A New Day!

Good Morning and Blessings Everyone!


Before I get into one of my favorite subjects, Candle Magick, let's talk for a bit. Why is it you just can't make some people happy? That's because their happiness is not up to you, it is up to them. Some people just don't get it. It is not up to you to put a smile on their face it is up to them to realize all the wonderful things they have in life or have achieved in life that should make them feel like smiling. It is knowing in their hearts that no matter how tough things get The Divine is always right besides them so they are never truly alone. Not preaching here just saying if you make that connection then there should be no frown.

I am one that keeps things to myself. If someone disturbs me I don't go up to them and yell or carry on I generally don't say anything at all. Not always a good thing but it is important to me to behave like the lady my mother and father brought me up to be. I don't use foul language especially in mixed company because it's not right. Oh I won't say I never did I am just saying I learned a lesson a while ago and this is they way I am supposed to be. I'm not saying I suddenly found God because I never lost him. I just started listening to the voice inside telling me to be me and not what everyone else expected me to be.

For some reason there are people who love to make others unhappy or push their buttons to cause them to panic, become sad, or upset. I used to allow that to happen to me and then one day I said no more. I am going to take control back and be who I was always supposed to be and be the best I can be at it. I was always meant to be calm and serine. It's in my nature. I made up my mind not to let people get to me. With this realization I found my own way of making that happen, I pay attention to what The Divine, God has given us. I love to sit and listen to the sound of the birds singing in the morning, look outside and see the beauty of the sun shinning down on the trees and the shadows that are cast out by its leaves. On bad days of rain or snow I love to sit and watch it fall. Of  I am lucky I get to go for walk in it. Nothing like walking through a summer rain storm to re-energize yourself. This is how I make me who I am. I don't let others influence who I am or what I am going to be in life.

I hear so many people complain this person is getting on them for this or that and they can't handle it anymore. I used to be like that but then one day I decided no more. No matter how upset I am, no matter what is bothering me no one is going to find out they got to me. How do I do that? Easy, I smile! Do you know how contagious a smile is? A smile can do one of two things, it can spread to others around you therefore balancing out the room and the energy around you or it can piss someone off and they walk away madder than they were before. I always say smile it makes people wonder and in their wondering they just might break a smile too and get rid of those frown lines.

I remember a story my mother once told me about myself actually. I have always walked around with a smile on my face, never really giving it much thought. I felt good inside and showed it on the outside. Well one day, the summer I turned seventeen years old, I was out walking with my friends and looking after my youngest brother, Phil. It was getting hot so we decided to join our mother in the yard. This particular Saturday was no different than any other Saturday in our neighborhood, or Sunday for that matter. There was company in and out of the house all day with this cousin or an uncle or two stopping by to say hello and relax a bit under the grapevine we had growing ever so beautifully in our yard. My mom loved sitting under that grapevine on a warm summer day. It never seemed to get hot under there. I came bouncing in the yard, my kid brother in tow, smiling up a storm, as my mother would say, to join her in under the grapevine. My brother who was about five at the time decided to go for a swim in his little pool while mom and I sat watching him enjoy himself. I loved taking care of him and being there to see all the wonderful things he was learning and how excited he got when he discovered something new. He was having a ball so I couldn't help but laugh as well as join him for a bit making him think he pulled me into the pool. It was fun just watching the surprised look on his face as I sat in the pool laughing with him. When I got out and rejoined my mother she told me a couple of my cousins were there earlier in the day and the conversation got around to me at some point. She wasn't really sure how or why but it did. I smiled at her but I also pulled my eyebrows together as you do when you frown. She said, "that look on your face right now is what we were talking about." I was more than confused but she went onto explain my cousin told her he has no idea why I am always smiling. What do I have to be so happy about. She said it seemed to bother him that I all I did was smile no matter what I was doing. He went onto say, "even when she's carrying groceries home from the corner store she is smiling. Is there something wrong with her." By this time my Uncle from down the street had joined us for cup of coffee. Uncle Zip looked at me and said, "you know, you don't have to answer to anyone. If your smiling bothers him then that's his problem." I told my mother I feel better with a smile on my face than sorrow in my heart. She told me she understood completely but thought it was funny that it bothered someone to see me  smile. Then she told me never to change. 

Over the years, age, responsibilities, and everyone else's chaos got in my way for a while. Then one day I said no more. It's time to put the smile back on my face, the song in my heart, and the bounce back in my step. The funny thing is that cousin it bothered then, it still bothers today. Sorry I can't make everyone happy but my goal in life isn't to please the few it's to be who I am and please myself and those I love. 

So when life is getting you down, take the time to look around and realize that nothing is worth getting sick over, losing who are, or taking things on that don't belong to you and possibly losing those you love. Instead get rid of the garbage and be happy about who you are and how you got to be you. Not all of us have an easy road but it's that old saying, "If something is worth having, then it's worth fighting for." Stand up for yourself, hold your head high, be proud of who you, what you are, and above all don't care what others think as long as know you are doing your best and you have hurt no one to get where you are today. My mother used to say when life gets you down don't allow it to over take you. She said you have to pull yourself up by your boot straps and move ahead, never look back. Smile big, smile often even when you want to cry, feel that song in your heart, bounce in your step, and make the other person wonder. Let the negativity roll off you and have the Earth swallow it up so she can turn it into positive energy to help others in need. 

A New Day

By Toni Gamarro

I open my eyes and see the sun,

A beautiful day has begun,

While I go for a walk,

I listen to my music, don't want to talk,

I close my eyes to feel the breeze,

Blowing through the beautiful trees,

With a bounce in my step and smile on my face,

I begin to pick up the pace,

Smiling as I walk along,

Listening to my favorite song,

Oh what a wonder life can be,

When you open your eyes to see,

All the beauty there is to behold,

As nature begins to unfold,

As life begins to take shape,

And you find your favorite place to escape,

From deep within you there will be,

A sort of rumbling plea,

To stand your ground no matter what,

To keep the bounce in your strut,

Don't let others get you down,

Cause you to wear a frown,

Live each day as if it were your last,

Put all your troubles in the past, 

Take a deep breath and say,

I love being this way,

Feel the grass between your toes,

No more sorrow no more woes,

A new day has begun,

And with it brightly shines the Sun,

Even if it were to rain,

Splashing hard against the window pane,

There will be sunshine in your heart,

Since each new day is a work of art,

And as you walked along life's road,

You realized all the gifts that were bestowed,

For each and every one of us to share,

It's God's way of showing he cares,

He wants to see a smiling face,

As for sadness not a trace,

So listen to the blue birds sing,

Children playing and laughing on the swing,

Sounds of life as you pass through,

This is what you are meant to do,

Enjoy each and every day,

Be happy, learn, and pray,

For everyone to learn the secret to being happy,

Not to let others make them feel crappy,

So smile a big happy one,

For a new day has begun!

To Be Continued................

Mabon: Autumn Equinox

Good Afternoon and Blessings Everyone!



Today we move along the Wheel of the Year we have come full circle. The final celebration before a Witches New Year which is Samhain. If you remember that is where we began our walk around the Wheel of the Year. Let's talk about Mabon also called the Autumn Equinox. Mabon is celebrated between September 21st and the 23rd. Yesterday we talked about the beginning harvest but today we are talking about the harvest coming to an end. The crops have been harvested and are being stored for the winter or sent to market. Mabon is the mid-harvest festival. The seasons are once again beginning to change and it's time to celebrate. Seems there's always a reason for celebration as we  move along the season. That's a good thing. During Mabon we give thanks for what we have. Not necessarily for the crops in the fields since not all of us are farmers, but for the food we have been blessed with. We also give thanks for things like the people we love, the good fortune that has come our way during the past months and so on.

Now is the time to take a moment or two and look back on the past year and to plan for your future. During Mabon we take the time to relax and celebrate due to all the hard work that went into the harvesting of the crops. This is a day that is equal in time for the day and the night so once again nature is in balance. The days start getting shorter and the nights begin to get longer. We see a little less of the Sun from this point on. So we bid the warm weather and the summer sun farewell till he returns to us with the budding of spring.

Even though this is the end of one season and the start of still another it is not a time for sorrow but a time to celebrate. We reflex on our successes, give thanks our selves and anyone who helped us along the way. By doing this we put balance in our life so we can continue along the path we are walking. This is what we celebrate the ending of the harvest and the balance of light and dark. Of course what better way to celebrate than to fill your table with foods that come in abundance this time of year. Of course we eat and feast isn't that how each holiday should be celebrated? Just remember that in between all the delicious foods and drinks to give thanks for everything put before you.

I always enjoy getting together with my friends but for me, as a solitary, I like to take some time to honor Mabon on my own. When I had a back yard I enjoyed a fire in the fire pit and some reading time outside by the fire just reading and listening to the sounds around me. Now I don't have the space for a pit so I will light my candles and say a blessing while taking the time to go outside and meditate so I can also have balance. I will give thanks for all the wonderful things I have been blessed with this year and meditate on my wishes for the future.

Listen To The Seasons

By Toni Gamarro

Oh how I love this time of year,

When summer leaves and fall draws near,

Hot by day and cool by night,

A fire in the pit I invite,

Giving thanks for all I achieved,

For all the blessings I have received,

Looking forward to the colors to come,

Not all the trees will turn just some,

Others will stay as green as could be,

Some will become a Christmas tree,

Others will give shelter to those in need,

This is natures way indeed,

Autumn is the time of year when changes take place,

And the darkness picks up it's pace,

Fighting hard to over come the light,

Racing forward with all it's mite,

The leaves begin to fall from the trees,

We don't see any more bees,

Put on a coat and hat to keep warm,

Start preparing for a winter storm,

The Sun has gone into winter mode,

Not as warm as it once flowed,

But it won't take long till the Spring reappears,

In the mist of all our cheers,

Now the day will over take the night,

For one day balance is just right,

And as the days begin to grow,

And the gentle spring winds blow,

We watch as nature blooms in all it's glory,

And reminds us of natures story,

Summer winds are a warm breeze,

Actually they are just a tease,

Because the Sun is warm and strong,

And our days have grown wonderfully long,

This is how our seasons pass,

Perhaps some of us should take a class,

Learn how to appreciate what nature brings,

Learn how to notice the little things,

Flowers blooming and bees a buzz,

Pay attention to what nature does,

Do not get upset because of the rain,

It helps relieve natures pain,

Stops it from being parched and burned,

I think this it has earned,

A day of rain, a little snow,

See that gives us water so things can grow,

When you get time to set a spell,

Listen to the story nature will tell,

Feel the power of each and every season,

Know they happen for a reason.

To Be Continued..........

Lammas

Good Morning Everyone and Blessings!


Today as we move along the Wheel of the Year we come upon Lammas also known as Lughnasadh. We celebrate Lammas August 1st. Just past midsummer and heading into the home stretch. The days are hot and trying but still there is much to do. It's the time of the year when we get to go to our gardens and see what we can enjoy from them. The fields are full of crops and the first harvest is upon us.  The Earth is dry because of the heat summer has thrust upon us. It calls out for a drink and reminds us it won't be much longer till the fall arrives.

For us it's times to relax in the sun enjoying it's power and warmth. Soon we will be able to reap the full rewards of the seasons crops but Lammas is when you get to start sampling what mother nature has been preparing for us since the seeds were first planted. Apples trees are beginning to ripen, you can pick summer vegetables and fruits to make your favorite recipes. It's now time for us to gather up the first harvest of wheat, grain and oats and so much more. On this day we don't just celebrate the first harvest but we honor the God Lugh.

Lugh is the Celtic craftsman God. He is known as the God of many skills and the distribution of talent. Lugh is similar to the Roman God Mercury. Throughout Europe there are many statues erected and dedicated to Lugh. Like Mercury Lugh was considered a warrior even though he was not a God of war. The Celts felt they got their skill on the battlefield with the guidance of Lugh.

The Celts held smith craft in high regard. You see for them, as for many cultures of their time, believed war was a way of life and in order to maintain their weapons smiths were needed and respected. Some considered smiths to have magickal gifts since they were able to master the element of fire. With their knowledge and ability to master fire they were able to mold metals into the weapons that were needed.

There are many ways to celebrate Lammas and to give honor to Lugh. Of course it all depends on your spiritual path as to how you would do this. Perhaps you would want to do a little magick that is concentrated on the hearth and home, perhaps go to a country fair or a harvest festival. Are you crafty? How about making crafts to decorate your home by using things nature has given you during this season? Of course you can celebrate with your family and friends by inviting them over for a potluck dinner made from the seasons harvest either bought or grown in your own garden! Use your imagination and enjoy!

Of course we are not all Wiccan or Pagan so we do not all follow the same path but we do celebrate the wonderful gifts the Earth has to bring us. As a Witch I pay homage to the Earth for the gifts she bestows upon us and as a Catholic I give thanks for the food I am blessed with as well as my good fortune, family and friends. So you see each path ends in the same spot with a bow of your head to the Divine no matter what it is you call it at the end of the road you have met with the Divine.

When I was a young girl, heck even after my children were born, the best time of the year to go away on vacation was the last week of July and the first week of August. The sun is hot, the water is warm, and the sand burns your feet as you walk across it but there is nothing like relaxing in that sun by the ocean and soaking up all the power they offer.

Every year we would plant our garden and when I returned from vacation it was time to start bringing in the eggplant, zucchini, and peppers. The first ones of the season. For the rest of the summer I was always amazed how everything ripened so fast from that point on. Even though I can not have a garden where I am now living I still enjoy this time of year by going to the farmers market and getting my pick of the fresh vegetables the season has reaped. This is also the time of year when I start to take note of the changes beginning to go on around me. The colors begin to change ever so slowly giving us the hint that autumn us just around the corner. Watch closely because it will be over in the blink of an eye and you don't want to miss out on all of the beauty nature has to offer.



                                                                    Harvest Begins!
                                                                   By Toni Gamarro

Nature has blessed us once more

Harvesting season begins with a roar,

It's time to enjoy the summer fruits,

Pick the veggies but leave the roots,

Soon the rest will begin to ripen,

So we bow our heads, give thanks, Amen,

This is an amazing time of year,

To the Earth you give a happy cheer,

Thank her for the gifts she has bestowed,

To the Sun give thanks for the warmth that flowed,

Giving us a memorable season,

And a chance to sunbath within reason,

Careful not to set our skin to burn,

And still able to worship the sun with every turn,

Thank the air for it's gentle breeze,

That blows the pollen which makes us sneeze,

With each and every harvest we are blessed,

So we celebrate with a Harvest Fest,

Pot luck dinner for family and friends to join in,

Let the celebration begin,

As the harvest season gets under way,

Let us all bow our heads and pray,

Or cast a spell into the air,

Say the words right from your heart,

Bless this harvest season from the start!

To be Continued.......
                                                                   
                                                                  
                                                                  
                                                                  
                                                                  
                                                               
                                                                  
                                                                  
                                                                   
                                                                  
                                                           
                                                                  
                                                                 
                                                                  

                                                      

                                    

Summer Solstice

Good Morning and Blessings Everyone!


As we move along the Wheel of the Year we come upon our next celebration is Summer Solstice also known as Litha. The Summer Solstice honors the longest day of the year! June 20-21 begins the celebration of this solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere June 21st marks the beginning of summer while in the Southern Hemisphere it is the beginning of winter. There are many different ways to celebrate this solstice. Of course it all depends on which path you follow but in gist of it is to celebrate the sun. Besides being the time of year that those of us who are lucky enough to live in New Jersey and be able to celebrate the sun relaxing at the Jersey Shore, it is also the time when the crops are in full swing growing strong. The earth is warmed up and the sun is beginning to shine at it's hottest. For those of us who aren't particularly crazy about the heat it is when we search out the protection of a shady tree or perhaps the coolness of our air conditioning. However no matte how much the heat may bother you take the time to go out in the cool morning hours and enjoy the beauty the summer has to offer you, enjoy the beauty of nature.

Some of the celebrations include communing with nature, a evening fire ritual, meditation, and tool recharging. Why not give a drumming circle a try on this wonderful summers evening. Or perhaps you would like to celebrate this day with a little charity to others. Helping friends and family in need or helping out at an animal shelter. How about having a garage sale and donating the money to your local animal shelter. Think seriously about adopting a pet. I say seriously because this is also a commitment that lasts way past the summer solstice and you have to be sure you are ready for it. 

I have many wonderful memories of summer while growing up and as an adult. Memories that include my parents, siblings, and as an adult my children along with the rest of my wonderful family but one of my favorite memories happened only last summer. It was early morning hours and I was headed out to my fathers house. Just as the sun was coming up I looked across the street and under a tree just in front of the corner sewage drain I saw two raccoon's. They seemed to be checking out the area around them before diving back into their home but then one of them stood up on his hind legs gave out a call of sorts and in a second you saw three little raccoon's answering the call. Mama and Papa raccoon waited while each and of their little ones made his or her way down into their city apartment in sewer just as the sun came up. That scene was my inspiration for a poem I wrote called "Raccoons." It is in my book Glimpses In To My Soul so I am afraid I can not put up on my blog at the request of my publisher. I thought it was an amazing site to see these animals calling their young and taking care of them as a family. 

Today as I sit here enjoying the beautiful breeze coming through my window I can smell the scent of spring as long for the feeling of a warm summer rain. Summer Solstice is just around the corner. Where did this year go to? I for one am looking forward to a ride to the Jersey Shore to relax and enjoy the smell of the ocean air and the power of the waves as they crash at the break. So make some plans for yourself and your family to enjoy this June 21st in celebration for the Summer Solstice and perhaps take a moment or two to share them us in the comments beneath this blog entry.


                                                      Summer Season
                                                     By Toni Gamarro

                                                 Summer is on the way,
                                                 Getting warmer every day,
                                                 Chirping birds dance and sing,
                                                 Cuddle their babies beneath their wing,
                                                 Nature is awake and strong,
                                                 Blessing each day with a song,
                                                 Encouraging us to be happy and free,
                                                 The way God meant it to be,
                                                 But do we listen to what they say?
                                                 Mostly we do it our way,
                                                 Until we trip and fall,
                                                 Feel hopeless with no one to call,
                                                 Then we remember our spiritual side,                
                                                 This is when we decide,
                                                 To take a moment and say a prayer,
                                                 To whisper our wishes into the air,
                                                 Hoping for a better way,
                                                 To improve our life each day,
                                                 To be able to enjoy the little things,
                                                 Like walking in the rain or playing on the swings,
                                                 Enjoying the warmth of the summer sun,
                                                 All the stress be gone it's time for fun,
                                                 So we learn to listen to natures call,
                                                 For if we do we have it all,
                                                 God has put this before us,
                                                 The Earths beauty is a plus,
                                                 A natural scene for all to use,
                                                 Lay in the sun and take a snooze,
                                                 Take the time to thank God for,
                                                 All this beauty at your door,
                                                 So throw a kiss and nod your head,
                                                 Let this wonderful feeling spread,
                                                 Over your body with the warmth of the sun,
                                                 Summer season has just begun!
                                               

To be Continued!
                                                 
                                                
                                                 
                                                
                              

Beltane

Good Morning and Blessings Everyone!


As we move along the Wheel of the Year we come up Beltane. Beltane is celebrated the first of May. First I'll give you a little history about Beltane then I will talk to you about how the children in my day celebrated and saw the first of May. Beltane is a time when we welcome the abundance of a fertile Earth which is needed to feed the crops, fruits, trees, flowers that will care for all living creatures on Earth. Many in the past and even today have taken to celebrate this day with a Maypole dance. In ancient times Beltane festivals were started the night before, the last day of April. They kicked off this celebration with a bonfire leading way to a Maypole dance which usually didn't start until just after sunrise on the first day of May.

The scene that usually unfolded as everyone crowded around to start their Maypole dance was a dead giveaway to the events that occurred the night before during the inspiring lustful bonfire. Picture this, everyone excited about the blessing of a new crop in the field, the bonfire is set, its a bit chilly out so everyone gather round and keep warm. In doing so the couples of the village usually paired off to themselves and found a hay stack or two and nuzzled up. The romance of a burning fire and for them what it symbolized at that point and time brought a rather exciting night of lust to those fields blessing them even further with fertility. In the morning the tell tale signs of the escapades of the night before were evident when those who were in the fields came in for the May pole dance all disheveled and in need of repair. Clothes all twisted and turned, hair a mess, not to mention hay in places it really shouldn't be.

A pole was erected for the dance in the center of the village or even a handy field. Some areas had these poles in the ground permanently and others had to use a different one each year. Brightly colored ribbons were attached to it. The young people of the village came forward and each one took the end of one of the ribbons. The dance ensued with them wrapping the ribbons around the pole, braiding it, men going one way, women the other. The braid completely engulfed the pole like a sleeve. This was the symbolism for engulfing the Earth's womb around the pole. By the time the dance was completed there was little to no pole visible as it was completely covered in the beauty of these ribbons.

I remember doing a maypole dance or two when I was in school. It was fun and children today should be blessed with these memories. Other memories I have of the beginning of May are a bit more comical and perhaps some of you will remember them. Although some tell me it must be a Jersey thing.

First of May was petticoat day. Yep the boys went around and picked up the skirts, of the girls who were silly enough to wear a dress to school that day, just to get a look at their petticoats! NO! I'm not that old we did not wear petticoats in my day but hey the boys didn't care. (haha)

Second of May was shoelace day. This was a pain in the butt day because everyone, of course, went around untying your shoes.

Third of May now this was really a painful day, not a pain in the butt day but a painful day because it was Pinching day! Now from when we are toddlers getting into our own power our parents taught us no pinching however on the third of May everyone went around pinching one another to see who can pinch the hardest. I had so many black and blues you could have used me for a checker board.

Fourth of May was another ouch day! Fourth of May was bunching day. The boys were good on this day though I have to admit because they never punched the girls to hurt them. At least not the boys in class. I think they were afraid of our fathers and brothers....lol. The final day of all this torment was the

5th of May. This was zipper day and no I did not go around and undo any boys zippers! Not to say some of my friends didn't, haha, you know who you are!

There were the five days of terror at the beginning of May. Another found memory I have of this month is with me to this day. May is the month of our Holy Mother Mary. It was in the month of May Fatima first appeared to three children in Portugal, May 13, 1917. One tradition of Catholic Churches is do a walk through the streets where the parishioners live with the Statue of the Holy Mother being pulled along on a float down the street. Music plays, people come out and pay homage to the Holy Queen of the Rosary by placing money at her feet. I have joined many of these walks and let me tell you they do not just walk around the block. This takes hours to achieve. It is like bringing the Church door to door to each and everyone that goes to church or doesn't go to church. Religious or not, Catholic or not, people come from their homes to see the Holy Mother as she makes her way back to her home.

For me the story of Our Lady of Fatima is one I will hold in my heart forever. I have read books on it and have done reach on Our Lady since I was a young girl because she was the first saintly image to come to me. She was what I kept telling my parents about, my beautiful Lady in White who came when I needed her. She still does even when I just need to talk she is there to listen. They all are for everyone. You don't have to be able to see them to speak to them. Just take the time to sit down and say what is on your mind. Speak quietly in your mind or verbalize the words out loud because no matter which way you do it they will hear you and come. Some times when you are in this state of need you may feel as if you have just been given a hug and for some reason the burden is no longer as heavy. That's because you have been hugged and your burden is now being shared. Just some food for thought!

                                                         Beauty of May

                                                        By Toni Gamaro

                                               Oh how I love the beginning of May,.
                                               Different flowers blooming each day,
                                               All the colors of the rainbow popping out,
                                               The beauty of it makes you want to shout,
                                               Stop what you are doing and soak it all in,
                                               For a new spring is about to begin,
                                               Must be ready to celebrate and have some fun,
                                               Remember to thank the God of the Sun,
                                               For with his blessings of warmth and light,
                                               Spring pops through with a fight,
                                               Flexing it's muscles and pushing away,
                                               The dreariness of the winter day,
                                               So put away your hat and coat,
                                               And take a ride on a paddle boat,
                                               Enjoy the sun and gentle breeze,
                                               Blowing softly through the trees,
                                               Smell the fragrance of the spring air,
                                               Of your surroundings become aware,
                                               Pick up the trash and the mess,
                                               Help keep the Earth free from distress,
                                               Help keep the air fresh and clean,
                                               And the grass growing green,
                                               Enjoy the brightness of the day,
                                              Give a shout out and say,
                                               Thank you for everything that you do,
                                               For sun showers and skies of blue,
                                               For thunder storms full of power,
                                               For each and every flower,
                                               For all this beauty in which you bless,
                                               With a loving caress,
                                               Thank you for letting the spring in,
                                               For allowing new life to begin.


To Be Continued................