Dark Crane Pagan Memes

I started designing some Pagan themed inspirational or motivations memes a while back, and had been asked by several people if they could share them, so I created this account to share my work with any and all who want to share it. BB

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Fantasy, imagination and a little bit of pixie dust come together on June 24th in honor of International Fairy Day. International Fairy Day honors these mythical creatures, our imaginations, fantasy, and magic.

The term "fairy" goes back to Europe in the Middle Ages, but similar creatures were mentioned prior, including the gandharvas in ancient Sanskrit texts, nymphs of Greek mythology, jinni of Arabic mythology, and others. Fairies were closely tied to Celtic culture and were seen as being intelligent, magical, and mischievous. Early on they were depicted as being serious in nature, and possibly dangerous and cruel. Over time they became more innocuous, and now usually appear in children's stories. They are commonly now depicted as using their magic powers for good.

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To comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable is a powerful and enduring maxim, often attributed to Mexican poet and educator Dr. César A. Cruz. It beautifully captures the dual, transformative role of art and empathy in society.

The quote illustrates the different ways a work or a message can impact people depending on their circumstances.

For the Disturbed: A message or a piece of art provides solace, resonance, and a safe space. It lets those who are struggling or hurting know that they are seen and understood.

For the Comfortable: It acts as a mirror that challenges the status quo. It provokes thought, rouses complacency, and forces individuals out of their comfortable bubbles to confront uncomfortable truths.

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Beltane is upon us and we are greeted with the reminder of the Earth’s enduring powers of renewal. It is a season of love and connection.

Great earth mother! We give you praise today and ask for your blessing upon us. As seeds spring forth and grass grows green and winds blow gently and the rivers flow and the sun shines down upon our land, we offer thanks to you for your blessings and your gifts of life each spring.

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Often considered a part of the practice of witchcraft, the creation of magical potions has been around for centuries.

Since ancient times, certain people who often live on the edges of society have been paying keen attention to the plants, herbs, seeds and other parts of nature which might be combined to create a substance for healing.

Of course, potions haven’t always been used for healing. For those with more nefarious plans, stories of potions can bring about negative consequences such as illness, or even death.

To see potions at work in fiction, all a person has to do is reach into common fairy tales to consider magical spells and potions that have been used!

For instance, a shrinking potion such as the one in "Alice in Wonderland". Or producing a keen sense of youth and vitality, such as in the musical fairy tale mashup, "Into the Woods".

Whatever the motivation, whether for good or evil, mixing up potions comes with a history that has often been criticized and feared.

The celebration of Brew a Potion Day looks at the lighter side of creating and brewing these interesting, unique and sometimes even magical concoctions. Even something as simple as tea, coffee or soup!

However you choose to celebrate or whatever you choose to brew, have a great Brew a Potion Day!

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The Egyptians believed that Heka was the primordial force present at the creation of the world, that it could be summoned up during the observance of religious ritual, and that its chief function was the preservation of the natural world order. While Ma'at was the "Law" or the "Balance" of the universe, Heka was the Power that allowed that law to be enacted.

Ancient texts (specifically the Instructions of King Merikare) state that the Creator gave Heka to humans as a "weapon to ward off the blow of events."

Modern studies have shown how the vibrations of sound have a profound affect on the body; audible frequencies are used to retune the body's energy. Sound Baths, Meditation, Yoga all use forms of Heka to help focus and heal. These energies can be enhanced by visualizing those sound waves as they work through your body as well.

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Today the sun is in Capricorn and the moon in Cancer, blending structure with emotional intuition. It is a good time for healing, drawing on the stability of Capricorn and the nurturing essence of Cancer.

A blue flame healing spell in magic involves using the color blue (symbolizing peace, healing, communication) and fire (energy, transformation) for spiritual or emotional repair, often with a blue candle, herbs like lavender, and an incantation to release pain and invite calm.

While burning the blue candle, visualize the flame absorbing your pain and transforming it into peaceful energy, released back into the universe. Hold the amethyst in your hand. Let the peaceful energy envelop you as the scent of lavender, the energy of the amethyst and the warm of the tea combine to restore balance and healing.

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It is New Years Eve and this blessing is designed to be spoken right at the threshold - either at midnight or during the first quiet moments of New Year’s Day. It focuses on the transition from the dark of winter to the growing light.

You can adapt the blessing to a more personal focus if you prefer, such as protection for your home or luck and abundance in your career or just keep in mind your intentions as you recite it.

May the New Year bring you everything you deserve. BB

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It is that time of year when everyone is posting "New Year, New Me", but to really achieve that, sometimes we have to let go of a negative relationship, bad habits, a person, situation, or emotion which is draining, and no longer serves us. A Cord Cutting ritual can help.

Sometimes we connect energetically with things, addictions, and people. This ritual can help you to disconnect and sever the ties that are holding you back. This can help to banish fear, and release attachment and resentment so you can move on with your life, unshackled.

This ritual should be done with no malice to anyone. Your intention here should never be harm, only to sever ties.

Sit and meditate as the candles burn and the cord is cut, and visualize your energetic attachment to the person/emotion/thing being cut. Feel yourself becoming detached, empowered and able to move on without this in your life.

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A bright and Blessed Yule and a Happy Winter Solstice to all. May the turning of the wheel, bring you love, peace and good fortune. Let us welcome the returning sun with hope and joy. Blessed be

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A Happy, Safe and Blessed Midwinter's Eve. BB

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The Romans readily adopted the Celtic goddess Epona, and she was the only Celtic deity actually worshipped in Rome itself. Her veneration was widespread throughout the empire between the first and third centuries CE. She was incorporated into the Imperial cult by being invoked on behalf of the Emperor, as Epona Augusta or Epona Regina. She was the protector of horses and donkeys, and under Rome became the patron goddess of the cavalry, especially the Imperial Horse. Small images of Epona have been found in Roman sites of stables and barns over a wide geographical area, suggesting that her worship took place in stables. On her feast day, grooms decorated her shrine in the stable and draft animals like horses, mules and oxen were given the day off.

She is always shown riding on a horse, or seated with horses around her or with foals eating out of her lap and as a goddess of fertility with a patera, cornucopia and ears of grain.

- Anna Franklin, Yule, History, Lore and Celebration, Lear Books, 2010

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Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival in honor of Saturn, associated with agriculture and the early successes of culture. It was originally celebrated on December 17, but later the festivities were extended to December 23. This festival marked the end of agricultural work, and everyone sought rest and celebrations in connection with the completion of the harvest.

Public festivities began with a sacrifice in front of the Temple of Saturn in the Forum, followed by a religious feast attended by senators and horsemen dressed in special attire. The streets were filled with crowds. Everywhere, shouts of "Io Saturnalia" could be heard. Joy prevailed everywhere, candles were burned, and "Queen of Saturnalia" and "King of Saturnalia" were chosen. People exchanged gifts, including cerei (wax candles) and sigillaria (figurines made of terracotta or dough).

During Saturnalia, public business was suspended, students were exempt from classes, and criminals were not to be punished. Slaves were granted special privileges: they were relieved from regular work, allowed to wear the pilleus (a cap symbolizing freedom), permitted to dine at the master's table dressed in the master's clothes, and even received services from their masters. They enjoyed equal rights with their masters, in honor of the universal equality that was believed to have existed during Saturn's reign.

Many scholars note the connection between Saturnalia and the December festivities of other European peoples, such as the Christmas celebrations and the Feast of Fools, Yule, Christmas, and so on. Many of the rituals were incorporated into Christian Christmas traditions, making Saturnalia a precursor to New Year celebrations as well.

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Each phase of the moon carries its energy, and the waning moon, in particular, holds a special significance for those seeking release and renewal. As the moon slowly shrinks from a full moon to a new moon, its energy supports the process of letting go, cleansing negativity, and making space for new beginnings. The waning phase of the moon is a good time to retreat within ourselves to heal, to sift through our experiences and let go of those things that no longer serve us.

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The last month of the year, before the Winter Solstice, is a good time to release things, such as negative energy, thoughts and people. If there is a past relationship that is weighing on you, now is the time to let it go. Here are a few easy release rituals to help you to shed that excess baggage and negative energy associated with that person or people you wish to release yourself from.

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Just a quick request for the day.

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Celebrated on December 5th, Krampusnacht is the dark counterpart to St. Nicholas Day on December 6th. While St. Nicholas rewards good children with presents, Krampus punishes the naughty ones.

Krampusnacht often involves parades and processions, known as Krampuslauf (Krampus run), where people dressed as Krampus run through the streets, often carrying switches or chains.

Historically, the tradition was a way to discipline children and ward off evil spirits. Today, while still rooted in folklore, it is also a festive event.

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Once again, another month has come and gone and here we are in December, just a few weeks away from the Winter Solstice. Take time to rest and reflect during this time. Reach out to friends and make sure they're doing ok. This can be a hard time of year for some people. And remember also to be good to yourself. The holidays may be about giving, but don't give more of yourself than you need to. BB