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?????
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.
Bealtaine (not Beltane) is pronounced ‘Beeowl-tinna’. It does not originate the neopagan wheel of the year. It is one of the four Irish fire festivals.
If you’re celebrating it this year, regardless of your tradition, please take some time to research the roots of this holiday. Do your part to help reverse some of the damage done by the neopagan appropriation of this holiday by learning and incorporating some authentic Irish tradition into your celebrations.
I'll pick a favorite of the ones that come to mind now: accidental Irish butter burgling!
Irish folk tales are scattered with stories of some innocent person (often a priest) going about their business. Over the wall, around the corner, or from behind a tree, they hear an old witch (cailleach) in the process of stealing milk or butter with magic.
Milk and butter were huge sources of income, so it's less that the old witch was craving a fine dollop for her toast, and more that she was trying to make bank.
So our bystander hears her chanting, "Come all to me, all butter to me, come all to me..." (an t-im go léir chugam). Now, with no idea what she was on about, our bystander says something like, "Oh sure, and half to me too lady..."
In doing so, they end up with a bunch of stolen dairy product they didn't intend to take, and with a befuddled and pissed off witch in the vicinity.
To prevent a cailleach or neighbor from stealing your butter, put protections around your cows, churn, and cowshed, don't lend butter on May Day/Bealtaine, and don't light your fire until late afternoon on Bealtaine. Burn off any butter witches that do get into your churn with a bit of heat or iron from the fire and a prayer.
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.
My sort of outdoor altar space for making offerings to themselves as well as Lady Aíne (though she is Queen of the fair folk so they're practically linked). Its still a work in progress but the wildflower seeds are finally beginning to sprout! Once they're grown I'll work on making it an appealing environment for all the bugs.
I dislike seeing nature characterized as Light and Loving Nature Mommy in spring and summer and Dark and Unforgiving Nature Mother in the autumn and winter. Thou liest!
Nature is nature and the forces we've been taught to see as "light" and "dark" exist year round. The summer is full of rattlesnakes and parasitic insects. The sun is high but the heat can be as deadly as the cold. The winter is teeming with softness and life, and things are sleeping softly underground. The night is dark and the sunlight is short, but the snow glows and the ice sings.
