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.