Midsummer quickie

A few thoughts before I head to bed this Midsummer night, pardon this stream of consciousness. I fully intend to return to this theme and explore it further:

According to legend: Theseus willingly goes to Crete as a sacrifice so he may kill the minotaur. Ariadne helps him. He promises to marry her. The pair leave together on his ship. She somehow, through abandonment, trickery or otherwise, winds up on the island of Dia, aka Naxos, bereft of Theseus and weds Dionysus.

Then Theseus goes after the Amazons, and when Hyppolyta turns down his proposal, he goes to war with the Amazons and kidnaps her.

The timing is interesting. That would place the Ariadne episode some time in Spring, I would say. I've been searching for information on the timing of the sacrifice to the minotaur. All I have found is that it happened at "regular intervals."

The mythology points to deeper themes:
The cult of Dionysos and the cult of Ariadne combining
The son of the sea bringing Ariadne ashore on the island of Dia (Goddess!)
Theseus "wooing" the leader of a warrior woman tribe,  Here is a quote from an interesting article on the play:

A Midsummer Night’s Dream opens with a public conversation between Theseus—the mythic leader of Athens and creator of democracy—and his bride Hippolyta—an Amazonian princess.  Theseus is moaning about the amount of time he has to wait until Hippolyta is his wife, and his terms are a bit intimate, particularly with the focus on the way the moon is “linger[ing] [his] desires.”  Hippolyta’s terms are no less fraught with meaning, but she uses the moon in another way.  “Like to a silver bow/New-bent in heaven,” the moon will be watching over their “solemnities” (1.1.19-21).  The moon and archery are both domains of Diana, the virgin goddess.  Funny that a bride would suggest she is being watched by Diana so close to her wedding.  Perhaps she is suggesting that she is watching the clock run out on her virginity; maybe she is hinting at a changing phase in her life.  Significantly, the mention of a bow recalls Hippolyta’s recent past as a warrior and a notable skill in archery.

Something to think about this Midsummer Eve!

Lovers, to bed; 'tis almost fairy time.

Italian Pastry

So I was in my local Italian pastry shop today looking to get some cannolis for father's day and low and behold I find this bag of Alberti Maglia Allo Strega candies at the cash register. I ask the woman behind the counter what they are all about. She couldn't really explain them so she gives me a sample. I open the package to find three witches flying around the top of the package. Inside there is a delicate extra fine shell of milk chocolate enclosing a fresh and succulent cream. The flavor is the result of selected specialties like Liquor Strega. The producer of the famous Liquor Strega (Witches Liquor) is Alberti for 150 years. These milk chocolate truffles filled with a creme flavored  Strega Liquor are excellent in my humble opinion. Each bag contains 12 Pieces of Magie allo Strega. My cost at this specific Italian bakery was $9.99. Certainly a must have while keeping company with other Italian Streghe.

Just a quick note,
Blessings all around ,
Dusio

Feast of Saint Anthony

Saint Anthony, come down!

Something has to be found!

The Patron Saint of lost things, seafarers, defender and devotee of the Queen of Heaven.

He was called "the hammer of heretics" for his apparent ability to convert people to catholicism with only his words. I find it interesting that many of his words concerned Mary, Mother of God, Theotokos, Queen of Heaven, The Morning Star. I will go as far as to say his devotion to Mary and his preaching on her behalf, enabled the transition of those who held a Goddess-centered, or Goddess-equal belief and practice beforehand to the new religion of the day. 

Here is an excerpt from a site on Marian devotion:

From the outset his life was markedly Marian, being born in Lisbon on the feast of the Assumption, August 15th, 1195 A. D., and baptized in the Church of St. Mary in Lisbon. At the age of 15 he completed his studies at the Cathedral School of St. Mary. Appropriately his earthly life, ever pure and humble, was brought to a close in a similar Marian tone, for when death drew nigh he longed to be taken to the St. Mary, Mother of God Friary in Padua. After receiving Extreme Unction he intoned his favorite hymn, "O gloriosa Domina..." (O glorious Lady).

In 431 A. D. the Catholic Church at the Council of Ephesus proclaimed that since Jesus Christ is the second Person of the most Holy Trinity, that is, a divine Person, Mary can rightly be called "Mother of God" (Theotokos). St. Anthony maintains that as Jesus was "designated Son of God in power according to the spirit of holiness..." (Rm. 1:4), so Mary "is designated as Mother of God in power according to the spirit of holiness." For him Mary was designated, predestined from all eternity, to receive this singular grace.

Notice he was born on the date celebrated as the Assumption, the Feast of Diana in Italy, the Feast of Hekate in Greece... The ides of August were celebrated in honor of the Queen of Heaven long before the advent of Christianity. Theotokos is the title of Diana. Recognize the name Ephesus? That's because the famous Sanctuary and statue of Diana were there. Giving Mary the title held by Diana in the city of Her sanctuary wasn't a random happenstance.

Here is the full hymn mentioned in the first quoted paragraph (it's often broken into two). I love this one, and I think many of you would happily sing along with me (at least most of it!) since it's full of more Pagan imagery than many of the ditties we sing around the fire at the drum circle these days:


The God whom earth, and sea, and sky
adore, and laud, and magnify,
who o'er their threefold fabric reigns,
the Virgin's spotless womb contains.

The God whose will by moon, and sun,
and all things in due course is done,
is borne upon a Maiden's breast,
by fullest heavenly grace possessed.

How blest that Mother, in whose shrine
the great Artificer Divine,
whose hand contains the earth and sky,
vouchsafed, as in His ark, to lie. 

Blest, in the message Gabriel brought;
blest, by the work the Spirit wrought;
from whom the great Desire of earth
took human flesh and human birth.

All honor, laud, and glory be,
o Jesu Virgin-born, to Thee,
whom with the Father we adore,
and Holy Ghost for evermore. Amen.

O Heaven's glorious mistress,
enthron'd above the starry sky!
thou feedest with thy sacred breast
thy own Creator, Lord most high.

What man had lost in hapless Eve,
thy sacred womb to man restores,
thou to the wretched here beneath
hast open'd Heaven's eternal doors.

Hail, O refulgent Hall of light!
Hail Gate august of Heaven's high King!
through thee redeem'd to endless life,
thy praise let all the nations sing.

To the Father and the Spirit
and to thy Son all glory be,
who with a wonderous garment
of graces encircled thee. Amen. 

A typical offering to Saint Anthony, especially when he comes through for you, is to donate bread to the hungry- your weight, or the weight of the blessed person in wheat. You can also donate the equivalent money to a charity dedicated to feeding the hungry.


Saint Anthony, Patrono della mia famiglia, patron of seafarers, of the lost, of those in need, devoted to the Queen of Heaven, please accept my offer of thanks for all you have done for us. Grazie!

Next time we'll talk about his "miracle of the fishes" and more about why workers of magic and the ways,  by whatever title they use, can and do work with Saints.

Animal Medicine.

Good evening all. Tonight's thoughts are on the healing power of mind, body, and spirit through the lessons of the animal kingdom and their messages on how to heal to anyone astute enough to observe their lessons. When you call upon the power of an animal, you are asking to be drawn into complete harmony with the strength of that animals essence. They are part of the pathway to power. The power lies in the wisdom of one's role in the Great Mystery, and in honoring every living thing as a teacher. This is part of the initiation process of Animal Medicine, and brings great power to the healer.

Every year on my birthday I draw a card to see who will be working with me for the upcoming year. Yesterday I pulled the Jaguar.

Sacred Jaguar teach me
To wear my power lightly,
To walk with impeccability,
To approach life with compassion,
And to live up to the integrity of my human potential.

If Jaguar is roaming your dream/reality today, it's primal roar may be rewarding you for remaining your integrity in some situation where you could have easily misused your authority. You may have been unwilling to pass judgement on another, or to be self serving. Were you especially kind to someone or do a good deed that was unexpected? If so, allow the recognition to fill you with feelings of well-being and continue to serve with compassion and and openhearted integrity. Do not falter in your resolve to be your personal best at all times. Maintain your dignity, devotion, and compassion, holding to forthrightness and honesty, no matter what the contrary influences. Do not feed any self-important need to be an "enlightened one," treating others in a self-righteous manner. Jaguar medicine teaches you that personal integrity allows for mistakes, embraces forgiveness, and humbly makes self-directed corrections, allowing a rebalanced spirit to triumph once again.

May you all come to know your animal totems.

Many Blessings,

Dusio  

Elementals.

Greetings all, tonight's topic is contacting the elemental beings. These would be the four elements of creation. Earth - Gnomes; Air - Sylphs; Fire - Salamanders; and Water - Nymphs or Undines.

First you must believe in Elementals. Your belief strengthens and gives them energy.

Be happy and enthusiastic, they are not attracted to depressed sad humans.

Go to places in nature as often as possible. Walk along a seashore, forests, lie in a meadow, listen to birds, or sit by a brook.

Appreciate the beauty in nature, when you do this, elementals will be attracted to you.

Connect with nature by growing flowers, planting trees, and feeding birds.

With gratitude and love send energy to elementals who watch over water and mountains to keep them healthy.

Take time to stop and smell the roses, free yourself from planning and constantly organizing.

Create a space in your house to clear your head and just let magick happen.

To contact an elemental who wants to work with you, sit in a quiet natural place, close your eyes and call this elemental to you. Watch what kind of elemental comes. Ask it what it's name is and what it's gift is. Listen to this elemental on an on going basis, and your relationship will become stronger.

I have journeyed to the underworld and was totally amazed with watching and working with the gnomes. It was during dream time but I will never forget this vivid journey. All you have to do is just believe.

Many Blessings,
Dusio

Speaking of Oils...

Good Evening All. Last night the night of the June full moon, we got together for a little working. We have come up with our own special blend of oil for our dear friends and compatriots. Of course it's contents are of the secretive nature but none the less very powerful. We are not looking to sell this formula, but to share it with those who work with us, both near and far. We will be hosting open workshops, classes and circles in NYC, NJ and CT. We certainly are not looking for quantity, but much prefer quality practitioners who have a serious interest in the Old Ways.

With that said, I would like to share some of the more public formulas of oils created in honor of Italian deities:

Aradia:

2 drops Vervain
2 drops Violet
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Pine
1 drop Yarrow
1 drop Frankincense
1 drop Myrrh

Umbrea:

2 drops Heather
2 drops Cinnamon
2 drops Clove
3 drops Cedarwood

Losna:
Drops each

Sandlewood
Yarrow
Violet
Honeysuckle
Frankincense
Dragons Blood

Befana:

2 drops Holly Berry
2 drops Pine
2 drops Ginger
1 drop Bay
1 drop Myrrh

Manea:

2 drops Musk
2 drops Ginger
2 drops Palmarosa
1 drop Pine

Diana:

5 drops Jasmine
3 drops Sandlewood
2 drops Myrrh
1 drop Pine
1 Flower

May these formulas help any of you in your magickal journey.
By the Old Ways,
Dusio

Wild and free

She beckons
I abide
I feel her drawing up the tide
Pulling me into Her silver light

I call
She comes
I don't expect the creature's run
Fear fills my chest on this shadow'd night

I dance
She smiles
Her brilliant beam negates the miles
I twist and turn and dance with all my might

She blesses
I am thankful
Union with her daring faithful
I claim once more my divine birthright



Tonight I was drawn outside of my house by the gorgeous moonlight. I had no intention of going out there, but when the light caught my eye, I had to go. I walked out into the full light, away from my back door. I took a moment to connect, to ask for Her presence. Something skittered onto my property from behind me and walked past. My heart proverbially jumped into my throat. I'm a city girl! And that's not usually how She makes Her presence known to me. I still don't know what that was. It wasn't a cat or a rabbit or a raccoon or a skunk. Maybe it was one of those. Maybe it was something else entirely, maybe it was something from another plane. Doesn't matter, it had the intended effect.

We communed about fear, about what it meant to worship outside in The Wild. She is the Goddess of The Wild. You must be Wild to follow Her (or at least have access to that wild part of your nature). This is why Her worship wasn't as widespread in Rome as other Goddesses, ie: Minerva. Diana is The Wild. To run with Her, you must be too. She is controlled chaos. She is random order. The same way Jazz is ordered, but random, the same way drummers fall into rhythm together while playing wildly different patterns.

I couldn't take out my tamburello and play tonight. However! I danced. I danced the fear into excitement. I walked back into my house ecstatic (well, nearly lol), ready to run, and better understanding what that means. I also found more insight into the wild natures of Pan, Dionysos and Hermes and their connection with the Goddess of The Wild.


Buona Caccia di Diana!