Graveyard Dirt

When my father passed away, my mother wanted to go back to Long Island NY to visit her mother’s grave site. It was her wish to gather some of the dirt from her resting place and have it buried with her when she passed as well. We had always talked about it, but my mother had become fearful of driving, and of long drives. It was hard to get her to go out as the years went on. When we did go out, she could barely get around. When she passed away in January of this year, I decided that I would take the long trip to Long Island and get the graveyard dirt she so wanted. The drive took 3 hours, and it was a lovely ride. I could see why she loved it so much, and I realize now how very much she missed it. I took my boys with me, and they enjoyed the ride as much as I did! 

So, when I went to the graveyard where my grandmother, my mother’s mother lay, there was no intent other than to fulfill my mother’s wish. As I began my research for this topic, I did not realize that if I wanted to use this for spells and such that I needed to ask the spirit for permission and leave gifts after I was finished. When I was there, I noticed that the other gravesites were decorated with wreaths. My grandmother’s was not. I was saddened by this. As I knelt at her headstone, I brushed the dead leaves away and just looked at it. I listened to the wind blowing through the trees. I felt as if it was all right for me to be there. I told my grandmother that I was there because of mom’s wish. I didn’t feel anything malevolent or oppressive; I just felt a sense of peace. I then took the small paper bag out of my jacket pocket and took a couple of handfuls. I had read somewhere that it was best when collecting anything, whether it is specifically for spell work or just to have, always use paper, glass, or natural fibers. Anyway, after I completed this task that I set for myself, I sat back and just took in the peacefulness of the graveyard. We then began the long drive back to home. After we got home, I placed the bag on my stove so that the dirt would dry overnight. When it was dry, I took some of it and put it into an empty glass spice jar, unfortunately it had a plastic lid, but the spice jar symbolizes the love of cooking and creativity that my mother and I shared. Added to the soil was a leaf from the last flowers I got her while she was in the hospital. I always bought her a rose on my birthday thanking her for my safe delivery and raising me. I also included a note on the card from the flowers and sealed the jar. It will be included when my mother is finally laid to rest next to my father. My next goal is to find the grave sites of my two sisters who passed before me as babies, as well as my great-grandmother. I think that my mother would be happy having her family close to her.

My grandmother Dolumba.

On the ride home, I stopped to view the Bayside Marina. I wondered if my mother ever went there.

Another view of the Marina. Beautiful.

The seagulls were very obliging.

So, graveyard dirt can be used in spells, either malevolent or for benevolent uses. It can be used for very powerful protection spells. Some like to gather the dirt from the head, heart and feet of the grave site. Some like to gather the dirt deeper from the surface. For protection spells, it is said that the best is from your ancestors, from those who loved you in life, and love you still even after they have passed. For the darker spells it is said that one must gather the dirt from those that did harm in life. Personally, I would not want to do that. Everyone’s path is different, and one must choose what is right for them. If I wanted to use the dirt in spells at all, I would use my ancestors. They protected and loved us in life, so it stands to reason that they would aid us even in the beyond. What do you think?

Familiars

My interpretation of a familiar is an animal that has a connection with its human, psychic or otherwise.  I have two pugs and one VERY old (16 years old on April 1). My two boys, whom I have briefly spoken of in previous posts, are very sensitive. As I said in previous posts, they seem to sense a presence in the apartment in which we now reside. At times, they seem comfortable, stretching out wherever they want. At other times, they are right next to me, Duke at my feet, and Joker attempting to crawl in my lap. Or, when it is time for bed, Joker will sleep right up against me facing the doorway, while my Duke will either sleep on the floor next to the bed, or right in front of the doorway. My Furball kitty seems to be the guardian kitty, wandering from room to room, checking out the little nooks and corners of our little domicile. 

In the past, it was said that the use of Familiars was used for evil, for aid in carrying spells against others. Familiars could be anything from animals, reptiles and insects. We know the truth, and that is that our animal friends are beneficial to us in many ways. They sense and can warn us of danger as we go about our daily lives and during our rituals. As I sit here typing this, my boys are peacefully sleeping at my feet. There seems to be nothing to fear on this night.

Joker, My cuddly guardian!

Duke, my other guardian camped out by the bedroom door!

Furball Kitty, take a few years ago at the other house.

The next “C” subject is “Charging”

After cleansing your materials, whatever they may be, you may then charge them. Charging simply means to impart your personal energy and your intent or goal of your spell to the physical components you will be using for that spell. It is rather like charging your batteries. For me personally, I usually feel the need to charge myself every year at the ocean. I will go in the month of September to Hampton Beach in NH and walk the beach bare foot and feel the waves rushing over my feet. I feel the waves rush back out taking the sand with it from underneath me, like an undulating dance between me, the Earth, the sky, the air and the water. I breathe in the air through my nose and exhale from my mouth, so as to take in the good and out with the bad. I will either do this early in the morning, or just at dusk, depending on my mood. I would ask the elements to strengthen me. In return for their blessing, I try very hard to live green, I try to be a little kinder to others, be they animal, man etc. Once I feel that strength flowing through me, I will step away from the ocean and just walk around taking in the sights.

As to charging other materials, I have read that there are a few ways you could charge items. I know that when I made my ritual rain water a couple of years ago, the instructions I followed directed me to leave my rain water that I had collected, strained and jarred outside until the full moon. In another book, the same one that I used for last week’s topic, you can charge your items by holding them in your hands, clearing your mind, and focusing your energy into the object. After you feel that you have sent enough energy to that object, put it down and withdraw from it. Or, if you have a specific task for your object, instead of clearing your mind, visualize what you’d like your spell’s desired goal to be. Then once you feel you have sufficiently charged your item, put it down and walk away from it.

The one very important thing to remember is this: one must also give back if favors are asked for. It is all a matter of reciprocation. It is up to the individual to decide what to give in return for favors granted.

Blessed Be, Gentle Readers

B is for Beltane!

I chose to do my “B” theme on Beltane. Beltane is very special to me, as my beautiful daughter Alicia was born on this day going on 30 years ago. I also call her my “May Day” baby, as I had to have her via Cesarean section. She was so ready to burst out into the world, and I did not dilate fast enough for her!

Beltane is my favorite because it is the beginning of the summer season. The days are already getting longer and everything is starting to bloom and awaken in the Sun’s rays. For me, it will be a time of renewal this year. I will be reveling in the glory that is the beginning of Summer.

In reading the various articles online about Beltane, there is a common theme: Fertility. I can interpret it to mean fertility of the Earth, of humanity, the animals who we share the world with. It could also mean the fertility of the imagination; becoming creative in our individuality.

What I found very interesting was the 9 sacred woods. Many of the articles had some differences of opinion as to the sacred woods. I came to conclude that the most important of the woods are these: Birch, Rowan (Mountain Ash), Ash, Alder, Willow, Hawthorne, Oak, Elder and Holly. I have seen other woods included; Apple, Blackthorn, Grape Vine, Cedar, Yew and Hemlock. Using these woods in a bonfire or balefire is said to have purifying powers. People used to drive the cattle or other animals between two balefires to protect their animals from disease, and believed in the healing properties of such fires. One could also use the fire to purify ones ritual tools and other items.

Gathering the dew from the flowers, grass and trees is said to have wonderful properties for ones complexion. I am looking forward to that!!!

I myself cannot wait until Beltane. I am sensing that there will something big in store for me, and this will be my first major celebration. 

The first day of the year.

Happy New Year! I am very excited to be a part of a very special project! I will be learning about a lot of different aspects of being Pagan, and learning how to be a better person and be in tune with Nature. I am going to have a grand time!