Ivy

Ivy is traditionally the feminine partner to holly, although some schools of thought take the opposing view and consider it to be masculine, due to its white berries which are said to be symbolic of semen.

Ivy is thought to be protective in nature and if grows on the walls of a house, those inside will be kept safe from misfortune. My Mum's name was Ivy and she certainly went out of her way to keep us all safe from harm.

In times past it was considered unlucky to bring more ivy than holly into the house at Yuletide, however, this was probably due to the fact that patriarchal society wanted more masculine plants in the home rather than feminine. Balance again, I feel is the key to harmony.

Read more in 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers'

Sacred Holly

There has been much debate about whether holly represents the masculine or feminine principal. One school of thought considers it to be masculine because of its prickly nature and see the red berries as being symbolic of the sacrificial God spilling his blood upon the fields. Another school of thought considers it to be feminine, and that the red berries symbolise the menstrual blood of the Goddess.

The Saxons however, recognised that holly could represent both the male and female principal. They called holly without berries 'he' holly and holly with berries was referred to as 'she' holly. If more 'he' holly than 'she' was brought into the house, then the husband would rule the home for the following year, whilst if more 'she' holly was present then the wife would be in charge.

Perhaps we should all aim for a little of each in order to bring balance and harmony this winter solstice.

From 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers'

The Oak Moon

Today (5th December) welcomes the new Oak Moon. For the Celts this moon heralded the end of their 13 moon lunar cycle and personified strength, stamina, life, death and rebirth. The oak was sacred to the Celtic Druids as many of their ceremonies were carried out beneath oak lined groves and it was also the sacred tree of Jupiter, Zeus, and Thor.

Often struck and split by lightning, it is actually thought to protect those who shelter beneath it from the same fate. To the ancient Greeks the rustling of the leaves were thought to be the voice of the Gods, whilst to the Irish, the oak was one of seven 'noble' trees, often referred to as 'Jove's tree'.

After the battle of Worcester in 1651, Charles 11 hid in the Boscobel oak tree when escaping from his parliamentarian enemies. In celebration of his restoration to the English throne, May 29th was known as 'Oak Apple Day' in honour of the tree that had saved his life. It became a public holiday for many years when everyone was expected to wear an oak leaf out of respect. Many pubs were subsequently named the 'Royal Oak' and still carry the name today.

Preparation

In the Christian calendar the period of Advent has begun. The word deriving from the Latin 'adventus', meaning 'arrival' and as such a period of preparation begins.

Sadly however, with so much emphasis on materialism, little thought is given to the true meaning of this period of preparation and people are more inclined to be buying food, presents and cards rather than giving consideration to any spiritual aspect.

If you follow the Pagan path, this is a time for rest. The Dark Mother withdraws her hand from the earth and all falls silent. Within the stillness however, we too can prepare. For it is here that the seeds of hope are sewn for new life whilst awaiting the return of the sun.

If you are forced to be still for a while, perhaps because of the early snowfall, enjoy this window of peace, for it offers you an opportunity to reassess your life path before the sun calls your soul to adventure.

Why we need to drink water

We are all aware that we should drink water. Health magazines, newspapers and complementary therapists all advise us to increase our intake to around 6 glasses per day, but what is the reason behind this advice?

The human body comprises of millions of cells, each of which is filled and surrounded by a watery fluid. In a healthy, hydrated body, the water outside the cells is less concentrated than that inside, therefore allowing toxins to be drawn out of the cell through the process of osmosis. When the body becomes dehydrated however, the process is reversed and the water outside the cell becomes more concentrated than inside. This then interferes with the delicate process of osmosis, which ultimately leads to a build up of toxins, all of which can contribute to many serious diseases.

Happy drinking!

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

Avebury

Avebury in Wiltshire is a feast for the spiritual senses, with so many fascinating sites within a mere stones throw from each other.

The mysteries of this beautiful landscape with its stone circles, avenues, long barrows and unfathomable mounds, all of which pre-date the pyramids, are truly awe inspiring. It is an area that draws you back time and time again, for it is here that the past lives and the ancestors whisper their heartfelt secrets.

The Henge shop is a treasure trove, the community run shop is a delight, the National Trust museums are excellent and Brian, who owns the little antique shop opposite the pub, is a true character and a gentleman.

Avebury is decidely a World Heritage Site worthy of its title.

Bonfires

Many people mistakenly think that Bonfire night was brought about by the Christian authorities to overlay the sinister Pagan fire festival of Samhain. Bonfire night however is purely to celebrate the survival of the Houses of Parliament following the unsuccessful gunpowder plot on 5th November 1605.
In 1606 James 1 ordered that everyone should attend a church service in order to give thanks for delivering England from such atrocities and as the years passed the celebrations continued outside the church service and bonfires were lit upon which images of Guy Fawkes were burned to commemorate his assumed execution.
Guy Fawkes however was not sentenced to burn but was supposed to have been hung, drawn and quartered. He deprived the crown of its revenge however as he jumped from the high scaffold before the executioner came near him and subsequently broke his neck.

If you are attending a bonfire tonight, enjoy the festivities and the powerful element of fire.