Thinking of magic

I was reading my friend Beth's blog today. It is the new moon. The new moon is a time to begin things and a time of wishing and making things happen. So I've been brewing in my magical life some thoughts on some magic. First, let me tell you a story. Last year at Dreamroads Witchcamp, I took part in a ritual that was a more impromptu ritual. I had know that I wanted and felt called to spinning. At supper one of my friends said, "Oh, well, I'll bring my knitting needles and knit." Another one of the teaching team said, "Well, why don't I bring the scissors." Unbeknownst to us, we didn't quite follow the "rules" that some people thought we should. However, when we are listening to and acting on our callings, rules are not the first and foremost in our minds. It is about serving the divine. Yet, that is another story.

So after the circle was cast and the directions were called, Angela, Kathy and I stepped into the center and I started spinning, Kathy knitting and Angela cutting. It was the three Norns. Things started happening. We started speaking about the need to cut old patterns, create knew ones. Unraveling what we have done, so that we could create something anew. All that has stuck with me since last August.

With the Maryland wool and Sheep Show, Morgaine said something about doing a four day workshop that started with the raw fleece and worked our way through a knitted object. That has been sticking with me too. The place I start is with the natural world. That is, what is it that I have to know about sheep/goats/alpacas/llamas, their wool, and their care? What is our relationship with those creatures? Their own inate beauty. Then the magic starts for me. Washing the fleece, cleaning it and preparing it to be combed or carded. Dyeing comes next. The magic of fire and water. The magic of color and beauty. Then the spinning. Then the knew patterns we create. Then the final product. A pair of socks, sweaters, or shawls. The combination of the natural world, the will as human beings, with respect and integrity, to create and blend with the magic around us, and then end up with a thing of beauty that begs to ask the question: What is the relationship we have with the natural world around us now?

I don't know, but something is here for me. It is a piece of work that is beginning to call me. It is a piece of work that exemplifies other things such as wine making, bread baking, pottery and more. We start with the natural world, let magic move through our bodies and use our will to create things of beauty and practicality. Wow! What do you think?

 

Comments

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What a BEAUTIFUL write-up of an unforgettable experience, Stan. Someday I hope we can meet in person. I can tell you're someone who I could feel comfortable with and I hope you'd feel the same. Thank you for sharing your truly deep and personal thoughts on spinning, your spiritual path and so much more.