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The Celtic Cauldron is a Social Network designed for everything Celtic. Be you Irish, Scottish, Wiccan, Pagan, an artisan, or just a avid fan of the celtic life style this is the place for you.
Our goal at The Celtic Cauldron is to bring everything Celtic together in a one stop resource site.
Join us today and enjoy the fellowship of those with a like minded life style.
We are an all paths inclusive fellowship network.
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The Holly July 8 - August 4 "The Holly, darkly green, Made a resolute stand." The Holly (also known as "Bat's Wings" and "Christ's Thorn" among others) was thought to repel enemies and warriors would carry cudgels and fashion spear shafts made of its wood. As a symbol of good luck and good fortune, the Holly was the evergreen twin of the Oak in Celtic mythology and was often referred to by the name "Kerm-Oak." As the Oak ruled the light part of the year, thus did the Holly rule the dark. The Holly also represented the eternal, ever-green aspects of Mother Earth. With Ivy and Mistletoe, the Holly was regarded as a potent life symbol by virtue of its year-long foliage and Winter fruits. Holly wood was also formerly one of the three timbers used in the construction of chariot wheel shafts. The ancient name for the Holly was "Holm" and, with the coming of Christianity, it became known as the Holy Tree...symbolic of the Crown of Thorns. The Holly was particularly sacred to the Druids who instructed folk to take it into their homes during Winter in order to provide shelter for the Elves and Faeries during cold weather. It was said that to keep even one leaf inside after Imbolc (a MidWinter celebration also known as Candlemas) would bring about misfortune. In Ancient Rome, gifts of Holly were given during the Saturnalia celebration and the use of its branches as Yule decorations was common to many cultures. The image of the Holly King is familiar to most people and has been personified as the Ghost of Christmas Present in several celluloid versions of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." By tradition, a Holly branch should never be cut from the tree but instead, must be pulled off. It is considered unlucky to cut or burn Holly, but it is thought to be lucky to hang a small branch remaining from the Yule celebrations outside the house. This is said to protect against lightning and ensure good fortune. To the Druids, the Holly was regarded as a strong and protective herb, guarding against evil spirits, short-tempered Elementals, poisons, thunder and lightning. The notion of protection against lightning is based upon the fact that the spikes of Holly leaves act as miniature conductors, granting immunity to the tree. It was also believed to be especially favored by the Sun. As a magickal herb, the Holly bestowed wisdom and courage and was considered to be useful in dream magick. According to lore, if a young girl gathered nine leaves from the "she-holly" at midnight on a Friday and then tied them into a three-cornered handkerchief using nine knots, she might dream of her future husband by placing the handkerchief beneath her pillow. A variation of this spell dictated that the leaves had to be collected in silence and bound in a white cloth...again using nine knots. This, when placed under the pillow, was said to make dreams come true. It was once thought that if the smooth leaves of the "she-holly" were brought into the house first during Yule, then the wife would rule the household during the approaching year. If the "he-holly" with its prickly leaves were brought in first, then the husband would rule. It was also once believed that if a man carried a Holly leaf or berry upon his person, he would become attractive to women. One old custom associated with the Holly was to place pieces of candle on the leaves, light the candles and then float them in a tub of water. Each person would then make a wish upon their leaf. If the candle remained lit, then the wish was said to come true. According to Pliny, Holly wood when thrown in the direction of any animal would compel that animal to obey. Medicinally, the Holly was used during meditation to calm the mind and body. In Christian lore, the Holly miraculously grew its leaves out of season one Winter night in order to hide the Holy Family from Herod's soldiers. One variation on an ancient legend also states that it was the tree from which Christ's crucifix was made, all of the trees of the forests refusing the defilement of the cross by splintering into tiny fragments at the touch of the axe, the Holly alone behaved as an ordinary tree, allowing itself to be cut and formed into a cross. There are two distinct types of Holly individuals (a division which relates to all Celtic Tree Signs). The "new moon" character is associated with the first two weeks of a sign and the "full moon" character is associated with the last two weeks. The "new moon" Holly individual is more inclined to become involved with the dreams and ambitions of others by providing both financial and emotional support. While this is indicative of an unselfish and sympathetic nature, it can lead to a blind optimism which may be personally damaging. The "full moon" Holly individual is more committed to his or her own dreams and amibitions. Such people are likely to become the founding members of societies or business corporations while still retaining a sense of history and tradition. The "full moon" Holly individual, however, is frequently hypersenstive to personal criticism and may be forced to retreat periodically from the world. In general, Holly individuals are practical, capable and steadfast in the face of adversity. Being cautious, logical and efficient, they possess a good business sense, but prefer to assist rather than lead. In relationships, Holly people are supportive, protective and possessive. Holly individuals have a tendency to strive for perfection, which often leads to loss of confidence and direction. They exhibit a large amount of personal integrity and tend to influence things a great deal, but usually behind the scenes. Their word is literally their bond and honor is their guiding principle. The weak point of the Holly individual is sensitivity to personal criticism...his or her need for constant affection and attention can make the Holly demanding in a close relationship. There may also be a tendency to exhibit a miserly attitude. Not known to be risk-takers until all the facts have been gathered, the Holly individual possesses the ability to solve difficult problems through the use of simple logic. Holly individuals are attracted to banking and insurance. They are strong-willed and make for trustworthy friends with a great reserve of physical endurance. Down-to-earth people, they usually possess much spiritual contentment. The Holly individual tends to be a collector of artifacts and has an excellent eye for a "good deal." As a mate, the Holly person is affectionate...although often overly-protective...not inclined to wander and frequently marries a childhood sweetheart. Hollies also make for tolerant and very supportive spouses and tend to have a number of close friends of both sexes. Although sometimes appearing to lack a sense of humor, this is chiefly due to the dislike of the Holly individual to laugh at the expense of another. Holly people can be reclusive and all require a quiet place of their own in which to take respite from the huge responsibilities they usually place upon themselves. The Ruling Deity - The Holly deity is Danu (also known as Dana or Anu), the Goddess after whom the Tuatha De Danaan were named and the Mother Goddess of Irish mythology The Druic Animal - The Unicorn - A mythic animal with the body of a white horse, the legs of an antelope and the tail of a lion which sported a single horn upon its forhead, the Unicorn was a symbol of purity, strength and supreme magickal power. It taught that every action is creation. Thus, every day should be made to count. It also aided in understanding the relationship between physical and spiritual realities. Planetary Ruler - The celestial body associated with the Holly is the planet Earth ("Abred"), named for the ancient Greek Earth Goddess, Gaea. She was called Terra Mater or "Earth Mother" by the Romans. Ogham Word - Tinne Magickal Properties - Protection, Prophecy, Animal Magick and Sexual Magick |
Announcements
| July 03, 2009: There will be a slight delay this month in featured content articles on the site. This is due to several reasons as follows. I am moving to new part of the town and will be packing and unpacking, ( oh fun). Also will be concentrating on making some necessary upgrades to the site structure. The July 4th holiday also doesn't help. So this said the site is not inactive just please bear with me and this slight delay in updating the articles. -- David July 05, 2009: As was mentioned We will be making these upcoming changes to our social network. A new bulk media up-loader and a new list view of the Members and Friends pages. These changes are now scheduled for early in the week of July 6. Additionally, we’re making it easier for members to manage their profile pages by adding a “My Page” link to the Settings page. July 08,2009: All changes listed above have been released and are live on the network. |
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HOT FROM THE CAULDRON
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Positive Affirmation – Positive Magick: Positive self-talk is a popular form of ‘self help therapy’ that gives you a chance to get out of a negative state of mind and focus on the things that are working. If you’ve ever been in a ‘funk’ for a period of time, it could be because of unhealthy thinking habits. By shifting your thoughts from the negative to the positive, you give yourself the power to make some important changes.. READ MORE |
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Spring out of Stress: Spring is in full bloom here in the northeast of the USA. Life is showing its face everywhere. The sun in higher in the sky, the days are getting longer and the leaves are beginning to fill the trees and sooth our souls. It is time for us to take the call of nature and use it to our advantage.... READ MORE |
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What is ecology?: The ecology has reached enormous importance in the last years. The increasing interest of the man by the environment in which it lives must fundamentally to the conscience taking on the problems that affect our planet and demand a quick solution.... READ MORE |
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Youth In Action: Climate change represents the biggest challenge and opportunity for a generation. The youth of today will inherit a planet unlike any other in the past, and they have the unique opportunity to fundamentally transform our world for the better... READ MORE |
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ENERGY HEALING Energy healing is a common term you've probably heard used by new age healers, self-help experts, and metaphysical authors. So what exactly is it?....READ MORE |
| THIS WEEKS FEATURED MEMBERS |
| SPECIAL FEATURE ARTICLES | |
| Beltane Deities and Myths: Bealtaine (pronounced BAWL-tuh-nuh) was the ancient Celtic feast most obviously associated with the sun. Literally, Bealtaine meant "bright fire," although medieval Irish glossators associated it with the god, Bel, who was probably a version of the ancient Celtic god of fire and light, Belenos.... READ MORE |
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| History Of The Maypole: Dancing around a maypole is a spring tradition that has been carried out for hundreds of years. Erecting a large wooden pole festooned with ribbons heralds the start of spring and is still a custom in many parts of the world... READ MORE |
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| Stonehenge Protester: A druid protester named King Arthur Pendragon is still camped out at Stonehenge in protest despite a deadline passing for him to leave.... READ MORE |
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| Mars, Earth - Closest Approach in Recorded History: Email claims that Earth and Mars will have the closest approach in recorded history in August and will be a spectacular site for stargazers ... READ MORE |
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| Summer Solstice 2009: Sol + stice derives from a combination of Latin words meaning "sun" + "to stand still." As the days lengthen, the sun rises higher and higher until it seems to stand still in the sky. ... READ MORE |
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Blog Posts
a nature poem... tell me if you get it.
Posted by shayla sayer on June 18, 2009 at 6:34pm
new poem!!!
Posted by shayla sayer on June 18, 2009 at 6:34pm
His Gift - A Poem
Posted by Joshua M Kennedy on June 14, 2009 at 6:01pm
MidSummer
Posted by James Simpson on June 8, 2009 at 12:55pm
New poem!!!
Posted by shayla sayer on June 8, 2009 at 12:35pm — 2 Comments
Morning Wood
Posted by Ravenheart on June 8, 2009 at 12:00am — 2 Comments
Thanks for all the Happy Birthday Greetings
Posted by Jennifer Day on June 7, 2009 at 5:37pm
Morrígan and Clefdagh - By popular request! :)
Posted by GrayWolf on June 7, 2009 at 8:31am
Has it Been THAT long???
Posted by Crystalwitch on June 7, 2009 at 7:05am
Happy Full Moon Everyone hope you are enjoying it
Posted by Christina Casper on June 6, 2009 at 11:51pm
Spirit Guides: Spiritual Partners in Magick and the Mundane
Posted by Elijah Burke on June 6, 2009 at 2:55am
Invisible Ink
Posted by Cael on June 5, 2009 at 11:32pm
this is nice thought i would share it with you all
Posted by Christina Casper on June 3, 2009 at 12:29pm — 2 Comments
Movie Night My place
Posted by Mamma Shae on June 2, 2009 at 10:06pm
Thoughts for The Day
Posted by Mamma Shae on May 26, 2009 at 12:30pm — 2 Comments
New Poem!!
Posted by shayla sayer on May 23, 2009 at 3:30pm — 2 Comments
whack a kitty found it today and thought it was so cute hope you like it :)
Posted by Christina Casper on May 23, 2009 at 12:26pm — 1 Comment
Queen Unseelie
Posted by Jalen Gwynrethe Caelym on May 15, 2009 at 7:25pm
Apologies
Posted by Ravenheart on May 15, 2009 at 12:00am — 1 Comment
Groups
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Bardic_Arts
3 members
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Pagan Mens Fellowship
9 members
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Pagan Parenting
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lunar children
7 members
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Social Change
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The Crones Corner
19 members
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Therapeutic Thaumaturgy
29 members
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Selkies
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Fae Folk
21 members
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The Paranormal
35 members
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Celtic Connections
36 members
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Druids Ring
76 members
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Pagan Chronicle
94 members
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Celtic GLBT
38 members
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Green Team
40 members
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Dreamland
34 members
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Coven of the Blessing ...
4 members
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Alabama Pagans
9 members
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Kentuckiana Pagans
43 members
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Celtic Crafters
36 members
Events
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The Highland Renaissance Festival
May 30, 2009 at 10am to July 19, 2009 at 7pm – Eminence Ky
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KPCF Day - Highland Renaissance Festival
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Cincinnati Pagan Family Picnic
July 11, 2009 from 1pm to 8pm – Fairfield (Cincinnati) , Ohio = Harbin Park, Shelter #3
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Chrysalis Moon
July 22, 2009 at 6pm to July 26, 2009 at 7pm – Our Haven Sanctuary
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Kentuckiana Pagan Community Fellowship July Meetup
July 28, 2009 from 7pm to 9pm – Louisville, Ky - Shoney's
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Lammas Fundraiser Campout
July 31, 2009 at 6pm to August 2, 2009 at 7pm – Our Haven Sanctuary
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Lughnasad/Lammas Festival/Ritual Circle
August 1, 2009 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm – Matrix A Place of Change
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Mid-West Herb Fest 2009
August 14, 2009 at 9am to August 16, 2009 at 2pm – Our Haven Sanctuary
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2nd Annual Jeweled Lotus Retreat
September 4, 2009 at 6pm to September 7, 2009 at 12pm – Our Haven Sanctuary
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Womens` Goddess Retreat 2009
September 11, 2009 at 6pm to September 13, 2009 at 7pm – Our Haven Sanctuary
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Birthdays
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Angel Aura Quartz is an uplifting spiritual stone that invites angel guidance, deep peace during meditation and purification. Angel Aura promotes joy, light & optimism. Angel Aura is used to: * Activate the throat chakra * Find your personal purpose * Channel higher knowledge * Reach deeper meditative states * Open awareness to the angel domain Compatible stones include: * Aqua Aura * Kunzite * Lithium Quartz Angel Aura is a color enhanced crystal that has been treated with vaporized platinum, silver and other trace metals to give it the shimmering colors of gossamer angel wings. The bonding process makes the color permanent. These clusters are from Corinto, Minas Gerais, Brazil and contain 15 layers of metallic oxides. Color: Clear crystal with iridescent rainbow colors (color enhanced crystal) Energies: Power, Love |
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Chamomile is known as an herb of purification and protection, and can be used in incenses for sleep and meditation. Sprinkle it around your home to ward against psychic or magical attack. If you're a gambler, wash your hands in chamomile to ensure good luck at the gaming tables. Other Names: Ground apple, Whig plant, Maythen, Roman Camomile Gender: Masculine Element: Water Deity Connection: Cernunnos, Ra, Helios Chamomile can be added to a bath sachet to attract love. |
DEITY OF THE MONTH
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Horse goddess with fertility connotations. A popular equestrian goddess closely allied with the Celtic trade in, and domestic use of, horses. Concerned with healing, and with the fertility of domestic animals. The cult probably originated from Alesia in the heartland of Gallic resistance and location of Vercingetorix's final stand against Julius Caesar. She is arguably the only Celtic goddess to have been worshipped in Rome itself and her popularity was spread throughout the regions of Roman occupation (see also Morrigan). Her festival was celebrated on December 18. Epona is typically with mares and foals, usually riding sidesaddle or merely in association with horses. She also holds cornucopiae sheaves of grain and other fruits suggesting an ancillary role as a vegetation goddess. Epona is also, on occasion, linked with dogs and birds. Votive inscriptions have been found at Allerey, Armançon, and Essay (Côte d'Or), Jabreilles, Luxeuil, Santanay and others where sometimes she is alone with horse(s) and sometimes is depicted with the "mothers" (See Deae Matres). She was particularly worshipped by Roman cavalry regiments. At Armançon she rides in a cart reminiscent of the "tour" of other northern fertility goddess. In other circumstances Epona figurines are found associated with burial grounds such as La Horgue au Sabon illustrating the common link, well attested in ancient and modern cults, between fertility and death. Epona may also be enshrined close to thermal springs under which circumstance she often appears naked like a water nymph, e.g Allerey and Saulon-la-Chapelle. Epona was also a Goddess able to bestow sovereignty on Celtic kings, old rites existed marrying the kings to her. Jean Markdale, author of the superb work on Celtic Goddesses, "The Women of the Celts", believes she may have been the first mother Goddess of Celts, predating even Danu. In Scotland she is referred to as Bubona, and in England Lady Godiva is thought to be another version. Carvings of Epona also appear in Germany, and the Anglo-Saxons may also have adopted her in the form of their horse Goddess, Horsa. Other horse-associated Goddesses such as Macha, Edain, Rhiannon, and Maeve may have grown out of her myths. |
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