Anno Domini 1407 (2007)

We've had a great vacation in Luxemburg! We left Friday morning to bring the dogs to Gaialynn in Den Bosch, where they would stay for the weekend. Wonder and Luna came later, because Luna had to work in the morning. The other four came late in the afternoon. Then we could finally leave for Luxemburg. We drove with two cars. We made a stop in Maastricht to have dinner in a nice little restaurant called "El Mercado". The food was delicious!

It was already dark when we arrived in the youth hostel in Luxemburg. We put our stuff in the rooms and decided to go up hill to the city centre to look around. It was a steep road, so I had to rest a while when we arrived at the top. It was worthwhile though: the view was great. Luxemburg is a very old and beautiful city. In the centre everything was prepared for the medieval market. There was live music. We sat on the Place d'Armes to have a drink. When we got back we sat outside the hostel for a while, but I was very tired so I went to bed. We slept in bunk beds and the room was very warm, but I slept like a log!

The next morning we woke up early. After breakfast we went up hill again for the medieval market. At one of the first booths I found my dress! There was only one and in my size so I decided on the spot to buy it and put it on immediately. Luna braided my hair. Ron has bought a black shirt in medieval style. The market itself wasn't big, but very interesting. Ron has spent a lot of hours in front of the forge. The smiths were making an ox. I asked whether he could buy it, but it was reserved. They appreciated his interest and attention though so near the end of the market on Sunday they gave him the original!

The entertainment was very good. Street musicians like Die Streuner, Peter Siche und Die Irrlichter, artists like Melania and strong man Georges Christen; I enjoyed all of them! On the podium performances by Omnia (wonderful) and Poeta Magica (great music, as long as the female singer kept her mouth shut).

The booths were very interesting too. This was my favourite one; it looked great and the woman in it was very nice. We also made the group picture in front of her booth. Luna helped a salesman in his stand that made pendants from coins. I bought a lovely wooden box and Wonder and I got the same tree pendant.

Sunday we started the day with a nice walk through the neighbourhood. Luxemburg is so beautiful! It's a real pity we didn't see more. Perhaps next year we can come a day earlier or leave later. The walk was at least something. The weather didn't cooperate as the rain was pouring, but we enjoyed ourselves very much and made lots of pictures. We took an elevator up hill, so I wasn't too tired when we arrived at the market again. Because of the rain we decided to drive back to The Netherlands somewhat earlier. We picked up the dogs at Gaialynn's and arrived home late at night. Very tired but with a great weekend of memories to enjoy for a long time!

TT #50: reasons for not blogging

Thirteen reasons why I didn't blog since last week's TT Hello, did you miss me? ;-) Last Saturday I received "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows". I'm trying hard not to read or hear spoilers, because I'm not done with it yet. I finished Book 6 the same day I got it. Hmmm, must have been busy this past week... Yesterday evening (or better yet, this evening: when I post this TT, it's still Wednesday for me although technically it's Thursday...) the Witchy Girls met on the beach in The Hague for an Inner Journey. I've got a new "toy": a new digital camera! I now have the Canon Digital Ixus 70, a g-r-e-a-t camera!!! I'm busy exploring all the features and looking at the pictures I'm making with 7.1 Megapixels. I'm harassing Ron, my pets and everyone that comes close to me by making pics all the time. I'm so enjoying myself!! The mother of a dear friend of us has passed away after a short but heavy illness (cancer). Thursday (tomorrow / today) is the cremation service in Nijmegen and of course we'll be there to pay our respects. Ron's mobile phone crashed and was beyond repair. He has a new phone (Nokia N95) with a new subscription and a new number, so we had to inform everyone about the change of number. Two friends are going to live together and bought a beautiful house in Nieuwegein. We have been there Saturday during the day; Ron helped lay laminate in the living room. We've been busy shopping, running errands, helping others, cleaning the house, and lots more! Gaialynn had to undergo another operation on her breasts, because the first one (July 4th) had caused severe complications. Everything has gone much better now and she's okay but has pain of course. She is at home. I've slept a lot, because I'm very tired these days. Stress and being busy doesn't help much there... I have to take my rest to be able to do the things I have and want to do. This coming weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) Ron and I are going to the Anno Domini 1407 Festival in Luxemburg City. It's a medieval market throughout the town. We'll go there with a group of 8 friends (us included). Beemertje isn't developping as he/she should. Monique's pregnancy hasn't been easy all along, but today (at 22 weeks) she has to have amniocentesis. There was blood in her amniotic fluid and the little head seems to grow less than the rest of the baby's body. The results can vary from nothing serious to something a lot worse. I haven't been on the computer as much as I normally am. When I finally found the time, I had to handle a lot of mails, messages, etc. I have been logging into my Google Reader from time to time, but didn't comment much. Did I mention I've been busy? I won't have a lot of time today to visit your TT's but I'll do it for sure, even if it has to be after we come back from Luxemburg! Please, think of our friends in need and /or burn a candle, pray, send positive vibes, etc. Thanks! ~*~*~*~ Links to other Thursday Thirteens! ~*~ Toni AF Wife ~*~ The Gal Herself ~*~ Dewey ~*~ Friday's Child ~*~ Crimson Wife ~*~ Lara Angelina ~*~ the crux & damozel ~*~ Lori ~*~ Comedy + ~*~ Shannon ~*~ Joely Sue ~*~ MamaLee ~*~ Nathalie ~*~ Dorothy ~*~ Robin ~*~ Alasandra ~*~ Lesley ~*~ Nancy ~*~ colleen ~*~ Autumn ~*~ Titania Starlight ~*~ N.J. Walters ~*~ Mo ~*~ Vixen ~*~ Candy Minx ~*~ Tempest Knight ~*~ Mark ~*~ Joy Renee ~*~ L^2 ~*~ GuusjeM ~*~ Gabriella ~*~ Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

TT #49: full moon names

Thirteen full moon names Full Moon names date back to Native Americans, of what is now the northern and eastern United States. The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full Moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred. There was some variation in the Moon names, but in general, the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior. European settlers followed that custom and created some of their own names. Since the lunar month is only 29 days long on the average, the full Moon dates shift from year to year. Here is the Farmers Almanac's list of the full Moon names. Buck Moon (July 29) - July is normally the month when the new antlers of buck deer push out of their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur. It was also often called the Full Thunder Moon, for the reason that thunderstorms are most frequent during this time. Another name for this month's Moon was the Full Hay Moon. Sturgeon Moon (August) - The fishing tribes are given credit for the naming of this Moon, since sturgeon, a large fish of the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water, were most readily caught during this month. A few tribes knew it as the Full Red Moon because, as the Moon rises, it appears reddish through any sultry haze. It was also called the Green Corn Moon or Grain Moon. Harvest Moon (September) - This is the full Moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox. In two years out of three, the Harvest Moon comes in September, but in some years it occurs in October. At the peak of harvest, farmers can work late into the night by the light of this Moon. Usually the full Moon rises an average of 50 minutes later each night, but for the few nights around the Harvest Moon, the Moon seems to rise at nearly the same time each night: just 25 to 30 minutes later across the U.S., and only 10 to 20 minutes later for much of Canada and Europe. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice the chief Indian staples are now ready for gathering. Hunter's Moon (October) - With the leaves falling and the deer fattened, it is time to hunt. Since the fields have been reaped, hunters can easily see fox and the animals which have come out to glean. Beaver Moon (November) - This was the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. Another interpretation suggests that the name Full Beaver Moon comes from the fact that the beavers are now actively preparing for winter. It is sometimes also referred to as the Frosty Moon. Cold Moon or Long Nights Moon (December) - During this month the winter cold fastens its grip, and nights are at their longest and darkest. It is also sometimes called the Moon before Yule. The term Long Night Moon is a doubly appropriate name because the midwinter night is indeed long, and because the Moon is above the horizon for a long time. The midwinter full Moon has a high trajectory across the sky because it is opposite a low Sun. Wolf Moon (January) - Amid the cold and deep snows of midwinter, the wolf packs howled hungrily outside Indian villages. Thus, the name for January's full Moon. Sometimes it was also referred to as the Old Moon, or the Moon After Yule. Some called it the Full Snow Moon, but most tribes applied that name to the next Moon. Snow Moon (February) - Since the heaviest snow usually falls during this month, native tribes of the north and east most often called February's full Moon the Full Snow Moon. Some tribes also referred to this Moon as the Full Hunger Moon, since harsh weather conditions in their areas made hunting very difficult. Worm Moon (March) - As the temperature begins to warm and the ground begins to thaw, earthworm casts appear, heralding the return of the robins. The more northern tribes knew this Moon as the Full Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signaled the end of winter; or the Full Crust Moon, because the snow cover becomes crusted from thawing by day and freezing at night. The Full Sap Moon, marking the time of tapping maple trees, is another variation. To the settlers, it was also known as the Lenten Moon, and was considered to be the last full Moon of winter. Pink Moon (April) - This name came from the herb moss pink, or wild ground phlox, which is one of the earliest widespread flowers of the spring. Other names for this month's celestial body include the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and among coastal tribes the Full Fish Moon, because this was the time that the shad swam upstream to spawn. Flower Moon (May) - In most areas, flowers are abundant everywhere during this time. Thus, the name of this Moon. Other names include the Full Corn Planting Moon, or the Milk Moon. Strawberry Moon (June) - This name was universal to every Algonquin tribe. However, in Europe they called it the Rose Moon. Also because the relatively short season for harvesting strawberries comes each year during the month of June . . . so the full Moon that occurs during that month was christened for the strawberry! Blue Moon - Every year has a thirteenth moon, a second full moon in one month. It is called a blue moon; my TT #42 was about that phenomenon. source: Farmer's Almanac I didn't have a lot of time for a TT, so I made it easy for myself this week. I wanted to share the above article anyway, so why not make it my TT? ;-) ~*~*~*~ Links to other Thursday Thirteens! ~*~ Candy Minx ~*~ Joely Sue ~*~ Wacky Mommy ~*~ Gattina ~*~ Joy Renee ~*~ ancsweetnsassygal ~*~ Robin ~*~ Mo ~*~ Tempest Knight ~*~ colleen ~*~ starrlight ~*~ Fence ~*~ Suprina ~*~ Lesley ~*~ Mark ~*~ Christine d'Abo ~*~ Susan Helene ~*~ Nicki Mann ~*~ Mom not Mum ~*~ Ben Clapton ~*~ L^2 ~*~ DK ~*~ Rhian / Crowwoman ~*~ Wylie Kinson ~*~ Thomma Lyn ~*~ palmtreefanatic ~*~ julia ~*~ Dorothy ~*~ Lady Rose ~*~ Dragonheart ~*~ Mitch ~*~ Titania Starlight ~*~ Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Tall & short

I just had to share this picture of Ron and Francis, made when they said goodbye after the Litha celebration on the Brookberg. Ron is 2.04m (6'8" I think), I don't know Francis' length. They got along great, and they also look great together!

Pfew...

Pfew indeed... I'm back on my own computer... finally. Although.... it's more Ron's computer with my hard disks and DVD-burner. The rest is seriously ill or dead. All of last week we have been busy: Ron the hardware, I the software, trying things to fix the problems until after midnight for several days. Of course I could use Ron's other computer or the laptop, but that's not the same! On top of that it was very bad timing for my computer to let me down: I also had my period. Aaaargh, poor Ron!
Well, to make a long story short: Ron decided to build me another computer, just as fast and with my own stuff. Fortunately I had made a backup recently, so nothing's lost. I've been busy the last few days with downloading and installing all the programs I'm used to have. But... I'm back!!
P.S. I finally added links to pictures to the post about the handfasting and fair here.

Book Quiz

You're Watership Down!
by Richard Adams

Though many think of you as a bit young, even childish, you're actually incredibly deep and complex. You show people the need to rethink their assumptions, and confront them on everything from how they think to where they build their houses. You might be one of the greatest people of all time. You'd be recognized as such if you weren't always talking about talking rabbits.

Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

Well... that book is one of my favourites for sure!

TT #48: essentials

Thirteen things I can’t (or don’t want to…) live without Besides the obvious (hubby, family, friends, pets, etc.) there are things I can't (or don't want to) miss in my daily life. Here they are in no particular order! Books & magazines - Who can live without reading? I certainly can't. Computer - It's a necessity of life for me, I get withdrawal symptoms if I have to do without... I know, I'm seriously addicted. Chocolate - If I don't have any for a long while and start craving, better be aware... the choccie monster will come out! To prevent I treat myself often. ;-) Music - Silence may be golden, but I need to hear music all day or at least every day! Witchcraft - It is such an essential part of me, I can't imagine life without it. Nature - The beach, trees, water, woods, mountains, plants, animals... We can't literally live without it, but I need to spend time in nature to enjoy and recharge. Jeans - I wear jeans every day; in summer with a shirt or blouse, in winter with a jumper or sweater. Writing - Doesn't matter whether it's on the PC or with pen and paper. I like to write lists, blogs, diaries, poems, etc. Pictures - Digital or printed, I love to look at all my pictures. Memories of people, places, events, history and so much more! Coca Cola light (Diet) - I've really tried to reduce my intake. I know the sweeteners are bad, especially in the quantity I use them. Still, , I can't manage to drink less for longer than a few days. Car - I don't dislike public transport at all, but I'd miss the convenience of having a car. Some places are hard to reach, the journey is more comfortable and faster. And I just like to drive (myself or next to someone else). TV - I could live without, but I don't want to. Money - no need to explain I guess!? I realize how lucky I am to not having to live without these things. So many people in the world are less fortunate. I know and I care, so I share! ~*~*~*~ Links to other Thursday Thirteens! ~*~ Mark Caldwell ~*~ SusieJ ~*~ Toni ~*~ Shannon ~*~ Moving Mama ~*~ Friday's Child ~*~ Bernie ~*~ Nancy ~*~ Janet ~*~ Susan Helene ~*~ Crimson Wife ~*~ Lisa ~*~ pussreboots ~*~ DK Raymer ~*~ misc-mum ~*~ JennyMcB ~*~ Christie ~*~ Joely Sue ~*~ L^2 ~*~ Judy ~*~ Ann ~*~Leah ~*~ Damozel ~*~ Danielle ~*~ Lady Rose ~*~ Robin ~*~ Fence ~*~ Daisy ~*~ Nancy ~*~ samulli ~*~ Sue ~*~ N.J. Walters ~*~ busy91 ~*~ Lori ~*~ Tempest Knight ~*~ Lesley ~*~ Sparky Duck ~*~ Amy ~*~ Tilly Greene ~*~ m.o.M. ~*~ The Gal Herself ~*~ Chris ~*~ The Bluest Butterfly ~*~ Denise ~*~ Qtpies7 ~*~ Candy Minx ~*~ Suprina ~*~ Lori's Light Extemporanea ~*~ Mitch ~*~ Homemom ~*~ Alasandra ~*~ ravensroads 1 ~*~ ravensroads 2 ~*~ ancsweetnsassygal ~*~ boliyou ~*~ Dragonheart ~*~ Krystle ~*~ Thorne ~*~ Gloria ~*~ Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Handfasting & Shamanic Fair

This weekend Wonder and I were invited to the handfasting of Molaris and Aphrodite Moira. We left early, because Wonder wanted to go to Zutphen first. That's a very nice town to look around and shop. He had seen a shirt made of hemp in a shop there. He fitted it and decided to buy it for the handfasting. It looks a bit like linen, but it feels softer and more comfortable to wear. We played with water near the river IJssel, hugged trees, ate delicious bread at a nice bakery and enjoyed the cosy streets in the old town. We spent quite some time at Ajapajapam, the local new age shop. I had forgotten to pack a necklace, so I looked for something else. I didn't like a particular pendant, but found a beautiful amethyst necklace for a very reasonable price.

Then it was time to drive to Lochem. After a beautiful drive in the afternoon sun we arrived early at Centrum Athanor, the location. We asked where we could pitch the tent, but that wasn't even necessary. At a wonderful place surrounded by bushes and trees already stood a tent and we could use that one for the night. It was next to their sweatlodge. After we unpacked the stuff we'd need we changed our clothes. Wonder wore his new shirt and I had taken my black skirt and blouse.

We met a lot of people we hadn't seen for a long time, some for years. Great to hug and talk to them again! When Molaris and Aphrodite Moira sat down we offered our present. We had decorated and filled a framework with freshly picked corn and other plants. In the back was a sonnet by Shakespeare (Shall I compare thee...) and on the glass in front was a blessing in gold. Mol and Aphro were very happy with it and surprised it was selfmade; that's a big compliment!

We had time to eat and drink something, and to look around the property. I have been there years ago when they just started, but now it is ready and even prettier. The stone circle is still magnificent and full of energy. Compare then and now!
Somewhere around 6.30pm the handfasting ritual began. Torc led the ceremony; we know him from several other occasions. The ceremony was impressive, warm and beautiful. Mol and Aphro are so obviously loving each other and meant to be together; they looked so happy! Their promises and the binding of the hands were very touching. The people of Dragonheart Flying Team brought two owls into the circle, Nazgûl and Smeagol. Benjamin2Bears (yes, the one from the Brookberg) introduced and led the drumcircle for the happy couple. It felt powerful and very good. Aphro was enjoying it so much she was shaking on her feet! During almost the whole ceremony a butterfly was sitting on the same spot right in front of Wonder and me. A butterfly stands for metamorphosis!

Back at the square in front of the farmhouse we sat around the fire and caught up with everyone. One by one people had to go. It was strange to stay there! After midnight Wonder and I decided to go back to the stone circle. We saw the moon rise and looked at the stars; a magical night on a very magical place! I wouldn't have missed this special moment for the world. It was 1.30am when we finally went to sleep. We had to get up very early, so we didn't sleep long.

Sunday morning when we woke up at 6.30am it was chilly, but sunny with a blue sky. It was very quiet, just the birds singing... Reluctantly we left this wonderful place to go to Eindhoven. In Aquamarijn there was a shamanic fair, organized by Vrouwenkracht (women power). In one of the big rooms we got 9 m2 for Wellness Massages. We built and decorated a nice stand (see pics of table, chair and info corner) for which we got a lot of compliments. We wore matching t-shirts, done by Gerard. The amount of visitors varied from time to time, but Wonder had enough customers to cover the costs and even have something extra. A lot of people asked for information and/or took a folder. All in all it was a successful undertaking.

After we took down the stand and packed the car we drove to Gaialynn. Ron had already been at her place during the day and waited there for us. She had made dinner for us. Yummy, we were quite hungry! We talked and sat for a while. I almost fell asleep, so we decided to drive home. What a weekend!!

*** I'll add pictures later. My computer has problems, I'm now on Ron's or on the laptop. Come back soon!
July 16: I finally added the pics!

Witchy Girls Night: Fire

Yesterday evening I went to Amsterdam for the 9th Witchy Girls Night. The theme was "the element fire". Sorcha had invited Morgana (from Silver Circle and the Pagan Federation) as a guest.
The altar looked beautiful as ever in fiery summer colours. Sorcha had baked the bread in the middle herself. During the ritual we each lit a tealight. We did some energy exercises and talked about what fire means to us. For me it's an ambivalent element. It has always attracted me, but I'm also afraid of it. It stands for passion, love, creativity, energy; but the other side is destruction. Fire is a one-way element: once something is burnt, it can't be turned back into its original form. We performed the creativity part by making fire-inspired paintings on each other with grease paint. Here are some of them. That was fun! We also drew a tarot card; mine was the nine of pentacles. It stands for (the obligation to nourish) artistic gifts and talents, for success, wealth, beauty and love of nature. The other side is solitude and loneliness though.
We had all brought a little gift and put it in Sorcha's cauldron. Before we went home, we took something out. I had bought a little red candle in glass and added a fire blessing; Lothanna picked it. I picked two red peppers in a handmade red bag, made by Luna. I'm drying them to use on my altar; they are too spicy for me to eat!

TT #47: handfasting

Thirteen things about handfasting This is the # 100 of the Thursday Thirteen. Congratulations!!!!! I know we all are invited to write about our thirteen favorite Thursday Thirteen posts, but I'll save that for another occassion. This coming Saturday I'm going to a handfasting ceremony, so that's my theme for this week. Handfasting is the marriage rite used by many heathens, (neo-)Pagans and Wiccans. In some cases, other people who are fashioning a wedding theme around their Celtic ancestry may also use this term, even if they are not Pagan, per se. For some it is a year and a day, renewable "so long as love shall last" and for others a commitment to be together throughout this life time, or through many lives. The term itself comes from the custom of shaking hands over a contract. It is a custom steeped in old tradition. "Handfasting" refers to the hands being bound together with a cord as part of the ritual. See "tying the knot" or "the ties that bind". In modern Pagan traditions, handfasting may be used either in the informal betrothal sense, or may be used as a legal wedding, complete with wedding license. If at least one Priestess or Priest officiating at the rite is legally registered, the rite can stand as a legal marriage. Most Handfastings, however, are not legally certified. It is not possible for pagan clergy in a lot of countries (yet, I hope). Handfasting is quite popular today, among many people who find that their own lifestyles call for an alternative joining ceremony to that provided by more typical weddings. Handfasting can be used by couples of the same sex, or by group marriages who wish to have more than two people in their families. They can be used by people who are members of Pagan (polytheistic nature) religions, or by people who don't necessarily share the same beliefs. There are also Christian and other folks who choose to use handfasting as their wedding rituals for various reasons. There are probably as many rituals for this as there are people who have joined themselves together. Most couples write their own ritual, see some examples. Another example of a handfasting ceremony can be found here. The handfasting gesture seems to have been derived from one of the ancient Indo-European images of male-female conjunction, the infinity sign, whose twin circles represented the sun (female) and the moon (male) or in some of the southern Mediterranean traditions it was sun (male) and moon (female). The hands are generally bound with a cord as part of the ritual. One custom is that while facing each other, the couple places their right hands together and then their left hands together to form an infinity symbol while a cord is tied around their hands in a knot. Another custom is that the man and woman place their right hands only together while a cord is used to tie a knot around their wrists. There's also the "besom wedding" or "jumping the broom", an unofficial custom that was considered quite lawful in parts of Wales until recent times. A birch besom was placed aslant in the open doorway of the house, with its head on the doorstep and the top of its handle on the door-post. First a young man jumped over it, then his bride, in the presence of witnesses. If either touched or knocked it in any way, the marriage was not recognised. A couple should consider colour correspondences when choosing a colour for their cord(s). The cord is what the officiant will tie or wrap around the couples' hands during ritual to symbolize their union. You can use colour meanings relevant to you, or commonly used correspondences. Couples may drink out of the same cup to indicate the joining of their lives and destinies. Rings are often exchanged. Most of the traditional symbols and customs we associate with traditional weddings (cake, wine and toasts, having rice or grain tossed over the bride and groom, ivy in the bridal bouquet, the 'unity candle', the veil, the garter, etc) were pagan rites originally. Many of these rites, such as rice-throwing, started out as fertility charms. Although Beltane is becoming a popular time to hold Handfasting rites, May has traditionally been considered an unlucky month in which to wed, since that is the Gods' sacred marriage month. It seems kind of like upstaging the Goddess on Her wedding day… Therefore Midsummer and/or the waxing to full moon in June seems most appropriate. Samhain is also becoming a popular time for Handfasting Rites though. The best day and time of the week to perform a Handfasting rite is either Monday or Friday at the first hour after sunrise or the first hour after sunset. The worst days are Tuesday and Saturday, any time. There are quite a few movies in which you can see some kind of handfasting ritual. If you want to read more about handfasting, here is a list of books. source: Btw, we found a present for Saturday; Wonder came up with a great idea. We are making something ourselves. Can't tell you about it yet, but I'll post pics after the weekend! ~*~*~*~ Links to other Thursday Thirteens! ~*~ Bankerchick ~*~ Dewey ~*~ Stonegirl ~*~ Sue ~*~ Thomma Lyn ~*~ Robin ~*~ sobeit ~*~ she ~*~ Natalie ~*~ misc-mum ~*~ DK ~*~ jdoriot ~*~ MommyBa ~*~ Joely Sue ~*~ Gabriella Hewitt ~*~ Gattina ~*~ Daisy ~*~ Tempest Knight ~*~ owensmomma ~*~ Stella Price ~*~ Candy Minx ~*~ Alasandra ~*~ Dragonheart ~*~ Lesley ~*~ N.J. Walters ~*~ Chris ~*~ Christine d'Abo ~*~ Chelle Y. ~*~ Sanni ~*~ Lexa Roséan ~*~ Mark Caldwell ~*~ Julia ~*~ Rhian / Crowwoman ~*~ Susan Helene ~*~ pussreboots ~*~ Ann ~*~ Nancy Lindquist ~*~ mama kelly ~*~ Lori ~*~ Matthew Didier ~*~ Kimo & Sabi ~*~ Friday's Child ~*~ Shelby ~*~ Khlari ~*~ Joy Renee ~*~ Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Weigh In 2

The 10:4 challenge is two months on its way; time for an official update again...

• Apr. 3 (my start): 110.2 kg - 46% fat - BMI 36.8
• May 1 (10:4 start): 104.9 kg - 45% fat - BMI 35
• June 5 (1st update): 99.3 kg - 43% fat - BMI 33.2
• July 3 (2nd update): 97.5 kg - 41% fat - BMI 32.6

(1 kg = 2.205 lbs)

My goal for June was to stay under 100 but aiming for 95. I'm on my way there, so I think this month can be called a success. You say I don't sound enthusiastic? Yeah, true. It wasn't easy. Especially the last two weeks; up and down, but on balance no change. I think I'm too impatient. I want it all, and I want it now! Oh well... nothing new for me. ;-)

This afternoon I was making orange and kiwi juice with a juicer. Not my favourite job, but fresh juice is the best and so yummy! Suddenly I got an electric shock, the fuses blew and the juicer stopped. I'm okay, I was just a bit shaken. The juicer is definitely deceased though!
I've been thinking about purchasing a Jack LaLanne's Power Juicer. I especially like the extra-large feeder, the pulp collector and the fact that it's easy to clean. Perhaps it's time to get it now... Do any of you have experience with it?

Marian Green Workshop

Last Saturday and Sunday I was invited to follow a workshop by Marian Green at Antonia's place (one of the Witchy Girls). We were with 12 people and the theme was divination. We first did a guided journey to visit the Guardian of Divination and get attuned. He wore a midnightblue cloak with silver tarotcards, runestones and other divination symbols on it.

Marian showed us that divination tools don't have to be fancy and/or expensive. Something on a string works just fine as a pendulum. I didn't bring my own pendulum, so I used a stone on a string from Marian. Needless to say it worked properly! We also learned to use a pendulum for testing and balancing a person's chakras.
It's easy to make your own oracle by collecting little things like a pebble, wool, button, ring, etc. Each item gets its meaning by everyone personally. We used Marian's oracle in two groups to answer each other's questions: "What is the essence of symbology?" and "How can the collective subconscious help to make a harmonious world?" Not the easiest questions, but with help of the oracle we found satisfying answers. Amazing!

Marian also told us some very interesting stuff about the tarot. The symbology is very old (allegedly dating back to the Egyptians), but real cards only came in the 14th century when cardboard was invented. It was originally a game, but later became an oracle. Members of the Golden Dawn had to make their own tarot deck, so that's when the variety started. Arthur Edward Waite was co-creator of the Rider-Waite deck. He was (one of the?) first to use illustrations for his deck; Pamela Colman Smith was the illustrator. Roughly 80 to 90 percent of the present-day decks is based on the Rider-Waite one.
She told much more, but I can't share all of it. We also did some exercises with the tarot. We each took a card, studied it and tried to "be" it, become one with it. My card was the Two of Cups. I had brought my Druidcraft Tarot, because I like it much better than the Rider-Waite. This is its Two of Cups. Cups stand for emotions. The two stands for love, healing, friendship, romance. It felt good to be the woman on the card!

Another topic we studied is scrying. This divination method needs a lot of practice. It isn't completely safe; the images are unlimited and you are on your own in an altered state of consciousness. Therefore it's important to take precautions. It is better not to do it alone and start in a controlled situation.
To practice we stood around a black cloth with our eyes closed. When we opened them, Marian had thrown a handful of white rice on it. We had to stare and look at what we saw in it. In 3 groups we talked about our experience and later with the whole group. It was remarkable that a lot of the same things were mentioned, although we stood on different sides of the cloth. It meant we were attuned as a group.

On Sunday we did a past life guided journey. I did that before in my first workshop with Marian in November last year. This time I was a woman surrounded by cats, walking in a green field in the woods, but near the sea. I felt peaceful, comfortable and relaxed. I had long, reddish blond hair, wore brown skirts with a white apron. It's striking that I always have cats; not only in every life, but also when I do inner journeys, meditations, etc.

I won an award!

My bloggy friend DK Raymer gave me a Rockin' Girl Blogger Award! I'm proud and honoured. Thanks! Now I am allowed to pick five friends to pass this on to. So, without further ado:

• Sanni at Coffee 2 go
• Darla at Nichtszusagen
• Patrizia at Gabriella Hewitt
• Mama Kelly & Lady Rose at 2 Witches Blog
• Sue at Life in the Urban Zoo

Why? Because their blogs are always interesting to me; to smile, to learn, to see, etc.
You rock, girls!