Lorri@Mabon_House 5/21/24 Lorri@Mabon_House 5/21/24

Litha Traditions & Rituals

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Litha is a celebration of the longest day of the year and the peak of summer in the Wheel of the Year. Litha is celebrated around June 21st, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, giving us the longest day and shortest night of the year. This day is also known as the Summer Solstice and midsummer’s night. It is a time to celebrate light, growth, and the and our connection to nature.

History of Litha

Midsummer Night is the longest day of the year and has been celebrated in some fashion since ancient times. In Pagan tradition, Litha marked the end of the Oak King’s reign and the rise of the Holly King, who oversees the world as the days gradually get shorter as the world descends into the cold dark of winter.

Like Beltane, fire is an element of Litha. Bonfires were lit to assist the sun as it journeyed across the sky, changing course and shortening the days. It was believed that the faerie realm was the most accessible during Midsummer Night.

Litha was also a celebration of the Celctic goddess Danu (Anu) who represents earth and fruitfulness. According to Irish mythology Danu was the Universal Mother of Tuatha De Danaan - a tribe of ancient people in Ireland believed to have invaded Ireland and ruled until being defeated in war on midsummer’s day, after which they retreated to the hills and eventually became the Faerie folk.

As Christianity swept across Europe in the early middle ages, Litha / Midsummer Night was adopted by the Catholic church as St. John’s Day, celebrating John the Baptist.

Symbols of Litha

Some common symbols of Litha include:

Sunflowers: These bright flowers symbolize the sun and its energy.
Oak trees: Oaks are strong and powerful, just like the sun at its peak.
Bonfires: Lighting bonfires is a traditional way to honor the sun and its warmth.

General themes for Litha include:

Light: Celebrating the longest day of the year and the light that nourishes us.
Growth: Recognizing the peak of summer and the abundance it brings.
Power: Honoring the strength and energy of the sun.

Traditional Litha Activities

Litha is a time to celebrate the sun at its peak, and many traditional activities reflect this focus on light and energy. Here are some popular ways to celebrate Litha:

Lighting Bonfires: One of the oldest traditions is lighting bonfires. These fires symbolize the sun's power and offer protection. People often gather around bonfires to dance, sing, and celebrate together.
Gathering Herbs: Many believe that herbs picked on Litha are especially powerful. Common herbs include St. John's Wort, yarrow, and mugwort. These herbs can be used for healing, protection, and magic.
Decorating with Flowers: Flowers are abundant in the summer, and decorating with them is a beautiful way to celebrate Litha. You can make flower crowns, wreaths, or garlands to wear or decorate your home.

Rituals to Honor the Sun

Rituals are a meaningful way to connect with the energy of Litha. Here are some simple rituals you can try:

Create a Sun Wheel: A sun wheel is a circular arrangement of flowers, herbs, and other natural items that symbolize the sun. You can place it on your altar or hang it in your home to honor the sun's energy.
Sunrise Meditation: Wake up early on the day of the Summer Solstice to watch the sunrise. As you watch, meditate on the sun's energy and how it brings light and warmth to your life.
Make a Litha Candle: Decorate a candle with symbols of the sun, such as sunflowers, gold glitter, or orange ribbons. Light this candle during your Litha celebrations to honor the sun's power.

Community and Connection

Litha is a time for community and connection. Many people celebrate with family and friends. Here are some ways to gather and celebrate together:

Host a Solstice Feast: Prepare a meal with seasonal foods and invite friends and family to join you. You can enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are abundant at this time of year.
Study Litha Oracle Cards: Oracle cards are a type of divination tool used for guidance, insight, and reflection. They are similar to tarot cards but differ in structure and purpose. They are often seen as more beginner-friendly because they do not require extensive study of tarot card meanings and traditional spreads.

Attend a Festival: Many communities hold festivals to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Look for local events where you can join in the festivities, dance, and enjoy music.
Plan a Nature Outing: Spend time in nature with your loved ones. You can go for a hike, have a picnic, or spend the day at the beach. Enjoying the outdoors is a great way to connect with the energy of Litha.

Litha is a time to celebrate the peak of summer and the power of the sun. By participating in traditional activities and rituals, you can deepen your connection to this special time of year. Whether you light a bonfire, gather herbs, or meditate at sunrise, these practices help you honor the energy of Litha. Stay tuned for our next post, where we will explore Litha crafts and recipes to bring the solstice spirit into your home.

Does Manifesting Really Work?

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I was cleaning out my home office not too long ago and came across a Life Binder I started back in 2012. In it were notes and lists written in my Law of Attraction heyday. I had snippets from magazines glued to copy paper, representing my Be, Do, Have desires. There were images of white farmhouses and rose gardens, yellow kitchens and smart business casual outfits. There was the ubiquitous Check from the Universe, made out to myself (obviously), for an amount representing the salary I wanted that year. I had a lists of desires written in the present tense. I am so happy and grateful that…. There were gratitude lists galore.

I found different versions of my Be Do Have lists from 2012, 2014 and 2017 - each one with new items and wants.

Reading through these lists was fun. I checked off many of the items. I bought a house, got my masters degree, raised my kids, increased my income, started a successful blog. Did I manifest these? Maybe. But I also took a LOT of action to bring these desires into reality. But…..I definitely think that for some events in my life, there was some divine intervention. How I bought my house is a prime example. After my divorce I had to go back to renting and I thought I would never own a house again. But somehow I was approved for a mortgage, found a home in my price range that was big enough for my family and close to schools and my work. Everything seemed to fall magically into place at just the right time. Side note - this was 2013, when the housing market was still stable. Did I manifest this house? Maybe. Maybe not. But I’ve always felt like someone was looking out for me, to find what literally felt like the perfect place to call home.

Some of the items on my Be Do Have lists I no longer wanted. In fact, I’m really happy I didn’t get them. This includes jobs, relationships, a questionable chevron inspired rug for my living room. Did I not get these things because I wasn’t high vibe enough? Or because the Universe knew better? Or was it just bad luck/ good luck?

I’ve been off any kind of LOA/Manifesting for a few years now. I don’t know if it was because of the pandemic or I just got tired of trying to be positive so much of the time. A major flaw with LOA for me, is that it kept me in my head too much. I was always policing my thoughts and was constantly trying to find silver linings, when sometimes, it was just a pile of sh!t.

During COVID-19, out of curiosity, I did deep dives into the history of some of the most popular LOA figures - Abraham Hicks, Neville Goddard, Rhonda Byrnes, the hippy guy from The Secret. What I found wasn’t great. There are lots of articles and information about some shady past dealings with each of them. Is it all true? Maybe. Maybe not. Either way it was enough to put me off any thoughts of LOA until recently.

In her book, The Age of Magical Thinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality, author and podcast host Amanda Montell delves into the ideas behind concepts like manifesting, debunking the idea that thoughts become things and that we can control anything by just focusing on it. On a logical level I understood what Montell was saying. We are programmed with cognitive biases and to imbue meaning into even the most mundane parts of our life. Coincidences become signs from a higher power. Bad luck is attributed to bad karma in a past life. Seeing certain numbesr is a message from angels. Listening to this book (I bought it on Audible) thoroughly debunk any kind of magickal thinking left me feeling a little sad. I mean, there has to be some magic in life, right?

Yes, humans are designed to make meaning out of pretty much anything, but I refuse to believe that there is NO higher power guiding us in some way. Perhaps it is a God or Goddess, or maybe our ancestors. I like to think that nature is my guide, because being outside brings me peace and clarity. Is this because I am allowing myself to slow down and be present enough to feel to my feelings? Or is it the essence of Gaia guiding me with soft winds and passing clouds? Maybe it’s a little bit of both.

I’ve picked up my Be Do Have lists again. This time feeling a little more grounded and wise about what I really want in life. My list in 2024 includes peace, joy, health and stability. And maybe a new rug for my living room.

Lorri@Mabon_House 3/28/24 Lorri@Mabon_House 3/28/24

Creating a Budget That Reflects Your Values

Creating a budget isn't just about numbers; it's a reflection of your values and intentions. Integrating your beliefs into your financial planning can enhance their sense of purpose and well-being. Prioritizing your values in your budgeting process can bring harmony to your financial life.

I know that once I established my core values and started practice more mindful consumption and spending habits, saving money got much easier. I was better able to set realistic and meaningful goals for myself, along with curbing (for the most part) hedonic impulse spending.

Here are some tips to help you align your budget to your values, as part of a more intentional lifestyle:

Reflect on Your Values: Before diving into numbers, take time to reflect on your values and what matters most to you. As a woman embracing nature-based spirituality, you might prioritize connection with the Earth, community, mindfulness, and sustainability. Consider how these values influence your lifestyle choices and how you allocate your resources.
Set Intentions: Once you've identified your values, set clear intentions for your budget. Ask yourself: What do I want my money to support? How do I want to contribute to my community and the environment? Setting intentions helps guide your financial decisions and ensures that your spending aligns with your values.
Track Your Income and Expenses: Start by tracking your income and expenses to understand your financial landscape. Keep it simple by listing your sources of income and categorizing your expenses. This step provides valuable insights into where your money is going and where you might need to make adjustments. If you need some inspiration to get started, I recommend listening to Your Money or Your Life - an audio book about transforming your relationship with money to achieve financial independence
Allocate Funds Mindfully: With your values and intentions in mind, allocate your funds in alignment with what matters most to you. Allocate a portion of your income to essentials like housing, food, and utilities, but also set aside money for activities that nourish your soul, such as nature retreats, community gatherings, or supporting local artisans.
Practice Conscious Consumption: As someone who embraces nature-based spirituality and isn't into capitalism, practicing conscious consumption is key. Prioritize quality over quantity, support businesses that align with your values, and consider the environmental and social impact of your purchases. By being mindful of where and how you spend your money, you can reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable world.
Cultivate Gratitude: Incorporate gratitude into your budgeting practice by regularly acknowledging the abundance in your life. Take time to appreciate the resources you have and the opportunities they provide. Cultivating gratitude not only fosters a positive mindset but also helps you make more intentional financial decisions.
Build an Emergency Fund: Financial stability is essential for peace of mind and resilience. Allocate a portion of your income towards building an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses or income disruptions. Having a financial safety net empowers you to navigate life's uncertainties with confidence.
Invest in Yourself: Investing in yourself is an investment in your well-being and personal growth. Set aside money for self-care activities, education, or pursuing passions and hobbies. Remember that nurturing yourself is essential for living a fulfilling and balanced life.
Practice Generosity: As part of your budget, consider incorporating giving back to your community or supporting causes you believe in. Whether it's volunteering your time, donating money, or advocating for social and environmental justice, practicing generosity fosters a sense of connection and purpose beyond oneself.
Review and Adjust Regularly: Finally, regularly review your budget to ensure it continues to reflect your values and intentions. Life circumstances and priorities may change, so be flexible and willing to adjust your financial plan accordingly. By staying proactive and responsive, you can maintain alignment between your finances and your evolving values.

Crafting a budget that reflects your values and intentions is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. As a woman embracing nature-based spirituality, integrating your beliefs into your financial planning can deepen your connection to yourself, your community, and the Earth. By aligning your spending with what matters most to you, you can cultivate a sense of purpose, abundance, and harmony in your financial life. Remember, your budget is a tool for creating the life you envision, one rooted in authenticity, mindfulness, and compassion.

In the process of creating this post, I utilized ChatGPT, a language model developed by OpenAI. ChatGPT provided assistance in generating content and refining ideas.