This categories is dedicated to the stuff I don’t have an area for, sort of a miscellaneous page. One never knows what might pop up here, but hopefully whatever it is will give you knowledge about something you didn’t know about before, help your day be a little brighter and put a smile on your face…☺
Please send us your “bits and pieces” if you would like to share your knowledge and smiles…☺
Spring has finally arrived! March has roared in like a lion, and if we’re really lucky, it will roll out like a lamb. Meanwhile, on or around March 20th, we have Ostara to celebrate. It’s the time of the vernal equinox if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, and it’s a true marker that Spring has come. There are many different ways you can celebrate this Sabbat, depending on your tradition.
Depending on your particular tradition, there are many different ways you can celebrate Ostara, but typically it is observed as a time to mark the coming of Spring and the fertility of the land. By watching agricultural changes — such as the ground becoming warmer, and the emergence of plants from the ground — you’ll know exactly how you should welcome the season. Here are a few rituals you may want to think about trying — and remember, any of them can be adapted for either a solitary practitioner or a small group, with just a little planning ahead.
Interested in learning about some of the traditions behind the celebrations of March? Learn why St. Patrick hated snakes, and why the Easter bunny brings eggs for us to eat! Ostara History: The vernal equinox has a long magical history. Here’s how it’s been celebrated through time. Deities of Ostara: Meet some of the gods and goddesses associated with the spring equinox. Spring Equinox Celebrations Around the World: Pagans aren’t the only ones celebrating this time of year – here’s what the rest of the world is doing! Who was Eostre?: Was Eostre really an ancient goddess of spring? Matronalia, March 1: The Romans celebrated an early version of Mother’s Day at the beginning of March. Easter Eggs: Pagan or Not?: Are Easter Eggs secretly Pagan? Can You Really Balance an Egg on the Equinox? Have you ever heard about balancing an egg on the equinox? Let’s look at the science behind the rumor. Beware the Ides of March!: The Ides of March were an unlucky day for a certain Roman emperor. St. Patrick and the Snakes: There’s a lot of speculation on whether or not the snakes were a metaphor for Pagans – did St. Patrick really drive them out of Ireland? Pagans and Lent: Should Pagans give things up for Lent, just because their Christian friends and family members are?
As Ostara rolls in, you can decorate your home (and keep your kids entertained) with a number of easy craft projects. Start celebrating a bit early with a St. Patrick’s Day Snake Wreath or a basket of naturally-dyed eggs. If you’re thinking about planning a feast, be sure to check out these recipe ideas!
SGC Admin: When we lose a loved one, it is difficult to say goodbye, we will always miss them.. and choosing the most thoughtful or ideal way to intern or release our loved ones isn’t always easy…Our family recently said goodbye to a loved ones “earth suit” in the most beautiful and peaceful way .. From the back a small boat into the clear ocean water of Key West surrounded by mangroves…
photo: property of Dancing Dolphin Spirits Charter
photo: property of Dancing Dolphin Spirits Charters website
Captain Victoria and Dancing Dolphin Spirits Charter services was the right choice for us and we feel it was right for our loved one too..
Photo: property of Dancing Dolphin Spirits Charter
Captain Victoria also offers other charter tours beside memorial ones… :)
The moment we met Captain Victoria and her assistant Kandy we felt comfortable. Captain Victoria and Kandy guided us on board and helped us to stow our things.. They even produced blankets, just in case the wind was cooler than we had dressed for.
We really weren’t sure what to expect, but we are so glad we said goodbye to our loved one this way… Captain Victoria took us out to see the dolphins, they came, it was magical… :) we felt blessed and joyful… We even saw an Osprey fly right across the bow… it was amazing…
We chose a beautiful Mangrove grove… the water was clear, everything was just right… Captain Victoria explained the importance of the Mangroves to the whole life cycle… :) A spiritual and healing feather ceremony was held, it was calming, soothing and peaceful…
Captain Victoria has many years of experience, she looks at the water like we would look at a road map… Her knowledge is boundless, and it is wise to listen well when she speaks… :)
Kandi (If she is there on your charter) is kind and caring, always at hand when needed, taking photo’s and video’s and happy to answer questions and keep you comfortable, while Captain Victoria guides the boat… and wow it’s wild … :)
For more information, pricing or to book a charter with Captain Victoria please check out
Set your clocks 1 hour ahead when you go to bed tonight… Evenings will be “brighter” but mornings will be darker again for a little while… The good news is we are heading for longer days and shorter nights and that means spring and summer… :)
We also see a Full Moon tonight in the sign of Virgo .. Check our post Hereto see what it’s all about… :)
SGC Admin: From our Inbox to you from DailyOm on “Uniting in thought and action”
July 20, 2016 Uniting in Thought and Action The Power of the Circle by Madisyn Taylor
When we are in circle with others
the energy stays contained within the group giving back to all.
There are many reasons for why a gathering of people in a circle is powerful. A circle is a shape that is found repeatedly throughout the natural world, and it is a symbol of perfection. We recreate this perfect shape when we join others to form a circle.
Being in a circle allows us experience each other as equals. Each person is the same distance apart from the next participant, and no one is seated higher than or stands apart from others in a circle. From tribal circles to the mythical round table of King Arthur, the circle has been the shape adopted by gatherings throughout history.The circle is acknowledged as an archetype of wholeness and integration, with the center of a circle universally understood to symbolize Spirit – the Source.
When a group of people come together in a circle, they are united. This unity becomes even more powerful when each person reaches out to touch a neighbor and clasps hands. This physical connection unites thought and action, mind and body, and spirit and form in a circle. Because a circle has no beginning and no end, the agreement to connect in a circle allows energy to circulate from one person to the next, rather than being dissipated into the environment.
Like a candle used to light another candle, the connection with spirit that results when one person joins hands with another is greater than if each person were to stand alone. People who take part in a circle find that their power increases exponentially while with the group. Like a drop of water rippling on the surface of a pond, the waves of energy produced in a circle radiate outward in circular motion.
While one person may act like a single beacon that emanates light, a circle of people is like a satellite dish that sends out energy. There is power in numbers, and when the commitment is made by many to face one another, clasp hands, and focus on one intention, their circle emanates ripples of energy that can change the world.
SGC Admin: Aww the joy of gifts that go on well past the gift giving day… :) This past Christmas, our son presented me with such a gift in the form of 8 horse riding lessons for the spring. :)
I love horses and have been lucky enough to experience a couple of “horse trial” rides in the past, however I am far from an expert on either riding or horses (loving something doesn’t make you an expert on it) ;)… I find horses to be beautiful animals, they are also very intelligent animals. I mean they have to be to figure out what someone sitting on their back wants them to do, when they can’t even see them… !! However, they are also bigger and faster than me, and truth be told, they scare me, if just a little. :) But by the end of my 8 lessons I must say I feel much more comfortable around them, which is awesome because it means I can love them more… (if that’s possible) ;)
My horse riding lessons took place at Stonewood Riding Academy located in Pickering, Ontario. An absolutely fabulous facility with the most awesome horses and dedicated, hard-working staff.
copyright: Greta McKenzie Photos
I was fairly nervous going in for my first lesson, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was excited all the same.. :) The moment I walked into the Barn, I was impressed… it’s very clean, beautifully built and laid out, with each horse in comfortable stalls. It didn’t even smell bad… ;)…
Right away there was a volunteer ready to assist me… and I was so surprised to be involved with all the aspects of getting “my” horse ready to ride… brushing, saddling and bridling… :) “My” 1st horse was Penny, a beautiful BIG mare… I gasped when i saw her and realized I was going to be getting on her back… (how, was the question in my mind at the time) :) … I would soon find out there is a “mounting block” to assist you on getting on your horse… (whew) and Penny, bless her was so patient and very well-behaved… :).
Throughout my 8 lessons, there was always someone to help me get my horse ready or to “dress” my horse down afterward, which was valuable for me, as the arthritis in my hands tricks me sometimes, making it difficult for me to do such tasks as pulling the girth tight… the girls were always, always so very patient and kind.
copyright: Greta Mckenzie Photos
Tamika Kooningswas my instructor, (Click & Scroll down the Stonewood page to view her bio) she amazed me with her extensive knowledge and her ability to remember all of our names, along with the names and character traits of the horses we were riding… Tamika, will not give up on you, she will encourage you to keep trying, there is never a time when you feel you can’t do something, because Tamika’s faith in you pushes you into doing your absolute best… She is a lovely, caring, patient and talented lady and an awesome instructor.
I was nervous, scared, and felt a little silly in the beginning about being there, even though it had been a dream of mine for sooo many years to learn how to ride, I felt I was too old to be doing such things… But I was wrong… you are never too old to try something, as long as your body is able and your mind is willing… but most important of all is to find the place and the people to help you try, to push you gently beyond your comfort zone and to encourage and accept you. And that is exactly what I found at Stonewood….
I ended up spending most of my lessons with Nemo a darling fella who enjoys napping, I would stroke him as we waited in the middle of the ring for all to assemble, and would watch as his lovely eyes slowly closed…… :) oh I fell in love with this guy, he soon caught on to the fact that he had a “sucker” on his back… :) I wasn’t very good at getting him to trot,… Tamika had to encourage me to kick as I felt awful about kicking Nemo, even though I understand how rider & horse communicate with signals and body language… I did get better at it, but still could only kick with my right leg, just couldn’t get both legs to kick at the same time, hahaha… it was all good in the end, as we did get Nemo trotting, Tamika worked hard to keep me at it and in the End Nemo must have felt bad and decided to help me out… :) Oh it was such fun when we did trot ..It was also a good tummy workout …
copyright: Greta McKenzie Photos
The whole experience was wonderful, I walked out of that barn after each lessons feeling so happy and care free… I felt lighter in my step and at peace with myself for finally experiencing the joy of being around and understanding these magnificent creatures a little bit more… I am pleased with myself for hanging in and not letting fear get the better of me, and I am grateful for the people I met in my group and the wonderful teachings of Tamika.. :)
With your group lessons at Stonewood Academy you experience the following…
How to brush your horse
How to girth your horse
How to saddle your horse
How to set your stirrup
You learn how to: Hold your reigns, where to put your boots in your stirrup, what is posting, what is a 2 point, how to dismount safely, safety in the ring and so much more…
You can bring in treats for the horses and connect with them… :) they will love you for an apple or a carrot… :)
Thank you Nemo and Penny for allowing me to ride you and connect with you. :) Thank you Tamika for your patience and care, Thank you to the girls working and volunteering, you all do a fabulous job and it’s easy to see that everyone at Stonewood puts the horse’s first… they are loved and cared for and that makes my heart grow… oh and of course thank you to our Son for an absolutely thoughtful and memorial gift… xo
copyright Greta McKenzie Photos
Check out the following links for more information or to find a groupon deal for these lessons.