6/20/2017

Happy Solstice!

 
In ancient Baltic traditions, the Sun Goddess Saule rules the heavens and rides across the sky in her golden and silver chariot, pulled by twin stallions.
 
"Saule, with her two gold horses,
Rides up the stone mountain
Never heated, never weary.
Never resting on the way."
 
Her festival was held on the Summer Solstice - bonfires were lit, blessings were asked, flower wreaths signifying the sun were assembled, and a special meal was shared.  Celebrants would stay up the entire night to witness her rising.
 
"The Sun dances over the silver mountain
Silver shoes she hath on her feet. . ."
 
 
 
 
(Quotes from the "Encyclopaedia of Religion & Ethics", Ed. J. Hastings. Artwork copyright Annalceflames/DeviantArt.)

6/08/2017

Full Moon Blessings

 
Blessings of the Rose Moon in Sagittarius.
May She illuminate the beauty found within and around you.
 
 
 
In Her Name ~ Temple of Learning

6/01/2017

Hymn to Aurora

 
Hear me, O Goddess! Whose emerging ray
Leads on the broad refulgence of the day;
Blushing Aurora, whose celestial light
Beams on the world with reddening splendours bright:
Angel of Titan, whom with constant round,
Thy orient beams recall from night profound:
Labour of every kind to lead is thine,
Of mortal life the minister divine.
Mankind in thee eternally delight,
And none presumes to shun thy beauteous sight.
Soon as thy splendours break the bands of rest,
And eyes unclose with pleasing sleep oppressed;
Men, reptiles, birds, and beasts, with general voice,
And all the nations of the deep, rejoice;
For all the culture of our life is thine.
Come, blessed power! and to these rites incline:
Thy holy light increase, and unconfined;
Diffuse its radiance on thy mystic's mind.
 
 
("Hymn to Aurora", The Hymns of Orpheus, trans. T. Taylor, "Goddess of the Dawn" artwork by Evelyn De Morgan)