Hello All,
It seems as if the winter apocalypse is headed our way, no matter where you live in the northern hemisphere Mother Nature is sending cold and cleansing weather to her children. While this is necessary on a physical and spiritual plane, it also can prove deadly to human and animal alike if caught unaware or unable to prepare.
I encourage each of you to check in on your neighbors and offer assistance as you are able. Many times people are too proud to admit they need help and every winter you hear of folks dying in their own homes as they did not have sufficient heat or supplies.
Also please be considerate of the animals who are living in the elements. Yes they do have innate tools to protect themselves but we, as stewards of the land, have the ability to aid them and make their lives more full.
First make sure your own animals are protected, warm and have plenty of food and water. Bringing them inside is a must when the type of weather we are expecting is coming. Here in Louisville the low tomorrow is suppose to be minus -4 with wind chills down to -40. While we aren't the frozen tundra typically, temps such as these are very intense even for the most adequately prepared. Some extra hay or straw strategically scattered around your homes porches and steps may also provide some additional bedding for your furry friends.
Listed below are some ways to provide some creature comforts to the birds and other wildlife around your environment.
- Sunflower seeds—black oil, striped, and hulled—safflower seeds, and white proso millet
- Vegetarian suet and suet mixes
- Peanut butter mixed with cornmeal, pressed into cracks of bark or spread on a pinecone and rolled in seeds
- Pumpkin seeds (washed and dried in the sun or oven)
- Cut pumpkin shell in pieces
- A straw feeding wreath with wild flower or grass seed heads (sunflowers, purple coneflowers, grass, wheat, rye, barley, safflower)
- Dried, untreated corn on the cob or whole or cracked kernels
- Unsalted popcorn and cranberries, threaded onto cotton string and draped on trees
- Don't forget the water! In winter, water can be hard to find. Make sure your wild neighbors have.
For those who are so inclined, it is also a good thing to do spirit work to offer protection and additional comfort for the animal kingdom during this time. Listed below are some suggestions and techniques. Remember when working with spirit there is no right or wrong, you may alter these as you wish. These are prayers and methods time tested by my ancestors, yet the intent is where the true power lies. Living a spiritual and magical life is very much specific to your own connection with the cosmic mind and spirit understanding.
There are primarily three Saints who offer animal assistance and protection, there are others but I will limit this to the ones I work with. While they are recognized by the catholic church, the church does not own the rights to work with them nor can the church claim exclusivity.
1. St Francis of Assisi: Francis was born of wealthy Italian parents in 1181 and is seen as the GO TO saint in regard to spiritual assistance with the animals. He focuses on the animals of the wild. During times of intense challenges in nature it is said he can be seen walking among the trees, with creatures of all kinds following along behind. Francis has a genuine and incredibly powerful love of animals, especially those who are misunderstood or feared by man. Most statues you see in the European church show him surrounded by butterflies and little birds. In truth he would be surrounded by Wolves, Bears, Birds of Prey and other members of the Bad Boys and Girls of Nature Club. Be not deceived Francis is a strong and powerful force to be reckoned with when you threaten his children.
I recommend lighting a brown candle with a symbol of St Francis. This symbol can be one of the small statues offered forth from the church, this works fine and carries with it his energy and archetypal characteristics. Keeping in mind his true nature, you may use something more imposing for his representation. I have used He Man action figures, pieces of wood or stone. The important thing is that you honor him in a manner befitting a powerful spirit such as St Francis. While envisioning the wildlife being protected and nurtured in your area so words such as, "St Francis, one who is strong, caring and protective. I ask that you come quickly to the aid of all wildlife in (state the area you are addressing). I fear they are suffering and with your assistance this need not be. Please, you have the power to aid and I have the faith that you will". Watch the candle burn and look for signs of chatter.
Know that by the time you have finished this ritual Francis is already at work.
2. `St. Martin De Porres: St Martin was born in Peru in the 1500's. His father was a Spanish gentleman and his mother a free woman of color. Martin was a tireless advocate for those who had little, this included animals, primarily domesticated and household pets. During his time is was common to look at any animal which did not produce milk or food in some way vermin. St Martin saw the spirit of god in all living creatures, he even had a dog and cat hospital for a while in the house of his well to do sister. St. Martin will intervene quickly in situations where a household animal is in a dangerous situation. It was not uncommon for his spirit to be called upon by religious folks of many kinds. He is a strong component of many southern hoodoo folks and root workers.
When calling upon help from St. Martin I recommend lighting a silver candle. If able it is OK to use a statue obtained at a local church supply store, however if you want to do it old school many root workers use a simple bowl of water mixed with sugar and a few drops of cherry juice for color. When working with St. Martin say these words, "St Martin, beloved companion and champion for those who live among us, yet suffer the weight of oppression. We know your love for the creatures of the hearth and home. I ask your help during this time and petition your assistance with_______________. I trust your judgement and my heart is warmed by your strength". As always meditate on the wanted outcome and watch your meditation candle and the surface of the water for chatter. Many tell stories of the power of St Martin and his desire to assist when asked.
3. St. Kateri Tekakwitha was born in 1575 in upstate New York. She survived small pox and lived until the young age of 24 with horrible scars on her face. Upon her death the scars went away and she was said to have transformed from a caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly upon transition. Her early childhood with her Algonquin people forged a bond of loyalty and protection to all of Gods creations, especially those of the wood and stream. She is known to work without tiring when asked to help protect creatures of the wood and is known to appear in the leaves and bark of trees when a portion of land is set to be cleared. It is believed she is there to usher the animals to safety.
When Calling upon St. Kateri for assistance an orange candle should be used. To represent Kateri it is best to used a fine portion of cloth or beaded material. As you look at the candle and hold the cloth in your hand recite the following words, "Kateri, Sainted one of beauty. You understand the fear and need of the the animals around me. Even as you listen to my words you are already working toprotect those of wing and tail. Your beauty is of never ending and on behalf of our friends you help, I offer thanks and respect". Kateri will often mark her work with the appearance of a fox or coyote. Many believe that she arrives and leaves in this form to be unnoticed. After you work with St Kateri the area you are focusing on is left more enchanted to the point of feeling sacred.
I encourage you to use these methods to ask for protection and comfort for our animal companions. Remember that intent is what truly matters and the nature of these strong spirits stand at the ready to assist when called upon. I believe it is good spiritual manners to thank them by an offering of sorts, the best a public thank you. As simple as Thank you St Kateri for your loving help, written on a slip of paper and placed in a public place.
As I sit writing I hear the wind blowing and pulling at the windows of my home, the only other sounds are the steady breathing of my little spaniel. I am certain he is dreaming of chasing the cat or going for a ride in the car. Pulling him closer to my leg I am warmed by thoughts of thankfulness. I am thankful for my humble, yet warm home. I am thankful for my loving friends and fur friends who share my life. I am thankful for a partner who loves me and brings light to the cold dark days of winter and I am thankful to the creator and all those of ascended spiritual stature who bring more magick into my life.
Until next time stay warm and continued Bliss,
Andrew
