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HER BREATH


FUSED WITH THE FIRE OF INSPIRATION


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September 20, 2023 by Deanne Quarrie


FOR THE FALL EQUINOX

Persephone and Hades – A Dialogue

Persephone:

“Oh no!  What is happening to me?
Not of my own free will
Have I done this!

Down going deeper
Against my will.
No one enters these shadows willingly.

Here I will be forced to see
What I think is bad.
Anger, desire, greed, hate, fear
Guilt, despair!

Why would I ever
Choose to do this?
I am afraid.
It is dark and oh, so cold here.”

Hades:

“Here,” a voice said.
“Let me give you a torch.”

Persephone:

“Oh – He is beautiful.
His eyes dark and warm
As He smiles at me.”

Hades:

“I will help you in these shadows.
Never fear.
You are to be my Queen, my dear.

Once you realize that those aspects
of yourself are all part of you
to be used for good,
you will become whole in yourself.
To rule in this world
you must be strong and sure.
Fearless.

Anger is what can right all wrongs,
If used well.

Desire, brings all things good to you.
Fear, alerts you to danger,
so that precautions can be made.

Greed and envy
Merely serve to help us see
what is really good for us, or not.

Hate, a response to fear
With a lesson to be learned.
So that we can learn to love.

Despair, a sadness that we can finally rise above
and seek out the good in the world.

Come, my dear, take my hand.
Be my bride.
Be the queen you were born to be.

Through my love for you,
You will love yourself,
And all others.

You will see the sadness
In the world,
But give hope to the hopeless,
Love to the unloved
Joy to those who despair.

Come my love, Be my Queen.”

Persephone:

“Oh, yes, my beautiful King.
I am yours.”

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
September 6, 2022 by Deanne Quarrie


BECOMING 

If there were one thing I would say that needs to be given the most attention in
one’s magical practice is the Art of Becoming.

When we cast our Circle and invite the Elements, in truth, they are already
there. It is within ourselves that we must become those Elements to feel their
presence in our Circle.

Because of this, we need to spend time studying them.

My students are required to study one Element at a time – for one season – Fire
in the Summer, Water in the Fall, Earth in the Winter, and Air in the Spring.

They identify Elements by sight, by sound, by taste, in hearing them and in
feeling them, and then they embody them.

They sit with plants. The sit under trees and ask the trees to share their
stories. They hold stones. They burn herbs to learn how those herbs affect them.

They journey with them to learn what they are willing to share.

And they record all of this in the journals.

Once this is done, they then learn to project these energies out to others.

It is the same when you are aspecting a Goddess or a God – you must become Them.

The only way to do that is to first know Them, not just from books and other
references, but from your own personal experience as you embody Them.

In my own healing method, which I call Annym Billagh (the spirit of trees), one
learns the healing energies of trees by becoming those trees, by feeling their
energy and projecting it for healing.

When a member of a Native American tribe dances an animal, he is not just
imitating that animal he is becoming the animal in the dance.

When a dancer wishes to portray an image  in her dance, she must become that
image.

When an artist paints, he first learns what it is he wishes to paint.

He learns so well that what he wants to paint becomes a part of him and then it
is moved onto the paper.

When an actor portrays a character on the stage or on film, she must first
become that character.

So  it is in a magical practice.

When we have a desire, when we wish something to be in our lives, we must feel
it, we must see it we must be in that state to manifest it in the world of
form. We must become our desire.

Let’s look briefly at Frigga.

If you are familiar with the Goddess Frigga, you know that She sits within Her
hall and spins thread for the Norns to weave into the great tapestry of
life. She never reveals what is in the thread She spins, but  if you have come
to know Her, you can tell Her of your dreams and ask Her to spin them into the
thread of our life, if She will.

Frigga’s thread is the substance of becoming. You can ask for Her thread and
once you have it, you can take it and shape it, and  manifest what is to come in
your life.

The same is true of Verdandi, one of the Norns, whose name means
“being–in–becoming.”

If you are familiar with the stories of how the Gaels settled Ireland, you will
have heard of Amergin, Amergin, son of Mile, the great Druid of the
Milesians. One of the ways that Druids worked their Magic was by “becoming”, or
by actually changing reality. A classic example of this ability is found within
“The Song of Amergin”, by the Druid who led the Gaels in defeating the Tuatha de
Danann.

Hear now his song, called The Mystery,

I am a stag of seven tines,
I am a wide flood on a plain,
I am a wind on the deep waters,
I am a shining tear of the sun,
I am a hawk on a cliff,
I am fair among the flowers,
I am a god who sets the head afire with smoke,
I am a battle-waging spear,
I am a salmon in the pool,
I am a hill of poetry,
I am a ruthless boar,
I am a threatening noise of the sea,
I am a wave of the sea,

Who but I know the secrets of the unhewn dolmen?
I am the womb of every holt,
I am the blaze on every hill,
I am the queen of every hive,
I am the shield for every head,
I am the tomb of every hope.

Amergin was not just speaking of these experiences. He knew what they were for
he had “become” each of them. He had embodied them. By having embodied them, he
could harness the powers of the land of Ireland, and claim it for the Gaels.

Here is some more mythology that we can learn from.

Let me quote……

“I am Manannan, son of Ler, King of the Land of Promise; and to see the Land of
Promise was the reason I brought thee hither …

The fountain which thou sawest, with the five streams out of it, is the Fountain
of Knowledge, and the streams are the five senses through which knowledge is
obtained.

And no one will have knowledge who drinketh not a draught out of the fountain
itself and out of the streams.”

“The Salmon of Knowledge is also the Salmon of Wisdom whose home is the Well of
Segais. (Shigish)

The Well of Segais is the Otherworld source of the Boyne. (Boy-na)

It is a deep pool, surrounded by the Nine Hazels of Inspiration.

The Hazel nuts ripen and fall into the pool where the Salmon eats them.

She cracks their shells, which stain the waters of the well purple.

The empty shells float off, down the five streams that flow from the Well of
Segais.  (Shi-Gish)

The five streams are the five senses through which we perceive the world.

It is said that one may never be wise until one has drunk from the Well of
Segais (Shi-Gish) and from each of the five streams.”

So, from this, I know that I must experience through all of who I am, through
all my senses which must be open.

These are the Five Senses …

Seeing
Hearing
Touching
Feeling
Smelling

There is another pool called the Well of Conla. It is much like the Well of
Segais (Shi-Gish) except that seven streams flow from the Well of Conla.

Celtic traditions sometimes speak of humans as having seven senses:

seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, smelling, speaking, and thinking.

As with the Well of Segais (Shi-Gish), none may become wise until one has drunk
deeply from the Well of Conla and the seven streams.

These words became from Amergin’s “imbas” as he stepped upon the shores of
Ireland after the Gaels had overcome the winds raised by the De Danann.

They mark the beginnings of the battle for the sovereignty of the Land. Amergin
has claimed the elements of Ireland for himself and his people. It is an example
of the way a Druid would work. It smacks of Otherworldly wisdom and power over
the elements, in much the same way that a Shaman would work.

Amergin is “becoming” … these elements. As a Druid poet, he is one with the
elements. He is synchronizing himself with the spirit that controls these items.
It is a series of symbols. It can be viewed metaphorically. But the fact is, it
got results!

The wind died and the Gaels landed on Ireland to claim its sovereignty. The
lesson in all of this and my message to you, is this…

While it is important to read, study and to learn all you can, it is also
vitally important that you spend as much time as you can be learning how to “be”
those things that are around you.

You can do magic, you can do ritual all day long and unless you “become” those
things you wish to invite in your Circle, or those things you wish to manifest
in your magic, or those gods and goddesses you wish to work with, you must
first, become them.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
April 30, 2022 by Deanne Quarrie


HYMN FOR AGROTERRA

Hail Hekate!

Hail Hekate Agroterra!

Huntress, you who are Mistress of Beasts,
Present in all cycles of life,
Who, with your golden arrows, are in control.

It was you who wove our souls into physical form,
And who will be there at our descendant’s final breath.

Be with us now,
As we step into these changes.

Assist us, comfort us, guide as,
As we navigate in this difficult time.

Hail Hekate Agroterra!
Hail Hekate!

Posted in Goddess, Hekate, Magic, Personal poetry | Leave a comment
December 23, 2021 by Deanne Quarrie


BIRCH

Your silver trunk and dark spotted branches,
nestled in the winter snow,
your red blood known for many cures.
You drop your seeds in the coldest times,
are the first to grow after fire.

You prepare the way for other trees
and grow on barren land,
your branches while against the whites now,
your fallen leaves and branches,
nourishment for those that follow.

My memories see you standing there
in the wintry home of my youth.
Though in appearance delicate and soft
You have the strength to grow
when others quickly die.

You are the seed of beginnings
of infinite potential
tall, proud Lady of the Woods.

 

Today is the first day of the Birch Moon

Posted in Nature Poetry, Ogham, Uncategorized | Leave a comment
September 10, 2021 by Deanne Quarrie


BLUEJAY

I see you perched on the tree
checking the perimeter for cats lurking.
The feeder below, inviting you down
but you, ever cautious,
make sure that none are about.

Suddenly the sparrows swarm in,
eagerly eating the seed offered.
They flit and flap, and fly about,
scattering seed as they cover the feeder.

Throwing caution to the wind,
down you fly,
eager for your share of the offerings.

You find treats on the ground,
seeds from the tallow above,
a seed so large,
from my window, I see it in your mouth.

 

I watch you prance, a friend joining you.
Your perky crest and colorful plumage,
your morning dance brings pleasure
as I ponder my coming day.
over my first cup of coffee.

 

 

Posted in Animal Friendship, Nature Poetry | Leave a comment
July 12, 2021 by Deanne Quarrie


DOG DAYS, HOLLY, SPEARS, AND SWORDS

We are in the first days of what are called the “dog days” of summer. Imagine
that the ancients thought that Sirius (one of the dog constellations) was the
cause of the extra hot and sultry days of summer because that star rose with the
sun each day during this time, and they thought we received heat from it.  But
no, there is no heat from Sirius, only the tilt of the earth, giving us more
heat.

We have come to equate these dog days of summer with high running emotions –
especially frustration and anger.  Let’s face it, when we are hot and
uncomfortable, our patience does run a bit thin! There are many aspects of our
lives that warrant extra care during the dog days. When traveling with a pet,
extra precautions need to be taken to keep your pet safe.  During all the fun
and frolic of outdoor barbeques and picnics, steps need to be taken to assure
that food is kept cold, as it will spoil much quicker in the heat.

       

In my spiritual tradition we celebrate the Holly tree, the starling, as well as
swords and spears at this time.  The leaves of the holly are barbed and sharp
which, mythologically, makes it have protective qualities.  The starling is
offered to us to study because the starling is a bird that bands together with
their own kind, having lookout scouts and coming together in defensive action. 
The sword and spear are clearly weapons and two of the four treasures fought for
and won at this time of year.  Even our goddesses are warrior goddesses.

For goddess women, this moon can be uncomfortable with all the aspects of
aggression.  This holly moon was preceded by the oak moon and these two trees
are seen as twins.  It is thought that the holly was originally the holly oak. 
They sit side-by- side in the year and at a time when the seasons change from
light to dark. The oak first teaches us to be well grounded if we are to seek
the lightning bolt.

When something like these symbols make me uncomfortable, i.e. warlike
aggression, I try to see a meaning for them in today’s time and as I would like
for them to be – peaceful, at least not bloodletting!

When I first came to this path, I was given a vision. It came spontaneously and
so I knew it carried an especially important message for me.  In this vision I
was presented with a sword.  It was in the hands of another placed horizontally
into my hands.  Balanced quite carefully on the edge of this sharp sword was a
pearl, a beautiful and lustrous pearl.  I am not sure how I knew but I knew that
the sword was my voice, and the pearl was “balanced wisdom.”  I am a very direct
and out-spoken woman.  My directness quite often gets me in trouble because
sometimes the truth is not always welcomed.  It serves as a mirror at times for
others to see themselves.  This can be extremely uncomfortable and is not always
received well.

I grew up under circumstances that were at times very educational but at the
same time emotionally challenging.  I was an army brat.  I moved constantly,
never living in any one place long enough to establish roots.  This generated a
great deal of self-reliance on my part but also put me in a place of always
being the new kid in town and subject to the accompanying bullying, especially
once I started high school.  Boys are always interested in a pretty new face and
the girls, jealous.  This was awfully hard for an introverted teenager.  Thank
goodness I was also blessed with that self-reliance and parents who always
encouraged me to use my voice.

Because of this background, I seem to have become the voice who defends the
bullied, the voice who stands up to unfair treatment, the voice who serves as an
advocate for those who cannot otherwise speak for themselves.

I have come to see the sword and spear of this season, the holly moon and the
“dog days” of summer to represent words of action, speaking one’s truth and the
exercise of one’s voice.

I wrote this about myself one year…

Holly trees are rarely allowed to grow to their full height of sixty-five feet
and are instead trimmed down as hedges or ornamental bushes.

I am a Holly Tree. Many of us are Holly Trees. As strong women, women whose
voices want to shout out to the world, women who have a really challenging time
being silent in the face of injustice, women who rebel at being the fairer sex
and those who rebel at being trimmed down or at being ornamental bushes!

Early in life the process of being “trimmed down” begins. We are silenced,
shushed, and trained to be “good little girls” and not assertive, bold, or
daring!

I am a Holly Tree who has not been trimmed – a Holly Tree who has grown to her
full height – a Holly Tree with full spiky leaves – sharp barbs – rich color –
full and robust berries – a battle waging spear – who will not – cannot – be
silent in the face of injustice. A Holly Tree – strong and tall in service to
Goddess!

Deanne Quarrie. D. Min. is a Priestess of The Goddess, and author of six books.
She is a Priestess Hierophant in the Fellowship of Isis as well as a Keybearer
in the Covenant of Hekate. She is the founder of the Apple Branch where she
teaches courses in Dianic Faerie Craft and mentors those who wish to serve
others in their communities. She is also the founder of Hekate’s Tribe, a
witchcraft path for those who love Hekate, as well as Global Goddess, a
worldwide organization open to all women who honor some form of the divine
feminine. All of these paths are backed by the Liminal Thealogical Seminary
where students can seek ordination as well as advanced seminary degrees.

Posted in Essays, Ogham | Leave a comment
July 6, 2021 by Deanne Quarrie


SIMPLE JOY

When I hear birds singing
High up in my tree,
I smile and listen to their song.

As I feel the sun shining down
Warm upon my skin,
I feel comforted and held close.

So many memories I can call to myself
My children laughing and playing
Now their children and their children too.

When Finnean, my cat, climbs on the bed
Snuggling up as close as he can
I know he is saying I love you.

When Calhoun, my furry friend
Sings when the telephone rings
I laugh, with pleasure at his song.

When I create in the kitchen
And it looks pretty too,
A picture and the recipe are shared.

When the wind is blowing hard
And trees are bending down
I know a storm is coming soon.

Thunder now, lightning close by
Rain falling hard against the ground
I feel supercharged, empowered by the sound.

Frogs hopping about in puddles made from the rain
I laugh at their pleasure
That they, like me, love playing in the rain.

The sky clears and the sun comes out
And with that, a beautiful rainbow
Wonder and joy are mine with this gift.

So many gifts when we just open our eyes
Breathe in, taste, feel and hear
All the sounds of life.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
May 10, 2021 by Deanne Quarrie


PHONE MESSAGE LEFT ON PHONE AT THE CLOSING OF WIKIMA

Wikima’s gone – here no more.
Couldn’t handle being poor.
Took the shop and moved away
Looking for a brighter day.
Wikima’s there, within your heart
Even though we had to part.

Love the Earth we live upon.
Wake up to a brighter dawn.
Walk your talk and walk it tall.
Do your part however small.
Be in balance with all around.
Keep harmony in your surround.

We’re all related, don’t you see?
May you ever, Blessed Be!!

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
May 10, 2021 by Deanne Quarrie


WIDGETS AND GIDGETS

Widgets and gidgets and wickety pop
Things I have and things I got.
Things of beauty and works of art
Things of which I am a part.
All collected and put away
To savor and hold another day.

Books and papers and magical things
Beads and baubles and silver rings,
All mementos of yesterday.
I touch and hold and wish to play
And dance the music of the past
All saved to make my memories last.

Wrapping and boxing I recall
Dreams and lovers, good times all.
Friends and happenings all come clear
These are things that make life dear.
So, I’ll keep them a little bit longer
To make the future that much stronger

If I remember what’s said and done.
Then I’ll not fear what’s yet to come.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
May 10, 2021 by Deanne Quarrie


OLD WAYS ONCE MORE

We each began all in one place,
Our memories were lost but save a trace
There were those gifted with the sight
To see the mysteries of their life.

Through the men their wisdom told
To save, preserve and guardedly hold.
Ancient peoples travelled far and wide
North and South, to soon divide.

Those who went south began to write
Their words they shared along with might.
As time does change the words we see
So changes too the mystery.

Ancient mysteries soon were lost
Passed on paper at great cost.
Who could know that through the years
The ancient’s wisdom would disappear.

Those travelling north did keep intact
Their ancient wisdom in their acts.
They kept the words within their minds
Telling to those of like kind.

As the Druids kept our history
So too they kept the mystery.
Never writing, no tools were there
Always speaking, the words to share.

Through the march of ancient Rome
Men were taken from their home.
So the knowledge they never waste
To the women they shared in haste.

Witches, wise ones, healers all
Those that knew and heard the call.
Guarded the knowledge, though not intact
As best they could through violent acts.

As they walked the sign of the wise
They took their wisdom in disguise
And told to others throughout the lands
The Law of the Order in their hands.

As I walk the sign of the wise
There can be no compromise
The story of creation I will tell
To any who listen as tears do swell.

To keep alive this ancient trust
To the wise, pass I must.
The Law of the Order I will share
To those who come and those who care.

Copyright 1991 Deanne Quarrie

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