Ostara Ritual

Merry Meet All,

Last night I attended the Ostara Ritual at the UU church. It was so much fun. I arrived a little late and entered the room where they were holding the ritual. I heard drumming, I love the drumming, and people were dressed up and dancing or milling around in a wide circle. The altar was beautiful. Afterwards, as I missed most of the ritual, we all shared in the feast. Much to my surprise, the High Priestess had brought her live bunny with her. The bunny was beyond adorable. He was black and white. I cuddled him for a moment. Almost everyone cuddled that bunny. The evening was a lot of fun and I saw some familiar faces and met some new ones. The food was delicious.

Earlier that day, when some members of the coven were at a local metaphysical store gathering supplies for the ritual, it was shared that there would be a live bunny at the ritual. People wondered if the bunny would be sacrificed! I can tell you that that bunny was never harmed and just so much loved. We would never dream of harming any animal or child. Kids run amok all over the place. The fact that people think that about us is astounding. Thanks to the Church and media, they make us look evil. I have a pet guinea pig and in only four days, he is comfortable with cuddling.

When I left the ritual with a friend, the night sky was bedecked with stars. I wish I knew my astrology better. I had a great time and can't wait for the next ritual.

Blessed Be,
Lady Spiderwitch )O(

A Poem for Spring

Merry Meet All,


Last night I attended an Open Heart Forgery poetry reading at Coburg Coffee House in Halifax. The reading was held there instead of its usual location at JustUs Coffeehouse on Spring Garden Road. The hours were different. My usual friends and fellow scribes were there.

I arrived late and sat down. Someone was in the midst of reading her poem. I settled in to enjoy the reading. I met some new people there. Athena, the daughter of the lady who helps run the Poetry Show was there. She is the cutest baby ever and likes to reach for anything within her grasp. I enjoy hearing the poetic efforts of my friends. There is magic in words.

Open Heart Forgery is a monthly journal of poems and lyrics that aims to energize local writers from the grass roots up. I enjoy attending the readings and reading new poems each month. The journal is published monthly and distributed around the city in different venues, such as libraries, on buses, and other places. The link to the website is: http://www.ohForgery.com. . The poetic journals are distributed for free.

By the end of the reading, people left and returned to their more mundane activities. I was surprised to be offered a ride home as well as my friends. We were spared the horrors of Metro Transit for that night at least. We all chatted on the ride home.

April is National Poetry Month. March, being the month that heralds in spring, means I had to write a poem. It is not in the monthly journal. I left my draft of my spring poem at home. But we can all find a way to share poems with each other and share in the magic of words. I am going to leave you with my poem that I composed last night before the reading.


Spring's Rebellion


A gray ceiling hangs overhead
Frail leaves scrape on concrete
in the cold pale morning.

Tiger lily buds emerge from brown grass
and patches of snow. Hope stirs as
winter’s barren rule comes to an end.


Create poems! Let them grow and spring from the mud like buds and blossom into poems! April is National Poetry Month. You can write the poems in your Book of Shadows and ask that your chosen deity or Spirit guides you and inspires you. I am now making it my goal to compose poems in a journal rather than on scraps of paper so next time I am organized- and then have to share them with readers.

Blessed Be,
Lady Spiderwitch )O(

Do you believe in Magic??? )O(

Merry Meet All,

Living with a guinea pig takes some beating. They are extremely clever critters and adorable. I love guinea pigs. I wrote my wish on a wish board that I wanted a pet. So it is with great pleasure to introduce Magic to you. Magic is my pet guinea pig!! I am happy that he's mine. Magic is a young baby guinea pig but he will grow and be bossing me around soon. That is Magic in the photo above.

I can't see a Witch without an animal familiar. Animal familiars have traditionally aided witches in their spells. I am sure Magic will do that too. He is skittish now but hopefully it won't take long before he will be helping me in spells, too. I knew he was perfect when I saw him in the pet store. His fur is a glossy thick black. Like the black feline animal familiars.

I bought his cage before I brought Magic home. He has a water bottle, food bowl, salt lick and food. I will be spoiling him with treats, a hidey hole, and other treats soon, too.

I believe that we can have a psychic connection with our pets. I think that is part of them being animal familiars. If you are in a store, and you sense them telling you to select a specific gemstone or pendulum when your pet is at home, that is when you have achieved a psychic connection with your pet. There are many benefits to having a psychic connection with your pet. If they are in danger, then you will sense it when you are away from home and be able to handle the situation better if you had none at all.

Guinea pigs are hard to tame early on but soon learn to trust you. Guinea pigs come from Peru and were bred by the Incas. They eat all of your vegetables, timothy hay, pellets, and must be supplemented with Vitamin C. Guinea pigs' bodies can't produce Vitamin C. They need Vitamin C or they will get sick. Guinea pigs love to eat lettuce and grass. They also win you over with their cute antics such as wheeking and popcorning in the air.

Guinea pigs make great pets and live for five to seven years. I know Magic will bless me with years of magical cute antics. I performed a pet blessing ritual last night. He is blessed by the Goddess.

Blessings,
Lady Spiderwitch )O(

Faeries Inspiration

Merry Meet All,

Tomorrow night is Storm Moon. The 27th of March is the time of the Full Moon. She will shine strong and grace the night sky. The Storm moon banishes winter's stagnant energy to welcome spring. Snow lingers here on the curbs and sidewalks. But each passing day the snow is less and less. Soon the earth will be clothed in fresh new greenery. Here is the photo of my Celtic green cape that I made myself, mostly by hand. That includes the triskele symbol and the green oak leaves, the pattern of the oak leaves were inspired by actual oak leaves!



I had a dilemma tonight to piece an outfit together for the Public Ritual that is taking place on March 29. The Ritual will be held at the UU Church on Inglis Street. I had to choose between a great dress that is not finished or a green dress that is simpler but complete. In the end, I chose the complete fairy dress. It complements the green cape. The dress and cape are from the same pattern. If you watched the version of Midsummer's Night Dream with Michelle Pfeiffer, you will know what I am referring to. Here is a photo from the movie:



I have a gold butterfly crown (Lord of the Rings), leaf earrings, and the Arwen pendant. I am all set. Now I can relax, knowing I have an outfit to wear, and will have a good time.

Also, tomorrow night is Full Moon, and the night after that is a poetry reading. I promise to keep you all informed of these sure to be fun events. Stay tuned for more postings.

Blessed Be,
Lady Spiderwitch

The Essentials of Herbs

Merry Meet All,

It is that time to start thinking about herbs. I'm growing a pot of thyme and sage indoors. I bought them this winter and I plan to grow them indoors all year. The reason is, that these plants don't always survive in the garden. Thyme and sage need full sun, and certain soil conditions. Besides, the sight of the potted herbs enchants me and makes me smile.

I have been writing for an herb magazine for a year now. Here is the link: http://www.essentialherbal.com/index.php. I love the magazine for the recipes and that I can learn from other herbalists. I have been able to share my knowledge of herbs with the readers and learn from them. Essential Herbal magazine is gaining stellar reviews, which the magazine deserves. No matter the season or time of year, there are always excellent recipes to be found in the pages.

Their website is awesome. You can download a free copy of the magazine, just by clicking on the link on this post, do puzzles, read their blog, read about the current issue, their latest news, and even buy e-books on their site. They have a group on Yahoo and you can read articles about the basics of soap-making. The wizard behind the magazine, Tina Sams, is the tireless editor of the magazine. She is a great person and a talented herbalist and brings her endless enthusiasm and knowledge to the forefront. Essential Herbal is in its second decade of continued publication. I am not surprised.

I encourage you all to click on the link and learn more about this fascinating magazine. Refresh your knowledge of herbal lore in time for spring with Essential Herbal magazine!

The photo above is of my Ostara Altar. Please feel free to post your photos here of your altar or contact me if there are any complications with downloading files. Enjoy spring.

Blessed Be,
Lady Spiderwitch )O(

Witchcraft on the Cheap

Merry Meet All,

Today the snow remains, a bitter sign that winter is not over. My flowers are buried under several inches of snow. Actually, maybe the snow is my imagination and if I wish hard enough, it might go away. Righhht.

This post will be about how to save money as a witch. So sip a cup of tea and sit tight for a cool post. Did you read those magic words correctly- save money? Yes, you did. I have lots of suggestions that should help your wallet rather than empty it and I am sharing them here.


ALTAR CLOTHS

I make my own. Rarely have I bought an altar cloth. I embroider, trim with lace, sew, add beads, or whatever strikes my fancy. You can too. There is and should not be any limit to your imagination. I store them in a beautiful deep brown large wooden basket. I have altar cloths in every colour of the rainbow, or chakra. I keep an eye out at the local fabric store for bargains on material and have beautiful altar cloths suitable for Samhain, Mabon, or Imbolc. I found cool reversible silver and gold material I use only for Yule. All you need is a half to a full meter of fabric and some sewing experience and presto!- an altar cloth.

TOOLS

I sometimes buy them but amazingly, the most witchy stuff I have found has not been from a local metaphysical shop, but from other nonpagan stores. The witch figurines, artificial birds' nests- which are great for Imbolc and Ostara, btw, and my candleholders and incense burners I bought from local drugstores. So keep your eyes open and you never know where you will find a bargain. I turned the birds' nest over and honestly, it had three legs like a cauldron. There are also three bird eggs in it. You bet your broomsticks I bought it.

CANDLES

Candles can be found anywhere in varying shapes, sizes, and colours. I go to Little Mysteries http://www.littlemysteries.com/ and their prices are fair. But I also live in an area with three or four other metaphysical shops. So buying candles is not hard. But you can make them too. Although I should leave that to truly accomplished witches. Or it could be I need practice. Save the wax from old candles and your candleholders. Buy candle making supplies and store them so when you want to make a truly magical candle for a spell, everything is there when you need it. I keep old wax, no matter how much or how little, in a plastic ziploc bag.

One thing about tools. Here is a tip on how to clean cast iron. Use coarse salt and a soft sponge. Rinse away the salt and wipe dry. Clean stainless steel white vinegar and a soft cloth. To clean copper (your cauldrons, hint, hint), use lemon and coarse salt. Sprinkle the outside of a sliced lemon half with the salt, rub it over the copper, which will soon gleam. Use mineral oil on wooden cutting boards. You can get more money's worth by taking care of your tools. I cleaned my candleholders in the sink with soapy dish water and they looked beautiful. Old candle wax is stale energy and your candles will harbour the stale energy. Clean your candle holders. This holds for censers, cauldrons, and even altar cloths. I hand wash mine because of beads, lace trim or embroidery. I buy books of celtic embroidery patterns. Once I cut a pattern out, I put an empty envelope out in the book, staple the envelope to the book, then store my patterns in the envelope. I can reuse them and the patterns are stored neatly in one place.

If you have decorative bottles, use them for dish soap and throw the plastic ones away. I am trying so hard to have no plastic in my home. It is an ongoing battle. Using attractive jars and bottles for holding our magical supplies makes cleaning or storing herbs and gemstones far less of a chore. When you are scrimping money, that can be a huge asset. Keep an eye out at farmers markets where you may find a beautiful earthenware bowl for scrying. You just never know when or where you can find a treasure. It will jump out at you.

I also cover my laptop with a beautiful purple cloth that has a black design on it. I found it at a local ethnic boutique called the Black Market. It cost next to nothing. I hide my laptop with the purple cloth or shawl from would be thieves.

So I hope this inspires you to try something new. May the Goddess guide you on your magical path.

Blessed Be,
Lady Spiderwitch )O(

Merry Ostara!!

Merry Meet All,

Tomorrow is Spring Equinox!! I hope you are all as excited as I am!! Dust off your cauldrons and broomsticks for a ride into the wild green wilderness with the Goddess and the Green Man. Bump into some hares and eggs on the way.

I am proud to announce that Eternal Haunted Summer has released their Spring issue on the website. My article, The Fires of Beltaine is published as well as fascinating contributions from other writers. Here is the link to Eternal Haunted Summer: http://eternalhauntedsummer.com/ Be sure to read this amazing issue. I took a peek and it looks great. I especially enjoyed the poem about the Goddess Morrigan and the interview with a successful Pagan author, Elissa Wilds.

I would love to hear how you plan to honour Spring Equinox! Please feel free to comment on my blog and share your altar photos. I am sure your altars are all already beautifully decorated. Do share.

For those of you who dwell in Haligonia, there is to be a ritual at the Universalist Unitarian Church on 5500 Inglis Street at 6:30 pm on March 29th. There will be a ritual followed by a feast and a gifting table. Feel free to join in the fun.

Merry Ostara to all of you pagans and witches!! The wind may be cold but the sun is on our backs. May March go in like a lion and out like a lamb.

Blessed Be,
Lady Spiderwitch )O(

Moon energy

Merry Meet All,

Monday brings the energy of Gemini in today. Gemini is a playful sign. Gemini meets with the vibration of Ceres earlier today. Ceres has a mothering energy to it. The energy of Ceres fits well, since Monday is a moon-day. Monday is associated with the moon, peace, healing, and psychic awareness.

The colour correspondences are grey, lavender, white and silver. The moon is waxing towards Full Moon. This is the ideal time to draw things to you. Cast a circle tonight under the growing moon and consider what you hope to attract, whether that is a new job, a fertile garden, or romance. Mercury has gone direct, which should make correspondences with other people easier. This is a magically potent time. Take advantage of that. Also, think of what you can offer to the gods/ goddesses you worship or the deity you honour. They shine more favourably on you when you leave offerings.

Soon it will be time to invite the faeries to assist you in your garden. The earth is stirring. The light half of the year is here.

Blessed Be,
Lady Spiderwitch )O(

Spring into Ostara

Merry Meet All,

Spring Equinox is around the corner? Can you feel it in the air? I hope you are all prepared and have been reading the blog posts here to excite you about Ostara!

I found a beautiful green altar cloth fabric at the local fabric store on discount. The fabric is green, covered with lots of tiny green and white flowers. The fabric is made of either crepe or georgette. I think it will be perfect once I dress and cleanse my altar. I found rabbit candleholders made of coloured glass with spring coloured candles at the thrift store. I do plan to use those for the ritual. I couldn't believe my luck when I saw them. Gifts come to you when you're not looking for them. Keep your eyes peeled for some treasures for your own altars.

My essay The Fires of Beltaine will be published in the upcoming Spring Equinox issue of Eternal Haunted Summer. Here is the link: http://eternalhauntedsummer.com/. I hope you find it entertaining and worth reading.

March 27 is the Full Moon. This can be a good time to cast away winter and embrace spring. Storm Moon is the folkloric name for the full moon. This would be a good time for a strong ritual to clear away what does not serve you and reflect on your goals for the rest of the year.

There is lots to look forward to. I wish you all a merry Ostara!!

Blessed Be,
Lady Spiderwitch )O(

Ostara Crafts- Ostara Tree

Merry Meet All,

That came as a surprise. It is snowing out when just yesterday I was admiring my snowballs and crocuses that bloomed in defiance of winter. It is not time yet for plants to emerge, brave as they are trying to be.

While we wait with bated breath for the true arrival of spring, we can be preparing for Ostara. Find out if there is a public ritual to be held by like-minded people in your area.

Make an Ostara Tree

You will need:

several tree branches
florist's foam
a flowerpot
acrylic paint
spanish moss
spring decorations

Paint the pot with spring images such as flowers, rabbits, birds, insects or eggs or use stickers. Allow the paint to dry. Cut a chunk of florist's foam, and insert the branches into the foam to form a tree shape. Hang the decorations on the branches. Use the Spanish moss to cover the florist's foam in the top of the pot. You can paint the tree branches with acrylic paint and glitter, if you want the tree to look fairyish or leave the wood natural. Sprinkle glitter on the brnaches and decorations. Ask the faeries to assist you as you empower the Ostara Tree. Place the tree on your altar and use it in a ritual, or as a tabletop decoration.

Try to use branches that are already on the ground.

Good luck with your Ostara Tree!

Blessed Be,
Lady Spiderwitch

Decorating your Altar for Ostara

Merry Meet All,

I heard birds chirping away today. Their song sounds different, more lively. Of course, spring is here and that means warmer weather and a better variety of food for them. I also saw lots of people out walking their dogs today. The heavy rainfall last night almost melted all the snow. Today I stored my winter coats and boots in my broom closet. Yup. Spring is here.

There are five days till Spring Equinox. Now is the time to plan a ritual whether you are a solitary or in a coven. It is also time to refresh, dress and decorate your altar. Opt for spring colors and freshen your tools, too. Spring is about renewal and rebirth. Give your altar area a zesty cleaning to remove the stale energy of winter. Clean your altar with an invigorating cleansing infusion of mugwort and peppermint. Empower a clear quartz crystal and leave it on your altar to charge your altar with renewed energy. Sweep and wash the floor beneath your altar. Enjoy how clean your altar feels now.

You may want to renew your dedication to the Gods or deities of your choice. Leave an offering to them. I dried out lemon seeds and left them on my offering bowl on my altar. Lemons are associated with solar energy and cleansing properties. Think of what you would like to offer to your gods.

The following gemstones correspond with Ostara

Clear quartz crystal
Rose Quartz
Agate
Lapis Lazuli
Garnet

These herbs correspond with Ostara

Lemons
Lavender
Marjoram
Thyme
Honeysuckle
Lemon balm
Sunflower seeds
Roses
Tulips
Daffodils

Some activities to perform at Ostara

Dye eggs naturally
Perform a seed blessing and indoor planting ritual
Wear green clothing
Light a purple candle and burn patchouli incense. Say farewell to winter and plan for spring.

Blessed Be,
Lady Spiderwitch

Ostara Gardens

Merry Meet All,

This post is about two different topics. One, I want to encourage all of that if you are starting seedlings to grow in your garden, to buy a new bag of seedling soil. I say this because I started with regular dried out potting soil and that won't help your plants to grow. I tossed out the soil and recycled the egg carton. Now I have a new bag of proper soil for seeds, a tray, and I have turned it into a mini-greenhouse. The soil you choose to use does make a difference on whether you grow anything. The jiffy pots can be purchased at a thrift or dollar store and are so easy to use because you plant them in the soil with the seedling. You want healthy tomatoes or lavender, right? It will hopefully not be expensive but make a huge difference in helping your seedlings to grow.

Now is the perfect time to plan a magical garden. A truly, bewitching and enticing garden that is pleasing to the eye, day and night. I always let my perennials claim their spots before moving in new plants. Some suggestions for a lunar garden are

dusty millers
silver lamb ears
moonflower
silver thyme
mugwort.

Flowers with lunar connections are

Camphor
Eucalyptus
Gardenia
Jasmine
Moonwort
Sandalwood
Willow
Sleepwort

I planted silver lambs ears beneath my Echinacea. It was a beautiful and bewitching sight. You can always arrange plants to enhance other plants. Once you have grown your Moon Garden plants, dry them to use in talismans and charms, or to dress a Moon candle or as part of a purification bath. Use them in herbal blends to enhance your dreams, intuition, and wisdom.

I hope this encourages you to design and dream about your own gardens. May the energy of the Goddess be with you.

Blessed Be,
Lady Spiderwitch

Ostara Seed packet cards

Merry Meet All,


Spring is a time to think of renewal and rebirth. The earth shows us signs of rebirth, when the snow claws back and the muddy fresh earth emerges. Buds grow on the trees and baby animals spring up everywhere. Yup spring is in the air.

Here is a Ostara craft that you can try. You will need the following:

Card-stock, or bristleboard
Envelopes
Seed packets
Glue,
Pens, markers and other craft supplies

Select a packet of seeds for each greeting card. Use the glue to attach the card to the front of the card. A hot glue gun can damage the seeds inside. It is best to use regular craft glue.

Use your pens or markers or glitter pens to write an inspiring message inside. Try:

Wishing you a blooms and abundance at Ostara!

Give the cards to friends during the Ostara season.

Blessed Be,
Lady Spiderwitch

Ostara Eggs

Merry Meet All,

Ostara is all about fertility and rebirth. This post shows you how to dye eggs naturally. The photo above shows how eggs look after they have been dyed. I took this photo of the Ostara eggs I made last year.

Try this on three to four eggs at a time. This gives the eggs room to bob around in the pot. Prick the egg with a needle or small pin first. That keeps them from cracking as they boil.

Start your water boiling. Use enough water to cover the eggs an inch over the tops of the eggs. Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar and bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add three to four eggs using a slotted spoon. Do not just drop the eggs in the water. Now you can add the colouring material.

To colour the eggs, add one of the following items. You can experiment to get different shades of colour. Once you add the colouring, allow to simmer for twenty minutes.

Red/ pink: paprika
Purple: grapes or grape juice
Yellow onion skins
Gold: curry powder or tumac
Beige: coffee grounds
Light green: chopped spinach
Blue: frozen blueberries

After the eggs have boiled, remove them from the pot with your slotted soon and leave on a paper towel to dry. If you want them darker, let them sit overnight in the pots, but that can weaken the shells. Dab on some vegtable oil to polish the eggs and give them shine.

Keep your eggs refrigerated once you have dyed them. Never eat eggs that have been sitting at room temperature for more than two hours.

Consider using stencils or patterns from herbs onto your dyed eggs. I hope you have fun with this project. Do not leave the boiling eggs unattended.

Blessed Be,
Lady Spiderwitch

Buds of Spring

Merry Meet All,

I peek anxiously at my garden every chance I get, searching for a sign of new growth. I noticed that a new leaf has come up in my indoor orchid plant. The flowers are so beautiful. Soon, I plan to rake the leaves back and add fresh soil to my garden. The sight of fresh buds and unfurling leaves lightens my heart.

The flowers that come up in my garden first are usually lady's mantle and canterbury bells. But a few other plants show their floral faces in early spring.

Hyacinth
Tulips
Daffodils
Crocuses
Snowdrops
Anemone
Apple blossoms and cherry blossoms


All of these flowers are of course, have breathtaking beauty. I am getting excited just writing all of this. I will probably lose my cool at the sight of the crocuses in my garden. If you planted the bulbs in the fall, then you can count on them blooming this spring. Mulch around the roots and water them regularly. Remember to fertilize the plants too after their long winter sleep. Embrace the beauty and power of spring.

Blessed Be,
Lady Spiderwitch )O(

Energies of the Earth

Merry Meet All,


Crocuses and snowdrops are in bloom. The maple buds on the trees are bursting with ripeness. Ostara is a time when the light and dark are in balance. It is the ideal time to celebrate the rebirth and renewal that spring affords.

Decorate your altar by focusing on what spring is about. Use the bright colours of spring, such as yellows, purples, blues and pinks. Use a pale green altar cloth or light purple. Add yellow and pink candles to complete the effect.

Ostara is about balance. Try using symbols to reflect that. Use a god and goddess statue, a white candle and a black one, a sun and moon symbol, or a yin/ yang symbol.

Use baskets of eggs, a chalice of milk or honey, rabbits, calves, and potted plants of crocuses, daffodils, lilies, and tulips.

Once you have completed dressing your altar, step outside with a bowl of milk and honey. Stand in your garden-if you have one, and feel the stirring of the energies of the earth. Know the wheel of the year is turning. Pour the libation on the ground. Say a blessing for the earth and return inside. Don't worry, the faeries will thank you for it. Write the ritual down in your Book of Shadows.

Enjoy the coming blessings of Spring.
Blessed be,
Lady Spiderwitch )O(

History of Ostara

Merry Meet All,

Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth. Ostara is almost here. It lands on March 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. The word Ostara originated from Eostre, a Germanic goddess of spring. Spring is the time for fertility and sowing seeds. In medieval society, the March hare was regarded as a fertility symbol. There were lots of bunnies everywhere in spring. The female hare can be pregnant even while still pregnant with a first litter.

According to Venerable Bede, Eostre was the Saxon version of the Germanic goddess Ostara. Her feast day was celebrated on the full moon following vernal equinox. The legend is that Eostre found a wounded bird on the ground in late winter. To save the bird's life, she transformed into a hare. The bird retained the ability to lay eggs. The hare decorated the eggs and left them as offerings to Eostre.

Now is the time to start your seedlings. I have started Brandywine tomatoes and dill plants in an eggshell tray. I also bought potted thyme. I watch the earth of my garden every day, waiting for a sign. Celebrate the balance of light and dark and the return of daylight savings time. The return of new growth is near.

Go for hikes in the forest and seek signs of early spring. Meditate on the turn in the Wheel of the Year and celebrate the return of spring.

Blessed Be,
Lady Spiderwitch )O(

Tools for Gardening Magic

Merry Meet All,

Today we are going to talk about gardening tools. It is almost that time of year to dig out our gardening tools. You can get ahead of the game by cleaning and repairing your tools now. Why not make it a ritual? Put on some nice music, light a candle, and get to work. Throw out what will no longer serve you. Clean your tools with a herbal infusion containing cleansing properties. Rosemary, lavender, and peppermint are appropriate. You can opt to use salt too. I stored my garden knick knacks and tools in a clear plastic bag in my broom closet.

The snow is clawing back from the soil. Soon plants will emerge. I plan to clean my tools and rake away the old leaves to clear the way for fresh soil and some fertilizer. Check your supply of fertilizer and watch for when soil is locally available. That can tell you when it is time to garden. I know not all of you keep the leaves on your garden all winter but there are benefits to it. Insects won't nest, but they will if you leave it all year. Also, the leaves protect the plants all winter. To me, there is nothing quite like raking leaves and inhaling the scent of the leaves, that musty earthy scent. I toss them in a green recycling bin and feel good, helping the environment.

Rejoice in the return of spring. Celebrate it with friends and keep an eye on my posts. I will post more about Ostara. Ostara is almost here. Seeing your fairy statues, or toadstools back in your garden will help you to shrug off the heavy worries of winter.

Blessed Be,
Lady Spiderwitch )O(

Organic Heirloom Gardening

Merry Meet All,

I visited the local farmers market this weekend. I bought two packets of organic heirloom seeds: dil and brandywine tomatoes. I can't wait to see them bloom into beautiful plants. I used an egg carton for growing the plants from seed. I put holes in the bottom of each hole for water drainage and added the soil and seeds and a blessing from the Goddess. I put the carton onto a tray and stored the tray on a windowsill. I put plastic over the egg carton to trap moisture.

The seeds are locally grown and open-pollinated. The company called Annapolis Seeds is from the Annapolis Valley. They strive for a diversity of seeds that can thrive in our climate. The seeds come from growers committed to sustainable farming methods. The seeds are 100% non GMO (genetically modified).

Egg cartons are ideal for growing plants. They are a good size, easy to use, and recyclable. You can use whatever strikes your fancy but bear in mind, it has to have drainage holes in it. You can use coffee cups, plant holders, even buckets.

I look forward to watching my plants grow. I hope this post inspires you to get started on your spring seedlings. I plan to grow more seeds this spring such as sage, thyme (the plant pot is sitting in a gold brass cauldron on my windowsill.) I bought the thyme plant- a favourite of faeries- at the Farmers Market this weekend. I also bought some organic homemade Earth Child Patchouli scented soap. I am all ready for spring.


Blessings,
Lady Spiderwitch

Miracles in March

Merry Meet All,

The Wheel of the Year soon turns again to Ostara. Ostara is the second spring Sabbat. Though it is early in March, if you look closely, you might see some signs of nature emerging outdoors. Watch for robins and buds in the ground or buds on tree branches.

Early March is a good time to start on spring seedlings. You can read my earlier blog posts for more information. I am excited to get started on my seedlings. Decide whether you want to grow herbs or vegetables. Tomatoes are easy to grow and a favourite among gardeners. The choice is yours. Have fun!!


Blessed Be,
Lady Spiderwitch )O(