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'