show of the year as it only produces around 10 per hour, but worth a look never the less high in the south.
If you want to see Saturn and His rings then the 19 is best as the moon passes just below and therefore acts as a good indicator.
The Summer Solstice is on the 21st at 6.03GMT in the sign of Scorpio and the full perigee moon is on Mid-Summer's Eve (23rd) - that should certainly be a sight worth seeing.
Here's to clear night skies and long warm days.

The Honey Moon

Today at 16.56 the Honey Moon, Blessing Moon or Mead Moon enters our skies. The three names come from the fact that the month of June was seen as a blessing from the Gods as it was a time of warmer weather and longer days. It was a time when many people chose to marry once May, the sacred month of the Goddess had passed and it was a time when honeyed mead was made. This was thought to be the heavenly drink of the Teutonic Gods and thus considered to have many medicinal and healing properties.
May this June Moon bring you many blessings.

The Hare Moon

Today is rather magickal, for not only does it herald the new Hare Moon, but also a solar eclipse, albeit, it could not be seen from the UK.
The hare was a sacred animal to the Celts and was symbolic of fertility. They thought that as the earth was warming up during this lovely month, then so were human passions. Both sun and moon are in the sign of Taurus so what better time for celebrating earthy and sensual pleasures!
The photograph of Pan (who better to illustrate earthy pleasures?) was taken outside the Witchcraft Museum in Boscastle in Cornwall and is currently on loan to them. Well worth a visit if you're in that part of the world.
Meanwhile enjoy all that the Merry Month of May has to offer!
Read more 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

There will be Beltane celebrations a plenty this week throughout the world and according to where you are and what greenery is available the old custom of garlnd making is always a lovely thing to do, to hang on your or someone else's door on the 1st May.
You should however take care as to what greenery you choose for some plants carry a specific message.
Always use plum for those who are glum
Always choose pear for those who are fair
Always use gorse for those who are coarse
Always choose vine for those who are fine
And so it goes on....
Enjoy your garland making and the deeper meanings behind them.
Blessed Beltane
Read more 'Mrs darley's Pagan Whispers'

The earth is just about to move through the Lyrids meteor shower over the next couple of days and we should be in for a treat providing the skies are clear.
This shower produces dust trails which last several seconds and viewing is best in the NE after midnight.
On Thursday this week we also have the full Seed Moon partially eclipsed as it rises around 8pm, but be quick as the shadow will only last about 12 minutes.
This is a time of exciting change, of rare opportunities, make the most of it!
Read more 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

The Seed Moon

In a few minutes the dark moon will be behind us and the new Seed Moon will be born. This was the moon the Celts waited for as it marked a time of movement, of increase and of the sewing of the crops.
Many people seem to have had their own personal battles to face through this long hard winter, be they to do with health, jobs, or finance and most people are now looking forward to bringing a little warmth into their lives both literally and symbolically.
I hope that the new seed moon brings a certain lightness to both your lives and your spirit.
Read more 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

Spring skies

Everyone is waiting for the spring to arrive and with the dawning of April comes renewed hope that temperatures will slowly begin to rise. We do however need clear skies, (which often means lower night time temperatures) before we can see the spectacular heavenly sights which are on offer.
The new Seed Moon arrives in our skies on 11th at 10.35BST. Look out for the moon and Jupiter being close together on the 14th whilst on the 19th just before sunrise low on the horizon Uranus & Mercury are visible. On the 22nd we pass through the Lyrids meteor show, producing luminous trails of dust which can be seen for several seconds. Visible in the NE after midnight.
On the 25th the full moon rises at 20.11BST and will be partially eclipsed, but be quick as it will only remain eclipsed for about 12 minutes. At this point Saturn will be sitting just above the moon, but the best day to see Saturn fully illuminated is on the 28th.
What celestial gifts to look forward to! Read more 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

Ostara's Gift

Yesterday marked the festival of the ancient Saxon Fertility Goddess, Ostara or Eostre, after whom it is thought the word Easter & oestrogen derive.
Ostara was walking through the woods one day when she saw a bird who was injured, so understanding that it was unable to fly away from predators She turned it into a hare. Her magic however, was not wholly successful & the hare retained the ability to lay eggs, but so grateful was the hare to Ostara for saving her life, that every year on Ostara's festival, the hare would lay eggs & decorate them in the Goddess' honour as a way of thanking Her for saving the hare's life.
The festival of Ostara became the Christian festival of Easter, the hare became the cute Easter Bunny & the decorated eggs became chocolate ones - hence we have Ostara to thank for some of well loved Easter traditions.
May this spring bring blessings & new beginnings.
Read more 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers' or visit www.arcanus.co.uk

A Time of Balance

The first quarter of the Sap Moon is present in our skies this evening & with the arrival of the Spring Equinox tomorrow at 11.01, this is a time when we are reminded of the importance of balance in our lives. This isn't merely work v play, or indulgence v diet, but is one of shadow v light. We all possess a darker side to our true selves and yet the shadow is something which the majority of us like to keep hidden for fear of others not liking us and yet, it is one that we should all acknowledge even if only to ourselves, for, in the words of Mrs Darley:
'Everything upon this earth has an opposite, a shadow side. Everything of beauty has a thread of ugliness, everything that enchants has the power to possess and everything that shines also knows the dark.' (Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries)
Wishing you all Equinox Blessings

The Arrival of the Sap Moon

At last the Sap Moon is due to enter our skies t 19.51 tomorrow (11th March). This is the Moon that the Celts would have been waiting for it heralded better times to come. It foretold that the winter was almost at an end and the way almost clear for the spring. With the threat of snow today however, we might have to wait a while before a little sesonal warmth is felt!
This Moon was so called because the sap was in deed rising and that with the 'Seed Moon' in April the planting time could begin.
Read more - 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

May the Sap Moon bring warmth and sunshine into your lives.

March Skies

This month heralds the coming of spring and although it is still cold, the days are lengthening, the birds are singing & the daffodils and crocus are lifting their heads to face the strengthening sun.
In the heavens we are able to see the stunning Saturn early in the morning in the South West and lovely Jupiter which is the brightest object in the sky after the moon and visible in the evening.
The new moon is on the 11th at 19.51 and the full moon is on the 27th at 9.27. Meanwhile we have the Spring Equinox & therefore the first day of spring to celebrate on the 20th at 11.01, the festival of the Saxon Goddess Eostre or Ostara on the 27th and the Christian festival of Easter on 31st.
What better excuses for chocolate do we need? May the March winds blow many blessings your way.
Read more 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers'

The Principle of Rhythm

'Everything flows out and in; everything has its tides; all things rise and fall; the pendulum-swing manifests in everything; the measure of the swing to the right, is the measure of the swing to the left; the rhythm compensates (The Kybalion)
This is the lesson of the 5th Hermetic Principle - everything is subject to the rhythm of ebb and flow. On the physical plane the wheel of the year swings from darkness to light and back again. Life bursts forth, dies and is reborn. Stars form, burn out and reform.
When we remember a time a time when life was magickal we felt, 'swept off our feet' by the swing of the pendulum, but by the same token, when the swing returns and life is not going so smoothly we can feel 'knocked off our feet' by comparison.
By exercising will over emotion, the adept will elevate himself above the material plane by controlling thoughts, feelings and moods in order to rise above the backward swing of the pendulum - a task which is easier said than done, as Mrs Darley discovered only to well.
Read more about the Hermetic Principles, how they apply to life and magick and how Mrs Darley tried to cope with her dilemma  in 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Paths to Magick'

'Mrs Darley's Herbal' is now also available On Line

 'Mrs Darley's Herbal' is re-opening at Easter, for its second season at Bewdley Museum in Worcestershire. Situated in 'The Old Forge' at the top of the herb garden, this tiny shop is full of character and attempts to offer products which are as natural as possible.

For those who are unable to visit in person, the On-Line shop is now available. Click the link to visit. www.arcanus.co.uk/shop.php

Mrs Darley's Herbal offers:

• Loose leaf teas from around the world
• Pure herbal tisanes to help restore health & well-being. 
• Tea ware
• Award winning aroma-botanical skin, body & hair care (Not tested on animals, free from SLS, SLES & Parabens)
• Pure Essential Oil Synergistic Remedies for Common Ailments
• Pure Essential Oil Mood Enhancers
• Essential Oils, Carrier Lotions, Gels, Creams & Oils
• Bach Flower Remedies
• Hand Blended & Nag Champa Incense
• Burners, Ash Catchers, Charcoal & Smudge Sticks
• Herbal Pillows & Sachets
• Floral Confetti & Favours
• 'Mrs Darley' Series of Books
• Cards & Gifts
• Talks, Workshops, Reiki Courses & advice is available. Contact Carole Carlton via the  web site www.arcanus.co.uk

The Roman Festival of Lupercalia

The Romans saw the month of February as a month of cleansing, hence its name 'februa' meaning purification. The festival of Lupercalia, held on 15 February, saw the priests of Pan racing through the streets and whipping women with goat skin thongs as an act of purification and fertility.
This  is a great time of year to spring clean, whether it's your home, your body or your thoughts.

May Lupercalia bring you a whisper of spring.
Read more 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers'

The Storm Moon

Today welcomes in the 'Storm Moon', often referred to by many other names including the Snow Moon, the Chaste Moon, or the Hunger Moon.
For the Celts this was probably the hardest time, for they were still in the grip of winter & if harvests had not been good, then food supplies could be running low. On a more positive not however, they knew that this moon represented change and with it came a stirring of energies, albeit these energies often whipped up wild storms which they would attempt to control by singing, chanting, drumming and whistling.
February is a fascinating month as it is a time of cleansing, purification, restraint & love, all of which will be explored as the month progresses.
May the storm moon blow good fortune your way.
Read more 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

The Season of Imbolc

Imbolc is a joyous season, for it signifies the return of the Maiden as Her hand once again touches the earth. The word Imbolc, actually means 'in the belly' which refers to the fact that life is once more beginning to stir in the belly of the earth. Snowdrops appear, new born lambs grace the fields and this is a time of powerful transformation.
It was also the time when the festival of Bride, the beloved Irish Celtic Goddess was celebrated. Bride was often depicted as a triple Goddess, but not in the usual form of maiden, mother & crone, but as the Goddess of smiths and craftsmen, therapists and healers and writers and poets. It is little wonder that such a benevolent and popular Pagan Goddess survived the Christian conversion and became St Bridget, who was equally loved and revered.
In Her honour this Imbolc, why not make something, write something, or give a little of your time to someone who may be in need. The rewards will be plenty - far beyond those of a material nature.
May Bride bless you this Imbolc and put you in touch with the youthful side of your nature.
Read more: Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers

The Snow Maiden

In the darkness I come
And wrap myself around you,
Assured that when you wake
You will gaze in wonder at my virginal beauty.

Lose yourself in my softness,
Feel me yield beneath your touch,
Will me to stay,
Yet know it cannot be
For the warmth of your embrace
Will lead to my eternal sacrifice
And in an instant I will be gone,

Possessed only by myself.

From 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers' - 'The Snow Maiden'

The Season of the Wassail

The cold bleak days of January are often brightened by the wonderful Wassail festival, which was traditionally celebrated on or around Twelfth Night.
Today, Twelfth Night  falls on the 5th January, however prior to the calendar changes of the C18, Twelfth Night fell 11 days later - around 16th January. The exact date however matters not, it is the spirit of the occasion which makes the festival.
The first writings we have of Wassailing appear in the C14, where the host of a party is described as holding up a communal drinking bowl and shouting out the word 'wassail'. The word derives from the Norse 'wes hail', or the Anglo Saxon, 'waes hael' meaning 'good health' or 'be whole'. After taking a drink the bowl was passed around and accepted each time with a kiss. The drink itself was thought to be 'lambswool', a mixture of mulled ale, herbs, honey and apples (you can purchase a pack of lambswool mix at the 'Copper Pot' in Bewdley Museum)
During the following century cakes were dipped into the bowl, and later still, in the apple growing regions of Britain, a ritual of blessing the apple trees with cider evolved. This was accompanied by hanging cider soaked toast in the trees for the birds and firing guns to scare away any impish spirits.
Although they are both now over, make a date for next years diary to visit Bewdley Museum in Worcestershire for the day time Wassail and Cookley in Worcestershire for an evening celebration with lit torches.
Meanwhile may all your trees bear fruit and Wassail to you and yours.
Read more: 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers'

The Wolf Moon

Tomorrow (11th) The Wolf Moon enters our skies at 19.43 in the sign of Capricorn.
This was the first Moon after the dark time and was welcomed as both a sign of hope in so much as the light was gaining, albeit the worst of the weather was not yet over and also a time of abstinence and suspension following the Winter Solstice activities.
To the Celts the Wolf was a powerful animal and many of their Deities had the Wolf as their totem animal, for contrary to popular belief wolves are rarely aggressive, even amongst themselves and have a strongly developed sense of family and belonging.
May this Wolf Moon bring you a sense of belonging and protection.
Read more:  'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

New year skies

The sky is well worth a look this month.
Tonight and tomorrow night bring us the Quadrantids meteor shower - it's short and sharp as it only lasts for about an hour each night (3rd and 4th) and is best seen in the north east after midnight. It will however treat us to around 40 or so fast blue meteors.
The planets are a real treat as saturn can be seen in the south east around 3.30 in the morning  with a small telescope and the rings are actually visible (7th is best).
On the 10tn venus is a delight just before sun rise and by the 22nd jupiter will make good viewing low in the north west sky, when at least 4 of its 28 moons should be visible with a small telescope.
The new moon is on the 11th and the full on the 27.
For more information on the moon read 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'