MEADOW SWEET GROVE
  • Home
  • Shop
  • Blog-Recipes & Extras
  • Blog-Folklore & Magic
  • Payment, Shipping & Policies
  • Sold Archives & Reviews
  • About
  • Contact
  • Midnight at the Grove
  • ETSY Shop
  • Ruby Lane Shop
  • Finding Service
  • Rhian's Renderings
Picture

   

~ Blog - Folklore & Magic ~

Picture
Picture
Enter Midnight at the Grove ... if you dare!

Love Thyself - Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me

2/10/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Artist: Frances Tipton Hunter, 1896-1957

Remember this rhyme? I love old sayings because in addition to being easy to remember; they are also concise, remain relevant and contain deeper meaning. When I was a kid, I was scared to say this to teasing bullies because I thought it might encourage them to start throwing sticks and stones ... instead of words!! However, this means that I understood the true essence of this age-old chant; which is really a reminder to the self to only fear what is physically harmful. While I might have been subjectively injured by their words ... it was the possible objective injury from sticks and stones that I really feared. I think that while politeness and good manners can be insisted upon, there is still a message here that is desperately needed in today's world.

If you ruminate on the "sticks and stones" rhyme, it becomes apparent that while you might not be able to control physical injury from someone hurtling hard objects at you (ie may break my bones), you certainly can control the power of someone to wound your psyche with their words (ie will never hurt me). The choice lies within us. Now I know this is easier said than done because we all know that words do hurt. Sure they do!! However, today's attempt to control another's speech by censoring writer's works of fiction, the insistence on replacing, redefining or adopting certain words, and even shutting down whole conversations (beyond requesting commonplace politeness and manners), is a misplaced attempt to instill kindness. It is not the way forward because what constitutes hurtful words, and even kindness as well, is very subjective. Instead we need to remember that the power lies within us to exercise our freedom of association and associate with whom and what thoughts we choose. This is especially important for children and teens which is probably why this was a nursery rhyme!

This Valentine's Day; may I humbly suggest that if you know a loved one who is allowing themselves to be constantly damaged by another's words, or who has bought into society's new reactive trend of "cancelling" people who politely and thoughtfully disagree with them; that it would be a sincerely loving gift to remind them that it is they who possess the power to ensure that "words will never hurt me" - not the other person. By allowing themselves to be hurt by words - they are handing that power over to others. What a silly thing to do! It is a fruitless and exhausting exercise to try and control another person's view of you. All that matters is what one thinks of one's self. Therein lies one of the secrets to self-esteem. Happy Valentine's Day!

PictureRobbie Coltrane, "Hagrid", Harry Potter, Photographer Unknown

Remember Hagrid in Harry Potter? When Draco called Hermione a "mudblood" (offensive word in the wizarding world), he said, "He did not!". Hagrid acknowledged Hermione's pain but then he advised, "Don't you think on it Hermione. Don't you think on it for one minute." This was incredibly insightful because he was instructing her not to allow others perceptions to determine how she perceived herself.

Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan, 2022
0 Comments

CANDLES: GAIN FOCUS WITH THIS MAGICAL TOOL

9/19/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Local metaphysical & health food stores offer unique candles
Strong focus is essential to working a successful spell, but if you're like me, you have a hard time staying focussed. Lots of unrelated thoughts jumbling around inside, certain obligations that must be performed each day and a never-ending list of things to do. It was difficult to keep my mind from wandering when working a spell. Candles are an important magical tool that people incorporate into their spiritual practices for many reasons (colour symbolism, to represent the element fire, an aid to petition or prayer, ambiance, the light of deity) but I find that they can also assist in maintaining focus.

My spells are usually narrowed down into a simple and easy-to-remember verse of four rhyming stanzas. Once I have fine-tuned my goal into this concise form, I reach for a small candle and matches.
Picture
Can't burn candles in your space?
An old kitchen or egg timer will work nicely too!

The flame of a candle is hypnotic. While fixing your gaze steadily on the flame, repeat your spell over and over in a whisper. It's okay to glance at the paper now and then to remind yourself of the wording. Keeping a spell simple will make it easier to memorize, adding a "power punch" as you are allowed to feel the outcome of your desire while repeating the words - absent distractions. Repeat and feel the words until the candle has completely burned down.

In essence, the candle becomes a timer for your spell! Because small candles only take a few minutes to burn down, I feel an enormous amount of freedom knowing that I can at least devote that small amount of time to my purpose - without being distracted about the other things I need to do. Maybe this easy technique will assist you in attaining focus in your spell work too!
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan, 2021
Picture
Can't find small candles? Use grocery store birthday candles for a sweet alternative!
0 Comments

Don't Jinx Yourself - Touch Wood!

7/10/2021

0 Comments

 
PicturePixie sitting on wood toadstool charm - Picture Source: eBay

Ever hear the expression "Touch wood!" or "Knock on wood!" This was a common English phrase growing up in my home. The gist of the superstition, or attraction magic, goes something like this:  when you have avoided misfortune and say something that could be perceived as bragging about your good luck; you are tempting fate and thus must immediately protect yourself from any repercussion or reversal of your good fortune, by touching or knocking on wood.


Some examples:
  • You stumble on the stairs but grab the hand railing in time to avoid falling. "That was a near thing. I could have really hurt myself!"
  • "I never keep store receipts because I never have to return anything."
  • "I'm on a winning streak!"

Before you utter these sorts of statements; make sure you say 'touch wood' and are actually touching something made of wood. Another version is to knock briskly on the wood. I'm extra careful to make sure that I am actually touching real wood as I don't believe laminates or MDFs hold the same magical properties! Since this practice may have arisen out of tree worship and a belief in dryads or tree spirits dwelling within each tree; it makes sense that only real wood will save you.

But what if you have said something that requires averting the ill will of the fates and no wood can be found within your sight? In that case, and that case only, you are allowed to knock on your head. This is based on the rather unflattering belief that if you are stupid, your head is made of wood. But when the stakes are this high ... being a little humble is in your best interest ... so knock away!
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan, 2021
0 Comments

Meeting the Eternal Green Man

2/23/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Green Man Tile in Meadow Sweet Grove's Kitchen

I've always been drawn to the Green Man, so much so that when my husband recently installed tiles in our kitchen; he thoughtfully incorporated our very own Green Man over the kitchen stove!

To me, the Green Man represents divinity in nature and is the male counterpart to Mother Nature. His face, most often formed or surrounded by leaves, is literally "fused" with nature and creation. His gaze is generally (but not always) one of benevolence. Sometimes, though, tendrils grow from his mouth, and even his eyes, nostrils and ears - then the overall feeling is one of the harsh reminder of the reality of death; our eventual return to dust and the earth; but also a visual representation of the rebirth and regrowth that is nature's life cycle.

I am very fond of old churches and architecture and am always delighted to find the Green Man incorporated into various structures; keeping everyone safe and reminding them of their inescapable relationship with nature. You can find him in many countries around the world - and through a variety of artistic expressions:  from architecture to theatre and from jewellery to poetry. I guarantee that once you start truly "seeing" the Green Man - he will begin "cropping up" in more and more places ...

Picture
The Green Man as Keystone Above Windows in Victoria, BC, Canada
Picture
Modern Green Man Sculpture in a Shop Window in Glastonbury, Wells, England
Picture
The Green Man as Keystone Above Window at Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire, England, Source: Pinterest (The Enigma of the Green Man)
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan, 2021
0 Comments

Hitting New Heights with Your Hippogriff

7/30/2020

0 Comments

 
PictureHippogriff illustration by Gustave Doré


Are you looking to find your real self ... or return to it? You could try approaching a Hippogriff.

Harry Potter was able to do what Draco Malfoy could not. He showed the Hippogriff Buckbeak respect; and as a result was treated to a fantastic ride ... a literal expression of his rise to new spiritual heights. Harry was understandably shaken in approaching the Hippogriff because this creature has the potential to rip him apart with its talons if displeased.  But, even if accepted, there still lies the greater fear of relinquishing that little bit of control over the course of your life; and potentially meeting your destiny.  Harry trusted, and accepted that challenge.


I think we are all a little envious of Harry, but there is no need to be, because at some point we all reach that time where we want to meet our Hippogriff.  My advice is to be respectful and thoughtful to your guide and to trust him; because what you will find will be worth the temporary madness.

Bibliography:  Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, J.K. Rowling, Bloomsbury, UK, 1999; Wikipedia, Hippogriff, 2020    
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2020
0 Comments

How to Woo a Leprechaun (and gain his blessing!)

3/12/2019

2 Comments

 
Picture
Image courtesy of getdrawings.com
Picture
Illustration by Richard Hook

St. Patrick's Day brings popular images of leprechauns -  cute, comical and dancing about ... jealously protecting their pots o' gold.  They are seen as "fiercely" sweet but being oh so terribly tiny, can only trick human beings, rather than fighting a fair fight.  But don't forget that leprechauns are of the same ilk as banshees (who foretell death), changelings (ancient creatures who secretly take the place of human babies) and also of béfinds.  Remember fairy godmother #13 who cursed Sleeping Beauty to die?  Yeah, you want to keep on the good side of a béfind.  Also, what we mortals call fairies were perhaps gods and goddesses; once upon a long time ago.  Most are part of the Tuatha Dé Danann, an ancient race that arrived in Ireland many eons ago, or they are at least descended from them.  So in order to please a leprechaun, we need to replace the current cute image and choose one that garners a bit more respect.  He is a very small, old and wizened fairy who makes his home under hills or in fairy mounds.  He smokes his pipe for pleasure and works diligently at repairing shoes ... or at least one shoe - why is it only one?  I think it's a "smoke screen".  The leprechaun is working ... but it is appearance only.  He is actually waiting, observing, contemplating and if we can wait long enough, this wise old fellow might remove the pipe from his mouth and let us in on a few secrets about the world.

If you would like to gain favour with a leprechaun, I suggest the following:
  • Leave a nice shiny coin (drop it in a glass of vinegar & baking soda to really make it shine) and put it somewhere secret in your garden,
  • Announce to the leprechaun that this is a gift to add to his pot o' gold that humans have tried to steal from him for so long and let him know that you appreciate his eternal struggle, 
  • Ask him humbly for something of value in exchange,
  • Most importantly, assure him that you respect his privacy and that you would of course keep any such transaction to yourself.  This is a key element to making magic work ~~~~~~ tell no one.

May you secure the good luck blessings of your local leprechaun this St. Paddy's Day!
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019 / edited 2021
2 Comments

The Apple Trees of Avalon

9/17/2018

1 Comment

 
Picture
Picture"Apple Tree in Avalon" (Glastonbury, England - 2018)

It isn't for me to say if the legendary Avalon existed literally or figuratively, but Avalon, or "the island of apples" was located for some at Glastonbury in Somerset, England.  Certainly there is magic in the sight of the serene countryside, gently grazing farm animals, stone walls and weathered wooden gates - not to mention the many apple trees growing amply and fruitfully in fields alongside the path to Glastonbury Tor.

Legend tells that the numerous wild apple trees of Avalon needed no cultivating to grow and gave fruit endlessly - contributing to an easy lifestyle for its happy inhabitants!  I have found that nature provides everything spontaneously for our own apple trees to flourish and thrive.

If you want to bring a little of the magic of Avalon into your own backyard - why not consider planting an apple tree or two?  There are many varieties that need very little space to grow.  The benefits vastly outweigh the initial modest cost and labour involved -- adding beauty and oxygen to our world, blossoms for bees, hiding spots for birds, shade, compost and most importantly -- year after year of free delicious apples!

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Apple Trees in Meadow Sweet Grove
Copyright © Meadow Sweet Grove / V. Buchanan 2018/e2019
1 Comment

Rabbits, Rabbits, Rabbits! - A spell for good luck

3/29/2018

2 Comments

 
Picture china rabbits, elves,deer
Rabbbits, elves and furry friends, Meadow Sweet Grove collection
Picture
It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown, Charles M. Schulz, 1974

Apparently, there is a folklore tradition, in Britain and North America, wherein it is very good luck to say "white rabbits" or "rabbits" or "rabbits, rabbits, rabbits!", or any combination of these words three times, on the 1st day of any month.  Three's the charm as they say and is always an important component to the success of any spell.  They must be your first spoken words upon waking on the 1st day of the month.  I've never heard of it before but am going to give it a go this Sunday!

How auspicious is it that the first day of our next month this year (April), is not only April's Fool's Day but also Easter Sunday.  Can't get much luckier than that!

There are so many diverse symbolic meanings attached to the rabbit - and often contradictory ones.   But if you think of both the prolific nature of bunnies and also the common "trickster" aspect of the rabbit - the above charm makes a lot of sense.  It both invites bounty and good fortune for the month ... while at the same time stymieing the possibility of silly tricks those cunning characters might play!
Rabbits, rabbits, rabbits!
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2018
2 Comments

Good Luck Charms

3/16/2018

2 Comments

 
Picture
Lucky Cornish Piskey, found in a charity shop in Northern England
Picture
Hag or "Holey" stone, found on a beach in Southern England

Isn't it charming that many people throughout time have had or carried good luck charms?  Four leaf clovers, pebbles and coins - anything really that symbolizes good fortune to the holder. 

The four leaf clover is considered lucky because they grow few and far between in any bed of clover.  The odds of finding one are stacked against the seeker, so it follows that the finder is inherently "lucky" to spot one.

Any stone can be considered lucky - they are too numerous to mention.  But the one I remember most from childhood was the "wishing stone".  Usually found by the ocean, the wishing stone is a smooth black rock, with a  single white line running in a complete, unbroken circle around it - hold it in your hand and make a wish.  A hag or "holey" stone (pictured above) is said to offer the wearer protection -- and sometimes offers a view to unseen worlds.  Both are relatively easy to find so I think the magic is less in the finding but rather in the vast symbolism of the circle.....

And of course, lucky coins need no explanation - they are a very tangible symbol of wealth!


Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2018 / edited 2023
2 Comments

Burying Bad Habits

1/6/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Want a fun way to rid yourself of a bad habit this New Year?  Why not try a little bit of sympathetic magic.  Cut an apple in half, and "pour" in that bad habit, worry or negative feeling right into the apple's core.  Put the two halves back together tightly.  Tie with string, tape, or anything that works for you.  Bury the apple in your back yard. 

The reason this works, is because you are consciously identifying the problem, making a choice to remove it from yourself, and then discarding it into another space.   Works best for little things.

                                                                                                                            Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2018​

0 Comments

May Day Magic Beauty Tip

4/28/2017

0 Comments

 
PictureMay Day Beauty Tip

There's great magic on the 1st of May or May Day.  The ancient Celtic people divided the year into two seasons - Winter and Summer.  May 1st was the dividing point and signaled the change from the end of the dark and dead winter weather to the beginning of the warm summer and growing season.  There was great joy and excitement that the warmer weather was officially here to stay for a whole season.  No wonder they had a celebration!

To share in some of this magic, you need to wake up early enough to collect some of the dew on the morn of May 1st ... and gently smooth it across your face.  I can attest to the truth that this beauty treatment is particularly refreshing!  

No hawthorn tree?  No worries.  An alternate verse allows you to use dew drops from any tree, bush or even the grass.


Picture

                                                                             Happy May Day!​​

Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2017 / edited 2020
0 Comments

Spring Clean like Cinderella with Kindness and Humility

4/21/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Antique Illustration, Source: The Graphics Fairy
Cinderella gently accepted her role as servant to her Step-Mother and Step-Sisters after her Father died.  She had a silent pride in her work and found joy in the little things that life offered.

In the older tales of Cinderella, she gives scraps of food and performs other deeds of kindness to the mice, birds and ants; though she receives little herself in life.  Later, when she longs to attend the Royal Ball; her Step-Mother sets her three impossible tasks (always the magic 3 in fairy tales) that she must complete before being granted permission. The little woodland friends that Cinderella has befriended come to her aid and complete the tasks.  Walt Disney understood the importance of the message in this fairy tale and re-invented the mice and birds in his animated version as Cinderella's helpers, and even seamstresses, who make-over her Mother's old gown in time for the Ball.  This illustrates that sincere kindness is not wasted.  In return, it will come back three-fold. 

When you're doing your Spring Cleaning this year, also remember to be humble.  While an invitation to a Royal Ball may not be in our immediate futures, we can certainly take pleasure in cleaning and tidying our own precious homes and treasured possessions. We may find things to donate along the way that we no longer need, bring out the beauty of furniture and silver cutlery with a good polish or uncover a lost item. To help you along, don't forget that Walt Disney knew a great and powerful magic that he incorporated in many of his productions.  Sing while you work!  Or put on your favourite music. It really does make the work go faster.  There is nothing more enchanting than Disney's scene of Cinderella, in rags, scrubbing the entry hall, masterfully singing, "Sing Sweet Nightingale" ... while her Step-Sisters, with all the advantages in the world, are upstairs butchering the song!

So Spring Clean like Cinderella and watch the good magic come back to you in your fresh and tidy clean home.

​Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2017 / edited 2021
0 Comments

A Rainy Day Spell from Mother Goose

3/30/2017

0 Comments

 
PictureVintage "A Little Golden Book" Mother Goose, 1942

Some Mother Goose verses are real noodle-scratchers that puzzle us and beg to be deciphered ... this one, however, speaks plain and simple.  Johnny would like to play outside and it would be a lot more pleasant to do so if it weren't raining.

Yet if you look closer, a spell emerges from this simple children's rhyme. I love to find the magic in the everyday around us!

A spell to charm away the rain:

"Rain, rain, go away;"
Here the wish, want or desire is clearly stated.

"Come again another day;"
Here a caveat is placed to ensure that there will be no unwanted consequences (eg drought).

"Little Johnny wants to play."

This provides the emotional charge or feeling required to make the spell work. Johnny is waiting in the garden on a bench with a "heart" motif; just as he himself puts his heart into his wish by visualizing himself at play. Bucket and spade at the ready illustrates his belief that his wish will come true.


All the elements of a successful spell are present. The whole thing rhymes which makes it easy to remember and recite.  And as they say "3 times the charm". This is reflected in the amount of lines in the rhyme ... and reinforced by the number of ducklings.

Let's hope little Johnny gets his wish!

Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2017 / edited 2019
0 Comments

Irish Luck

3/10/2017

0 Comments

 
PictureA Leprechaun at work

 May the Leprechaun
 Bring you good luck
 And good cheer
 And a heart full of happiness
 All through the year.
​
 Ninety and nine treasure crocks
 From times of old
 Guarded by him;
 Each of them fill'd full to the brim
 ... with G
old!




Limerick from a Porcelain Decanter ​from the Stitzel Weller Distillery, 1972


 Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2017
0 Comments

An English spell to find a husband - VALENTINE'S DAY EVE

2/14/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture"Church in the Cotswolds", S. Buchanan, 1993
This bit of magic comes from Derbyshire, England.

On St. Valentine's Day eve, walk in a clockwise circle around your local church, scattering a handful of hempseed behind you.  Whilst scattering, make sure you chant:

    "I sow a hempseed,
     Hempseed I sow.
     He who loves me best,
    Come after and mow."


​Run home quickly now and look over your shoulder.  If a man begins to follow the path you made ... you will be married within the year.​


​​Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2017 / edited 2022

0 Comments
<<Previous
    Picture
            ~ SHOP ~
    FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS - TOTALLING $150 Cdn! (Approx $112 US)
    Enter Coupon Code: FREESHIPCANADA or FREESHIPUSA at checkout and hit "Apply".

    (Offer available within Canada & USA only)


    CA$4.99
    CA$14.99
    CA$5.99
    CA$7.99
    Picture
    Let this blue fairy magically transport you to the Store!
    Picture
    Picture
    Or walk to the Store here!

    Meadow Sweet Grove

    Folklore & Magic Archives

    Categories

    All
    Aesop's Fables
    Animals
    Christmas / Yule
    Easter / Ostara
    Expressions & Idioms
    Fairies
    Fairy Tales
    Fantasy Creatures
    Garden
    Gods / Goddesses
    Halloween / Samhain
    Imbolg / 1st Spring
    Magic
    May Day / Beltane
    Mother Goose
    Poetry
    Spells
    Superstitions

    RSS Feed

Blog-Articles
Blog-Folklore & Magic
Sold Archives & Reviews
Rhian's Renderings
Midnight at the Grove
Finding Service
About
Contact
Picture

Shop

Payment, Shipping & Policies
*amounts paid of $2 or more above actual shipping cost are refunded
PayPal Logo
Users of payment apps (eg Google Pay) can checkout on Etsy. See "CONTACT".
Disclaimer: Many of the items sold are vintage or pre-loved. Quality of vintage items vary with the manufacturing methods available at the time of production. They are not made to current standards of manufacturing ... and in my opinion, that is usually a good thing! They tend to be higher quality, last longer and include more attention to detail than today's products. However, safety standards do change over time, items do deteriorate with age, and it is up to the customer to decide how they will use each product.
All rights reserved. No part of this website, including but not limited to written articles, photographs, graphics, videos or animations, may be reproduced, in any form, written or digital, without the express and prior written permission of the author: V. Buchanan of Meadow Sweet Grove. Requests for said permission may be directed to: meadowsweetgrove@hotmail.com. (GIFs graciously provided by: animatedimages.org & R. Buchanan)
Follow the Grove at:
Proudly powered by Weebly
Copyright © Meadow Sweet Grove / V. Buchanan 2016 - 2023
  • Home
  • Shop
  • Blog-Recipes & Extras
  • Blog-Folklore & Magic
  • Payment, Shipping & Policies
  • Sold Archives & Reviews
  • About
  • Contact
  • Midnight at the Grove
  • ETSY Shop
  • Ruby Lane Shop
  • Finding Service
  • Rhian's Renderings