You can call me Rabbit! Currently trying to figure out my religion. Made this blog to document my progress/have a place to put all my resources. Probably wrong about most my interpretations and debating how okay I am with that
I'm basically just expanding on my Bio here. Read that for a TL;DR. Loooong post underneath, but there's categories for easy skimming
NAME: You can call me Rabbit! There's no meaning behind it, it's just my favorite animal. I heard rabbits are important to Irish Paganism, though, but I haven't done much research on it
CONTENT: I made this blog as a way to document my journey discovering my religion. I will also use this to store all my resources I find. I will have a tag for original posts (Rabbit Rambles) and links/re-posts meant for archival purposes (Rabbit steals). Because they're mostly for my own usage, I may not always have proper credit to give, but I will always provide links to where I found it. I know, I know, it's not the best practice, I'm sorry
WHY: I first began researching Irish Paganism because I headcanoned an Irish character in a fantasy book as pagan and I wanted to be accurate. (If you're wondering, it was Halt O'Carrick from Rangers Apprentice haha). As I did so, I slowly started realizing that I already believed in most the things listed, just in a non-religious way. And all the things I didn't already believe, I understood. And slowly, it felt less like hyper-fixation and more like faith. I'm still not certain in myself, but I'm trying things out to see how it feels. Figured it'd be the best way to know for sure.
INTERPRETATIONS: Because my main source for research is Wikipedia about ancient beliefs, I fully understand many of my beliefs and interpretations are probably wrong. I also don't fully believe in direct goddess work (yet, I'm slowly warming up to it), so that makes finding good resources even harder for me. I'm really trying my best, but I have school and chores, so for now, I think I'm okay with being wrong. For now. We'll see how long that lasts
ALTAR: I don't have an altar yet but I'm working on it. I connect most with Brigid, so she's who I'll be focusing on, but I think it's gonna end up fairly vague. I'm going to be making a shelf out of a giant log that fell from an oak tree in my backyard. (Side note - I have a bunch of stuff that I really like and want to put on the altar, but are technically things made for Persephone. Would Brigid by upset by this? I can't figure it out!)
MUSIC: I LOVE the Crow Women!!! I never see anyone talk about them but their music is genuinely so beautiful. I sing Song of Beltane to myself so often. Here's a link to my current playlist, it's very rudimentary but it makes me feel good, and that's what this is all about, right?
I like the songs, they make me feel nice, and I've been trying to research more (celtic, specifically) pagan religions recently
SIDE NOTES: Also, I am very obsessed with Persephone, but that's just a hyperfixation. That's actually one of the reasons I feel this might be my religion; because of how different the two things feel to me. A pet peeve of mine is when people treat Brigid and Persephone like they're the same goddess with different names when?? They're not?????
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the majority of the contents of this book can be easily found in the Duchas.ie archive, so if you've spent a lot of time looking through those, this book might not be incredibly useful to you
BUT it does compile all of that valuable information (folk magic, folk remedies, sacred days, festival customs, saints days, pilgrimages, etc) all very neatly into a season-by-season order beginning with Imbolc, covering every significant day & its customs until the next year. it also has a chapter on birth, marriage, and death customs, followed by one on general spiritual well-being, and concluding with supernatural entities. I also love that the author does not shy away from some of the more grisly customs that would be unpalatable, or frankly illegal, by today's standards.
some issues I had with the book: the author is often redundant and repeats things, the writing is a little stilted, obviously this isn't really a big problem. there were also a few instances of the author comparing aspects of Irish folk magic to voodoo that were...uncomfy and ill-informed.
As part of remaining more committed and aware of my practice and craft, I will begin a weekly journal, posting it on a Sunday so I can reflect on my journey and progress.
27th/Mon - Had Work (I work up to 9 hours per day, so obviously I don't have much time or energy for practice on work days), so only fitted in a grounding and protection ritual and a daily card pull before heading to work.
28th/Tue - Again, a workday, so once again all I did was my morning ritual and card pull for guidance.
29th/Wed - ...You guessed it! Work again, so Morning ritual and card pull once more. Though I had a slightly shorter shift, I had an extra hour at home to get some harvesting done and plant the above-ground winter crop so the full moon could work its magic upon the seeds.
30th/Thu - No work today, but was very tired that day, so only made a simple bouquet of wheat, fireweed, buttercups and sunflowers as an offering to Lugh in the lead-up to Lughnasadh. Took a walk around the river and sat in stillness in hopes that the energy of the earth would help reawaken my tired body.
31st/Fri - In the morning, I cleaned my Altar, performed my protection and banishment spell, cleansed the room and re-did my wards. Then I had a new spare glass bottle, which I am now using as a water offering vessel upon the altar. Did some scrying, and later that evening I did a journey to the lower realm and spent time with my familiar, Sol.
1st/Sat - Baked bread for Lughnasadh; shared some as offerings to the Spirits, Gods and Guardians. Had a small bonfire ceremony. Used my spare calendula oil to make new protection & warding oils along with foraged nettle and sage harvested from the garden. Had spent the early afternoon visiting a local lough to aid in inspiration for my creative project which concerns the Gods so I count it as part of my practice.
Today is Lughnasadh, the harvest festival named after the Irish god Lugh for the funerary games he established in the name of his foster mother, Tailtiu, after her death. Lugh is described like a streak of light in some tales, racing across the country, a powerful horseman and warrior.
"Then Breas, the son of Balar, arose and said : 'I wonder that the sun is rising in the west to-day, and in the east every other day.'
'It were better that it were so,' said the Druids.
'What else is it?' (but the sun), said he.
'It is the radiance of the face of Lugh Lamhfhada,' they said.
Then the loldhanach came up to them, and greeted them.
-Oide Cloinne Tuireann
It's a wonderful time of year for reflecting on what fruits you've been able to harvest so far of your own labor, and for keeping in mind what we can be doing moving forward as the seasons change. Bear in mind we are also engaged in our own war at home, fighting our own government for basic universal human rights and to stop the ongoing genocide in Palestine that the US has been directly funding. Like Lugh used his Fomorian heritage to turn the tides of war between the Tuatha dé Danann and the oppressive reign of the Fomorians, we must also be willing stand up to oppression, oppressive regimes, and take care of our local communities as best as we can.
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I've been really nervous to post this. I don't know if it's because this is the first time I've painted something with my acrylic markers or if it's because ✨️new deity✨️ .... but anyway - I painted this piece as a kind of "welcome in to my life" for Brigid 😌
I've been worshipping and incorporating Brig in to my practice for around 2 months. My motivation for both tumblr and paganism has come and gone (as it always does), but I don't think she could have found me at a more appropriate time in my life 😅 I am a pretty lax devotee in general, so finding a new goddess made me a little nervous. I just lack the energy and focus a lot of the time to do more. I get distracted so easily and I don't think it's something I can change at this point in my life.
But I am positive this is a good thing. I'm excited to see where this takes me in my path :)
I've been trying (and often failing) to not talk too openly about Brig until I could finish and post this.. now you'll probably be seeing me talk about her much more often!
Ohhh, it's gorgeous!! Lady Brighid will be so impressed and honoured, I'm sure, and personally, my energy and attention can kind of be all over the place too when it comes to my practice, and she's never been cruel or too upset about it when I have weeks where I'm very scattered and get nothing done within the craft. I'll love to hear you talk about her more too!!
My spirituality has waned so much recently, but I'm gonna try and write some poems tonight. They might not end up being about Her, but I hope She enjoys them anyways
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happy beltane!! what prayers should i say for beltane???? what should i pray about????
Hi!!
I don't really do "prayers", so I wouldn't know what prayers you should do but as Beltaine is a fire festival honouring the fertility of the land, abundance of all you have and wish to have, as well as blocking any curses/malevolent spirits, you can use any of those to form a prayer for yourself.
I made a post going more in detail about Bealtaine and how it was celebrated in Ireland years ago here is the link: Bealtaine in Irish Folk Practice
So many delightful blossoms brightened my walk today; the Hawthorn guided me along the canal, a solid wall of little white five pointed stars. I gathered a few blossoms before stopping to greet a little oak sapling - how quaint he was, so waxy and delicate ! I thoroughly enjoyed imagining what grand sight he will be one day in many centuries to come...⋆˙⟡
I noticed a fallen tree, decomposing and rotting, covered in tiny mushrooms laddering their way up the fallen trunk. Soon enough will it return to the Earth and the cycle will continue again. I wondered what it looked like in its prime, and for how long will its body feed the Earth.
An adorable family of ducks swam by, with two tiny ducklings paddling alongside their mother, who kept a watchful eye as I walked past. Amongst the grass landed an Orange-Tip Butterfly, gracing me with enough seconds to capture a clear picture of its beauty, for which I am honoured and grateful.
Saying goodbye to the canal, my journey took me along a field path, where I admired the budding elderflowers and dreamt of elderflower tea and elderberry syrup. I stopped at the Wise Oaks, placed my hand upon the deep engraving of their trunks, and let my thoughts and worries flow freely. I am always astounded by the warmth of their bark; they truly feel alive. Releasing my hand, I studied the grooves and indentations left in my palm. I saw a fluffy dandelion flower, a cup of water, and Ursa Major. Pondering what this could mean, I gazed into the Oak's bark and the letters 'NW' jumped out at me. I thanked the Wise Oaks and continued along the path.
I plucked a fluffy dandelion and blew facing North West. I watched the seeds flutter in the wind, as I pondered just how far one dandelion could spread its seeds. It was then that I realised there was a path I hadn't ventured to in a while, heading North West ! Hidden just meters away from the road, a path to a wonderful wooded area (much more lush and overgrown since my last visit).
Here I greeted my old Yew friend. Almost every part of the Yew is poisonous, to which I take as a reminder that some things are better honoured from a distance. Nearby, I discovered a delightfully mossy rock beside a tree stump claimed by ivy and sticky-weed. It was here that I found some dandelions that were perfect for foraging, and carried them in my little crocheted pouch (which looks like an orange when cinched ⋆˙⟡).
Upon returning home I carefully plucked each golden petal, evicting any little critters feasting on the pollen, before submerging the petals into a cup of water (freshly boiled). This dandelion tea was oh so delicately floral and slightly honeyed taste. I noticed how the sap of the dandelion had stained my skin, browning with the sun into accidental tattoos !
Finally, I gently plucked each Hawthorn blossom from the branch and placed them into a little dish of water. I left the blossoms to float on my sunny windowsill. I retuned a while later to observe; I saw the number four, a cup of water, and (vaguely, squished) Ursa Major !
Hawthorn trees are also associated with Bealtine (Beltane)! They are said to be the guards of the entrances to The Fae Realm!! They are heavily associated with The Fae/Faeries. Bealtine is also heavily associated with The Fae/Faeries. It's tradition to leave offerings of honey, milk, and/or cream to the Fae at Hawthorn trees on Bealtaine.
Bealtaine is a traditional Irish fire celebration that marks the start of summer. This event, which takes place from sunset on April 30 to noon on May 1, is linked to the fertility, protection, and rebirth of life of nature.
When it comes to Irish folk practice and customs in particular, it's crucial to remember that Beltane is an anglicised method of "simplifying" the original Irish word, which is still used as Gaeilge for the entire month of May, to make it easier for colonisers to understand and speak.
Home and hearth protection is crucial during Bealtaine. The custom of putting yellow flowers, particularly primroses, though Dandelions are a good choice too, on thresholds before the starting sun of Bealtaine rises. These vivid flowers are more than simply attractive; they act as strong barriers against any dangerous magic that might try to enter the house, as well as any Malevolent Spirits or Aos Sidhe. My guess as to why this gives protection (besides the use of intention) is that the flowers resemble the sun and fire, which are things these malevolent beings avoid due to fear.
In the past, they would also light up a bush in front of the house on Bealtaine to ward off lightning and thunder. Decorating a May Bush, a tiny tree or shrub, with ribbons, painted shells, and vibrant flowers is still a cherished Bealtaine tradition. In addition to serving as a focal point for the festivities, this will shield you from bad luck and bring you good fortune in the upcoming year. I'm aware that not everyone can light up a bush for good luck so instead I suggest you light a candle placing it upon a windowsill (which is a threshold place) surrounded by such things as ribbons, shells and flowers. Here you can speak to the flame offer it song or story then tell it of all you wish to abundantly achieve within the months of spring & summer.
It was also good practice to mind what you have during this time, it was important not to borrow, lend or buy during these dates as doing so is was believed to be giving away all your luck and abundance for the rest of the year. SO if you don't mind being seen as a little selfish on this day it's a good practice to do.
Divination was done by a few as well, this was done in two ways. The first one includes sweeping your threshold (doorway/entrance) clean then sprinkle ashes from the last fire before Bealtaine occurs. Then watch for the first footprints. If you see the prints turned inwards, it means a marriage; but if you see the prints turned outwards, it means a death. The second divination done involves the use of a plate and some flour. Take the plate, sprinkle some flour over it, then leave it at the threshold of the house. At sunset, take a look, and you will see the initials of your true love’s name.
If you feel like getting up early (or perhaps you already do) then you can collect the dew from the leaves and grass before the sun properly rises. This water was used for beauty rituals, as washing your face with this dew was said to enhance your beauty, but one can also use this dew in spells for luck and good health.
Finally, for Spirits and Gods associated with Bealtaine, in my personal practice at least, are all spirits of land, as this is when the land is truly awaking, as well as Goddess Aíne, Goddess Anú and the Dagda/Greenman (I personally see these two beings as actually being two different forms/naming of the one spirit) so now is a good time to give thanks, offerings or do workings with them as they may be more aware.
Hawthorn trees are also associated with Bealtine (Beltane)! They are said to be the guards of the entrances to The Fae Realm!! They are heavily associated with The Fae/Faeries. Bealtine is also heavily associated with The Fae/Faeries. It's tradition to leave offerings of honey, milk, and/or cream to the Fae at Hawthorn trees on Bealtaine.
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