Author Archives: Ivy Reid

First Light: A Journal Entry

“The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep” – Robert Frost

The Forest at Dawn

I woke to the sound of birdsong, their melodies weaving through the trees like threads of light. The forest was alive, breathing, stirring beneath the first rays of the sun. I don’t know how I came to be here, but the air feels different- thicker, somehow, as if it holds secrets just out of reach.

I walked for hours, my feet carrying me over moss-covered stones and through streams that glittered like liquid silver. The forest is vast, endless, and yet it feels familiar, as if I’ve walked these paths in dreams. There is a strange comfort in the unknown, a sense that I am exactly where I need to be, even if I don’t yet understand why.

The Language of the Land

The forest speaks in a language I am only beginning to understand. The rustle of leaves, the creak of branches, the distant call of a fox- it is a symphony, a story, a spell. I found myself stopping often, my hand resting on the rough bark of a tree, my eyes tracing the patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor.

I gathered a few things as I walked- a feather, a smooth stone, a sprig of a wild herb. They feel like gifts, tokens from the land itself. I don’t know what they mean yet, but I sense they are important, that they hold some kind of message or meaning.

A Strange Longing

There is a feeling I can’t quite name- a longing, or a pull, or a whisper at the back of my mind. It is as if I have forgotten something vital and that it sits just out of reach. The forest seems to know, though. It watches me with quiet patience, as though it is waiting for me to remember.

I sat by the stream for a long time, my fingers trailing in the cool water. The current carried leaves and twigs, and I wondered where they were going, what they would find. Perhaps I am like those leaves, carried by a current I cannot see, toward a destination I cannot yet imagine.

The forest is a mystery, but a friend. It does not give its secrets easily, but I sense that it is leading me somewhere… that it is showing me something I need to see.

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but for now, I am content to wander, to listen, to learn. The forest is patient, and so am I.

Whispers in the Dark: A Musing on Gothic Literature

“There are darknesses in life and there are lights, and you are one of the lights, the light of all lights.”- Bram Stoker, Dracula

The Allure of the Shadows

There is something irresistible about the dark. Something irresistible about the way it curls at the edges of our vision, the way it whispers secrets we can almost, but never quite, understand. Gothic literature understands this allure. It does not shy away from the shadows; instead, it steps into them, lantern in hand, and shows us the beauty that lies within.

From crumbling castles to moonlit moors, from brooding antiheroes to tragic heroines, Gothic literature is a dance between light and dark, the seen and the unseen. It is a genre that thrives on atmosphere, on the tension between what is real and what is imagined, between what is said and what is left unsaid.

The Haunting of Wuthering Heights

Take, for example, Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights. It is a novel that pulses with raw, untamed emotion, a story that feels less like a book and more like a living, breathing entity. The moors are not just a setting; they are a character, wild and untamed, reflecting the inner turmoil of Heathcliff and Catherine.

Heathcliff himself is the embodiment of the Gothic antihero- dark, brooding, and consumed by a love that is as destructive as it is passionate. Catherine is his equal, a woman torn between societal expectations and her own wild heart. Their love is not sweet or gentle; it is fierce, consuming, and ultimately tragic.

But it is not just the characters that make Wuthering Heights a masterpiece of Gothic literature. It is the atmosphere- the howling wind, the ghostly presence of Catherine at the window, the sense that the past is never truly gone, but lingers, haunting the present.

The Power of the Unseen

Gothic literature is, at its heart, a genre of the unseen. It is about the things that lurk just beyond the edge of our vision, the things we feel but cannot name. It is about the power of suggestion, the way a single word or image can evoke a sense of dread or longing.

In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, it is not the monster that is truly terrifying, but the idea of the monster- the fear of what happens when man plays god, when science oversteps its bounds. In Edgar Allen Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart, it is not the act of murder that chills us, but the sound of the heartbeat, the creeping sense of guilt and madness.

Gothic literature is a genre that transcends itself; it is a mirror, a guide, a reminder. It shows us the beauty that can be found in darkness, the power in the unseen, and the complexity of the human heart.

So, pick up a book, and step into the shadows where the whispers are waiting and there are stories ready to be told.

The Old Ways: An Introduction to Folk Magic

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper”- W.B. Yeats

The Whisper of the Earth

There is a magic that lives in the cracks of the world- a quiet, insistent hum that rises from the soil, dances on the wind, and lingers in the shadows of ancient trees. It is not the magic of grand gestures or flashing lights, but the magic of the everyday, the mundane, the overlooked. It is the magic of the old ways, of folk traditions passed down through generations, carried in the hands of grandmothers, whispered in the ears of children, and buried in the roots of the earth.

Folk magic is the art of listening to the land, the seasons, and the spirits that dwell just beyond the veil. It is the practice of finding power in the simple things: a sprig of rosemary, a bowl of rainwater, a stone warmed by the sun. It is the understanding that the world is alive, and that we are part of its living, breathing tapestry.

The Tools of the Trade

Folk Magic is as varies as the people who practice it, but there are threads that run through all traditions, ones that bind us to the earth and to each other. Here are a few of the tools and practices that define the old ways:

  • Herbs and Plants: From the protective power of sage to the love-drawing magic of rose petals, plants are the heart of folk magic.
  • Stones and Crystals: Each stone carries its own energy, its own story. A piece of obsidian for protection, a chunk of amethyst for dreams, a smooth river stone for grounding.
  • Candles and Fire: Fire is transformation, purification, illumination. A candle lit with intention becomes a beacon, a prayer, and a spell.
  • Words and Symbols: Spoken charms, written sigils, and whispered incantations. Words have power and symbols are the language of the unseen.
  • The Elements: Earth, air, fire, water- the building blocks of the world and of magic. These are the forces that shape our world and our work.

The Ethics of Folk Magic

Folk magic is not about control or domination. It is about harmony, balance, and respect. It is about working with the world rather than against it. Every spell, ritual and gesture is a conversation- a dialogue with forces that surround us. And like any conversation, it requires listening as much as speaking, giving as much as taking.

The old ways teach us to tread lightly, to honour the land, and to remember that every action has a consequence. They remind us that magic is not a shortcut, but a path- one that requires patience, humility and care.

Folk magic is not a relic of the past- it is a living tradition and a way of seeing our world and our place within it. It is a reminder that magic is not something we must seek in far-off lands or hidden grimoires, but something that lives within us and around us, in the everyday and the ordinary.

Folkloric Archetypes: The Weaver

“The world is woven in a loom of dreams/ And every thread is a life.” – William Butler Yeats

The Weaver’s Loom

In the heart of the forest, where the trees are tall and the shadows deep, there is a place where time stands still. Here, the Weaver sits at their loom, their hands moving deftly over the threads. Each thread is a life, a story, a destiny. Some are bright and strong, others frayed and fragile. Together, they form a tapestry- a tapestry of existence, woven with the patterns of love, loss, and transformation.

The Weaver is a figure of mystery, their face hidden beneath a hood, their voice a whisper on the wind. They are neither good nor evil, but a force of balance, a reminder that every thread has its place in the grand design. To encounter the Weaver is to glimpse the patterns of fate, to see the connections that bind us all.

The Weaver in Folklore

The Weaver appears in many forms across cultures and tales. In Greek mythology, they are the Moirai, the three sisters who spin, measure, and cut the threads of life. In Norse legends, they are the Norns, who weave the tapestry of destiny at the roots of Yggdrasil, the world tree. In Slavic folklore, they are the Rozhanitsy, the goddesses of fate who shape the lives of mortals.

But the Weaver is not just a figure of the past. They are a symbol, a metaphor, a mirror. They remind us that our lives are interconnected, that every choice we make ripples through the tapestry of existence. They challenge us to see the patterns, to understand the threads, and to take hold of our own destiny.

The Weaver’s Message

When the Weaver appears in a tale, it is often a moment of reckoning- a time to reflect on the choices we have made, the paths we have taken, the threads that we have woven. They remind us that fate is not fixed, that the tapestry is always shifting, always growing.

The Weaver’s message is one of empowerment. They ask us to see the beauty in the patterns, even when they are tangled or torn. They ask us to trust in the journey, even when the path is unclear. And they as us to remember that we are, all of us, weavers, shaping our own stories with every step we take.

A Ritual of Reflection

To honour this archetype and how it manifests in our own lives, try this simple ritual.

  1. Gather your tools: You will need a candle, a piece of thread or yarn, and a quiet space.
  2. Light the candle: As you light the candle, set an intention- a wish, thought, or prayer. Let the flame be a simple of your inner light.
  3. Hold the thread: Take the thread in your hands and reflect on the patterns of your life. Which threads are strong? Which are frayed? What patterns do you see?
  4. Weave your intention: Tie the thread into a knot, symbolising your intention to shape your own destiny.
  5. Give thanks: Thank the Weaver for their wisdom and guidance, and let the candle burn down safely.

The Weaver is not just an archetype in a story- it is a mirror, a guide and a reminder. It is a call to see patterns in our lives, to understand the threads that bind us, and to take hold of our own destiny.

Living by the hearth: The Art of Existing in Candlelight

“The hearth is the heart of the home, a place where light and shadow dance together”

The Shadowed Hearth

In the quiet hours of the evening, when the world outside grows still and the stars begin to peek through the veil of night, there is a place where light and shadows meet. The hearth is not just a fireplace or a kitchen stove, but a space of warmth, reflection, and ritual. It is the heart of the home, a sanctuary where the mundane becomes magical, and the ordinary becomes sacred.

For me, the hearth is more than a physical space. It is a state of mind, a way of living. It is the soft flow of a candle on a wooden table, the scent of herbs drying by the window, the sound of a pen scratching letters into the pages of a journal. It is the place where I gather my thoughts, my dreams, and my stories, weaving them into the fabric of my daily life.

The Ritual of Candlelight

In our modern age, it is difficult to find a home centred around a hearth, and so the candle becomes the beacon of tranquillity and reflection. It is a simple, yet powerful, symbol of light, warmth and transformation. Lighting a candle is more than just a practical act; it is a ritual, a way of marking the transition from day to night, from noise to quiet, from chaos to calm.

It is in the liminal space of dusk that I light mine, its flame flickering like a star in the darkness. As I light it, I set an intention- a wish, a prayer, a thought. Sometimes, I whisper a few words to the flame, letting them rise with the smoke and disappear into the night. Other times, I simply sit in silence, watching the light dance and letting its warmth fill the room.

The candle is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is light. It is a beacon, a guide, a companion. And in its glow, I find clarity, peace, and a sense of connection to something greater than myself.

The Hearth as a Sanctuary

Creating a hearth is not about having the perfect space or the perfect tools. It is about intention, about carving out a corner of the world where you can be yourself, where you can breath, and dream, and simply be,
For me, this space is filled with simple, meaningful objects: a journal for my thoughts, a pen for my stories, dried herbs for their scent and symbolism. There is a wooden bowl filled with the stones I’ve collected on my walks, each one a memory, a talisman, a piece of the earth. And, of course, there is always a blanket, soft and worn, to wrap around my shoulders as I sit and write.

This is my hearth, my sanctuary. It is a place where I can retreat from the world, where I can gather my thoughts and my strength. It is a place where I can light a candle and let its glow guide me through the shadows.

A Ritual for Your Hearth

To create your own hearth, follow this simple ritual:

  1. Choose a space: Find a corner of your home that feels quiet and safe. It could be a windowsill, a desk, or even a spot on the floor. The location doesn’t matter, nor does the size of the space, it is about how you feel in the space.
  2. Gather your tools: Place a candle, a journal, and a few meaningful objects in your space. They could be herbs, photographs, small trinkets, or anything else that brings you comfort.
  3. Light the candle: As you light your candle, set an intention- a wish, a thought, a prayer. Let the flame be a symbol of your inner light.
  4. Sit in silence: Spend a few moments in quiet reflection, letting the candle’s glow fill the space and your heart.

The hearth is more than a place- it is a way of living. It is a reminder that even in the busiest, noisiest, darkest times, there is a space within us where we can find light, warmth, and peace.

So, light a candle, wrap yourself in a blanket, and sit by the hearth. Let its glow guide you through the shadows and let its warmth remind you of the beauty and magic that can be found in the everyday.

The Language of Flowers: Whispers of Petals, Secrets of the Wild

“The earth laughs in flowers”- Ralph Waldo Emerson

A Tapestry of Petals

In the quiet corners of the garden, where the sunlight dances on dew-kissed petals, there is a language older than words. It is a language of colour, scent and shape- a language that speakers of love, loss, and longing. This is the language of flowers, a secret code woven into the very fabric of nature.

For centuries, flowers have been more than just the ornaments of the earth. They have been messengers, carrying hidden meanings and unspoken emotions. A single bloom can tell a story, convey a feeling, or whisper a secret. To understand the language of flowers is to step into a world where every stem is a symbol and every blossom is a piece of the soul.

A History of Floriography

The language of flowers, or floriography, reached its height of popularity during the Victorian era, when strict social codes made open expression of emotions difficult. Flowers became a way to communicate what could not be said aloud- a bouquet of roses for love, a sprig of rosemary for remembrance, a cluster of violets for loyalty.

But the roots of floriography run much deeper. In ancient Greece, flowers were tied to myths and gods. Narcissus for vanity, hyacinth for grief, laurel for victory. In the Middle Ages, herbs and flowers were used in religious rituals and medicinal practices, their meanings intertwined with their healing properties.

Even today, the language of flowers lingers in our collective memory. We give red roses on Valentine’s Day, lilies at funerals, and daisies to celebrate innocence. These traditions are echoes of an ancient language, a reminder that flowers are more than just beauty. They are symbols, stories, and secrets.

The Stories They Tell

Each flower has its own story and voice. The rose, with velvety petals and thorny stem, speaks of love and passion, but also of mystery and farewell. In Greek mythology, the rose was born from the tears of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, a symbol of beauty born from sorrow.

Lavender, with its soft purple blooms and calming scent, whispers of devotion and purity. In Medieval Europe, it was believed toward off evil spirits and protect against the plague, its fragrance a shield against the unseen.

Ivy, with its winding tendrils and evergreen leaves, tells of fidelity and eternal bonds. In ancient Rome, it was sacred to Bacchus, the god of wind and revelry, a reminder that even in celebration, there is connection and growth.

The daffodil, with its golden trumpet and delicate petals, heralds renewal and hope. In Greek mythology, it is tied to the story of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection- a reminder that beauty can be both a gift and a curse.

And the poppy, with its crimson petals and dark centre, speakers of sleep, peace, and oblivion. In ancient Greece it was associated with Demeter, the goddess of harvest, and used in rituals to honour the dead- a symbol of rest and remembrance.

A Ritual for the Language of Flowers

To honour the language of flowers, try this ritual:

Find a quiet space, perhaps a garden or a sunlit windowsill, and choose a flower that resonates with your heart. Hold it gently in your hands, feeling its texture, its weight, its life. Whisper your intention to it- a wish, a memory, a hope. Then, please it somewhere sacred: in a vase, pressed between the pages of a journal, or tucked behind your ear.

As you do this, let the flower’s meaning guide your thoughts. Let its story become your story, its voice your voice. In this small act, you are not just honouring the flower- you are stepping into the ancient language of the earth, becoming part of its tapestry.

The language of flowers is not just a relic of the past; it is a living, breathing connection to the earth and to each other. It is a reminder than beauty and meaning are everywhere, if only we take the time to look.

So, next time you walk through a garden or wild meadow, listen closely. The flowers are speaking. What will they tell you?

Herbs For Healing: The Earth’s Ancient Wisdom

From root to bloom, the earth offers us its ancient wisdom- a tapestry of healing, magic and memory woven into every leaf and petal.

The Language of Herbs

Long before modern medicine, there were herbs. These humble plants, with their roots deep in the soil and their leaves reaching for the sun, have been our allies for millennia. They are whispers of the earth, keepers of secrets, and healers of both body and soul.

in folklore, herbs are often imbued with magical properties. Lavender is said to calm the mind and protect against nightmare. Rosemary is a symbol of remembrance, its scent carrying the memories of those we’ve lost. Chamomile, with its golden heart, is a balm for the spirit, soothing anxiety and inviting rest.

This folklore and tradition are not just empty words and fanciful ideas passed down from generation to generation- they are reminders of the deep connection between humans and the natural world. To work with herbs is to step into that ancient relationship, to listen to the whispers of the earth, and to trust in its wisdom.

Herbs for Healing

Here are a few herbs that have been cherished throughout human history for their healing properties.

Lavender: The Soother of Souls

In medieval Europe, lavender was believed to ward off evil spirits and protect against the plague. It was often placed under pillows to bring peaceful dreams. In modern times, it is used to calm anxiety, promote sleep, and ease headaches.

Suggested uses:

  • Brew a cup of lavender tea, just before bed, to promote sleepiness and peaceful dreaming.
  • Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a diffuser or bath to bask in the soothing aroma.
  • Create a sleep sachet with dried lavender and place it underneath your pillow to calm your mind before sleep.

Rosemary: The Herb of Remembrance

In ancient Greece, students wore rosemary wreaths to enhance their memory during exams. It was also used in wedding ceremonies to symbolise loyalty and fidelity. Still today, rosemary is lauded for its memory-boosting attributes along with its circulation boosting properties.

Suggested uses:

  • Infuse rosemary into olive oil for a soothing massage- the herb is known to relieve muscle pain.
  • Add fresh rosemary to soups or roasted vegetable for a flavourful boost.
  • Burn rosemary as incense to clear negative energy.

Chamomile: The Golden Healer

In Egyptian mythology, chamomile was associated with the sun god Ra, and was used in rituals to honour the divine. Its uses are less celestial now, but it is useful in soothing digestive issues, reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation.

Suggested uses:

  • Brew a cup of chamomile tea whenever anxiety takes over or stress levels become high.
  • Add chamomile flowers to a warm bath for a soothing soak.
  • Create a facial steam with chamomile to cleanse and refresh the skin.

Peppermint: The Energising Spirit

In Greek mythology, peppermint is tied to the story of the nymph Mentha, who was transformed into the plant by the goddess Persephone. We can thank the jealous spirit of Persephone for this herb then, as it is used today to relieve nausea, ease headaches and boost energy

Suggested uses:

  • Brew a cup of peppermint tea in the morning to aid digestion and bloating. It will also invigorate the senses.
  • Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to a diffuser for a refreshing aroma.
  • Crush fresh peppermint leaves and inhale their scent to relieve headaches.

Echinacea: The Immune Ally

Native American tribes have used echinacea throughout history to treat wounds, infections, and snake bites believing it to be a powerful protector. This ancient wisdom was not wrong- echinacea has been proven to help fight infections, reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.

Suggested uses:

  • Brew echinacea tea at the first sign of a cold or flu.
  • Take echinacea supplements to support immune health.
  • Create a tincture with echinacea root to store for long term use.

A Ritual for Healing

To honour the healing power of herbs, try this simple ritual.

  1. Gather your Herbs: Choose one or more herbs that resonate with your needs (e.g., lavender for calm, rosemary for clarity).
  2. Create a Sacred Space: Light a candle and arrange your herbs.
  3. Set an Intention: Hold the herbs in your hand and whisper your intention (e.g., “May I find peace,” “May I be healed”).
  4. Brew a Tea or Infusion: Use the herbs to create a tea or infusion, focussing on your intention as you prepare it.
  5. Give Thanks: Thank the earth for its gifts and the herbs for their wisdom.

Herbs are more than just plants- they are our teachers, our healers, and our allies. They remind us that the earth is alive, that it holds the answers we seek, and that we are never truly alone.

So, the next time you feel lost or weary, turn to the herbs. Let their whispers guide you, their wisdom heal you, and their magic remind you of the beauty and power to be found in the natural world.

From root to bloom, the earth’s ancient wisdom is here for us- if we only listen.

The Fool’s Journey: Taking The First Step Into The Unknown

The first card of the Major Arcana: The first step on a journey.

Symbolism

The Fool stands on the edge of a cliff, a small bag in hand, a loyal companion by their side. They are not afraid of the drop ahead, because they trust in the journey. this card reminds us that every great adventure begins with a single step- a leap of faith into the unknown.

In The Tarot, the Fool is depicted as a wanderer, a dreamer, a seeker of truth. They take with them only what they need: a bag of potential, a rose of passion, and the light of curiosity. The fog at their feet symbolises instinct and loyalty, a reminder that even in the unknown, we are never truly alone.

The cliff represents the edge of the familiar, the boundary between what we know and what we have yet to discover. To step off that edge is to embrace the unknown, to trust in the journey, and to believe that the universe will catch us.

The Fool in Folklore and Myth

The Fool’s journey is not just a Tarot archetype- it is a story as old as time. In folklore and myth, the Fool appears as the trickster, the wanderer, the one who dares to question the status quo.

Think of Loki, the Norse trickster, who challenges the gods and brings chaos to order. Or, consider Orpheus, who descends into the underworld to retrieve his love, armed only with his lyre and his faith. These figures remind us that the Fool’s journey is not just about taking risks- it is about transformation, about becoming who we are meant to be.

To me, the Fool is a wanderer in the forest, drawn by the whispers of the trees and the promise of something more. They might be the dreamer who lights a black candle and gazes into the flame, seeking answers in the shadows.

The Fool’s Message for Us

When the Fool appears in a reading, it is a call to embrace the unknown, to trust in the journey, and to take that first step, no matter how uncertain it may feel. It is a reminder that every ending is a beginning, and every beginning is a chance to rewrite our story.

The Fool does not ask us to have the answers. They ask only that we be open to the possibilities, that we trust in the magic of the journey, and that we believe in ourselves.

A Ritual for The Fool

To honour the Fool’s energy, try this simple ritual:

  • Light a Black Candle: The flame represents the light of curiosity and the courage to step into the unknown.
  • Draw the Fool Card: Place it in front of the candle and meditate on its symbolism. What step are you being called to take?
  • Write a Letter to Your Future Self: What do you hope to discover on your journey? What fears are you ready to release?
  • Take a Small Step: Whether it is starting a new project, trying something new, or simply saying “yes” to an opportunity, take one small step towards the unknown.

Closing Reflection

The Fool’s journey is not just a card in the Tarot- it is a metaphor for life itself. It is the story of beginnings, of risks, of transformation. It is the story of you and me, of all of us who dare to dream, to wander, to step into the unknown.