Spiritwalk

Divination

Tea Leaves

Tea leaves have been used for ages for divination. It is important to use loose tea leaves as tea leaves that are in tea bags are too finely ground to give clear pictures.

Make a pot of tea as you would normally, just allow the tea leaves to float freely in the water. Pour the tea and enjoy it while you think about what question you would like answered. Drink most of the tea until there is just a little tea left in the cup. To drain the rest of the tea, swirl the tea around the cup 3 times and pour out the remaining tea into a saucer or slowly tilt the cup and turn it 3 times while slowly turning the cup upside down to empty the tea.

To read the leaves, position the handle of the cup facing you. Anything to the left of the handle is the past, anything to the right is in the future. If it is closer to the rim it is closer to the present. The images formed are usually clear and easy to decipher, just ensure that you take your first impression and not what you wish to see.

There are numerous books on tea leaf symbols but here are a few to get you started:

Smudges & Smudging

Smudging for the Season - Lughnasadh

Smudging can be used to bring in the new season and recognize the ancient rituals. With the Lughnasadh/Lammas (August 1st) fast approaching, it is time to honour an ancient celebration. Lughnasadh celebrates the first fruits of the harvest. It is a time of celebration before the balance of the harvesting must be done. Lammas means "bread-mass"; symbolizing the first harvest of grains in August.

Gather outside in the open at noon. Smudge around the area where you will gather. Smudge and cleanse each person as they enter within the area. Gather together in a circle and clasp hands, with thumbs facing to the left. Ground yourselves to the Mother Earth and give thanks for the fruitful first harvest. It is fitting to meditate on what you wish to create into your life for the balance of the year and to see what wishes and dreams need more energy, thought or passion.

It would be a fitting end to this ceremony to break bread and share fruit with those gathered. Remember to give thanks to the Divine for the abundance given and for the abundance yet to come.

Gems and Crystals

Sardonyx

Sardonyx is a combination crystal; it contains sard and onyx. Sardonyx is known as the stone of abundance and virtue.

Sardonyx is a stone that is used to heal and heighten the senses. It can improve sensory perception and the nervous system. It can affect the immune system by regulating the flow of bodily fluids and has been used to heal the respiratory tract. Sardonyx has been used also for back and liver problems; to do this place the stone over the affected area and meditate on healing.

In heightening the senses, Sardonyx can help the wearer to see the world as it truly is and not as wished in dreams. It imparts the the wearer a sense of optimism and confidence and helps the grieving soul to see that life does have purpose.

Smudges & Smudging

Smudging for the Season - Autumnal Equinox

With the Autumnal Equinox (September 22nd) fast approaching, it is time to honour the next ancient celebration. The Autumnal Equinox celebrates the harvest and the bounty of Mother Earth. It is a time of thanksgiving and sharing.

Gather outside in the open in the early evening. Smudge around the area where you will gather. Smudge and cleanse each person as they enter within the area. Have everyone sit in a circle; as you ground yourself and as the others ground themselves consider those aspects of yourself that serve you and those that don't. It is time to discard those things that do not serve you well. It is also a time to be grateful for the harvest, try to be appreciative of the fruits of your labours and understand that a greater time for reflection will come during the darkness of winter.

It would be fitting to end this ritual with a community picnic or other sharing of foods from the harvest.