The Goddess Branwen

Branwen is the Welsh "version" of Venus or Aphrodite. She is the Goddess of love and beauty, dying of a broken heart after the death of her brother Bran. She's the Lady of the Lake and seems to correspond with the first chakra.

According to Encyclopedia Mythica, she is one of the three "matriarchs of Britain" (http://www.pantheon.org/areas/mythology/europe/celtic/articles.html). One web site I found (http://www.pantheon.org/areas/mythology/europe/celtic/articles.html) says that while Branwen is usually thought of as the maiden, she has a number of the mother qualities as well.

Birds, particularly starlings and ravens, play an important part of Branwen's story. Heck, her name even means "White Raven!" The full moon in June belongs to Branwen (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Branwen)!

Finally, I found the following information from Wikipedia very interesting. "At Llanddeusant, Anglesey on the banks of the Alaw can be found the cairn called Bedd Branwen, her supposed grave. Now in ruins, it still has one standing stone. It was dug up in 1800, and again in the 1960s by Frances Lynch, who found several urns with human ashes. It is believed that if the story of Branwen is true then it must have taken place during the Bedd Branwen Period of Bronze Age British history."

Branwen, help me become content in my own universe. Help me to create and give love and friendship. Help me grow and learn to know my inner self.

Christian Witch Course Week #5

This week I finished Scott Cunningham's book. The Book of Shadows was interesting, and I did start my own. I have a 3-inch thick binder that I covered in some Halloween fabric (cats with hats, spiders, and candy corn). I have started to use that.

What I *really* liked was the "Before Time Was" section on page 123. I'll be using that in my own BOS. I also know that I need to be more diligent about adding my own prayers, chants, incantations, and spells to my BOS as I grow in my faith.

On a side note, I heard the BEST description of what I believe. Jesus is who I worship, witchcraft is how I worship. Doesn't that just fit?

Note: This completes module one in the Christian Witch Course.

Which Animal Totem Suits You?

You scored as Fox, You are the Fox. You are quite intelligent and use it to your advantage. You are a diplomatic person and use that to help your friends in times of crisis, not choosing sides. You are also very patient, waiting for what you want. Fox 100% Crow 92% Bear 92% Eagle 83% Wolf 83% Dragon 75% Deer 67% Bull 67% Dog 67% Salmon 67% Ram 67% Snake 50% Stag 50% Horse 25% Which animal totem best suits you? created with QuizFarm.com

Today's Cards

Oracle Card: Whale (Soul's Path) Meaning: Honor your soul's path (from the Power Animals Oracle Deck)

Tarot Card: The Moon Meaning: Dreams, illusions and desires (from the China Tarot)

Today's Rune: Wunjo Meaning: Joy

On the verge of Mayhem

I'm packing. I hate packing.

I'm leaving for the writers conference (Meyhem in the Midlands) in the morning. I also am not a morning person.

All my clothes are already in the car. It's the "extras" that I don't have finished. Which earrings will go with which outfits? How much free time will I have? Should I bring one book to read? Or three? What about knitting? How much yarn should I bring? I think that's the stuff that confuses me more than anything.

I don't want to forget anything, but I don't want to take everything I own, either! Grrr.....

I'm excited and nervous. What if I go and find out that my writing isn't what I think it is? What if I find out that I suck? (Worse than just stinking!) What if....

Wish me luck and I'll try to post from the conference. (The computer is already packed, too!)

My Rhiannon Project

Because Rhiannon is the Goddess of dreams, I opted to create a dream catcher. I got the idea/directions from the CraftyHearthWitches group at yahoogroups. The colors I used are sacred to Rhiannon: Crimson for the pentacle; the hoop is gold; beads are green, gold, white and brown (OK, so there are blue ones, too!); and the feathers are crimson, gold and white. I added the feathers because birds are also sacred to the Goddess. (Sorry, the picture isn't that great!)

Today's Cards

Oracle Card: Eagle (Spirit) Meaning:Trust in your higher self (from the Power Animals Oracle Deck)

Tarot Card: Eight of Wands Meaning: Movement (from the China Tarot)

Today's Rune: Othilia Meaning: Separation (also means fear and emotion)