SECTION IV: ASK AUNTIE AHN

Bright blessings to all! This is Ahneke Greystone, also known as Auntie Ahn. And this is the debut of "Ask Auntie Ahn" (We can be reached at AuntieAhn@aol.com) 

Just in case you are wondering what my qualifications as the Answering Auntie are - well, really, I don't have any special ones. But, just like most of you, I've traveled a meandering path. I've picked up bits and pieces from teachers, books and studies. My background in traditional study is Gardnerian and Dianist. But my practice is solitary and very eclectic. If I don't know the answer, I'm bound to know someone who does (ie, the ring around the moon question below). And I can always turn to the combined experience of the Cauldrons & Broomsticks staff, which, as you all know, is diverse and well respected. What a gang!

I am looking forward to learning and growing with you all. Questions are the strides we make in our path. Each a step towards further enlightenment.

Question

In the past few months I have been feeling not grounded, emotional, ready to cry at any given time. I can't eat, can't sleep, or I sleep all the time. I don't want to talk to any of my friends or family, the only time I am happy is when I am alone. I feel lost. I need to feel whole again. I was reading some of the beliefs of Wicca, and I started to think to myself, what a better way to start to feel grounded than to become more in touch with the largest thing around me. Earth. I am not sure of all of the beliefs of Wicca, but I am willing to learn, I want to feel whole again. I hope you can help or at least give me some advice.

Reply

Stand quietly out of doors on a starlit night. Look up into the vastness of the canopy of space. Imagine that within all of that huge blackness there exists only those stars . and you. You are one with them. Yet you are also separate and unique. Nothing else is quite like you. That is one of the wonders of life. To be at the same time part of the divine Whole, while experiencing life at your most personal, individual level.

In our lives we sometimes find ourselves feeling disconnected. "Ungrounded," as you describe it. You are feeling the deep, primal urge to connect to the Earth, to Gaia, which is the most natural of instincts. Your soul seeks the healing it knows that She can offer.

Your urge to connect with the Earth is a strong, natural instinct. I would recommend that you focus on that desire and study techniques for grounding and centering. Most neopagan books have specific chapters/ instructions on these processes, and you can experiment to see what works best for you.

When we are feeling grounded we are aware of the interconnectedness of all things, within nature and within our community. We feel the power flowing into us, and are aware that in each moment of our lives we return some of that energy to the Earth in gratitude. In times of turmoil or depression, we sometimes find ourselves breaking the connection. And those are the times we need it most. It is a time of trusting in something greater than us. A time of turning to the God/dess within.

The soul is like a homing pigeon which will always return to its roots. Listen to that voice within you. From what you write, your healthy, human instincts are leading you to that Reconnection.

Question

Last night I happened to look up at the moon. It had a big bright ring around it. Do you know what that is about?

Reply

There is a folk myth that a ring around the moon portends change. That we should prepare ourselves for something new coming our way.

Thanks to my friend Bob, I offer the following "scientific" explanation.

The ring, also known as a halo, is caused by the light from the moon bending as it passes through ice crystals in very high clouds. When this is seen, two times out of three it will rain or snow within 12 to 18 hours. This is because these clouds signal an approaching warm front and its associated low-pressure system.

As so often happens, the wonderful myths we live with reflect the deep connection between people close to the land and nature. Their ancient wisdom foretold climatic change long before the days of barometers and weather maps. Such was their ability to observe the signs and portents in their world.

Question

What flowers correspond to the points on the Pentagram? My friend is getting married soon and I would like to do a centerpiece for her in the design of the star, but have not been able to find what flowers to use for Earth, Air, Fire, Water & Spirit.

Reply

Here are some suggestions:

Earth: Lavender, lilac, pink rose, violets, tulip

Air: Heather, sage, eucalyptus, Lily of the Valley

Fire: Marigold, sunflower, carnation

Water: White rose, buttercup, freesia, gardenia

Spirit: Moss

SECTION I: HOLIDAY LORE
* Ostara - StormWing
* Oestre - Baboo Kyra Finch
* A Druid's Pondering - LadyToad
* Spring Equinox - Sarolta 

SECTION II: FAMILY ISSUES
* Promoting Pagan Family Values - Selene 
* Pagan Parenting - WindSeeker

SECTION III: STORY TIME
* CatCorner - Sorcy SummerWind
* Fiona & Julian - Selene SilverWind 
* Meagan Stories - Kat Dyer 

SECTION IV: ASK AUNTIE AHN
* Online Help Corner - Ahneke GreyStone

SECTION V: RESOURCES
* Herblore - Dor (Poem by Kyra)
* Wicca 101 - Rhiannon Diana 

SECTION VI: PAGAN HAPPENINGS
* Events List - Selene SilverWind 

SECTION VII: THE CAULDRON
* When the Goddess Hides Her Face - Samantha
* Critters - Baboo Kyra Finch
* Return from the Shadows - Riversong Drusea'
* Wise One - Samantha