F is for Flint

Yesterday I went for a walk in my local woods. It was raining a little off and on. I stood in the circle as usual and tried to centre and draw down some energy to share as I always do when I visit the woods, but today I really struggled. I have problems relaxing anyway, and I'm well overdue for a spiritual detox, so I mentally apologised for not being able to share energy with the woods. As I turned and walked away from the circle my foot slipped a little in the mud and I looked down to see a chunk of flint poking out of the ground. I picked it up to find it was the deepest midnight blue streaked with creamy white, a three-sided piece the perfect size to hold in the palm of my hand.

As I continued my walk I thought about what flint meant to me. I wanted to have an unbiased impression before I came home and researched this gift. Flint is probably one of the first tools ever used by Mankind. Long before we learned to use metals, flint was knapped into knives, spear and arrowheads, and other tools. It was also used for building, many houses and churches going back into antiquity have been constructed using this stone. And of course, flint can be used to create sparks, and so to light fires.
I knew a little of the formation of flint: It is mainly found as nodules in chalky areas, such as the South Downs where I live.
As I walked I felt my mood and energy lift. The woods always lift my spirits, but yesterday more so than usual. I often feel the presence of Earth spirits when I'm in the woods, and today, with the pattering of drips from the canopy, it even felt like they were running along after me, full of fun. I returned to the circle at the end of the walk to thank the spirits for their help. Although I found it a little easier to draw down some energy from the Universe, I was only sluggishly able to project it ~ I guess I have some work to do there.

And so, my research!

First, the science bit: Flint is a form of quartz found in sedimentary rocks such as chalk and limestone, though it's unclear exactly how it is formed.

and the Magickal Properties:

Flint is mainly thought of as a protective stone, especially when placed above a doorway or worn as an amulet. It is thought to ward off mischievous fairy and elf magic.
It has healing connections, especially on the hormones, kidneys and nerves. It's sometimes referred to as an emotional stone, helping to sever emotional ties to stressful situations, and overcome depression and shyness.
It is associated with Thor, and the number 7.

Combining my research with my intuitive feelings on this stone I would add that flint is a stone that links both Earth and Water. I'm not sure about using it to ward off elf magick, as flint represents earth spirits, but perhaps it is more a signal to the spirits that you acknowledge and respect them and so they won't use mischievous magick against you!

I look forward to meditating with my flint. If I have any interesting experiences I will be sure to share them here!

E is for Earworms

The Universe, the Divine, is always sending signs our way. From the dawn of time we have been trying to read the signs, make sense of these patterns. From runes to chicken bones to tea leaves. The clouds in the sky and the wash of seaweed on the shore. Divination, the reading of those signs, is as old as forever, but I think I've stumbled upon a new way of hearing the messages.
Earworms.
I'm sure we've all experienced one ~ that catchy tune you hear on the radio when you're getting ready for work, that sticks with you all day. This is the most common form of earworm. This BBC article is a fascinating look at the theory behind it all.
But yesterday I had two songs stuck in my head that just wouldn't quit, two very different songs. "In Da Club" by 50 Cents, and "Friday Night" by Cliff Richard and The Shadows. Talk about poles apart! Although I had heard some of the 50 Cent track a few days before, I haven't heard the Cliff Richard track for many many years. I'm not going to publish all the lyrics here, but both songs are about having fun, letting go of your responsibilities for a while and enjoying yourself.
I've had a rough few months lately, a lot of responsibility and hassle, but one of the things mothers are often guilty of is not taking enough time for themselves. I think my earworm was trying to remind me to take some time out for some fun.
So today I did just that ~ no sipping Bacardi like it's my birthday, but a lovely lunch with a good friend, then instead of coming home to chores I just lay on the couch and read my book for a couple of hours. The chores will still be there tomorrow, and I will face them refreshed and recharged.

And ready to listen to any more earworms that may pop into my head.

 

 

Salt Water in the Blood

As I live on an island nation, it probably won't surprise you to hear that I have always lived by (or very near to) the sea. I adore it. There is such capricious power at work beneath the waves, the sea can be so calm and tranquil, so furiously destructive. It soothes and centres me. It stirs and inflames my passions.
Today the sun shone, a brisk wind blew, and it felt like the first day of Spring. All the way home from work I felt the sea calling me so as soon as I got in I threw on a pair of jeans, clipped on the dog's lead, and headed off to the beach.
It was glorious.
The wind whipped in from the east, dashing foamy waves onto the shore. The soft spring sun was sinking in the west, giving a subtle pastel pinkness to the waves.

I never visit the sea without giving thanks to Poseidon. When the weather is warm enough I paddle barefoot, even if only for a moment and thank him for his strength and support. It's nowhere near that warm yet though, so today I wore my wellies. Not that that's going to stop Poseidon! A cheeky wave surged just that little bit further inshore, soaking my jeans and seeping down inside my boots. But although it was a chuffing cold day, the water felt almost body-temperature ~ Poseidon may have been a bit hacked off that I've not been to visit for a while, but he wasn't really cross with me.

I first formed a connection with Poseidon a few years ago whilst studying at Sacred Mists. He came to me in a dream and I devoted myself to learning more about him. Although the connection isn't as intense as it was then, I still feel a strong bond with this mighty God. I'm sure you all know the basics about him so I won't bang on too much, but here are some of my personal correspondences:

Symbol ~ Trident
Crystal ~ for me, Beach stones, I've even used them for divination, but Lapis Lazuli or aquamarine can also work
Animal ~ Horse
Attributes ~ Strength, Passion, Respect, Self-control
Colour ~ pale blue, sea-green, blue-grey

 

Remember these are my personal correspondences, which is why some of them may seem weird to you. Attributes ~ Self-control? Hell, yeah! The Greek Gods are rather a temperamental bunch, perhaps none more so than Poseidon, and although I have a huge amount of love and respect for him, I am always aware that he is easily angered and so Self-control and Respect are vital.

 

Although I am a Winter lover at heart, the ever-warmer weather means I can get closer to the sea, and closer to Poseidon again, for which I am very thankful.