A Witch's Sacred Journey

Listen to the Pagan Experience Studies Tuesday Night Talk-Focus on-Astrology here: Bandcamp Link

Download the accompanying pdf here:

Tuesday Night Talks-Focus on Astrology

Life-long Learners

Samhain calls us to seek the wisdom of the Ancestors and to forge new ways of being from that information. This is also a space of affirmation that we who walk the path are life-long learners. Matters of spirit and magick are constantly evolving because we are the driving force and we are constantly changing, growing and transforming.

We have passed through astrological Samhain’s gate, and now is a perfect opportunity to spend some time thinking about what areas of the craft you would like to be more versed in. What calls to you to explore? What feeds your soul that could be expanded and deepened? Then dive in and keep learning.

These two courses may be of interest to you at this Samhain season: Awakening the Inner Sun (Fire of the Elemental Series) and The Magickal Persona. Click below to access the descriptions, pdfs and audio files.

Out and About Freebies

Asstd. Pathworkings:

Bonus Pathworkings and Guided Meditations

If you are new to the Path-check out “A Year and a Day on the Wiccan Path”-free online at your own pace course:

A Year and A Day on the Wiccan Path

Many Blessings on Your Path…Robin

All Paths Have Led Me to YOU

We stand at the eve before astrological Samhain. And, as we ride the cresting of this Sabbat’s energies, take note that the days following Samhain are those that will carry you through the darkening and time of deeper introspection culminating with the Winter Solstice.

These are the days of revelation and diving deeply into the veils of mystery and if there is courage enough, choosing a less trod path awakening a sense of curiosity and desire for what “could be”.  There is no right or wrong in the path of your choosing because ultimately all paths lead to the Goddess, in all of Her forms and all of her iterations both as archetypal energy and mantle of transformation.

You may feel that this is a “new” process, and indeed it is to some degree, as we are always evolving and changing, even in the moment. But, it is also the work that has been percolating at times overtly and boiling over needing attention and at other times a slow rising simmer, extracting the most flavor before coming to its fullness.

We have talked a lot during these Samhain musings about standing at the crossroads, which by its very nature infers that there is more than one path of choosing. We have called to the Dark Goddess as Hecate to guide our journey, always mindful that SHE will not chose for us,even when it appears that She is casting us upon a path not of our own choice. What I do wish to impart to you is a practical way of exploring these many paths.

These are just a few of the ways that you can move onto a path of your choosing and take it as far as is fruitful for you:

Organically, aligning them with the lunar phases of New, Full and Dark (to clarify, anytime after the 4th Qrt. Moon and just prior to the New Moon). I wold recommend using all three phases for one specific path at a time. There is benefit in seeing to its conclusion, the unfolding of catalytic new energy, ripeness of full energy and the withering away of what is not viable through the dark.

Using a Monthly cycle; beginning at the start of the month-Day One – and moving through each day, incrementally working your way further along the path chosen. This is something I did way back when I began my astrology blog-Temple of the Cosmic Spheres. I chosen one month and each day posted what I felt was different of that day as it transited into or stayed within an astrological sign. It gave me a lot of inspiration and sensitivity to the daily experiences of lunations. Check it out here: Preparing to Enter the Temple of the Moon

Using the anti-polar energies of a solar month. Beginning when the Sun transits into the next astrological sign and following through the entirety of the cycle until the next solar transit into the following sign. The approach allows both the Light and Dark to interweave their energies. Each serves its own purpose in holding the space of energy for your explorations.

Be creative and intuitive in your approach. Be mindful that you are the Divine and that all roads ultimately lead back to YOU.

To get you started, I am sharing a live recorded pathworking that was part of the experiential work of the series I just finished teaching-The Labyrinth of the Dark Goddess. It is a brief opportunity to ease into stepping onto a path that leads into the deeper recesses of your being and cultivate the necessary understanding to inform what you desire to reveal and have unfold. The directive with this pathworking is to enter into and cross the threshold with no expectation. To allow what will present to do so and to stand in the presence of the Dark Goddess, knowing your true worth and without hesitation entering the unknown.

Blessings on your journey….

Setting Foot on the Path

You will be directed to Bandcamp for this audio pathworking….

New Moon in Scorpio 
November 4.2021   
5:15pm (EDT)

The Moon waxes New in the astrological sign of Scorpio this evening at 5:15p.m. I’ve chosen this as a Samhain focus because of the inherent qualities of Scorpio’s energies and the timing of Samhain falling within the solar month of Scorpio; having made this transition on October 23rd. Additionally, Mars, the planet of asserting will to action and the Sun are in astrological Scorpio. This Will to Action (Mars) is illuminated by the mysteries of the Sun’s empowering light sitting mid-point in its solar temple month. Anything begun during this auspicious time will be steeped in deep intuitive energy and and an ability to transform into whatever state of Scorpio’s tri-part energy desired.

The astrological sign of Scorpio is steeped in the occult nature of things. It is a sign of the Fixed (stability and synthesis) modality that provides a foundational vessel of containment for what enters from Cardinal beginnings and flows from its synthesis into the flexibility of the Mutable.  Scorpio is of the water element, so there is the overlay of emotional seascape as well as an organic ebb and flow (contraction and expansion) that occurs in any space where Scorpio has impact.

Of particular note, Scorpio is the only sign of the Zodiacal wheel that is exemplified by three (3) very distinct and evolving symbols; the scorpion-the eagle and the Phoenix. Each rises higher than the next, which means that the capacity of true transformation begins from the depths of a hidden soul and ascends into the rendering down to ash and rebirth of a brilliant soul of light.

Samhain’s magick is one of evolutionary transformation as the veils part and we are offered the briefest interaction with those who have moved beyond the constraints of corporeal form and now see a much larger picture. This interaction , however, does not come without due price in that the seeker must be willing to rise above whatever darkness they themselves feel cloaked within and become the beacon of light that attracts what they most desire- time once again in the company of a loved one.

This season’s gifts of darkness and light are resonant of the Solar Month of Scorpio as the light and strength of the Sun may be transfigured into what is appropriate for what is sought. The scorpion’s energy of burrowing into the soil and laying hidden until provoked is much like the individual who wishes to remain buried within the depths of their darkened den. Neither seeking out the affirmation of the light nor seeking the validation of others, this is a necessary process of coming to know yourself in your deepest and darkest places.

When this is accomplished and the information is assimilated and the truth revealed, you do not fear the world of death and those who inhabit it. And, you realize that even in the darkness there is a light that will draw out what is called when the time is appropriate. Te next stage of transition is that of the Eagle, who having mastered the lessons of the scorpion now has mastery over the skies and is keen of sight.

The breath of water’s emotions that rise and fall as the waterfalls cascading down the heights of the mountain fill the earthen shaped container that provides support. The Eagle soars above and must now use discernment in what it takes as nourishment. The heights offer a light-filled perspective that is panoramic and in carrying this ideal into Samhain’s energies, we are reminded of the promise of life and the need for discernment on the choices we make as the New Year (of the Witch) begins.

In the third aspect of Scorpio’s symbology we have the Phoenix, the mystical creature that burst into flames, renders down to ash and from the ash is reborn, more brilliant than previously. Emerging from the gifts of Samhain we have the potential to reshape and reform whatever we wish. The wisdom that flows from our ancestors and the deities and beings who mark this time of the year is one that has been honed by deep experience and the synthesis of what has been released and what has been taken in.

Scorpio’s waters flow from the depths of gnosis and intuitive sight and we can use these waxing moon Scorpio days to prepare the way for clarity and true sight as we enter the heart of Samhain’s potential. Instinct and intuition will guide you to what you seek as the veils open to reveal the deeper mysteries.

Read More About Scorpio:
Sun in Scorpio:Open the Flood Gates and Lift the Veil
The Magick of Scorpio

A Celebration of Astrological Samhain

In past years  our coven has offered our annual open ritual in celebration of astrological Samhain. We journeyed into the otherworld leaving the light behind and saw the reflection of our true self as the Mirror Wraith awakened. Offerings were given to Cerridwen’s Crow and once prepared, each sought the counsel of Cerridwen, Herself. HER Cauldron of Wisdom was opened and time was spent with a chosen beloved and token of their blessing gifted from the Cauldron. We returned to the world of the Living and Light forever transformed.

This ritual was written several years ago and offers another aspect to how Samhain may be celebrated. We use the Goddess, Cerridwen and the myth of Her cauldron of wisdom to journey to pass through the veils and journey to the otherworld seeking wisdom, healing and transformation.

In this ritual we add the energies of the Mirror Wraith and Cerridwen’s Crow personified. The Mirror Wraith embodies the Spirit of the Black Mirror of True Reflection. Each participant stands before the Mirror Wraith and if courageous enough, stares into the reflection presented. In the realm of the otherworld, all is presented in its true form. Death strips away all that we have clung to in life and the false identities that we rely upon as our masks.

Cerridwen’s Crow asks each participant what they will willingly offer up to be consumed before meeting Cerridwen, Herself. In the myth of Cerridwen, Gwion Bach, was entrusted to stir the brew of transformative brilliance, creativity and inspiration that Cerridwen had created for her son. This elixir needed constant tending and stirring for a year and a day. Gwion accidentally spills some of the brew on his finger and blessed with the gifts of great intelligence, flees the wrath of the Goddess.

A pursuit ensues where Cerridwen and Gwion enter into a shapeshifting contest with hopes of Gwion always remaining one step ahead of the Goddess. In the final hours of that pursuit Gwion is eaten  when Cerridwen transforms into a Crow and Gwion foolishly  shapeshifts into an ear of Corn. As is the way with many of these tales, the Goddess becomes pregnant from the seed of the corn and Gwion is reborn into the youth who becomes the great Bard Taliesin; inspiration, creativity and intelligence having won out.

In this ritual, all are Gwion, and the Crow – a direct extension of Cerridwen, Herself, consumes what is illusory in preparation for healing and rebirth in the abode of Cerridwen. The audience with Cerridwen that follows is a personal and private experience with each participant seeking the counsel of the Goddess.

Upon emerging from Cerridwen’s abode the seeker lights a candle of new birth and is now ready to receive the blessing of their chosen deceased beloved; scrying into her cauldron of wisdom and taking a gift from it.

In joy, new found healing and wisdom all that has been learned from this experience is carried into the world of the living. We’ve felt the touch of the Divine and the love of our ancestors, and now we move back into our mundane world having witnessed the beauty of Samhain.

Another Year, we accessed the Egyptian Pantheon and the Duat…

In 2019, we offered an open Samhain Ritual entitled Descent into the Duat. A sistrum was used to clear and make way for Sacred Space and sound was used to call in the presence of the Quarters of the Upper and Underworlds. After purification and offerings, the seeker was guided to the Temple of Anpu.

An audience with Anpu began the process of rendering down, the weighing of the heart and the beginnings of integration began. If all was successful, the seeker passed through the Gates of the Duat and began a journey through the hours of the night. Each hour held a specific mystery and challenge to be met and on the final hour, a quickening of the Ureaus and gift of Het-Heru was bestowed upon each.

As the final steps of the journey towards light and rebirth ensued, the seeker came to stand before Ma’at and receive Her blessings of order and right action. If accepted, the seeker passed again through the Gates and returned to the Land of Light, Life and Rebirth. Needless to say, it was a very powerful ritual and all in attendance took away the gift of greater knowledge of self.

There are many ways we can honor the regenerative nature of Samhain. These are a few of the ways, but there are many others that are awaiting your call. Find your own space of calling and then let the creativity of your own inner wisdom guide your way…

For Ideas and Information About Creating Sacred Space and Crafting Ritual… check it out here:

A Year and A Day on the Wiccan Path: Lesson 6-Creating Sacred Space

Reaching Back to Stand Fully Present in the Future

We’ve past the usually celebrated marker of Samhain on October 31st. and in these last few days of this series we are reaching towards the astrological date of Samhain on November 6th (11:50p.m. EDT).

On the Witch’s Wheel of the Year, the quarter Sabbats are marked by the dates of the Equinoxes and Solstices. These are the fixed astronomical dates and on the dates at the mid-point between each Equinox to Solstice, Solstice to Equinox the cross-quarter Sabbats of Samhain-Imbolc-Beltane and Lammas are celebrated. As it sounds, the true date of these events is the calculation of exact mid-point of days between those quarter dates.

In the case of Samhain and Beltane, what we call “the veils” between the worlds parting moves up and through these astro(nom)logical dates. So, today I would like to offer a perspective of using the energy of the Autumnal Equinox that catalyzed Samhain’s potential and the carrying forward of its energy towards the Winter Solstice.

The Autumnal Equinox held the balance of light and dark in a paused equilibrium. This was an opportunity for synthesis and reset in the scales filling with the energy of the increasing night and the gift of introspective refining. This was considered the second harvest; the culling of what is not viable and the reaping and gathering of what will sustain throughout the Winter months ahead.

As we moved from that day of balance, the night crowded in and the final and last harvest of Samhain became the place of goal. All that is cut down and dies will be reborn again and with the harvest and the reset that occurred at the Equinox, the veils between life and death opened. We celebrate and honor our beloveds who passed beyond the veils and we reap within ourselves what will carry us forward in our efforts of inner reflection and seeking the wisdom that is hidden in the shadows.

As we move from the transformative power of Samhain and begin a journey anew, having in many ways been reborn, we nurture the place of light within feeding and fueling it with our hope and new found wisdom. The Winter Solstice marks the transition from longer nights to longer days; soon to offer the gift of standing in the light and enjoying more of it for our mundane pursuits.

Having sought the wisdom of the ancestors and acknowledging the ever continuing cycles of life and death that although giving the appearance of separation are just different forms of each other’s state of being. This is the potential of our future and more importantly, the blessing of our immortal Spirit that continues well beyond the corporeal form.

These yearly cycles are the foundations upon which we incrementally flow from change to change-season to season-path to path. This is the universal law that allows for evolution and growth. This is the liminal space that ensures we will develop in accord with the attention-intention and desire to Be-come that has ben cultivated through our practices. And, when we engage as co-creators of these cycles the change that occurs all around us pulls us into its nexus and we become part of the woven tapestry of never-ending time itself.

So, as we near the astrological date of Samhain, remember to reach back marveling at what you have reaped from an abundant harvest as you stand fully awakened in the power and beauty of your physical presence knowing that the burgeoning light that will be the brilliance of the winter solstice will guide you towards a divinely created future.

Read More About the Wheel of the Year:

A Year and A Day on the WICCAN Path: The Wheel of the Year

Check Out the Bonus Post: Book Review

The Ultimate Guide to the Witch’s Wheel of the Year