Some Tree Time

Good Morning!
 Its warm and blustery here this morning with some wicked weather forecast for later today and tomorrow. We are in need of some Tree and Nature Spirits time here and are headed out to one of the state parks ahead of the stormy weather.  As invigorating and exciting as the city and Her spirits can be I need to refresh a bit.. I need the spirits of the Trees, the Trails , the Sky and the Wind. Spirits of the leaves and mushrooms, raccoon and squirrel. Time to Balance...

Later I will finish working on a doll order and begin typing out the new Witchcraft 101 lessons to be offered in December-

Have a good day Witches

Happy Friday the 13th -- catching up from New Orleans

St Louis Cathedral, New Orleans LA. Photo by A. Russell.

Good Day, Witches ~~*~~*

  I arrived in New Orleans on Oct 30 for the New Orleans Witches Ball held on the 31st. This is a truly grand affair of black tie dress and lavish costumes held at The Elms Mansion on St Charles. This year I donated my services as a Reader and it truly changed the whole dynamic for me. The most obvious was the fact that I wasn't in 'guest mode' ; no wandering, no eating, and no socializing. One Seeker after another for 4 hours. Sometimes in pairs! It was exhausting and exhilarating but isolating as well.
 The massive waves of energy generated by the ritual washed over the Readers' area but we were unable to see it. Based on the feeling of it I'm sure it was incredible!
  The guests that sought readings were all very gracious and pleasant so all in all it was a pleasant experience. The lingering downside has been being able to 'close down' - to Read I have to be open. To be THAT open for that long in such a charged atmosphere really kicked my ass. To go 'home' to a house that was not my own in a city that is itself super-charged has prolonged the 'kicked ass' syndrome lol! The result is textbook and dull - head-achy, body aches, exhaustion and mood swings. Its been two weeks on and I'm starting to feel back to normal. Quite the journey!



   So, like I said- two weeks in and I'm beginning to feel a bit better. Getting lots of sleep and exercise and trying to eat decently has helped. Also being aware of the *why* and how to recharge and shield goes a long way. (refer back to the post 'Practical Magics' for tips on grounding and centering). Being in New Orleans -for me- is akin to getting one's "sea legs"; there is a rhythm here and such strong spirit activity that it can be very disorienting at times-and exciting as well!
An example:A few days ago my husband and I went to a small museum on Royal Street that showcased the history of Pharmacology in the city - it was fascinating. Not only the subject matter and items on display (I am a total sucker for packaging and bottles!) but the rush of Spirit energy welcoming me. It was very much a homecoming feel. In the Courtyard I kept flashing to an image of a woman and had the distinct feeling of being in two Times at the same time, very interesting! However, the energy on the back stair case going to the second floor was very bizarre and not pleasant at all; it left me wondering how many people skipped the second floor all together. There was a very distinct feeling of the possibility of being pushed or of falling.
 Situations like that are common for me-especially here in this city. I am a Taurus, so having my routines, safe places, and things is what helps me to ground and close up- when I encounter tons of activity away from home and my safe spaces it can become overwhelming. I've learned to rely on certain stones, incenses and meditations to get back to an even keel.

St Louis Cemetery #2 - raw image by A Russell

   An interesting aside --With the closing of St Louis #1 and #2 by the Diocese due to excessive vandalism I've noticed a blocked feeling - the usual patterns of spirit energy flowing into and out of and back and forth is stunted. Its not like they can't leave the area but it feels as if the lack of living persons meandering in and about has blocked many of the Spirits' passages as well. I believe in places like New Orleans or historically reenacted places like Mackinac Island the Dead move about with us- it is a symbiotic relationship and when the interaction is curtailed there is a void where there used to be a flow....


  Thanks for wandering through my Musings, please feel free to comment if you are a Medium or have your own 'tips and tricks' for closing down after Readings, etc.