The Druidic College

Memories are those minute nuggets of the past that hide away in the dark caverns of our minds. They may commonly be sorted into two types; those we term ‘good’ memories, and those we label ‘bad.’ The bad memories serve to remind us of occurrences that we do not as a rule want to repeat; a finger burned, an opportunity missed, a lover lost. So, in their way, they provide warnings and protection. If we are mindful, little red flags pop up and bells sound loudly. Then we may choose to heed the signs, or foolishly, have another go. Results seldom vary.

The Sun sits low in the sky. As we gaze into his fiery center, a crimson sphere becomes visible in our mind's eye. Now is the time of love, of transformation, and the time of the lunatic! Let us now celebrate the Moon of the apple.

The Quert is feminine; it's element water. Her powers are of love, healing, and immortality. Her fruit and limbs are used in love rituals, handfastings and garden magick. In the Celtic mythology of our ancestors, the apple was regarded as the fruit of immortality.

For best viewing of this site, please install the "Celtic Gaelige" font from http://www.angelfire.com/la/bryde/fonts.html.

These fonts are also great for any Celtic project your working on.

I must say I have been so hugely saddened lately by two headlines. In Africa recently 17 women were murdered on the accusations of practicing Witch Craft, or being a Witch. There were children sobbing, old people mourning the loss of their young ones, and husbands shedding tears for their wives. All of their loved ones were brutally murdered. I'm convinced they were women of the Earth and did what ever they could to make themselves and others better people, and their friends and family more comfortable in life. Also I recently acquired a copy of American Tarot Association Quarterly Journal, and the headlines read:

Statement from the American Tarot Association Reguarding the Rejection of Reigning Miss Canada Plus Pageant Judge Because They Read Tarot Cards.

Trames Druid Lapidem Miliarium

Milestones on the Druidic Path

Once one has decided to explore the path to Druidry, the view to the horizon and beyond can be a daunting one. As one begins to realize that it continues over the horizon and ends, if ever, we know not where, it becomes even more overwhelming. On any journey, especially one so long and demanding, it is natural to attempt to gage one’s progress, usually by the use of markers passed en route. The milestones for the Druid’s journey are many, possibly countless.

Many magick users are more comfortable working with energy than money. Unfortunately, it's something we all have to deal with. But how many of us have really thought about what money is? Where does it come from? How is it created? Once you start asking these questions, you might soon realize that money is in actuality no different than any other kind of energy that we work with in rituals and manipulate with magick. Like many types of energy, "Dollar Energy" can be represented on the chromatic spectrum as a color...

Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger, Linn.) a member of the Solanaceae family, to which belong the Potato, Tobacco and Tomato, and Belladonna. This herb is called "Black Henbane" because its flowers have heavy purple veining. This herb is also known by its scientific name 'Hyoscyamos', which translates as 'Hogbean'. Some think this may possibly be an altered form of ‘Dioscyamos’ that translates as 'Divine Bean' or ‘God’s Bean’. According to Dioscorides, the Celts too considered the plant sacred to their God of prophecy. They called it 'Belenuntia', herb of Bel, which still echoes in 'Beleño', the Spanish name for Henbane.

It would at first seem superfluous to proclaim that we live in a very different world than did our ancestors. We have all the “benefits” of modern technology, of modern medicine (if one can afford it!), and even for all but the humblest of us, a lifestyle that would be the envy of the ancients. We have all the gadgets and gizmos we could want to make or life and leisure time as comfortable as we could desire. Just how did mankind survive before the advent of the microwave?

We are entering my favorite time of the year. The farmers' markets are in full bloom, and we can find savory delicacies Wednesday through Sunday, all locally-grown, and it will only get better as the summer progresses. Fresh strawberries abound, as well as crimson-colored lettuces that would make any artist envious of our salads. Soon raspberries and blueberries will be gracing our tables, and then apricots and peaches. Oh, yum!!

We are standing in a valley, flanked by sand covered mountains with rocky outcrops peppered along the ridges. Before us lies a beautiful deep blue lake, its glistening surface reflecting the luminous light of the Full Moon. In the center of the lake is a lush green island. Confidently you walk into the cerulean blue water and follow a rock-lined path along the bottom of the lake until you find the entrance into an Underworld cave. The cave walls are lined with bright glowing gems of red, pink and yellow, green, blue and magenta… you follow the winding path down. Your spirit and animal guides meet you as you enter the realm of the Underworld. They guide you along a twisted narrow path that leads you deeper and deeper until you find yourself entering a dark forest. The path winds and turns past huge ancient trees. Eventually you find you way to a clearing of tall green grass, bright with the light of the full moon. In the center of the clearing stands a well. Its moss covered stones radiant with moonlight. Sitting next to the well is a wooden bucket attached to a long rope. There are several hawthorn trees covered with wish rags growing around the well. This is the well of Bridget, a well of wisdom and healing.