Navigation

About       Books       AriellaMoon.com

Monday, April 29, 2013

Frankincense for Luck, Protection, and Meditation


Monday’s Magic

In honor of Beltane (sunset April 30 through sunset May 1), my Monday blogs will delve into the magical correspondences for this ancient Celtic fire and fertility festival. First up: Frankincense (Olibanum), an aromatic resin used my shamans, witches, and all manner of magical folk for luck, protection, and spiritual growth.



Frankincense
At first glance, it’s difficult to determine what, exactly, frankincense is. It resembles pale yellow pebbles, but dusts your fingers with a fine, almost sticky residue. The small clumps are actually milky resin that has been tapped from the scraggily, silver-barked Boswellia trees and allowed to harden.

We know from ancient texts and art that frankincense’s religious and magical use dates to ancient times in the Middle East and Africa, including the rule of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt’s longest reigning female pharaoh (born c. 1508 BCE). Frankincense was burned at sunrise to honor Ra the falcon-headed Sun God and in Babylon, used at the Temple of Baal, a sun and fertility god. Also used by embalmers, sealed flasks of frankincense were found in the tomb of King Tutankhamen. Ancient societies employed essential oil made from frankincense for anointing and healing. Greeks adopted the practice, then the Romans, who introduced it to the ancient Celts in Britain and Gaul.  

Modern Magical Uses
Frankincense, associated with the sun and fire, naturally corresponds with Beltane, a Celtic fire festival. Frankincense is used for luck, meditation, protection, and exorcism. When burned, frankincense releases a fragrant aroma that raises the vibrational energy. The higher vibration drives out negativity, bad energy and dark forces, making it a valuable magical tool for house and office clearings. The raised vibration also soothes emotions and aids in meditation and prayer.

Carry chunks of frankincense in a small pouch to promote good luck and protection.

Happy Beltane!
@2013 Ariella Moon


Sunday, April 28, 2013

Surprise Visitor in the Shower!

Surprise stranger in my shower this morning! Since I'm allergic to spider bites and this Huntsman Spider appeared to be about 4 inches, I was really glad it seemed as eager to get away from me as I was to get way from it. Then my shaman training kicked in. Spider magic is about weaving a magical web through storytelling and community. So here's to the storytellers ~ especially the ones I met through last week's online RWA class. (The spider was relocated to the grass below a palm tree.)

We are the weavers!
~Ariella Moon

Thursday, April 25, 2013

The Wind Moon



The Wind Moon is upon us. Strong gusts bend the palm trees; crows and hummingbirds cling to bobbing branches and spiked fronds. Like the birds, we summon our bravery, turn inward, and focus. This morning, the Wind Moon entered Scorpio whose motto is: I Create. This is a good time to examine your life—your soul. Determine what must be changed then summon the courage to release what no longer serves you. Create the life you desire. Open your arms to the wind and see how far it will take you.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Leonie


Yes, I have been sneaking out to escape the heat (and avoid writing the Supreme Ordeal portion of Book 3). Alas, Miss Gracie is most disappointed that the local theaters will admit writers but not bewitched princesses that appear to the uneducated eye to be small dogs.
~Ariella Moon
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1426328/

Eleanor Roosevelt on Wisdom


"Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life."
~Eleanor Roosevelt

I love that Eleanor Roosevelt was a fellow member of Phi Beta Kappa and such a wise woman!
~Ariella Moon

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Renoir - The Movie


The French film, Renoir, reminded me of my beloved graduate school years (I have a Master's Degree in Art History). The film is a visual feast. Beautifully photographed, every scene evokes a painter's eye for color and light and an artist's commitment to detail. It brought alive for me the context of Renoir's later years within the backdrop of war, something I didn't truly absorb while in college. In French, with subtitles.

Be the light.
~Ariella

Monday, April 22, 2013

A Shaman's Earth Day-The Monday Muse


Every day is Earth Day when you are a shaman. We are attuned to the spirits of the land, the Plant People, the Stone People, the animals and elementals. Since moving to the desert six months ago, I've stayed connected to the totems who aided my healing work and writing. But their presence has faded as I attune to the spirits of my new place. In the desert, the element Air dominates. Every day I see numerous hummingbirds, butterflies, and dragonflies. High winds turn the windmills at the wind farms outside of town and blow dust and grit into my home.

Sand lurks beneath every surface, and tiny biting ants lurk in the sand beneath the grass and skitter across sidewalks, waiting for an unsuspecting bare foot or paw. I usually plant vegetables or herbs on Earth Day. This year, I'll leave the ground to the sand piranhas. Instead of planting, I will honor Mother Earth by providing water for the Winged Ones. In the photo above, (taken by Helen Richardson) a hummingbird visits my fountain.

Miss Gracie, of course, wants me to plant something. She is not fond of the biting ants, but she loves dog-friendly nurseries. The day is young. She may yet get her wish.

Peace and well-being to Mother Earth.
~Ariella


Sunday, April 21, 2013

Magic Shoes!

Imagine the magical stories you could write while wearing these shoes!
~Ariella Moon

Source: Peaseblossom's Boots Annette Emms- Textile Art

Saturday, April 6, 2013

The Spiritual Spring Garden


Macy's current flower show, The Painted Garden, (ends April 7) inspired my April Monthly Muse on creating a Spiritual Garden. If you are curious about how to apply color therapy, chakra colors, or a little fang shui to your garden or windowsill, check out: http://www.ariellamoon.com/monthlymuse.html

Peace and love,
~Ariella