Dreams

I have always believed that my dreams held messages. It was up to me to interpret the meanings. As a child, my favorite dream was that of flying. I could feel my spirit rise up and float over me. We lived in a house surrounded by woods and that was my stomping ground. I can remember how it felt to float around the outside of the house, all warm and cozy. The only thing I did not like was the return. I could never seem to control the descent. Now, I don’t fly, or at least I don’t remember if I do fly. But there have been other dreams. They are almost always in color. 

Since I had just recently moved, I am still trying to unpack. I have a couple of journals that I have written some of my more vivid dreams in which I wanted to share, and my interpretations of those dreams. Still, I have had a couple at the beginning of this year. 

Just before we began this project, Rowan Pendragon was beginning her series of readings from the Arch Angel Michael. This coincided with my mother becoming ill and having to go into the hospital. My brother and I would take turns staying with her. I sensed her time was near. One day around the beginning of January, I was home in my apartment lying down on my bed. It was still daylight. I was drifting in and out of sleep. In one of my semi aware states I heard AND felt this really low humming noise. I rolled over to look at my ceiling and saw a black winged figure slowly move over me. It actually looked bat-like. I remember that I did not feel frightened by this. However, I have not been able to bring myself to analyze my dream. As I said before, since Rowan was doing the messages from the Arch Angel Michael, I thought perhaps it was he who visited me. Soon after that dream, my mother passed away. 

About two days later I had another dream. This one was of my mother. They had placed my mother in a chair at home. (Her home) She was dead and not moving at all. I was sitting by her side as if I was either waiting for something or perhaps I was guarding her. When I looked over at her, she began to breathe again. She then got up out of the chair, walked over to a table and began to measure something with a measuring tape. I believe it was cloth. The colors were soothing, off whites, gold, silver and earthy browns.  I again woke soon after, but this time I was unsettled. My mother’s expression was one of resignation. I could see her, but she looked right through me. This dream too waits for an interpretation.

According to the two books I have currently, The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells by Judika Illes, and The Hidden Power of Dreams by Denise Linn, mugwort is used to produce dreams, even in those that claim they do not dream. Dreams aided by mugwort are said to be more vivid, intense, and frequent. “Mugwort is a member of the Artemisia family, botanicals named in honor of the Greek lunar deity Artemis. Artemis protects women, wild nature of all kinds, fertility and creativity, witchcraft and magic, and psychic ability. No other plant has more powerful associations with magic in general and dreams in particular.” (The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells by Judika Illes)

Mugwort is not for everyone. It must not be used by pregnant women or those trying to become pregnant. It must not be given to children either. If one is to use this botanical, do your research first. If you can grow it, do so. It is best when you can have the living plant. If it does grow for you, the plant is indicating that it is willing to work with you. I myself am going to try to propagate it. 

Blessed Be gentle readers.  )O(

Cleansing

As I study and research more for the Pagan Blog Project, the more I become focused. I chose the topic “Cleansing”.  My research is from the book “The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells” by Judika Illes. One should cleanse their tools and items that they would use prior to rituals and spell castings to remove any residual spiritual energy. This is especially important when using tools and items for the first time, as you don’t know who may have handled them before you. According to Judika Illes, it is not necessary to cleanse certain items, such as candles and botanicals, because they do not retain the spiritual energies. Silver and Iron also do not require cleansing as they do not retain spiritual energies. (Curious. I will have to read more about that).

Also important is cleansing the ritual area and yourself. I like to be thorough. I would include my living space. Actually, I feel a presence in my apartment, and have ever since moving here in October of 2011. My dogs and cat have sensed this as well. Just last night as I was reading up on my chosen topic, my older dog Duke woke up from a sound sleep and walked over to me and pressed his entire body up against my leg and sat down facing the living room door. He was quivering a little. Since I do live in a small apartment, the best method for me to cleanse is with a technique called Asperging.  Asperging means to sprinkle an area with a liquid, usually with a botanical asperging tool. The most commonly used liquid is sea salt dissolved in rainwater. I would like to go the ocean and gather some in a jar. I read in the encyclopedia that it would be more powerful, especially if it was mixed with other ingredients.