June Ahern's Blog - Posts Tagged "wicca"
Shopping at San Francisco's Woolworth Store
Having had lived in San Francisco since 1956 I find it a fascinating city for it's picturesque hills and valleys, and waterways and therefore set my story about a Scottish immigrant family in the city.
Growing up in San Francisco some of my most enjoyable memories were trips downtown to shop at Woolworth’s Department Store. The building was on Market Street and wrapped around and up Powell Street. Woolworth was such a San Francisco experience that I just had to include it my book, The Skye in June. See an excerpt below.
The store was filled with just about everything you'd ever want to find; clothing, beauty products, sewing goods,inexpensive jewelry, so much stuff!
Perfect for Christmas shopping where my money would be spent carefully. I’d jump on the number 8 Castro bus at 19th and Castro with usually a sister or two and head downtown for fun. My wallet would be filled with money saved from babysitting. The first floor was tight to walk with aisles or counters and in the basement was Budgies, Canaries and gold fish –– gifts I bought at one time or another for family. It took hours to shop. At the end of the shopping I’d go upstairs to the lunch counter –– always busy –– for a Patti-melt and milkshake or a burger and coke. Afterward, if there was time, we would take a cable car ride (no lines back then - just hop on.)
From "The Skye in June"
The grinding noise of the cable car’s brakes as it slowed to their stop was ear piercing. June stood and took hold of the metal pole. She swayed outward as she readied herself to jump from the platform when they reached the intersection of Powell at Market Streets. The thrill of hanging out of the cable car and the feel of the brisk wind against her face had charged her energy. She felt a sense of freedom. As they lurched to a stop, she hopped off and hollered to her mother, “Did you get a transfer?”Cathy nodded a “yes,” and gingerly stretched out a foot to get down from the cable car. June took hold of her hand to help her mother. Arm in arm, they walked over to the Woolworth’s department store on Market Street to look at the items for sale in the window.
Please read more chapter excerpts www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June
Growing up in San Francisco some of my most enjoyable memories were trips downtown to shop at Woolworth’s Department Store. The building was on Market Street and wrapped around and up Powell Street. Woolworth was such a San Francisco experience that I just had to include it my book, The Skye in June. See an excerpt below.
The store was filled with just about everything you'd ever want to find; clothing, beauty products, sewing goods,inexpensive jewelry, so much stuff!
Perfect for Christmas shopping where my money would be spent carefully. I’d jump on the number 8 Castro bus at 19th and Castro with usually a sister or two and head downtown for fun. My wallet would be filled with money saved from babysitting. The first floor was tight to walk with aisles or counters and in the basement was Budgies, Canaries and gold fish –– gifts I bought at one time or another for family. It took hours to shop. At the end of the shopping I’d go upstairs to the lunch counter –– always busy –– for a Patti-melt and milkshake or a burger and coke. Afterward, if there was time, we would take a cable car ride (no lines back then - just hop on.)
From "The Skye in June"
The grinding noise of the cable car’s brakes as it slowed to their stop was ear piercing. June stood and took hold of the metal pole. She swayed outward as she readied herself to jump from the platform when they reached the intersection of Powell at Market Streets. The thrill of hanging out of the cable car and the feel of the brisk wind against her face had charged her energy. She felt a sense of freedom. As they lurched to a stop, she hopped off and hollered to her mother, “Did you get a transfer?”Cathy nodded a “yes,” and gingerly stretched out a foot to get down from the cable car. June took hold of her hand to help her mother. Arm in arm, they walked over to the Woolworth’s department store on Market Street to look at the items for sale in the window.
Please read more chapter excerpts www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June
Talking to the Dead Halloween Ritual
Halloween – dress up - dress down to the bone, it’s all for amusement, right?
Not if you follow some ancient beliefs about this special celebration. In ancient times Halloween (Holy Eve or All Hallows) and the days following November 1st - All Saints’ Day - November 2nd - All Soul’s Day or Day of the Dead, were more than fun; it was a sacred time of the year for people such as the Celts to honor their elderly, ancestors and dead. Festivities and rituals of these three days can be found in Celtic paganism history and later Catholicism holydays combined pagan beliefs with saints. In the Celtic pagan tradition it was thought that the veils between the two worlds - the living and dead - thinned so that spirits of the dead could float through or walk the earth to visit their living relatives. Then they crossed back over to the “underworld”.
During the spirits’ visit spooky things happened, as you can imagine. The living would dress-up in hopes that some spirits wouldn’t recognize and haunt them. But if they wanted the spirits to visit they would invite them with a similar ritual below.
To connect with the spirits of your loved ones to say hello and/or ask a question do this beautiful sacred ritual.
Gather: Pen (perhaps a favorite color) and paper
Flower – any kind
Photo of deceased
Incense – pleasant plus helps create a mood
Candles – white, black and orange – white – clear visions, black - spiritual unknown and orange for season and color of renewal
Burning vessel – ashtray or cauldron and matches
Glass or bowl of water – signifies the other world and also can douse any fire mishaps.
Sweet & beverage – Symbolic gesture for visiting spirit guests
Table or clothe on floor – to lay the above upon.
Chair - optional
Or you can do it simply by lighting a white candle, place it in a window along with a treats and add a chair for a spirit to sit and visit. Remember to snuff candle before leaving the room for the night.
For a few minutes quiet your self, then say, ‘Only good can enter herein.’ Perhaps add a prayer to the Divine to bring forth healing, loving energies to you and protect you from negative fearful thoughts and/or energies. After all it is Halloween and negative energies/entities can roam free along with your loved ones’ spirits.
Next - make a list of all of those who have passed, and how they affected your life. I write thanking my departed loved ones for all they gave me - love - support etc and to my ancestors for bestowing blessings upon me such as the abilities and talents that help me living fully.
You can fold the paper, keep it overnight and bury in earth or burn it while performing your ritual. As the paper burns it turns to smoke rising up and is symbolic for sending your thought to the mental psychic airwaves. Doing either is ‘mailing your message’.
Peer into the water, relax and connect to the psychic mind - perhaps an image will form or a memory will be recalled. After that, invite your spirits to visit by taking your white candle, sweets and beverage to a window so as they walk the earth they will see the light and recognize you (home.)
Stay as long as you like, thinking of your loved ones, talking to her and him. If you hear, think or sense a message was given, take note it for later examination. Or, after your ritual (remember to snuff the candles and incense), you might dream about the spirits, as this is an easier way for them to communicate.
Spirits often can’t get through to their loved ones because the grief is so strong. To your best ability, endeavor to be calm, upbeat and peaceful. You might get a message for another (relative or friend). If you do, share it.
Spirit communication is often stronger when conducted in a group - even two people - so perhaps a relative and/or friend might want to do this ritual with you to share in the experience.
Wishing you a merry frolicking good time and a cauldron full of blessings.
In my novel, "The Skye in June", the main character communicates with the dead, her angel and the living telepathically. Read more at www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June
Not if you follow some ancient beliefs about this special celebration. In ancient times Halloween (Holy Eve or All Hallows) and the days following November 1st - All Saints’ Day - November 2nd - All Soul’s Day or Day of the Dead, were more than fun; it was a sacred time of the year for people such as the Celts to honor their elderly, ancestors and dead. Festivities and rituals of these three days can be found in Celtic paganism history and later Catholicism holydays combined pagan beliefs with saints. In the Celtic pagan tradition it was thought that the veils between the two worlds - the living and dead - thinned so that spirits of the dead could float through or walk the earth to visit their living relatives. Then they crossed back over to the “underworld”.
During the spirits’ visit spooky things happened, as you can imagine. The living would dress-up in hopes that some spirits wouldn’t recognize and haunt them. But if they wanted the spirits to visit they would invite them with a similar ritual below.
To connect with the spirits of your loved ones to say hello and/or ask a question do this beautiful sacred ritual.
Gather: Pen (perhaps a favorite color) and paper
Flower – any kind
Photo of deceased
Incense – pleasant plus helps create a mood
Candles – white, black and orange – white – clear visions, black - spiritual unknown and orange for season and color of renewal
Burning vessel – ashtray or cauldron and matches
Glass or bowl of water – signifies the other world and also can douse any fire mishaps.
Sweet & beverage – Symbolic gesture for visiting spirit guests
Table or clothe on floor – to lay the above upon.
Chair - optional
Or you can do it simply by lighting a white candle, place it in a window along with a treats and add a chair for a spirit to sit and visit. Remember to snuff candle before leaving the room for the night.
For a few minutes quiet your self, then say, ‘Only good can enter herein.’ Perhaps add a prayer to the Divine to bring forth healing, loving energies to you and protect you from negative fearful thoughts and/or energies. After all it is Halloween and negative energies/entities can roam free along with your loved ones’ spirits.
Next - make a list of all of those who have passed, and how they affected your life. I write thanking my departed loved ones for all they gave me - love - support etc and to my ancestors for bestowing blessings upon me such as the abilities and talents that help me living fully.
You can fold the paper, keep it overnight and bury in earth or burn it while performing your ritual. As the paper burns it turns to smoke rising up and is symbolic for sending your thought to the mental psychic airwaves. Doing either is ‘mailing your message’.
Peer into the water, relax and connect to the psychic mind - perhaps an image will form or a memory will be recalled. After that, invite your spirits to visit by taking your white candle, sweets and beverage to a window so as they walk the earth they will see the light and recognize you (home.)
Stay as long as you like, thinking of your loved ones, talking to her and him. If you hear, think or sense a message was given, take note it for later examination. Or, after your ritual (remember to snuff the candles and incense), you might dream about the spirits, as this is an easier way for them to communicate.
Spirits often can’t get through to their loved ones because the grief is so strong. To your best ability, endeavor to be calm, upbeat and peaceful. You might get a message for another (relative or friend). If you do, share it.
Spirit communication is often stronger when conducted in a group - even two people - so perhaps a relative and/or friend might want to do this ritual with you to share in the experience.
Wishing you a merry frolicking good time and a cauldron full of blessings.
In my novel, "The Skye in June", the main character communicates with the dead, her angel and the living telepathically. Read more at www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June
Give-away of Novel by June Ahern
These dark, cold and rainy times are one of my favorite, jump into bed early with a book and a cuppa. How about you, is this also a favorite time of year to snuggle up with a book and keep warm?
I've once again, entered "The Skye in June" my novel as a give-away in the US and GB, which seems appropriate since it is about a Scottish immigrant family living in San Francisco, California - a great historical city. Please read more about the story at juneahern.com.
And Good Luck! Merry meet, merry part and merry meet again.
I've once again, entered "The Skye in June" my novel as a give-away in the US and GB, which seems appropriate since it is about a Scottish immigrant family living in San Francisco, California - a great historical city. Please read more about the story at juneahern.com.
And Good Luck! Merry meet, merry part and merry meet again.
What a Character!
I'm often asked how I create my fictional characters and although I can't speak for all writers, I can for myself say––you and you and you!
I am a people person or should say, a people magnet really. My "other" job is all about people, which gives me plenty of fodder in my larder when writing.
In my first book, "The Timeless Counselor" –– a non-fiction –– I wrote about clients' sessions, but changed the names of course. If you've read that, you see how their stories could actually become a fictional tale or two.
In my novel, oh yum, yum! How fun picking bits and pieces of personalities and situations from a host of characters I've encountered in life.
Even my own family says, 'hey! is that me?' I say of 'course not!'
In truth bits and pieces are my parents, sisters and even my brothers. And then there were others life neighborhood friends. One friend, upon reading the book, called me and said 'loved reading about myself in your book'.
My brothers moaned 'You only used sisters where's the brothers?' Maybe a part of the sisters is the brothers, I told them.
In one chapter of the novel, "The Skye in June - fictional (but of course!)I used a crime committed in the early 1960's in my neighborhood to create fiction between the MacDonald family and more so for the main character, June.
Although I remember the story, research was still necessary to stir real and imaginary pictures to put into enticing words.
One of the people involved in this serious crime (all teen boys) read my book then remarked, "I see I made your story." He wasn't angry or upset. Names had been changed, it was an old crime but still part of the changing environs in "the Castro" of San Francisco and only a few would recognize the old story.
Readers from my 'old hood' during the story's era in San Francisco, contact me all the time to share their own experiences of growing up in what became a world famous neighborhood, "the Castro". Those who went to Catholic school also have much to say about their experience with nuns. Readers who went to the same parochial school I did and wrote about in the book, recognize the nuns by their real names and not the ones I gave them. That is fun! Of course the names have been changed to protect the innocent and the guilty.
As I work on my new novel the characters are created more so by me, but still I reflect back on the later 1960 days in San Francisco and have many characters to draw from.
What about the characters in your life? Will they end up in a story?
Please read more about me and my books at http://www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June
The Timeless Counselor/A Complete Consumer's Guide to a Psychic Reading
I am a people person or should say, a people magnet really. My "other" job is all about people, which gives me plenty of fodder in my larder when writing.
In my first book, "The Timeless Counselor" –– a non-fiction –– I wrote about clients' sessions, but changed the names of course. If you've read that, you see how their stories could actually become a fictional tale or two.
In my novel, oh yum, yum! How fun picking bits and pieces of personalities and situations from a host of characters I've encountered in life.
Even my own family says, 'hey! is that me?' I say of 'course not!'
In truth bits and pieces are my parents, sisters and even my brothers. And then there were others life neighborhood friends. One friend, upon reading the book, called me and said 'loved reading about myself in your book'.
My brothers moaned 'You only used sisters where's the brothers?' Maybe a part of the sisters is the brothers, I told them.
In one chapter of the novel, "The Skye in June - fictional (but of course!)I used a crime committed in the early 1960's in my neighborhood to create fiction between the MacDonald family and more so for the main character, June.
Although I remember the story, research was still necessary to stir real and imaginary pictures to put into enticing words.
One of the people involved in this serious crime (all teen boys) read my book then remarked, "I see I made your story." He wasn't angry or upset. Names had been changed, it was an old crime but still part of the changing environs in "the Castro" of San Francisco and only a few would recognize the old story.
Readers from my 'old hood' during the story's era in San Francisco, contact me all the time to share their own experiences of growing up in what became a world famous neighborhood, "the Castro". Those who went to Catholic school also have much to say about their experience with nuns. Readers who went to the same parochial school I did and wrote about in the book, recognize the nuns by their real names and not the ones I gave them. That is fun! Of course the names have been changed to protect the innocent and the guilty.
As I work on my new novel the characters are created more so by me, but still I reflect back on the later 1960 days in San Francisco and have many characters to draw from.
What about the characters in your life? Will they end up in a story?
Please read more about me and my books at http://www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June
The Timeless Counselor/A Complete Consumer's Guide to a Psychic Reading
What a Character!
I'm often asked how I create my fictional characters and although I can't speak for all writers, I can for myself say––you and you and you!
I am a people person or should say, a people magnet really. My "other" job is all about people, which gives me plenty of fodder in my larder when writing.
In my first book, "The Timeless Counselor" –– a non-fiction –– I wrote about clients' sessions, but changed the names of course. If you've read that, you see how their stories could actually become a fictional tale or two.
In my novel, oh yum, yum! How fun picking bits and pieces of personalities and situations from a host of characters I've encountered in life.
Even my own family says, 'hey! is that me?' I say of 'course not!'
In truth bits and pieces are my parents, sisters and even my brothers. And then there were others life neighborhood friends. One friend, upon reading the book, called me and said 'loved reading about myself in your book'.
My brothers moaned 'You only used sisters where's the brothers?' Maybe a part of the sisters is the brothers, I told them.
In one chapter of the novel, "The Skye in June - fictional (but of course!)I used a crime committed in the early 1960's in my neighborhood to create fiction between the MacDonald family and more so for the main character, June.
Although I remember the story, research was still necessary to stir real and imaginary pictures to put into enticing words.
One of the people involved in this serious crime (all teen boys) read my book then remarked, "I see I made your story." He wasn't angry or upset. Names had been changed, it was an old crime but still part of the changing environs in "the Castro" of San Francisco and only a few would recognize the old story.
Readers from my 'old hood' during the story's era in San Francisco, contact me all the time to share their own experiences of growing up in what became a world famous neighborhood, "the Castro". Those who went to Catholic school also have much to say about their experience with nuns. Readers who went to the same parochial school I did and wrote about in the book, recognize the nuns by their real names and not the ones I gave them. That is fun! Of course the names have been changed to protect the innocent and the guilty.
As I work on my new novel the characters are created more so by me, but still I reflect back on the later 1960 days in San Francisco and have many characters to draw from.
What about the characters in your life? Will they end up in a story?
Please read more about me and my books at http://www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June
The Timeless Counselor/A Complete Consumer's Guide to a Psychic Reading
I am a people person or should say, a people magnet really. My "other" job is all about people, which gives me plenty of fodder in my larder when writing.
In my first book, "The Timeless Counselor" –– a non-fiction –– I wrote about clients' sessions, but changed the names of course. If you've read that, you see how their stories could actually become a fictional tale or two.
In my novel, oh yum, yum! How fun picking bits and pieces of personalities and situations from a host of characters I've encountered in life.
Even my own family says, 'hey! is that me?' I say of 'course not!'
In truth bits and pieces are my parents, sisters and even my brothers. And then there were others life neighborhood friends. One friend, upon reading the book, called me and said 'loved reading about myself in your book'.
My brothers moaned 'You only used sisters where's the brothers?' Maybe a part of the sisters is the brothers, I told them.
In one chapter of the novel, "The Skye in June - fictional (but of course!)I used a crime committed in the early 1960's in my neighborhood to create fiction between the MacDonald family and more so for the main character, June.
Although I remember the story, research was still necessary to stir real and imaginary pictures to put into enticing words.
One of the people involved in this serious crime (all teen boys) read my book then remarked, "I see I made your story." He wasn't angry or upset. Names had been changed, it was an old crime but still part of the changing environs in "the Castro" of San Francisco and only a few would recognize the old story.
Readers from my 'old hood' during the story's era in San Francisco, contact me all the time to share their own experiences of growing up in what became a world famous neighborhood, "the Castro". Those who went to Catholic school also have much to say about their experience with nuns. Readers who went to the same parochial school I did and wrote about in the book, recognize the nuns by their real names and not the ones I gave them. That is fun! Of course the names have been changed to protect the innocent and the guilty.
As I work on my new novel the characters are created more so by me, but still I reflect back on the later 1960 days in San Francisco and have many characters to draw from.
What about the characters in your life? Will they end up in a story?
Please read more about me and my books at http://www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June
The Timeless Counselor/A Complete Consumer's Guide to a Psychic Reading
MAY DAY FOR FUN
The heat is on! Viva la Passion!
April 30th is Beltain (Beltane) and continues into May 1st. This is a sacred holiday with festivities celebrating the power and sacredness of sexuality. It's a wild dance of raw sex and passion with a ritual including a stage. That stag ain’t in the deer family. Of course, he’ll wear horns as he ruts around the bushes in hopes of finding hidden maidens. Even the crones become maidens for the holiday weekend.
Sex is healthy! It brings life. I'm not just talking about the physical act (go ahead think of that too) - but how sexuality awakens passion that fuels the rocket to new adventures. The fire energy of sexuality of hopes, dreams, and images of what is to be–– anything that you wish to bring alive, to breath new energy into, now is the time to put energy into it.
Sex creates a passion response, giving a lift to one’s step. Sex can turn into love. Sex is delightfully naughty at times. One feels young, silly and even kinky thoughts invade the practical logical brain.
Aphrodite, April's goddess of love and death reigns over the heat of the celebration. The name rooted in the verb aperire, meaning “to open.” The goddess is often pictured depicted naked with her hands pointing to her genitals to remind us of the passage through which we came into the world. Live your passion, dance, laugh, eat and be merry!
May's Earth Mother goddess Maia nurtures and keeps safe that which has been created and keeps it growing. Enjoy the Mother Nature's symphony of beauty - blooming, colorful flowers and luscious fruits - juicy, red strawberries - yum!! enjoy the succulent juice.
Spend time in sensual nature. It will calm your busy nerves, dreams will emerge with clear messages. Have a massage, and dig it! Feel your blood rushing to the boundaries of your skin. Wear red, hot pinks, deep passionate purples and big dots and stripes – just for fun!
* * * *
June Ahern
Author of the best consumer's guide for a receiving the most from a psychic reading: The Timeless Counselor: The Best Guide to a Successful Psychic Reading and two novels. See more at june ahern dot com - books also on Amazon.
Learn more about June on youtube's Walk with a Medium and the Haunted Bay Condor Club and Interview with a Medium.
April 30th is Beltain (Beltane) and continues into May 1st. This is a sacred holiday with festivities celebrating the power and sacredness of sexuality. It's a wild dance of raw sex and passion with a ritual including a stage. That stag ain’t in the deer family. Of course, he’ll wear horns as he ruts around the bushes in hopes of finding hidden maidens. Even the crones become maidens for the holiday weekend.
Sex is healthy! It brings life. I'm not just talking about the physical act (go ahead think of that too) - but how sexuality awakens passion that fuels the rocket to new adventures. The fire energy of sexuality of hopes, dreams, and images of what is to be–– anything that you wish to bring alive, to breath new energy into, now is the time to put energy into it.
Sex creates a passion response, giving a lift to one’s step. Sex can turn into love. Sex is delightfully naughty at times. One feels young, silly and even kinky thoughts invade the practical logical brain.
Aphrodite, April's goddess of love and death reigns over the heat of the celebration. The name rooted in the verb aperire, meaning “to open.” The goddess is often pictured depicted naked with her hands pointing to her genitals to remind us of the passage through which we came into the world. Live your passion, dance, laugh, eat and be merry!
May's Earth Mother goddess Maia nurtures and keeps safe that which has been created and keeps it growing. Enjoy the Mother Nature's symphony of beauty - blooming, colorful flowers and luscious fruits - juicy, red strawberries - yum!! enjoy the succulent juice.
Spend time in sensual nature. It will calm your busy nerves, dreams will emerge with clear messages. Have a massage, and dig it! Feel your blood rushing to the boundaries of your skin. Wear red, hot pinks, deep passionate purples and big dots and stripes – just for fun!
* * * *
June Ahern
Author of the best consumer's guide for a receiving the most from a psychic reading: The Timeless Counselor: The Best Guide to a Successful Psychic Reading and two novels. See more at june ahern dot com - books also on Amazon.
Learn more about June on youtube's Walk with a Medium and the Haunted Bay Condor Club and Interview with a Medium.
