Jenny Heston

Beltane Tree Blessing Charm

Beltane Tree Blessing Charm (Goddess and Green Man)

This charm is a simple and meaningful way to connect with the exuberant surge in earth energy that bursts forth at Beltane.It can be used for blessing and honouring a tree or as part of a Handfasting, Baby Blessing or Summerlands ceremony.

Equally it can be adapted for healing purposes or as an expression of hope for the future.

You will need :

A piece of white ribbon, cord or wool (to represent peace, healing and tranquillity) big enough to tie gently to a branch .

Honey dissolved in a little warm water and allowed to cool (clear honey works best ) – for healing, fertility, love, gratitude, and as an offering.

To begin, approach your chosen tree. Clear your mind and focus on the ceremony/blessing ahead. You are going to walk around the tree three times, clockwise. At the end of each round you are going to touch the tree with your right hand and make a heart connection with it. This is the important thing.

Walking slowly around the tree on the first circling say:“With grateful heart and loving mind I give thanks for your wisdom”. Touch the tree with your right hand for as long as you feel necessary.

On your second circling say: “With impassioned heart and respectful mind I give thanks for your silent strength”.Again touch the tree with your right hand.

On the third circling say: “With blossoming heart and inspired mind I give thanks for your wild beauty.” Touch the tree with your right hand.

Now sit or kneel in front of the tree. Pour a little of your honey at the base of the tree and say:“May you be blessed with Beltane’s bursting, replenished in Beltane greening, strengthened by Beltane passionate flame. Brightest Beltane Blessings on you my friend.”

Pour the last of your honey, take your ribbon and tie it to a branch and say “With love, gratitude and open heart.” And the charm is now complete.

You can do a distant blessing on a tree that you are far away from by using a pot of earth and just the honey. And as ever you can use your own words to make the charm your own.

Egg Charm for Beltane

Jenny Heston · 5:20 pm ·

Egg Charm For Beltane.

(Courtesy of Goddess and Green Man)

Think carefully what you wish for! The general rule of thumb is a brown egg for wishes involving animals and white for wishes involving people and plants, for example healing a sick animal, person or plant. Eggs with white shells are difficult to come by now as chickens are generally given feed which produces the desired brown shell, but in recent years some of the supermarkets are making white eggs available at this time of year so they are worth looking out for.

Blow the egg. Using a fat needle, pierce a hole in both ends of the egg, making one hole larger than the other. Using the needle pierce the egg yolk gently and swirl it around to break up the yolk. Place a small drinking straw in one end and gently blow through the other hole to help gravity do its work.
Paint Your Egg Talisman. When your egg has thoroughly dried out place it on top of a little mound of blue tack to hold it in place and you are ready to go! Choose a symbol to represent your wish – a heart for love, coin for prosperity, a candle for wisdom, whatever is meaningful for you. Or you can paint the whole egg in a corresponding colour – red for love, green for prosperity, purple for wisdom and so on. Another way to do it is to stick rose petals on for love, or feathers for fertility – again it is what is meaningful to you that is important.
When it is ready find a suitable place for it and prepare for it for hanging by threading a thin thread (embroidery thread, thin wool) through the two holes and secure it with a large knot, a bead, or even a matchstick at the bottom to hold it steady.
Clear your mind and focus on your desire for abundance/fruitfulness and its place in your life:

‘Little charm made of shell as I hang you here may all be well. May all things grow. May all things flow. Blessings for the turning of the Wheel.”

Use these words or any others that you are comfortable with – remember this is all about your intention.

Dandelion Renewal Ritual

Jenny Heston · 5:30 pm ·

Dandelion Renewal Spell

Just as the onset of Spring transforms the earth with a lush green haze and a profusion of blooms that hint to the bounty of summer, we too can feel a tightening of spirit, a renewal of body, mind and soul as spring’s promises are fulfilled all around us.

With dandelion’s association with growth and transformation, this dandelion renewal spell can be done alone or with a group and is soooo appropriate to do at Beltane. (Assuming spring has come to your neighbourhood).

All you need is an intact dandelion seed head per person. If working with kids then talk for a moment about renewal and what it means to them. Have everyone or just yourself hold up their dandelion seeds heads and say together,

The air is alive with the hum of bees

As the wind tousles the tops of trees.

The blooms are bright and fertility abounds,

Our wish, dear Lady, for renewal to be found.

Not only across this greening land,

But within the hearts of every woman, child, and man.

Blessed be!

Blow your dandelion seed heads to the four directions. As you do this, imagine the dandelion seeds planting themselves into the hearts of humankind. Imagine an abundance of joy, peace, and fulfillment for all that happens as the dandelion takes root.

When you’re done, find a nice spot in a field, park, or lawn. If you feel inclined make a circlet of dandelions and reflect on the sunny intentions, thoughts and bright ideas for the future.

Junkos, Tantrum Cookies and Beltane just around the corner! April 23rd weekly reading

Jenny Heston · 2:00 pm ·

Happy fantabulous Monday delicious one? How are you? How has your week been? I most certainly hope that you took the opportunity to do something fun and get outside into nature. I was sooo thrilled that the weather is finally becoming more Spring like and that I was able to do this reading outside! Whoot, whoot. That made me exceptionally happy. Also the fact that Beltane (May Day) is approaching is stupendous!! However, we will talk more about that next week.

It’s been a rather “interesting” week with lots of “opportunities for growth”, as I call them. In other words my darling teens have been delightfully challenging. In fact on Thursday I decided to whip up some cookies as I was leading a group of women in business growth and strategies the next morning and holy hannah my 18 year old boy must have been bathing in the “entitlement” fountain and drank too much “how foul can I be”, soda. So there are I am with one bowl of dry ingredients ready to go and one of the wet and he’s beaking away and I just thought – if I stay here there might be a likelihood that I will start hooking into this and probably rip him a new arsehole. So I bundled up my bowls, stormed over to a friends and baked the cookies there lolol. Thus, when I was running my group the next morning and one of the women asked what type of cookies they were my response was “Temper tantrum cookies, so some may taste great and others may have got the majority of the salt.” Lol.

On Saturday I bounded out of bed with the intent of a huge hike up the mountainside, through the woods and playing by the rushing streams (as the snow pack is just beginning to melt). So I loaded up the hounds and off we went, I think we had managed to get about 1km up the mountainside when within minutes the sky went black, there was a huge clap of thunder immediately followed by horizontal rain, which rapidly turned into hail and then snow! WTF! When a huge tree limb broke off and fell within an inch of the dog I figured it was far smarter to turn tail and run for the truck! It was just wild and the dogs were only too eager to get away from the bolts of lightning and the hail.

By about lunchtime the weather had cleared up and so I went out into the garden and looked around and there was a huge feeling of overwhelm. Do you ever get that, where there seems to be so much to do and you wonder how it’s all going to get done? This was were I wanted to turn tail and run as my rebellious teen was kicking up and wanting to go do something more interesting, but instead I grabbed a piece of paper and a pen and made a list of all the things that had to happen from raking, to digging, to pruning – you name it, ll of it went on the list. Great, I now had a detailed list, and now what? Well I cranked the music, donned a pair of gloves and just started with one small thing and then another and within about 4 hours my garden and outside space looked spectacular and I felt a delicious sense of grubby (and believe me I was) contentment, as I love to hang out outside when I can.

I think the birds and animals appreciated the effort that had occurred as on Sunday when I was sitting out with my cuppa tea and just breathing in the beauty and the sense of quiet I looked around and there must have been 40 – 50 fat little Junkos hopping all over the lawn and in the garden beds and there were 2 fat squirrels that were frolicking at the feeder. Ahhhh, life is good and I was offered many glorious reminders to let go of how I perceive things should be and not to hook into overwhelm and negativity.

Thus, it was no surprise to me that the deck that insisted on doing this weeks reading is The Faery Forest Oracle. The dedication for this deck is as follows:- “May the wild green world and the wondrous beings of this Faery Forest heal us, inspire us and urge us all to become more who we truly are meant to be.“ The crystals that wiggled and jiggled to grab my attention are Amethyst, Apatite and Moonstone.

Let’s get still and present. If you need more support with that there is a delightful visualisation to help you.

Otherwise rub your hands vigorously together and generate some heat between your palms. Cup your hands over your eyes and allow the heat to seep into your face relaxing all those tiny facial muscles and just breathe long and deep in through your nose and out through your mouth. Then when you feel ready gently remove your hands open your eyes and pick the card or cards that resonate for you.

Let’s go pick shall we?

Ready to have a look?

THE MERCIFUL ONE

There is a time to hold on and to endure – and there is a time to open our hands and let the soul fly free. You may be remembering that death is a sacred rite, and be learning about the nature of the physical transition that is taking place. Death is a huge taboo in modern culture, yet it is a path that is sacred and walked by all of us fortunate to have lived.

So the Merciful One comes forward with love, respect and compassion to ask you to hold the space for those who are departing, and to allow yourself to let go, either of your own self, an outdated belief, a relationship that no longer serves, or of another being who is readying themselves to return to the Otherworld.

This is the card of deep, sacred change, from one stage to another, one form to another, but most truly at its heart, it is the card of letting go, and the great mercy that this letting go brings to those of us in pain, and unable to stay as we are. The Merciful One lifts pain, makes passing easy, ensures we are surrounded by loved ones, supported and held, and respects the great moment that this is. Know now that a death of a kind is coming, and the Merciful One wishes the letting go to be dignified and sacred. So let go, and let an ending continue with beauty, dignity, and mercy.

THE GREEN WITCH

When you are pure of heart, the whole world is full of potential. And this is the message from this innocent Green Witch to you. She is green as in the fresh new shoot from the seed pushing urgently towards the sun. She is green and connected to the earth, flowing with the cycles of Nature. She is green in that she looks as much to the natural world for company, friendship, and fulfillment as you currently do to fellow humans.

She is your reminder to begin to reconnect to the wild green world, to the faery forests all about you – to go back to a place where you empty yourself of expectations and stories and knowledge and just admit that in some circumstances and at some times, you are as a babe. You are newborn, and in that moment of unknowing-ness, and of admitting and embracing your own powers of renewal, you can finally learn what it is you are here to learn.

Be not so certain, or so experienced when The Green Witch comes to you. Be new. Be fresh. Be unwise, be unknowing. Be innocent. And then the new cycle can truly begin.

THE TRICKSTER

Let me be a reminder to be true to yourself, to your own personal truths, to the code within your soul. Truly, at this time it is essential for you to let your conscience be your guide, and to live according to your own creed, with open eyes. Do not fool yourself into believing another person’s vision and ideas are more important than your own – question agendas, and be aware of people’s history. For at this time, there is one about you who is attempting to persuade you to their cause, to join them in what they see is a great task, but which in truth is simply a harnessing of your power to their agenda, which is not for your highest good.

All tricksters are charming and know exactly what to say to persuade you – but this is mere language. Their deeds will not match their words, and what you are agreeing to by joining with them will be a loss of your own personal dreams for the furthering of theirs. If you allow yourself to be coerced, cajoled, and manipulated at this time, it will weigh heavily on your very soul.

Be more wary than is natural for you at this time. Do not betray yourself, or ignore the warning signs, which are all about you. Do not foolishly give away your power, but exercise it, and weave a future that is truly the one you wish to create – one, which will provide you with honour, plenty, and the satisfaction of having been true to yourself.

Well that is most interesting, all the cards are to do with letting go, being true to yourself and starting new cycles – all of which are so appropriate for the onset of Spring and Beltane just around the corner! So delicious one wishing you a gorgeous week of release, being willing to try new things and a reminder to be gentle with yourself when having to deal with ridonculous people or situations. Also, I would like to say a huge thank you for all the amazing emails, sharing of stories and feedback, I really, really love receiving them. See you next week!

Alchemy, Aries New Moon, Mercury is Direct and now we plant Fiery Seeds! Whoot!

Jenny Heston · 2:00 pm ·

Happy Magnificent Monday gorgeous lovely. How are you? Did you have a glorious week? What was your favourite thing that you did or saw? (We ask that question at dinner time every night and it is so interesting to find out what everyone’s favourite thing for the day was).

For me it was making little changes to my daily world that had big impact on my sense of well being. For example I started doing a global prayer and meditation every morning and for the first week I tried to do it at the time prescribed (so that you connect to everyone else around the world), but that was 2:30am my time! Believe me I tried, but after three mornings of getting up at 2:30am and then staying up and working I realised I felt more drained than replenished. So I rejigged it to what would work for me which is 4:30am and holy hannah, the sense of connection, replenishment and nourishment that I carry through my day has rocked! Plus, I have ensured that rain, snow or shine I go to the woods daily with the hounds and get green therapy (as well as remembering to take my greens every day) and that has made my body feel more vibrant, healthier and even more bouncy than I normally am lolol. So when “they” say, small changes can have a big impact – it’s so very true. So what’s one little shift that you are willing to try for a month?

It’s Aries New Moon time and Mercury has gone direct!!! Did you plant your seeds of intention? Now I know you may be thinking “Jen, you talk about seeds of intention at every New Moon, so what’s the big deal with this one?” Ahhhh, grasshopper great question as this New Moon is different to the others. Why? Aries is the first sign of the zodiac so now we start a whole new solar cycle as well as the energy of fire that accompanies Aries, thus destruction and creation. Aries is a very initiatory energy which invites us to plant seeds pertaining to one idea and nurture it with fire (passion) to bring it into our future. Think about it, there are places in the woods, in the desert scape where when a wildfire happens and there is that intense, intense heat that seems to destroy everything, afterwards there are plants and flowers that haven’t been seen for years upon years. Why? Is it magic? Did random birds drop these seeds after the fire? No, it’s because these seeds lay dormant and needed the fire to get them to germinate and to grow.

I love what Simone Butler has to say about this New Moon:-

“Do you recall a time when a real or metaphorical fire swept through your life, heating up your world to an unbearable degree? Maybe you’re even in such a phase right now. At some point there is no choice but to let go and allow the past to crumble away.

“And that’s when, through a mysterious alchemical process, things begin to shift. You’re gifted with new insight or motivation. A goal you’d despaired of reaching is suddenly within your grasp. No matter where you’re currently at, the upcoming New Moon will be your ally in embracing change…

“A quickening is at hand, and courageous action is required. The Mars-Saturn conjunction earlier this month got a lot of us committed to important work and on track for success.

“It’s time to let the past burn away and begin making your contribution. If you’re still seeking a jolt of awareness about your true purpose or next step, listen for messages around this New Moon, arriving with the clarity of a lightning bolt.

“Look to what you’re passionate about. Take a strategic risk.”

So I invite you to ask yourself – What seeds have been buried that can grow with the fire of your heart, your passion and your desire.

With this lovely energy of planting new seeds and really playing with the fiery energy to ensure that they germinate, let’s crack on with the reading. The cards that came to play are “The Sacred Rebels Oracle” and the crystals and elements that wiggled and jiggled to come and support are:- A gorgeous piece that one of my kids gave me, Chrysocolla and Morganite, oh yes and a gorgeous feather. Selenite didn’t feel like making an appearance, which is totally fine.

Okay, let’s get comfie in our bodies and really focus on the energy of those delicious seeds that are hidden deep inside that want to be fanned with fire and love. Wiggle your shoulders around and gentle start to slow your breathing down. Breath in your nose long and deep and sigh it out of your mouth, if you would like a little support on getting into a different “state” of being, I have a luscious, green (thus healthy, right?) visualisation to support you. Otherwise take 3 long slow deep breaths in and when you are ready pick the card or cards that resonate for you.

Ready to go see?

RESTORE AND REPLENISH

You are in need of something so much deeper than rest. You need restoration, replenishment and revival.

This will not necessarily come from lying about somewhere, taking a moment out of your day or evening activities. You are more likely to gain what you need by breaking with your routine completely and doing something different.

You need some variety, some spice, some change to bring fresh energy into your body, mind and heart. You need to restore and revive yourself by changing the usual flow of energy through your being. You could stimulate this process by going to a different place, meeting different people and taking different action to what you would usually do. You can return to your regular routine in time – if it feels good for you. However, it is now time to move, without pushing yourself, beyond what is known, comfortable and familiar.

You have been working so hard and have accomplished so much already. However, you often sell your accomplishments short and focus on how much more is yet to be done. Life is telling you that it is time to put down the paintbrush, the pen, the endless lists and the thinking mind and get into your body. You are in an important transition phase between one level of experience and the next.

If you feel as though you are treading water or are in a sort of purgatory – somewhere between your old life and your new life then this especially applies to you. Soon you will have the power and energy you need to reach for the next level – and succeed.

COLLABORATIVE DREAMING

Your heart is big enough to dream not only for yourself, but for a new humanity. Imagine a world that is healed with respect, understanding and with community that fosters life. Even your dreams that relate to you alone will contribute positively to the greater good because that is the nature of your heart. Your heart naturally and intelligently co-operates in a grand scheme of loving creativity, working to heal the hearts of the world. The heart creates win-win situations that benefit the individual and the collective.

You are being asked to honour your growing desire to co-create with conscious, like-minded people. Your collaborative dreaming is a heart-inspired win-win, bringing mutual enhancement to yourself and others. Bear the rough patches that can happen when you work creatively with others. Ideas might clash and there can be friction, particularly if you have different ways of working.

Stay in your integrity, honour what you feel and remember why you chose to open up to group endeavours in the first place – especially if the group involvement becomes complex or challenging. Call on unconditional love each day and evening, it takes only a moment to do. Remember to hear your own voice. Others may or may not be able to receive it. When you hear your own voice you will be able to connect with your heart truths. You will know when it is right to remain in a group of when you need to withdraw in order to work with others who resonate at a more appropriate vibration and perhaps more in harmony with your own. You are no longer a lone wolf. Others are on the way to help you. There is only so much a single drop of water can do on its own, though it is precious. Together those drops can become a wave and make a considerable impact in the world.

SACRED FOOL

The fool is a great rebel, able to thwart convention and tell the truth without restraint. Your heart is a wonderful, powerful, sacred fool! It cares not for the right way to do things. It cares not for what the mind says is real and not real. It lives according to an inner wisdom that cannot be dictated to or controlled by anything. It loves, it lives and it is what is!

It’s time to take your offer to the world. Don’t try to be appropriate, don’t try to be socially acceptable and worry about what others may think – just be. If you want to wear a mad hat whilst doing so, fine.

It’s time to leave behind what has been because it no longer feels right to stay attached to it. Your mind is a monkey puppet on strings. More often than not, it is cajoled into fear when it could be playfully dwelling in the radical spontaneity of life. So, the sacred fool in you urges your mind to let itself be pulled into joy by your heart strings not into fear and doubt by media or anything else. It’s time for you to play.

It’s time for you to let life happen in a completely unreserved, unscripted way. Life wants to operate more radically through you so that you become the conduit through which miracles and crazy wild synchronicity can occur. If you find yourself making choices that have others questioning your sanity, then you are right on course. You are just approaching enlightened awareness. There is a moment – sometimes a rather long one – when we wake up to life, shed our attachment to mass opinion and float in a completely different state of being. Stay on your path, stay on the journey, remember to take nothing too seriously and it will all work out perfectly.

So delicious one, wishing you a stupendous week of uncovering your deeply buried seeds and setting them alight with intention. Remember to read a book, drink some water and laugh. If in doubt, go to the park or get out in nature, but now is the time to realise all the wonder in your life and get clear on what other miracles, magic and mayhem you want to create. See you next week!

Jenny Heston

Beltane Tree Blessing Charm (Goddess and Green Man)

Egg Charm For Beltane.

(Courtesy of Goddess and Green Man)

jennyheston

Release Anxiety And Claim Your Power