June Ahern's Blog - Posts Tagged "rituals"
FREE EBOOK - HOW TO TALK WITH SPIRITS
How to talk With Spirits: Seances, Mediums, Ghost HuntsFree Ebook - read details below
Free Kindle, PDF, Epub, Nook + more:
Free eBook for an honest reviewLimited offered. Expires 10/25.
Please email me at june @ sfcoaching dot com with your email address to receive.
This book is available on Amazon.com & Smashwords.com. See others' reviews. More reviews on Goodreads.com
Perfect read for All Hallows Eve coming up! Followed by Day of The Dead.Great Ritual for that time included in book along with an ESP Quiz.Read excerpt of ritual below:* * *
HALLOWEEN, A SPOOKY good time and all for amusement, right?
The night is much more than just for fun. All Hallows Eve or Halloween and November First, are sacred times for many throughout the world to honor the dead. The Celts and Mexicans honor their elderly, ancestors, and the dead with special rituals and celebrations on those days. The Catholic Church combined the pagan beliefs with their own to create a day to honor the saints on November first. Celtic pagans believed the veils between the two worlds of the living and dead thinned or dropped so spirits could walk the earth to visit their living relatives before crossing back over to the “underworld.”
The spirits were not only our loved ones, but also all spirits who want to walk the earth, feel alive and connected to the living.
During the spirits’ visit, spooky things happened, as you can imagine. The Celts disguised themselves to waylay troublesome or evil spirits so they wouldn’t recognize and haunt people. Tradition warned people, especially the elderly, the sick and the young, to stay safely hidden inside so they wouldn’t be grabbed and taken to the underworld.This is a good time to invite spirits you want to visit your home. You can prepare for visiting spirits with these two welcoming rituals. One is more elaborate and the other simple. You can do all or a bit of each. Design a ritual to best suit your interest and need. No matter which you choose to do, both are a lovely way to remember your loved ones and feel their presence.
Before it is dark on Halloween get a photograph of the deceased you would like to visit and a pen in perhaps their favorite color. You’ll also need paper, flowers and incense of your choice. Also gather white, black and orange candles. The white candle is for protection and to receive clear visions.
The black candle is for the mystical, spiritual unknown, and the orange one for the season’s color of renewal. Have a burning vessel (ashtray or cauldron,) matches to light your incense and candles, and a full lipped glass or bowl of water.
(cont'd in book)
June Ahern
How to Talk With Spirits: Séances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts
Free Kindle, PDF, Epub, Nook + more: Free eBook for an honest reviewLimited offered. Expires 10/25.
Please email me at june @ sfcoaching dot com with your email address to receive.
This book is available on Amazon.com & Smashwords.com. See others' reviews. More reviews on Goodreads.com
Perfect read for All Hallows Eve coming up! Followed by Day of The Dead.Great Ritual for that time included in book along with an ESP Quiz.Read excerpt of ritual below:* * *
HALLOWEEN, A SPOOKY good time and all for amusement, right?
The night is much more than just for fun. All Hallows Eve or Halloween and November First, are sacred times for many throughout the world to honor the dead. The Celts and Mexicans honor their elderly, ancestors, and the dead with special rituals and celebrations on those days. The Catholic Church combined the pagan beliefs with their own to create a day to honor the saints on November first. Celtic pagans believed the veils between the two worlds of the living and dead thinned or dropped so spirits could walk the earth to visit their living relatives before crossing back over to the “underworld.”
The spirits were not only our loved ones, but also all spirits who want to walk the earth, feel alive and connected to the living.
During the spirits’ visit, spooky things happened, as you can imagine. The Celts disguised themselves to waylay troublesome or evil spirits so they wouldn’t recognize and haunt people. Tradition warned people, especially the elderly, the sick and the young, to stay safely hidden inside so they wouldn’t be grabbed and taken to the underworld.This is a good time to invite spirits you want to visit your home. You can prepare for visiting spirits with these two welcoming rituals. One is more elaborate and the other simple. You can do all or a bit of each. Design a ritual to best suit your interest and need. No matter which you choose to do, both are a lovely way to remember your loved ones and feel their presence.
Before it is dark on Halloween get a photograph of the deceased you would like to visit and a pen in perhaps their favorite color. You’ll also need paper, flowers and incense of your choice. Also gather white, black and orange candles. The white candle is for protection and to receive clear visions.
The black candle is for the mystical, spiritual unknown, and the orange one for the season’s color of renewal. Have a burning vessel (ashtray or cauldron,) matches to light your incense and candles, and a full lipped glass or bowl of water.
(cont'd in book)
June Ahern
How to Talk With Spirits: Séances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts
HALLOWEEN RITUAL
All Hallows Eve is a sacred time to honor and communicate with our beloved ones (and others) who have passed on to the other side, the other world, Heaven, Nirvana, Slumberland - the Universal Flow.
Much more than a fun time to dress up (old tradition of hiding from unwanted spirits). It's an psychic energetic time to open your mind's eye to see beyond the physical into the unseen world of the dead.
Read this wonderful, sacred ritual for communicating with your loved ones on the other side as the veil tonight (Halloween) drops. Blessed be.
http://witchgoddesses.blogspot.com/20...
Excerpt from my ebook, How to Talk With Spirits: Seances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts. Available Amazon and Smashwords, Barnes and Noble. 2017 paperback edition will be available.
How to Talk With Spirits: Séances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts
June Ahern
Much more than a fun time to dress up (old tradition of hiding from unwanted spirits). It's an psychic energetic time to open your mind's eye to see beyond the physical into the unseen world of the dead.
Read this wonderful, sacred ritual for communicating with your loved ones on the other side as the veil tonight (Halloween) drops. Blessed be.
http://witchgoddesses.blogspot.com/20...
Excerpt from my ebook, How to Talk With Spirits: Seances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts. Available Amazon and Smashwords, Barnes and Noble. 2017 paperback edition will be available.
How to Talk With Spirits: Séances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts
June Ahern
SPELL TO GATHER POWER FOR NEW- IT'S ONLY CHANGE.
People are always creating new possibilities new experiences, new paths.
When you step out and commitment to your change, that which you hope opens up a different or new life, other opportunities, you can come to realize you, not only are you changing mentally, but even within your entire being - as though your DNA is changing through this new experience.
A few blogs ago I shared a spell I did for my new role with my Rosicrucian Order aka AMORC group to take a different role/position. Now that I'm into it, I realized how much more dedication is needed, and how not only unwilling duties but accepting that I'm rapidly changing in many ways, thus another ritual/spell was in order.
During my year as an AMORC San Francisco's monthly group leader I had to prepare a talk for the monthly meetings and do the members' ritual. It took prep work and some time. This was all through the illness and subsequent death of my mother. It truly became a time to walk my talk spiritually. My duties and studies gave me a sense of stability and calmness - much needed to get through one of the most saddest and energy consuming times of my life - the death of my beautiful, loving mother.
In my latest book, "How to Talk With Spirits: Seances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts" I write about her long goodbye and our parting and what I learned about myself and her.
Now with my new role/position I find a different aspect of my duties - a greater focus and interaction with various members outside my SF group. I more energy and acceptance of my new role where other members, previously unknown to me are in contact. Therefore, I decided to do another spell was in order.
What I am creating now is truly a greater change. I'll say an elevated awareness of my power to influence. Kind of a more serious commitment and realizing one must be true to self if serving others kind of position. Growing in me is a confidence that comes when you know your life is on track - one you are meant to be living.
Perhaps you will think of opening to your power of whatever position you've taken on - realizing how it not only is shaping you, your life but those of others.
In part it is from Barrie Dolnick's book, Simple Spells For Success.)
GATHER POWER
During a waxing (growing toward full) moon after sunset, light a yellow candle.
Place yellow flowers in a vase with water. Place fresh ginger root next to the flowers. You might want to light incense and/or add a crystal or bowl of water (for visions).
For as long as you wish sit quietly and reflect upon the beauty before you, flickering candle, breathe, relax, enjoy.
Now think of, and connect to, your personal spiritual guardian be that an angel, guide, a loved one in spirit or a living sage/teacher who champions your progress. This could be God, All Intelligence, Buddha, Goddess, Allah. When you have decided, call upon your spiritual guardian to join you as you prepare for life changes and new experiences.
Say Aloud:
I cleanse my sacred space through my ability to call in only positive and helpful spiritual guides and teachers.
I am safe.
I call in the elements of air, fire, water and earthto support my visions yet to manifest.
I join with the power of the universe to expand and enhance my connection to that which has always been and will always be.
In the Universal flow and energy.
I open to my power in all forms within all possibilities.
I step forward bravely to fulfill known and unknown karma, willingly release old karma and identities that no longer serve my spiritual advancement. Create new karma through my new understanding of purpose and path.
With the greater good, I ask that this be done.
So Mote it Be.
And so it is.
Let the candle burn as long as you like. Dispose of the ginger root on the full moon in the earth.
Learn more about my four books at june ahern dot com. Books are also available at Amazon.com follow the link:https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=june+ahern
June Ahern
When you step out and commitment to your change, that which you hope opens up a different or new life, other opportunities, you can come to realize you, not only are you changing mentally, but even within your entire being - as though your DNA is changing through this new experience.
A few blogs ago I shared a spell I did for my new role with my Rosicrucian Order aka AMORC group to take a different role/position. Now that I'm into it, I realized how much more dedication is needed, and how not only unwilling duties but accepting that I'm rapidly changing in many ways, thus another ritual/spell was in order.
During my year as an AMORC San Francisco's monthly group leader I had to prepare a talk for the monthly meetings and do the members' ritual. It took prep work and some time. This was all through the illness and subsequent death of my mother. It truly became a time to walk my talk spiritually. My duties and studies gave me a sense of stability and calmness - much needed to get through one of the most saddest and energy consuming times of my life - the death of my beautiful, loving mother.
In my latest book, "How to Talk With Spirits: Seances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts" I write about her long goodbye and our parting and what I learned about myself and her.
Now with my new role/position I find a different aspect of my duties - a greater focus and interaction with various members outside my SF group. I more energy and acceptance of my new role where other members, previously unknown to me are in contact. Therefore, I decided to do another spell was in order.
What I am creating now is truly a greater change. I'll say an elevated awareness of my power to influence. Kind of a more serious commitment and realizing one must be true to self if serving others kind of position. Growing in me is a confidence that comes when you know your life is on track - one you are meant to be living.
Perhaps you will think of opening to your power of whatever position you've taken on - realizing how it not only is shaping you, your life but those of others.
In part it is from Barrie Dolnick's book, Simple Spells For Success.)
GATHER POWER
During a waxing (growing toward full) moon after sunset, light a yellow candle.
Place yellow flowers in a vase with water. Place fresh ginger root next to the flowers. You might want to light incense and/or add a crystal or bowl of water (for visions).
For as long as you wish sit quietly and reflect upon the beauty before you, flickering candle, breathe, relax, enjoy.
Now think of, and connect to, your personal spiritual guardian be that an angel, guide, a loved one in spirit or a living sage/teacher who champions your progress. This could be God, All Intelligence, Buddha, Goddess, Allah. When you have decided, call upon your spiritual guardian to join you as you prepare for life changes and new experiences.
Say Aloud:
I cleanse my sacred space through my ability to call in only positive and helpful spiritual guides and teachers.
I am safe.
I call in the elements of air, fire, water and earthto support my visions yet to manifest.
I join with the power of the universe to expand and enhance my connection to that which has always been and will always be.
In the Universal flow and energy.
I open to my power in all forms within all possibilities.
I step forward bravely to fulfill known and unknown karma, willingly release old karma and identities that no longer serve my spiritual advancement. Create new karma through my new understanding of purpose and path.
With the greater good, I ask that this be done.
So Mote it Be.
And so it is.
Let the candle burn as long as you like. Dispose of the ginger root on the full moon in the earth.
Learn more about my four books at june ahern dot com. Books are also available at Amazon.com follow the link:https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=june+ahern
June Ahern
Halloween Meditation Ritual
Dear Friends,
I invite you to read and hopefully do this most lovely Halloween Meditation Ritual (an excerpt I'm sharing) to communicate with your loved ones who passed and honor your ancestors.
Halloween - Hallow Eve or Holy Eve- is a time to reflect, to play and to understand the importance of this sacred time.
If you've lived long enough and loved deeply you understand the grief when a loved ones passes away, or as a Rosicrucian AMROC says, "Transitioned".
You need not be of any particular religious faith to enjoy a moment of silence, you can make it a simple shortchanged time to reflect or as in the ritual I share, a beautiful but longer time.
Please go to http://tinyurl.com/yb2ty67n and read it.
if that link doesn't work try:
http://witchgoddesses.blogspot.com/20...
My books - four in all - can be found on Amazon, Createspace, or through me juneahern.com
Thank you, and enjoy this season of magic.
June Ahern
I invite you to read and hopefully do this most lovely Halloween Meditation Ritual (an excerpt I'm sharing) to communicate with your loved ones who passed and honor your ancestors.
Halloween - Hallow Eve or Holy Eve- is a time to reflect, to play and to understand the importance of this sacred time.
If you've lived long enough and loved deeply you understand the grief when a loved ones passes away, or as a Rosicrucian AMROC says, "Transitioned".
You need not be of any particular religious faith to enjoy a moment of silence, you can make it a simple shortchanged time to reflect or as in the ritual I share, a beautiful but longer time.
Please go to http://tinyurl.com/yb2ty67n and read it.
if that link doesn't work try:
http://witchgoddesses.blogspot.com/20...
My books - four in all - can be found on Amazon, Createspace, or through me juneahern.com
Thank you, and enjoy this season of magic.
June Ahern
HOLIDAY GIFTS W/SPECIAL PSYCHIC READING OFFER & SPELL/PRAYER
A book is a gift you can open again and again. ”- Garrison Keillor
In the Holiday Spirit of Gift Giving please consider purchasing three of my books- any combination for $35 mailed within the USA and receive a one question psychic email reading from me. Purchase good up until January 1st, 2018.
Read further to enjoy a Holiday Ease Spell/Prayer.
The books (listed below) are paperbacks. The offer does not include purchases outside of my website. To order and further details please go to june ahern dot com.
Novels: The Skye in June and City of Redemption,
Non-fictions: How to Talk With Spirits: Seances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts, and in original form with artwork titled, “A Professional Psychic Reading as Alternative Counseling” limited edition (now titled "The Timeless Counselor: The Best Guide to a Successful Psychic Reading", (ebook under this title is not included in the offer.)
Wishing you a peaceful and joyful time.
Enjoy this healing spell/prayer to lighten up your mind, feelings and body and during this holiday season:
Sit in a darkened room with a candle or dim light. Have a bowl of water in front of you.
Calm your mind and body through breathing in and out through your nose. Pay attention to your breathing. If any thought enters your mind release it by saying, "Breath in, breath out." Do this for at least 3 minutes.
Then say aloud:
"I cleanse my mind of all negative thoughts that rob me of peace of mind. I willingly release and open to new positive and progressive thoughts."
With one hand dip your fingers into the bowl of water and place them on your forehead. Take your hand away.
"I cleanse my heart of feelings that rob me of a sense of serenity and joyfulness, love and laughter. I am worthy of and willingly accept love."
Dip your fingers into the water and touch your heart. Take your hand away.
"I cleanse my body of pain and unease that keeps me from feeling energetic and well.
Dip fingers from both hands into the water and touch your body where you are pain or dis-ease or illness, stress and tension. Stop here and sit quietly to mentally see yourself in good health. Take your hands away.
"I trust in my ability to create a happy holiday time in line with my enjoyment of celebrations. So Mote it Be."
Sit for as long as you wish and when ready, snuff out the candle. Come back and do this when you feel out of sorts during this busy, and often for many, sad time.
HOGMANAY CELEBRATION
Happy Hogmanay All!
Some rituals:
The first-foot to cross your threshold in at midnight as you walk into the New Year is to be a tall, dark haired man to herald in good luck for the rest of the year. Beware of a red-headed person crossing the threshold first - threatens the year will have bad luck.
Gifts to Bring a Scot on New Year: A Coin, Shortbread, Black Bun, Salt, Coal, and Whisky,
which represent financial prosperity, food, flavour, warmth, and good cheer respectively
The Chapter from my book, The Skye in June, below will give some other rituals the Scots do at the end and beginning of the New Year. In it you will learn how the MacDonalds continue their special rituals and celebrations in their new countries.
Read more about the story at june ahern dot com. Available in eBook and paperback. Amazon, Barnes and Noble, order from your favorite bookstore.
Chapter 15
HOGMANAY IN SAN FRANCISCO
THE MACDONALDS PLANNED to host their first party in America on New Year’s Eve, 1955. The family worked together to spruce up their flat in the weeks before the gathering.
Cathy busily washed the bay windows with June at her side, trying to be helpful. The soapy water dripped down the girl’s arms and into her rolled-up sleeves.
“We have to make the house nice and clean for all the people coming. Is that right, Mommy?” June asked.
“That’s right, my wee clootie dumpling,” Cathy said. She watched June’s determined face as she carefully scrubbed at the glass. Her mind drifted back to when the idea of having a party on Hogmanay first arose.
****
When it came to June, she prayed Granda and Granny B would visit for Christmas. Her wish brought up a conversation during dinner about past holidays in Scotland. Jimmy said how much fun the Scottish New Year was. Annie, who was old enough to remember, reminded her father that in Scotland, the New Year celebration was called Hogmanay.
“What a holiday it is! We have special things––traditions, like paying off debts before the first of January,” Sandy told the children in seriousness.
“We won’t have to worry about that tradition, eh, Jimmy?” Cathy said. Her husband didn’t believe in accumulating debts and lived frugally, day-by-day. He prided himself in being able to send weekly payments to Granda B for the money he had loaned them to make their move to America possible.
“Mommy, what were the parties like at Hogmanay?” June said, crucifying the name the Scots called New Year’s Eve and the days following. It sounded like she said, “Hug many.”
The adults laughed so cheerfully that she joined in, thinking how happy everyone was with her question.
They began to reminisce about Hogmanay. The descriptions of the holiday spilled out across the dining table as Jimmy, Sandy and Cathy related their stories about Scotland’s most popular holiday, which was celebrated as though it were a religious event.
When Jimmy said the streets of Glasgow were busy with people going from house to house starting on New Year’s Eve, visiting and bringing gifts, June gathered that Hogmanay was like Halloween night.
“What kind of gifts?” she asked.
Annie piped in, “Granny always baked special things like holiday oat cakes and black buns.”
“Whiskey cake and her famous shortbread. Oh yum!” Cathy jumped in, winking at her daughters as she licked her lips and made a wide circle on her belly.
“Good whiskey,” Jimmy added.
Sandy told a story about the time they went bathing in the Clyde River, just to see who could endure the cold water the longest. “It was so bloody frigid. If it hadn’t been for the whiskey keeping my blood moving and Cathy’s brother, Peter, jumping in to pull me out…”
Nancy interrupted the story with a sharp, “Sandy! That’s not a good example for the children.”
“Right dear. We were silly boys then. It’s a very dangerous thing to do,” he said seriously.
Cathy covered her smiling lips with a napkin and made big eyes at her daughters.
“Tell us more, Mommy,” June said, enjoying the cheery conversation.
Her mother clasped her hands and placed them on the table in front of her, her blue eyes glittering in the candlelight. Everyone sat still and listened as Cathy’s soft Scottish voice told the story.
“There’s a very special ritual on Hogmanay that begins at midnight on New Year’s Eve, acted out in the homes across Scotland. It’s customary that the first guest, called the first foot, enters a home shortly after midnight. It’s tradition that the first foot is a dark haired man who comes bearing gifts. It’s usually a lump of coal to keep the host’s home warm through the long cold winter and a bottle of Scotch to warm their souls.”
Jimmy interrupted, “Ye hope it’s a dark haired man who enters first, because then you’d have good luck throughout the upcoming year.”
Cathy kept talking, “Girls, your Granda B was a most welcomed guest as the first foot because he was tall and had black hair.” She was looking dreamily into the candle flame. “Until his hair turned white, that is.” Although she said it lightly, June sensed sadness in her mother’s voice.
“Aye, he was always the life of the party, getting everybody to sing and the ladies up for a dance. It’s his favorite holiday,” Jimmy said nostalgically.
The room quieted as the storytellers became lost in their own memories. June didn’t want the enchanting Hogmanay tales to end and she asked, “Can we have a party?”
Her sisters cheered the idea loudly.
Jimmy and Cathy looked at each other across the table. She hesitated, fearful of letting down the girls if she took a spell of depression.
“No a bad idea,” he said enthusiastically.
Looking at the girls’ excited faces staring at her, it was hard not to give in to them. Cathy decided that celebrating Hogmanay in America would start a family tradition in their new country.
* * *
more about the party with the other Scottish immigrants continues in the book.
What are your traditions on New Year's Eve and day?
Interview: https://mercedesfoxbooks.com/meet-aut...
Read more about June Ahern and her books at www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June
City of Redemption
How to Talk With Spirits
The Timeless Counselor
Some rituals:
The first-foot to cross your threshold in at midnight as you walk into the New Year is to be a tall, dark haired man to herald in good luck for the rest of the year. Beware of a red-headed person crossing the threshold first - threatens the year will have bad luck.
Gifts to Bring a Scot on New Year: A Coin, Shortbread, Black Bun, Salt, Coal, and Whisky,
which represent financial prosperity, food, flavour, warmth, and good cheer respectively
The Chapter from my book, The Skye in June, below will give some other rituals the Scots do at the end and beginning of the New Year. In it you will learn how the MacDonalds continue their special rituals and celebrations in their new countries.
Read more about the story at june ahern dot com. Available in eBook and paperback. Amazon, Barnes and Noble, order from your favorite bookstore.
Chapter 15
HOGMANAY IN SAN FRANCISCO
THE MACDONALDS PLANNED to host their first party in America on New Year’s Eve, 1955. The family worked together to spruce up their flat in the weeks before the gathering.
Cathy busily washed the bay windows with June at her side, trying to be helpful. The soapy water dripped down the girl’s arms and into her rolled-up sleeves.
“We have to make the house nice and clean for all the people coming. Is that right, Mommy?” June asked.
“That’s right, my wee clootie dumpling,” Cathy said. She watched June’s determined face as she carefully scrubbed at the glass. Her mind drifted back to when the idea of having a party on Hogmanay first arose.
****
When it came to June, she prayed Granda and Granny B would visit for Christmas. Her wish brought up a conversation during dinner about past holidays in Scotland. Jimmy said how much fun the Scottish New Year was. Annie, who was old enough to remember, reminded her father that in Scotland, the New Year celebration was called Hogmanay.
“What a holiday it is! We have special things––traditions, like paying off debts before the first of January,” Sandy told the children in seriousness.
“We won’t have to worry about that tradition, eh, Jimmy?” Cathy said. Her husband didn’t believe in accumulating debts and lived frugally, day-by-day. He prided himself in being able to send weekly payments to Granda B for the money he had loaned them to make their move to America possible.
“Mommy, what were the parties like at Hogmanay?” June said, crucifying the name the Scots called New Year’s Eve and the days following. It sounded like she said, “Hug many.”
The adults laughed so cheerfully that she joined in, thinking how happy everyone was with her question.
They began to reminisce about Hogmanay. The descriptions of the holiday spilled out across the dining table as Jimmy, Sandy and Cathy related their stories about Scotland’s most popular holiday, which was celebrated as though it were a religious event.
When Jimmy said the streets of Glasgow were busy with people going from house to house starting on New Year’s Eve, visiting and bringing gifts, June gathered that Hogmanay was like Halloween night.
“What kind of gifts?” she asked.
Annie piped in, “Granny always baked special things like holiday oat cakes and black buns.”
“Whiskey cake and her famous shortbread. Oh yum!” Cathy jumped in, winking at her daughters as she licked her lips and made a wide circle on her belly.
“Good whiskey,” Jimmy added.
Sandy told a story about the time they went bathing in the Clyde River, just to see who could endure the cold water the longest. “It was so bloody frigid. If it hadn’t been for the whiskey keeping my blood moving and Cathy’s brother, Peter, jumping in to pull me out…”
Nancy interrupted the story with a sharp, “Sandy! That’s not a good example for the children.”
“Right dear. We were silly boys then. It’s a very dangerous thing to do,” he said seriously.
Cathy covered her smiling lips with a napkin and made big eyes at her daughters.
“Tell us more, Mommy,” June said, enjoying the cheery conversation.
Her mother clasped her hands and placed them on the table in front of her, her blue eyes glittering in the candlelight. Everyone sat still and listened as Cathy’s soft Scottish voice told the story.
“There’s a very special ritual on Hogmanay that begins at midnight on New Year’s Eve, acted out in the homes across Scotland. It’s customary that the first guest, called the first foot, enters a home shortly after midnight. It’s tradition that the first foot is a dark haired man who comes bearing gifts. It’s usually a lump of coal to keep the host’s home warm through the long cold winter and a bottle of Scotch to warm their souls.”
Jimmy interrupted, “Ye hope it’s a dark haired man who enters first, because then you’d have good luck throughout the upcoming year.”
Cathy kept talking, “Girls, your Granda B was a most welcomed guest as the first foot because he was tall and had black hair.” She was looking dreamily into the candle flame. “Until his hair turned white, that is.” Although she said it lightly, June sensed sadness in her mother’s voice.
“Aye, he was always the life of the party, getting everybody to sing and the ladies up for a dance. It’s his favorite holiday,” Jimmy said nostalgically.
The room quieted as the storytellers became lost in their own memories. June didn’t want the enchanting Hogmanay tales to end and she asked, “Can we have a party?”
Her sisters cheered the idea loudly.
Jimmy and Cathy looked at each other across the table. She hesitated, fearful of letting down the girls if she took a spell of depression.
“No a bad idea,” he said enthusiastically.
Looking at the girls’ excited faces staring at her, it was hard not to give in to them. Cathy decided that celebrating Hogmanay in America would start a family tradition in their new country.
* * *
more about the party with the other Scottish immigrants continues in the book.
What are your traditions on New Year's Eve and day?
Interview: https://mercedesfoxbooks.com/meet-aut...
Read more about June Ahern and her books at www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June
City of Redemption
How to Talk With Spirits
The Timeless Counselor
SCONES & AULD LANG SYNE
Home baked scones are an important part of the Scottish New Year as is whiskey and coal brought in by the first-footer.
Hogmanay (pronounced hugmene) is the Scots word for the last day of the year and is synonymous with the celebration of the New Year's Eve and Day in the Scottish manner. It is, however, normally only the start of a celebration which lasts through the night until the morning of New Year's Eve and Day.
The ritual of linking arms at New Year's parties at my parent's were both celebrating the new year while saying good-bye to the old one and those who weren't going another year with us. The Hogmanay custom of singing "Auld Lang Syne" has become common in many countries. "Auld Lang Syne" is a traditional poem reinterpreted by Robert Burns , which was later set to music. It is now common for this to be sung in a circle of linked arms that are crossed over one another as the clock strikes midnight for New Year's Day. Typically it is only in Scotland this practice is carried out correctly.
People travel to Scotland from all over the world to participate in the country's special holiday.
As a Scottish immigrant living in San Francisco my family celebrated Hogmanay – Scottish New Year with many rituals and special foods. I had to include it in my book, ‘THE SKYE IN JUNE” and here is an excerpt of that chapter: (not present cover of book, but original photo idea. Photo by Jerry Briesach)
Hogmanay in San Francisco
Cathy dunked her cloth into the bucket and stopped washing the bay windows as she meditated over the soapy bubbles and remembered past New Year’s Eves in Scotland. The days before the event were always very busy with giving the house a thorough cleaning, as was the tradition. It was thought that starting the New Year with a tidy and neat house would bring good luck. Besides hauling the carpets downstairs to the backyard for a hard beating to clean them, all bedding and curtains were taken to the steamie, as Laundromats are called in Scotland. On the family’s last Hogmanay in Glasgow, it was decided that Annie was old enough to help out while Granny B watched the young bairns. Cathy and Annie pushed the baby pram[1] crammed full of curtains and linens along the streets, meeting other mothers and daughters on the same journey.
After waiting in line in the December chill they bought a ticket to enter the huge steamy room, smelling of wet clothes and soap. The steamie was full of women and girls, laughing and gossiping as they scrubbed their laundry on the washing board. Piece by piece they scrubbed up and down in big sinks filled with hot water, and then wrung it all out by hand. They hung the laundry on wall racks for drying, and placed larger items in big, hot cupboards that were pulled out of the wall. The gossiping and joking never stopped. The work was hard, but the excitement of the upcoming holiday created a festive atmosphere.
In reflection, Cathy realized how much she missed those times, especially the companionship of her mother and sisters-in-law at the holidays. Still, she as was excited as the girls were about the party. With every wipe of the window, she assured herself that her family would be blessed anew.
Jimmy and Cathy painted the living room and hallway a fresh coat of white paint with deep green on the wainscot and molding.
As the day grew closer to Hogmanay, Cathy along with her friends, Mrs. G and Mrs. G's daughter, Tesia shopped up and down Castro Street for the essential ingredients for the special Hogmanay foods that they would make.
Laughter and gossip erupted anytime the kitchen door opened as the women prepared the feast. When Cathy related funny tales of the steamie, the other women laughed heartily. The girls listened with merry curiosity as the adults reminisced about “home,” each telling her own story about life in Poland or Scotland.
With the cooking underway, Mrs. G and Tesia agreed with Cathy when she said it was good that the girls would learn the proper preparation of the Scottish foods.
“We must not forget our customs,” Mrs. G said adamantly. The other women nodded their heads affirmatively at her wisdom.
When it was time to bake the sweets June helped Annie roll out the dough for the cookies with a large rolling pin that Granny B had gifted Annie, before leaving Scotland.
The girls happily tested the freshly baked buttery shortbread, sugar cookies and the Dundee cake—a Hogmanay special. Mrs. G showed them how to decorate the cookies with sugar frosting by dipping a butter knife into hot water and carefully running it over the top of the frosting to give it a shinny glaze.
The women sipped glasses of sherry that would later be used for making the trifle pudding, which was a favorite holiday dessert made with cake, peaches soaked in wine and boiled custard poured all over it.
The baked goods were stored away and attention was turned to the main courses. Stewed meat with thick brown gravy was placed into deep pans. Annie used Granny B’s rolling pin to make a thin crust for the top of the pans. She then brushed a raw egg across the top so it would bake to a perfect golden brown, just the way Granny would have wanted it.
By the day of the party, steak pies, a large ham, the delicate trifle pudding and other delicious holiday foods lined the shelves in the Frigidaire, ready to be heated up when needed.
With the kitchen work finished, the girls hung colorful streamers throughout the flat, and dangled fun paper party hats from them. Jimmy held Maggie up to hang a piece of mistletoe at the front door. This custom was not for kissing, like at Christmas, but to prevent illness in the household.
It was a fun time in the MacDonald house. Since many of the guests also had young children, the party would start in the early afternoon of New Year’s Day. The girls were so excited they stayed up until midnight, giggling and talking before falling asleep. The next morning they hurried home from the special New Year’s Day Mass to change into their party clothes, readying themselves for the guests arriving at noon.
With the chime of the doorbell, everyone ran off to greet the first guest. They hurried into position, eager to view the first footer waiting downstairs at the door to the building. They were ready for a dark-haired man to walk through the door, signaling good luck in the New Year. What they saw was Sandy’s thinning blonde hair as he stepped over the threshold and into the lobby of the building.
“Sandy! For God’s sake, get out, man!” Jimmy yelled down to him.
The mistake was Mark’s fault.
It had been pre-arranged by Jimmy that the first foot would be Ian, a Scottish friend who was a tall man with black hair. But before Ian could step into the building, Mark had pushed ahead of him. As Sandy reached past Ian to pull his son back, he had stumbled through the door when it opened. As fate would have it, light haired, balding Sandy was the first person with a foot in the MacDonald’s building on Hogmanay.
The girls hung over the banister booing boisterously at Mark as his father backed out, dragging his son by the scruff of the neck. Ian bounded up the stairs. Hoping to smooth over the error, he adamantly protested that he did indeed have the first foot in the flat. He handed Jimmy the traditional Hogmanay gifts.
“Fattie brattie Marky,” said Maggie mockingly when Mark dashed by.
Huffing and puffing, Nancy arrived at the top of the landing and, in her loud American voice, scolded the Scots on how silly they were to be so superstitious.
A stout Scottish woman coming up behind her said, “Wheesht, silly woman.”
At first, guests were a bit sober from the unexpected event but it didn’t last for long. The adults soon had a few glasses of cheer and the party began.
More guests arrived, singing out the traditional Hogmanay greeting, “A good year to you!” They brought gifts of food and spirits—whiskey, malt beer and gin. As the day went on, the story about the blonde first foot made its rounds and the celebrators kidded about what kind of bad luck might befall the MacDonalds in the coming year.
The mood lightened and the singing of Scottish songs became the main activity. Each person had a turn to entertain by singing a favorite tune. Before the party ended, and in keeping with another Hogmanay tradition, the adults and children stood in a circle crisscrossing hands, right over left, and sang the famous Scottish song, “Auld Lang Syne.” June was bewildered as the adults’ laughing voices changed to sad tones. Some of the women cried openly as they sang together, “Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and the days of auld lang syne!”
•••••••
To learn about my books and me at www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June - City of Redemption, The Timeless Counselor, How to Talk With Spirits
Hogmanay (pronounced hugmene) is the Scots word for the last day of the year and is synonymous with the celebration of the New Year's Eve and Day in the Scottish manner. It is, however, normally only the start of a celebration which lasts through the night until the morning of New Year's Eve and Day.
The ritual of linking arms at New Year's parties at my parent's were both celebrating the new year while saying good-bye to the old one and those who weren't going another year with us. The Hogmanay custom of singing "Auld Lang Syne" has become common in many countries. "Auld Lang Syne" is a traditional poem reinterpreted by Robert Burns , which was later set to music. It is now common for this to be sung in a circle of linked arms that are crossed over one another as the clock strikes midnight for New Year's Day. Typically it is only in Scotland this practice is carried out correctly.
People travel to Scotland from all over the world to participate in the country's special holiday.
As a Scottish immigrant living in San Francisco my family celebrated Hogmanay – Scottish New Year with many rituals and special foods. I had to include it in my book, ‘THE SKYE IN JUNE” and here is an excerpt of that chapter: (not present cover of book, but original photo idea. Photo by Jerry Briesach)
Hogmanay in San Francisco
Cathy dunked her cloth into the bucket and stopped washing the bay windows as she meditated over the soapy bubbles and remembered past New Year’s Eves in Scotland. The days before the event were always very busy with giving the house a thorough cleaning, as was the tradition. It was thought that starting the New Year with a tidy and neat house would bring good luck. Besides hauling the carpets downstairs to the backyard for a hard beating to clean them, all bedding and curtains were taken to the steamie, as Laundromats are called in Scotland. On the family’s last Hogmanay in Glasgow, it was decided that Annie was old enough to help out while Granny B watched the young bairns. Cathy and Annie pushed the baby pram[1] crammed full of curtains and linens along the streets, meeting other mothers and daughters on the same journey.
After waiting in line in the December chill they bought a ticket to enter the huge steamy room, smelling of wet clothes and soap. The steamie was full of women and girls, laughing and gossiping as they scrubbed their laundry on the washing board. Piece by piece they scrubbed up and down in big sinks filled with hot water, and then wrung it all out by hand. They hung the laundry on wall racks for drying, and placed larger items in big, hot cupboards that were pulled out of the wall. The gossiping and joking never stopped. The work was hard, but the excitement of the upcoming holiday created a festive atmosphere.
In reflection, Cathy realized how much she missed those times, especially the companionship of her mother and sisters-in-law at the holidays. Still, she as was excited as the girls were about the party. With every wipe of the window, she assured herself that her family would be blessed anew.
Jimmy and Cathy painted the living room and hallway a fresh coat of white paint with deep green on the wainscot and molding.
As the day grew closer to Hogmanay, Cathy along with her friends, Mrs. G and Mrs. G's daughter, Tesia shopped up and down Castro Street for the essential ingredients for the special Hogmanay foods that they would make.
Laughter and gossip erupted anytime the kitchen door opened as the women prepared the feast. When Cathy related funny tales of the steamie, the other women laughed heartily. The girls listened with merry curiosity as the adults reminisced about “home,” each telling her own story about life in Poland or Scotland.
With the cooking underway, Mrs. G and Tesia agreed with Cathy when she said it was good that the girls would learn the proper preparation of the Scottish foods.
“We must not forget our customs,” Mrs. G said adamantly. The other women nodded their heads affirmatively at her wisdom.
When it was time to bake the sweets June helped Annie roll out the dough for the cookies with a large rolling pin that Granny B had gifted Annie, before leaving Scotland.
The girls happily tested the freshly baked buttery shortbread, sugar cookies and the Dundee cake—a Hogmanay special. Mrs. G showed them how to decorate the cookies with sugar frosting by dipping a butter knife into hot water and carefully running it over the top of the frosting to give it a shinny glaze.
The women sipped glasses of sherry that would later be used for making the trifle pudding, which was a favorite holiday dessert made with cake, peaches soaked in wine and boiled custard poured all over it.
The baked goods were stored away and attention was turned to the main courses. Stewed meat with thick brown gravy was placed into deep pans. Annie used Granny B’s rolling pin to make a thin crust for the top of the pans. She then brushed a raw egg across the top so it would bake to a perfect golden brown, just the way Granny would have wanted it.
By the day of the party, steak pies, a large ham, the delicate trifle pudding and other delicious holiday foods lined the shelves in the Frigidaire, ready to be heated up when needed.
With the kitchen work finished, the girls hung colorful streamers throughout the flat, and dangled fun paper party hats from them. Jimmy held Maggie up to hang a piece of mistletoe at the front door. This custom was not for kissing, like at Christmas, but to prevent illness in the household.
It was a fun time in the MacDonald house. Since many of the guests also had young children, the party would start in the early afternoon of New Year’s Day. The girls were so excited they stayed up until midnight, giggling and talking before falling asleep. The next morning they hurried home from the special New Year’s Day Mass to change into their party clothes, readying themselves for the guests arriving at noon.
With the chime of the doorbell, everyone ran off to greet the first guest. They hurried into position, eager to view the first footer waiting downstairs at the door to the building. They were ready for a dark-haired man to walk through the door, signaling good luck in the New Year. What they saw was Sandy’s thinning blonde hair as he stepped over the threshold and into the lobby of the building.
“Sandy! For God’s sake, get out, man!” Jimmy yelled down to him.
The mistake was Mark’s fault.
It had been pre-arranged by Jimmy that the first foot would be Ian, a Scottish friend who was a tall man with black hair. But before Ian could step into the building, Mark had pushed ahead of him. As Sandy reached past Ian to pull his son back, he had stumbled through the door when it opened. As fate would have it, light haired, balding Sandy was the first person with a foot in the MacDonald’s building on Hogmanay.
The girls hung over the banister booing boisterously at Mark as his father backed out, dragging his son by the scruff of the neck. Ian bounded up the stairs. Hoping to smooth over the error, he adamantly protested that he did indeed have the first foot in the flat. He handed Jimmy the traditional Hogmanay gifts.
“Fattie brattie Marky,” said Maggie mockingly when Mark dashed by.
Huffing and puffing, Nancy arrived at the top of the landing and, in her loud American voice, scolded the Scots on how silly they were to be so superstitious.
A stout Scottish woman coming up behind her said, “Wheesht, silly woman.”
At first, guests were a bit sober from the unexpected event but it didn’t last for long. The adults soon had a few glasses of cheer and the party began.
More guests arrived, singing out the traditional Hogmanay greeting, “A good year to you!” They brought gifts of food and spirits—whiskey, malt beer and gin. As the day went on, the story about the blonde first foot made its rounds and the celebrators kidded about what kind of bad luck might befall the MacDonalds in the coming year.
The mood lightened and the singing of Scottish songs became the main activity. Each person had a turn to entertain by singing a favorite tune. Before the party ended, and in keeping with another Hogmanay tradition, the adults and children stood in a circle crisscrossing hands, right over left, and sang the famous Scottish song, “Auld Lang Syne.” June was bewildered as the adults’ laughing voices changed to sad tones. Some of the women cried openly as they sang together, “Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and the days of auld lang syne!”
•••••••
To learn about my books and me at www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June - City of Redemption, The Timeless Counselor, How to Talk With Spirits
MAY DAY CROWNING OUR LADY; SKYE IN JUNE EXCERPT
Recently, I shared on a social media page how my favorite Catholic celebration ritual was May Day in the church. The girls wore pretty dresses with wreaths of flowers on their heads. and the boys spruced up too.
One year, my young sister was chosen by her peers to crown a large statue of Mary, Our Lady. It was a real honor and her family so proud of her.
I loved this day so much that I wrote a whole chapter of it in my book, The Skye in June. Only, in my chapter the main character after the church festivities all hell breaks loose.
Here's an excerpt from the chapter. I hope you enjoy it. You can read more about my book on Amazon.com
Chapter 26May Day 1960
The warm spring day of the first of May 1960 would certainly prove to be an unforgettable day for the entire family, in one way or another. The entire month of May, which is dedicated to honor Our Lady, the Blessed Mother of God, commences with a festive Mass on the first Sunday of the month. It is one of the most beautiful and joyful celebrations in Catholicism and was June’s favorite religious event. As part of the Mass, an eighth grade girl, chosen by her peers, crowns the statue of Our Lady. The honor went to Maggie. Her sisters agreed that, after all her heavy campaigning, she deserved it.
***The church was transformed into a heavenly garden filled abundantly with fresh, colorful spring flowers emitting sweet scents. After the congregation settled into the pews, the procession started with the Monsignor walking down the main aisle sprinkling holy water over the parishioners. Behind him came both of the parish priests in pristine white and gold vestments flanked by several altar boys. Once they were all assembled in the sanctuary, the organist heralded in the children. Boys and girls in their respective lines came through the front doors to parade around the church on opposite sides. The girls were dressed in a rainbow of pastel dresses with wreaths of garden flowers adorning their hair. The boys had their hair neatly slicked down and wore crisp white shirts and dark pants.
As the lines snaked around the pews, the children sang in harmony praises to God’s mother. “Oh, Mary, we crown you with blossoms today. Queen of the angels, Queen of May.”
When the children finally settled into the first rows of pews, the eighth-grade girl chosen to crown Our Lady would enter the church. As the organist began to play “Ave Maria,” heads craned backward to watch the chosen one walk down the aisle.
Beautiful as a spring goddess, Maggie, poised between the church’s heavy wooden doors, waited to allow time for the parishioners to view her. A murmur of appreciation spread throughout the church. In a periwinkle-blue gown, holding a wreath of delicate white roses cut from the MacDonald’s garden, she gracefully glided down the burgundy-carpeted aisle toward a life-size statue of Our Lady waiting to be crowned by the maiden. So lovely was the honored maiden that no one would have guessed that only an hour earlier she had been involved in a fight with her sister.
After the ceremony, parishioners spilled out of the church into the warming May Day, eager to get to breakfast. Jimmy emerged gripping his Kodak Brownie camera and squinting into the sunlight. He looked out into the group of people. “Do you see her?” he asked Cathy.
Cathy spied Maggie with Mother Superior and the Monsignor. The rotund priest had his arm loosely around her shoulders, leaning down into her face, smiling and talking.
Jimmy saw her at the same time. “There she is!” he said as he rushed down the church steps.
Cathy spotted Annie and Mary amongst the crowd and beckoned them over. Jimmy and the Monsignor were vigorously shaking hands when Cathy and the girls joined them.
“You must be so proud of Margaret being the chosen one to crown the Blessed Virgin. Maybe someday Margaret will become a real bride of Christ,” Monsignor gushed, his fat red cheeks shaking as he pumped Jimmy’s hand up and down. Cathy thought how Monsignor reminded her of a fat rooster crowing for praises.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Mary jab Annie with her elbow and giggle. She had a good idea what Mary was communicating to her sister. She, too, was amused at the idea of her boy-crazy daughter becoming a nun.
Jimmy proudly winked at Maggie. “She’s a good girl, alright.”
An exaggerated moan escaped Mary’s lips. The group stared at her, puzzled by her utterance. Quickly, Annie said, “She’s just hungry.” The attention turned back to Maggie.
“I understand that Margaret will follow Anne to the Girls Convent High School. What a reward!” Mother Superior beamed a proud grin at the parents.
“We have no choice but to send them all to Catholic higher learning. That’s where our girls belong, right Cathy?” Jimmy said, his grin broader with each compliment.
Cathy nodded her head “yes,” giving a half smile. For weeks she had fretted over the cost of the high school’s tuition. Maggie had not won a scholarship, like Annie had.
Loud voices of children squealing and singing interrupted the conversation. They looked over to the schoolyard to see a group of young girls dancing around a basketball pole, holding the various colors of streaming ribbons attached to it. Cathy’s attention went to the bright red hair flying around the circle. Her heart sank. It has to be June, she thought. Mary mumbled, “Oh-oh.”
Monsignor inquired, hesitatingly, “Mother Superior, what’s going on over there?”
“I don’t know,” she sputtered nervously, licking her lips, uncertain if she, the Mother Superior of Holy Savior School, was guilty of some sin.
“I know what they’re doing,” a sugary sweet voice sang out.
Everyone looked at Maggie. “Sister Noel has been teaching her students about the old pagan celebration of May Day. She said it’s the story of Mother Earth giving birth. The pole is the Father Sun.” She hesitated, giving the group a pleasant smile. She continued in a singsong way. “The ribbons are like him showering down his love over all the young maidens. Whatever that means.” Maggie’s bright green eyes, wide with innocence, looked directly at the Monsignor.
The adults stood frozen in place.Monsignor finally gasped out, “Mother...”
“I’ll take care of it, Monsignor,” Mother Superior said, regaining her poise. With arms swinging
as though to propel her faster, she marched over to the happy, cheering children.
Cathy fumed at Maggie. I knew she had a plan up her sleeve to get June in trouble, she said to
herself.
“Bloody troublemaker,” Jimmy swore under his breath looking toward the playground, his
temper starting to brew.
With hands folded within her habit sleeves, Sister Noel stood facing the children, quietly
watching them. Although her back was to Mother Superior, she did not jump with surprise when a voice gruffly asked, “What is the meaning of this, Sister?”
The pretty young nun slowly turned to her. With eyelashes lowered, she hid her eyes. “It’s a celebration of May Day, Mother,” she answered with quiet dignity.
To be con't in The Skye in June.
Read about June Ahern's other books at www.juneahern.com
One year, my young sister was chosen by her peers to crown a large statue of Mary, Our Lady. It was a real honor and her family so proud of her. I loved this day so much that I wrote a whole chapter of it in my book, The Skye in June. Only, in my chapter the main character after the church festivities all hell breaks loose.
Here's an excerpt from the chapter. I hope you enjoy it. You can read more about my book on Amazon.com
Chapter 26May Day 1960
The warm spring day of the first of May 1960 would certainly prove to be an unforgettable day for the entire family, in one way or another. The entire month of May, which is dedicated to honor Our Lady, the Blessed Mother of God, commences with a festive Mass on the first Sunday of the month. It is one of the most beautiful and joyful celebrations in Catholicism and was June’s favorite religious event. As part of the Mass, an eighth grade girl, chosen by her peers, crowns the statue of Our Lady. The honor went to Maggie. Her sisters agreed that, after all her heavy campaigning, she deserved it.
***The church was transformed into a heavenly garden filled abundantly with fresh, colorful spring flowers emitting sweet scents. After the congregation settled into the pews, the procession started with the Monsignor walking down the main aisle sprinkling holy water over the parishioners. Behind him came both of the parish priests in pristine white and gold vestments flanked by several altar boys. Once they were all assembled in the sanctuary, the organist heralded in the children. Boys and girls in their respective lines came through the front doors to parade around the church on opposite sides. The girls were dressed in a rainbow of pastel dresses with wreaths of garden flowers adorning their hair. The boys had their hair neatly slicked down and wore crisp white shirts and dark pants.
As the lines snaked around the pews, the children sang in harmony praises to God’s mother. “Oh, Mary, we crown you with blossoms today. Queen of the angels, Queen of May.”
When the children finally settled into the first rows of pews, the eighth-grade girl chosen to crown Our Lady would enter the church. As the organist began to play “Ave Maria,” heads craned backward to watch the chosen one walk down the aisle.
Beautiful as a spring goddess, Maggie, poised between the church’s heavy wooden doors, waited to allow time for the parishioners to view her. A murmur of appreciation spread throughout the church. In a periwinkle-blue gown, holding a wreath of delicate white roses cut from the MacDonald’s garden, she gracefully glided down the burgundy-carpeted aisle toward a life-size statue of Our Lady waiting to be crowned by the maiden. So lovely was the honored maiden that no one would have guessed that only an hour earlier she had been involved in a fight with her sister.
After the ceremony, parishioners spilled out of the church into the warming May Day, eager to get to breakfast. Jimmy emerged gripping his Kodak Brownie camera and squinting into the sunlight. He looked out into the group of people. “Do you see her?” he asked Cathy.
Cathy spied Maggie with Mother Superior and the Monsignor. The rotund priest had his arm loosely around her shoulders, leaning down into her face, smiling and talking.
Jimmy saw her at the same time. “There she is!” he said as he rushed down the church steps.
Cathy spotted Annie and Mary amongst the crowd and beckoned them over. Jimmy and the Monsignor were vigorously shaking hands when Cathy and the girls joined them.
“You must be so proud of Margaret being the chosen one to crown the Blessed Virgin. Maybe someday Margaret will become a real bride of Christ,” Monsignor gushed, his fat red cheeks shaking as he pumped Jimmy’s hand up and down. Cathy thought how Monsignor reminded her of a fat rooster crowing for praises.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Mary jab Annie with her elbow and giggle. She had a good idea what Mary was communicating to her sister. She, too, was amused at the idea of her boy-crazy daughter becoming a nun.
Jimmy proudly winked at Maggie. “She’s a good girl, alright.”
An exaggerated moan escaped Mary’s lips. The group stared at her, puzzled by her utterance. Quickly, Annie said, “She’s just hungry.” The attention turned back to Maggie.
“I understand that Margaret will follow Anne to the Girls Convent High School. What a reward!” Mother Superior beamed a proud grin at the parents.
“We have no choice but to send them all to Catholic higher learning. That’s where our girls belong, right Cathy?” Jimmy said, his grin broader with each compliment.
Cathy nodded her head “yes,” giving a half smile. For weeks she had fretted over the cost of the high school’s tuition. Maggie had not won a scholarship, like Annie had.
Loud voices of children squealing and singing interrupted the conversation. They looked over to the schoolyard to see a group of young girls dancing around a basketball pole, holding the various colors of streaming ribbons attached to it. Cathy’s attention went to the bright red hair flying around the circle. Her heart sank. It has to be June, she thought. Mary mumbled, “Oh-oh.”
Monsignor inquired, hesitatingly, “Mother Superior, what’s going on over there?”
“I don’t know,” she sputtered nervously, licking her lips, uncertain if she, the Mother Superior of Holy Savior School, was guilty of some sin.
“I know what they’re doing,” a sugary sweet voice sang out.
Everyone looked at Maggie. “Sister Noel has been teaching her students about the old pagan celebration of May Day. She said it’s the story of Mother Earth giving birth. The pole is the Father Sun.” She hesitated, giving the group a pleasant smile. She continued in a singsong way. “The ribbons are like him showering down his love over all the young maidens. Whatever that means.” Maggie’s bright green eyes, wide with innocence, looked directly at the Monsignor.
The adults stood frozen in place.Monsignor finally gasped out, “Mother...”
“I’ll take care of it, Monsignor,” Mother Superior said, regaining her poise. With arms swinging
as though to propel her faster, she marched over to the happy, cheering children.
Cathy fumed at Maggie. I knew she had a plan up her sleeve to get June in trouble, she said to
herself.
“Bloody troublemaker,” Jimmy swore under his breath looking toward the playground, his
temper starting to brew.
With hands folded within her habit sleeves, Sister Noel stood facing the children, quietly
watching them. Although her back was to Mother Superior, she did not jump with surprise when a voice gruffly asked, “What is the meaning of this, Sister?”
The pretty young nun slowly turned to her. With eyelashes lowered, she hid her eyes. “It’s a celebration of May Day, Mother,” she answered with quiet dignity.
To be con't in The Skye in June.
Read about June Ahern's other books at www.juneahern.com
WITCHES DO MARRY
Witches do marry -whether it be a handfasting ceremony and/or a legal affair (according to the man-made laws of the land).
My husband and I married both in a handfasting country New Year's Day ceremony in ‘02 and a civil ceremony in ’06.
Brides everywhere always have a great concern: What to wear?
What to wear? Witches can and do, wear traditional wedding clothing. The bride: a white gown or full ritual witch clothing. Where to buy witch clothing? You can put together a gown that might look like Elvira's maybe in white though rather than her black. Of course, wear black if you wish or visit a Renaissance or Celtic faire for capes and dresses. And, let us not forget that special sexy (witches are very sensual beings) undergarments, something a bit deliciously wicked!
Like other brides and grooms witches (includes pagans, Goddess' Worshippers and Wiccans) wish for their wedding vows, rituals and celebrations to be beautiful, memorable and reflective of their spiritual beliefs.
To have a wedding that is a true expression of witchcraft (pagan - Wiccan) beliefs and values witches begin with creating their own wedding vows––words that reflect true intentions and magic.
Vows: Create vows to be a sacred message for all to hear of your devotion to the goddess(es) and for some, the gods. Vows which declare the power, faith and devotion of your love for the intended as well as the purpose of uniting families. End your vows with saying Blessed Be or So Mote it Be (it's the truth or the truth is spoken), which is like saying Amen. You've sealed it.
Perhaps you would want to include a few ancestors - those who have gone on to the Underworld or Slumberland (heaven etc) who inspired and loved you. Those who have passed on can certainly be a positive part of your wedding as you bring them in through calling their names(s). Blessed be.
Another suggestion: after exchanging vows place the paper your vows are on in a circle on your wedding altar. The circle can be drawn before or at the time of the ceremony and made from small stones, crystals, shells or rose petals. Or you can choose to burn the while at the altar in a fire-proof container such as a table size cauldron or a larger one, like a fire pit. We burned our papers afterwards in a cauldron to send the words up to the ethers - the cosmos.
Scatter the ashes in a moving body of water or bury in the ground.
The altar: prepare it before before the ceremony. Place a white candle in the center and on the four corners of the altar place candles in the four directions: East (can be white or yellow), South: red, West: blue, and North, green.
Include four elements, fire (white candle) incense (air); water; a cup or bowl of water and Earth can be salt or a crystal. Flowers are beautiful on altars for all celebrations and they're a gift from the goddess. Add whatever else has meaning to you.
After our civil marriage ceremony my husband and I exchanged vows again at our reception. They were written on special paper (parchment)with selected colored pens. I also read an old Celtic poem.
We it a unity candle (two figures intertwined). The image candle was a man and woman united in wax. It burned throughout the reception in a safe fire-proof container away from guests bumping into it but where it could be seen.
At our the handfasting we had two separate image candles - ones we chose independently - my husband chose a green man and I, a red woman. They were placed in a pie pan facing each other. Oh, how fun to see the different colors of the candles blending together, becoming one melted wax design. A niece and nephew dressed up some Barbie dolls and placed them around the bottom of a tree trunk where we stood for the ceremony. The dolls, they said, were the forest fairies. It truly was fun and cold!
If you want to include family or friends to light the unity candle symbolizing the brining together of important people in both of your lives, ask from each family a parent, grandparent or child to light at the unity candle. My husband's daughter and my son lit separate candles and then presented them to each of us, which we lit the unity image candle.
As a minister when I officiate a wedding I provide two image or figure candles set on a platter and later after they have burned down, I “read” the wax combination for the couple. The reading includes how the couple will blend their lives together.
If older family members or guests of another religion perhaps consider including a piece or part of a conventional rituals or religious aspects in a show respect. It can help to bring them into accepting and celebrating your pagan union in a joyous way. The word God might be said, as would The Lady and The Lord, or a particular goddess, such as the Greek goddess Hera aka Juno Roman name, goddess of marriage.
Hanfasting: If you are exchanging rings afterwards blend in the handfasting ritual. Clasp hands and with the free hands tie a ribbon around the united hands. There are different colors of ribbons you can use. Research which ones appeal to you.
Jump the Broom - old pagan wedding ritual - at the altar stand within a circle drawn beforehand or the bride’s attendees can draw a circle around the couple before or after the vows are exchanged. After the vows one of your wedding party can lay the broom down for both to jump.
Jumping the broom marks the beginning of making a home together and symbolizes that the groom and bride physically and spiritually crossing the threshold into the land of matrimony. As they sweep away the old and the welcome the new they begin a new life together with a clean sweep!
Four Corners: Witch, Wiccan or pagan ceremonies and rituals begin the magic with Calling in the The Four Corners (Elements.) This can be done by the officiate - the High Priestess or Priest.
A wand or finger can be used as one moves around the four directions and a colored candle (see above) placed in each direction is lit.
• Face East - As we welcome the sun each morning, the dawn of a new day we welcome in energy of the east.
• Face South - As we welcome the spark of the day to spark the fire of my actions we welcome in the energy of the south
• Face West - As we leave my dream world we bring them forth into our waking day to manifest within the right time. We welcome the energy of the west.
• Face North - As we bring into form that which is manifesting, that which we work to create we welcome the energy of the north.
• All around: We welcome the powers of above, the powers from below and the powers all around.
After each direction is welcomed by the officiant or one or both of the couple the guests can participate by saying "Welcome!"
Here's a website to gather more information:
http://www.ceremonies.com.au/sitefile...
Anther four corner ritual: acknowledge the corners again in a different order. This is said by the couple:
• Face South: Fire: From fire comes love and warmth. The spark that created our passion. Welcome Fire!
• Face West: Water: Water is the giver and purifier of life, sustaining us, as it will this marriage.
• Face East: Air breaths new life into love. Giving both _______ and ______ the freedom to be themselves.
• Earth: The earth upon which we walk provides us with our home and our future.
Merry meet, merry part and merry meet again. Wishing you a very joyous union of love.
Handfasting and Wedding Rituals: Welcoming Hera's Blessing by Raven Kaldera suggests how to create a holy pagan/witch/Wiccan wedding.
How to Talk With Spirits: Séances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts
The Skye in June
My husband and I married both in a handfasting country New Year's Day ceremony in ‘02 and a civil ceremony in ’06.
Brides everywhere always have a great concern: What to wear?
What to wear? Witches can and do, wear traditional wedding clothing. The bride: a white gown or full ritual witch clothing. Where to buy witch clothing? You can put together a gown that might look like Elvira's maybe in white though rather than her black. Of course, wear black if you wish or visit a Renaissance or Celtic faire for capes and dresses. And, let us not forget that special sexy (witches are very sensual beings) undergarments, something a bit deliciously wicked!
Like other brides and grooms witches (includes pagans, Goddess' Worshippers and Wiccans) wish for their wedding vows, rituals and celebrations to be beautiful, memorable and reflective of their spiritual beliefs.
To have a wedding that is a true expression of witchcraft (pagan - Wiccan) beliefs and values witches begin with creating their own wedding vows––words that reflect true intentions and magic.
Vows: Create vows to be a sacred message for all to hear of your devotion to the goddess(es) and for some, the gods. Vows which declare the power, faith and devotion of your love for the intended as well as the purpose of uniting families. End your vows with saying Blessed Be or So Mote it Be (it's the truth or the truth is spoken), which is like saying Amen. You've sealed it.
Perhaps you would want to include a few ancestors - those who have gone on to the Underworld or Slumberland (heaven etc) who inspired and loved you. Those who have passed on can certainly be a positive part of your wedding as you bring them in through calling their names(s). Blessed be.
Another suggestion: after exchanging vows place the paper your vows are on in a circle on your wedding altar. The circle can be drawn before or at the time of the ceremony and made from small stones, crystals, shells or rose petals. Or you can choose to burn the while at the altar in a fire-proof container such as a table size cauldron or a larger one, like a fire pit. We burned our papers afterwards in a cauldron to send the words up to the ethers - the cosmos.
Scatter the ashes in a moving body of water or bury in the ground.
The altar: prepare it before before the ceremony. Place a white candle in the center and on the four corners of the altar place candles in the four directions: East (can be white or yellow), South: red, West: blue, and North, green.
Include four elements, fire (white candle) incense (air); water; a cup or bowl of water and Earth can be salt or a crystal. Flowers are beautiful on altars for all celebrations and they're a gift from the goddess. Add whatever else has meaning to you.
After our civil marriage ceremony my husband and I exchanged vows again at our reception. They were written on special paper (parchment)with selected colored pens. I also read an old Celtic poem.
We it a unity candle (two figures intertwined). The image candle was a man and woman united in wax. It burned throughout the reception in a safe fire-proof container away from guests bumping into it but where it could be seen.
At our the handfasting we had two separate image candles - ones we chose independently - my husband chose a green man and I, a red woman. They were placed in a pie pan facing each other. Oh, how fun to see the different colors of the candles blending together, becoming one melted wax design. A niece and nephew dressed up some Barbie dolls and placed them around the bottom of a tree trunk where we stood for the ceremony. The dolls, they said, were the forest fairies. It truly was fun and cold!
If you want to include family or friends to light the unity candle symbolizing the brining together of important people in both of your lives, ask from each family a parent, grandparent or child to light at the unity candle. My husband's daughter and my son lit separate candles and then presented them to each of us, which we lit the unity image candle.
As a minister when I officiate a wedding I provide two image or figure candles set on a platter and later after they have burned down, I “read” the wax combination for the couple. The reading includes how the couple will blend their lives together.
If older family members or guests of another religion perhaps consider including a piece or part of a conventional rituals or religious aspects in a show respect. It can help to bring them into accepting and celebrating your pagan union in a joyous way. The word God might be said, as would The Lady and The Lord, or a particular goddess, such as the Greek goddess Hera aka Juno Roman name, goddess of marriage.
Hanfasting: If you are exchanging rings afterwards blend in the handfasting ritual. Clasp hands and with the free hands tie a ribbon around the united hands. There are different colors of ribbons you can use. Research which ones appeal to you.
Jump the Broom - old pagan wedding ritual - at the altar stand within a circle drawn beforehand or the bride’s attendees can draw a circle around the couple before or after the vows are exchanged. After the vows one of your wedding party can lay the broom down for both to jump.
Jumping the broom marks the beginning of making a home together and symbolizes that the groom and bride physically and spiritually crossing the threshold into the land of matrimony. As they sweep away the old and the welcome the new they begin a new life together with a clean sweep!
Four Corners: Witch, Wiccan or pagan ceremonies and rituals begin the magic with Calling in the The Four Corners (Elements.) This can be done by the officiate - the High Priestess or Priest.
A wand or finger can be used as one moves around the four directions and a colored candle (see above) placed in each direction is lit.
• Face East - As we welcome the sun each morning, the dawn of a new day we welcome in energy of the east.
• Face South - As we welcome the spark of the day to spark the fire of my actions we welcome in the energy of the south
• Face West - As we leave my dream world we bring them forth into our waking day to manifest within the right time. We welcome the energy of the west.
• Face North - As we bring into form that which is manifesting, that which we work to create we welcome the energy of the north.
• All around: We welcome the powers of above, the powers from below and the powers all around.
After each direction is welcomed by the officiant or one or both of the couple the guests can participate by saying "Welcome!"
Here's a website to gather more information:
http://www.ceremonies.com.au/sitefile...
Anther four corner ritual: acknowledge the corners again in a different order. This is said by the couple:
• Face South: Fire: From fire comes love and warmth. The spark that created our passion. Welcome Fire!
• Face West: Water: Water is the giver and purifier of life, sustaining us, as it will this marriage.
• Face East: Air breaths new life into love. Giving both _______ and ______ the freedom to be themselves.
• Earth: The earth upon which we walk provides us with our home and our future.
Merry meet, merry part and merry meet again. Wishing you a very joyous union of love.
Handfasting and Wedding Rituals: Welcoming Hera's Blessing by Raven Kaldera suggests how to create a holy pagan/witch/Wiccan wedding.
How to Talk With Spirits: Séances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts
The Skye in June
HALLOWEEN RITUALS: SPIRIT COMMUNICATION
THE VEIL DROPS BETWEEN THE WORLDS
Hark! Hark to the wind! 'Tis the night, they say, When all souls come back from the far away - Virna Sheard, Poet –
Do you believe spirits continue to connect with you?
And some continue to stay around planet earth?
I do.
Why do I know there is something to it? I've been and contacted BY many, many spirits and around a lot of spooky places. I've know things about dead people I've never met and shared it with their living loved ones. And, I've been to the Otherside.
Please watch an interview with me about one person's experience on Youtube.
https://youtu.be/8a0qtJrcYgI
You too can securely contact your loved ones who passed as read in my book's Chapter 110, which gives you a lovely Halloween ritual to honor and communicate with your loved ones who have passed.
Excerpt From How to Talk With Spirits: Seances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts
HALLOWEEN, A SPOOKY, good time and all for amusement, right?
The night is much more than just for fun. All Hallows Eve or Halloween and November First and Second are sacred times for many throughout the world to honor the dead.
Cultures have special days to honor ancestors and the dead like the Celts and Mexicans.
The Catholic Church combined the pagan beliefs with their own to create a day to honor the saints on November first as did Mexico's Indigenous people for the Day of the Dead.
Celtic pagans believed the veils between the two worlds- that of the living and dead - thin then drop so spirits can walk the earth to visit their living relatives before crossing back over to the “Underworld.”
The spirits were not only our loved ones, but also all spirits who want to walk the earth, feel alive and connect to the living. During the spirits’ visit, spooky things happened, as you can imagine.
The Celts disguised themselves to waylay troublesome or evil spirits so they wouldn’t recognize and haunt people. Tradition warned people, especially the elderly, the sick and the young, to stay safely hidden inside so they wouldn’t be grabbed and taken to the “Underground.”
You can enjoy a most beautiful and heartfelt ritual in your home on All Hallows - Halloween. It can be an elaborate affair or a simple one as read in my book.
How to Talk With Spirits: Seances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts is available on Amazon, your favorite bookstore or for a personally autographed book, through me at www.juneahern.com or email sfcoaching@yahoo.com
Please review my other books juneahern.com and Amazon
How to Talk With Spirits: Séances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts
June Ahern
Hark! Hark to the wind! 'Tis the night, they say, When all souls come back from the far away - Virna Sheard, Poet –
Do you believe spirits continue to connect with you?
And some continue to stay around planet earth?
I do.
Why do I know there is something to it? I've been and contacted BY many, many spirits and around a lot of spooky places. I've know things about dead people I've never met and shared it with their living loved ones. And, I've been to the Otherside.
Please watch an interview with me about one person's experience on Youtube.
https://youtu.be/8a0qtJrcYgI
You too can securely contact your loved ones who passed as read in my book's Chapter 110, which gives you a lovely Halloween ritual to honor and communicate with your loved ones who have passed.
Excerpt From How to Talk With Spirits: Seances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts
HALLOWEEN, A SPOOKY, good time and all for amusement, right?
The night is much more than just for fun. All Hallows Eve or Halloween and November First and Second are sacred times for many throughout the world to honor the dead.
Cultures have special days to honor ancestors and the dead like the Celts and Mexicans.
The Catholic Church combined the pagan beliefs with their own to create a day to honor the saints on November first as did Mexico's Indigenous people for the Day of the Dead.
Celtic pagans believed the veils between the two worlds- that of the living and dead - thin then drop so spirits can walk the earth to visit their living relatives before crossing back over to the “Underworld.”
The spirits were not only our loved ones, but also all spirits who want to walk the earth, feel alive and connect to the living. During the spirits’ visit, spooky things happened, as you can imagine.
The Celts disguised themselves to waylay troublesome or evil spirits so they wouldn’t recognize and haunt people. Tradition warned people, especially the elderly, the sick and the young, to stay safely hidden inside so they wouldn’t be grabbed and taken to the “Underground.”
You can enjoy a most beautiful and heartfelt ritual in your home on All Hallows - Halloween. It can be an elaborate affair or a simple one as read in my book.
How to Talk With Spirits: Seances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts is available on Amazon, your favorite bookstore or for a personally autographed book, through me at www.juneahern.com or email sfcoaching@yahoo.com
Please review my other books juneahern.com and Amazon
How to Talk With Spirits: Séances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts
June Ahern
