IMAGE CANDLES WITH HANDFASTING CEREMONY

Handfasting is an ancient Celtic tradition 

for "tying the knot" - wedding ceremony, 

As an officiant at weddings and as part of the 

handfasting I add image candles. 

More Traditional White Wed

It's a lovely tradition where different colored ribbons or cords are loosely tied around a couples hands as vows are exchanged and/or sacred words are spoken with each ribbon or as the cord is draped over the hands. Then the ribbons (cord) is loosely tied.

There are various ways to tie the knot and how it is done is up to the couple and/or officiant. 

I've enjoyed officiating at weddings since 1992, which started because one of my sisters asked me to do it. Since then, family, friends and recommended others have invited me to be their "minister" - officiate. Each wedding has been a bit different in vows and celebrations and all, wonderfully lovely.

What I've always included is couple candles also known as image candles; an added sacredness with vows or special words spoken as the candles are lit.  

Red: passion

Sometimes I use a man and woman candle of different colors. After they have burned completely down I do a psychic reading of the mixed  blended colors of the candles wax for the couple. 

Who lights whose? Each person can light her or his own or exchange lighting. Vows/words can be spoken as they do.  I.E. "You are the light of my life" or "You light me up."

At my last wedding the message was quite clear early on during the melting of the wax.

 See how the wax on one (bride) candle dropped over to the other (groom) in the shape of a heart? Beautiful, isn't it and if not for a guest seeing it, I wouldn't have captured this magical message - giving her heart completely to her husband.

There are many different kinds of couple - wedding - candles to choose from.  You don't have to wait for a wedding. Hubby and I marked our anniversaries by lighting the image candles. Enjoy celebrating your love!

In this blog there's more about handfasting and pagan weddings.

You can choose the color to best describe your love relationship.

A passionate orange coupling. 
June Ahern, an author of four books, is a psychic medium
with paranormal investigations as seen on YouTube.
She is a Metaphysical and Life Coach and professional speaker.
Review more about June and her books at june ahern dot com

SCOTTISH IMIGRANTS IN SAN FRANCISCO EBOOK FREE

 

"The Skye in June"- a well-loved book.  Free ebook until Feb. 26, 2015. Please read and leave a review in the country of which you are.  400 overwhelmingly positive reviews can be found at Amazon.com (US, UK, France); Goodreads.com, Smashwords.com, author's website, and Barnes and Noble. 

To purchase on Amazon. 

To purchase an autograph copy to to Purchase at june ahern's site.

The title is based upon the Isle of Skye where the answer to the mystery can be found.

In the mid 1950's my family emigrated to the United States. My father left one year earlier to find work and a place to live. He had a sponsor, another Scot. My mother brought their seven children on March 17, 1956 to meet him in San Francisco, California. We lived in a flat on Market by 17th Street in an area called Eureka Valley, which one day would become known as the colorful "Castro." When I grew up there it was all family's, Irish, German, some Italian and only three Scottish families, us, the Frazier's and the Love's.  The eldest child, a sister, went to St. Paul's High school and the rest of us who were of school age, to Most Holy Redeemer. Yes, we were a staunch Catholic family and that was one of the reasons my parents decided to immigrate. When I was 11 years of age we became U.S. citizens. The love of Scotland and history was kept alive through my parents and their Scottish friends, who became our new family, having left behind all of our relatives.

My older siblings remember more of the teasing and confusing of words and life as immigrants, I did not rather than recall the "You talk like an American," or "Stop acting like an American," which to me seemed odd as we were now Americans. My parents and older siblings still had that strong connection to their homeland. And in fact, called it "back home" for many, many years.

The stories of Glasgow, the life they knew there, with the people who they loved and lived with, were told over and over, most funny, some exciting like WWII bombings and the time one sister was kidnapped (and returned.)

Life in Eureka Valley was most memorable to me; our school days with the nuns, kids on the block playing out in the streets until it became dark, the Saturday afternoons at the Castro Theater that just about all the neighborhood kids went to, and the characters one meets growing up that shape your thoughts and actions.

Somewhere in your mind, no matter your age, you feel that "back home" life. I wrote about a lot of it in my novel but embellished or mixed a few characters into one - never wanting anyone to declare - hey! that's me! or another. But those who grew up with me will recognize what and about who I based some. Here's about the book: my Scottish immigrant family.

It's a poignant story about a Scottish immigrant family living in San Francisco during the mid-1950's (way back in the day, eh?) and the four children come to age at the beginning of the Haight/Ashbury Revolution! 1964. If you haven't been to San Francisco or grew up there, you'll like this story. Plus learn some Scottish as you read the MacDonalds, a Glaswegian family, tale. It starts out in Scotland where you meet Cathy MacDonald on her way to the hospital to deliver yet another bairn. After a family tragedy the family travel to San Francisco in hopes for a fresh start and a better life.

The story centers around the youngest child, a redheaded rambunctious girl who has visions that threaten to tear the family apart if revealed. 

It's a colorful story, rich in history of The Castro, San Francisco and Scotland. Enjoy the Scottish language and culture. Meet the four kids, all girls and their often hilarious escapades as they try to avoid their father's abusive punishments.

Is there a sequel? Yes, in progress due to the overwhelming requests for more!

Read more on Amazon or Smashwords. com (returns to smashwords on 3/1/15) For more go to june ahern dot com

KEEP PASSION IN YOUR LIFE! Witch and The Stag are Alive!

Witch June with Stag Hubby Wedding Day 2006

                                                       Having our cake and eating it too!

The heat is on! Viva la Passion!  Live your passion– to dance, laugh, feast, eat, and be merry! 

From the eve of April 30th through May 1st, the world celebrates Beltane—a Sabbat honoring the sacredness of sexual union. It is a ritual of fire, passion, and unbridled dance. 

The festivities include the ritual of coupling as the stage moves through the bushes in search of maidens.

Naturally, he’ll don his horns and rut through the bushes in search of hidden maidens. But the stag is in for a surprise: for this holiday weekend, even the crones transform into maidens.

And while a 'stag' may take the stage in this celebration, you won't find him in the forest; this is a much more human kind of wild.

Indulge in a massage to awaken your senses and feel your pulse quicken. 

Wear bold reds, electric pinks, and royal purples; embrace big dots and stripes for the sheer joy of it.

Immerse yourself in the natural world’s symphony of beauty, from the kaleidoscope of blooming flowers to the succulent sweetness of a summer strawberry.

Revel in Mother Nature's symphony of beauty; blooming, colorful flowers, and luscious, succulent fruits like juicy, red strawberries - yum!! 

Embrace the sexual energy that stirs every cell and awakens your spirit. Beyond the physical, sexuality ignites a passion that propels us toward new horizons. It is the fire of potential—of dreams, images, and hopes waiting to be realized. If there is anything you wish to manifest or revitalize, now is the moment to pour your energy into that sacred flame.

Sex creates a passion response, giving a lift to one’s step. It is delightfully naughty at times. One feels young, silly, and those kinky thoughts invade the practical, logical brain. 

Sex has a way of turning into love. That was our story nearly thirty years ago, when the initial fire of passion between my love and I transcended the physical, blossoming into a deep and lasting heart connection.

Aphrodite, April's goddess of love and death, reigns over the heat of the celebration. Her name is rooted in the verb aperire,  meaning “to open.”She is often pictured depicted naked with her hands pointing to her genitals to remind us of the passage through which we came into the world. 

My books: If you prefer to use your library care: In your local library, request The Timeless Counselor and How to Talk With Spirits. You'll need to go to Amazon and get the information, such as the date published, when requesting.

A complete consumer's guide to receiving the most from a Psychic Reading: 

The Timeless Counselor: The Best Guide to a Successful Psychic Reading is now an audiobook as well 

in paperback and ebook. 

Reasonable answers about spirit communication:  How to Talk With Spirits: Seances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts 

 

Popular internally enjoyed fiction, paperback, ebook, and audio: The Skye in June, Scottish immigrants in San Francisco

City of Redemption is a groovy, delicious noir set against the backdrop of the Summer of Love. Paperback and eBook. While it isn’t in audio yet, my 2026 goal is to get it recorded—get ready to hear some truly far-out lingo.

 june ahern dot com -  To purchase my books purchase: Personally autographed, email me, see my website, or purchase through Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble, Spotify, Audio, and many other audio book outlets. and your favorite bookselling stores.

June's YouTube channel  https://www.youtube.com/@juneahernauthor

 Walk with a Medium and the Haunted Bay Condor Club and Interview with a Medium

PSYCHIC KIDS COLOR THEM INDIGO

If you think kids say the darnest things, wait to a psychic kid 

reads your aura, tells your future and lays a healing hand on you.

March 4: My radio program discussion about: The Psychic & Indigo Child radio show "Healing Arts" with host Yerevan... now here.    https://readingsbyyerevan.com/radio-shows/june-ahern-interview/

If link isn't working, copy and past.

On this show Yerevan and I continue from previous programs to explore the Indigo Child's roles in society, and why are they called Indigo Children. Tuesday, April 1st, 2014  9-10 a.m. PST  KOWS Radio Station Internet Radio.  Listen to Indigo Children one and two.

Yes, they are more aware about the world at a younger age and the generations before them. Yes, they are more intelligent than ever before. Yes, they are more independent and speak up! Yes, they are much more intuitive. 

My first novel, The Skye in June, centers around a psychic child who has insights that scare the parents - a hidden past, lies says the father and the mother worries what will be revealed and have her sisters rolling their eyes. 

I will give my insights to those who took my ESP Quiz. If you want the quiz comment on this blog with your score and I'll answer.

Read about my complete consumer's guide for getting the most benefirs from a psychic and the reading, The Timeless Counselor: The Best Guide to a Successful Psychic Reading, How to Talk With Spirits, and novel, City of Redemption. Amazon.com and Smashwords.com
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=june+ahern

Om, Om, Om; I ams who I says I ams

Timeless Counselor

“Why am I the only one I can count on to get things done right?”  That had been one of my most concentrated on-going mantras for many years. And you know what? Chanting it often created virtually no (acceptable) help for me. 

A mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that is considered capable of “creating transformation” or, as I learned, creating being stuck in a belief. Words that are repeated verbally or mentally by chanting, speaking or singing will result in a manifestation of what is being said.

Where did I learn that mantra? Why would I chant words that served no good and kept me trudging wearily along? Because I believed it from past experiences – ones that I relived in my mind of times where I received no or very little support, which in return, created a sense not being cared for or understood until I stopped asking for help or understanding.

My thoughts were “stinking thinking” and not giving my present time or future the opportunity to be better.

The day I found myself mentally chanting that mantra, I laughed out loud scaring my fellow nature walkers. OMG! What other negative thoughts were cursing my life? I discovered them by paying attention to how, and what, I was thinking, which is an on-going daily job.

Through meditation I learned to be more aware of what floats around the head. I also learned that I have choices of what I think. No need to bemoan my life as a victim. When I find disharmony in my head, I say stop! And say three positive things (at least) about my self and life (counting my blessing).

I also learned to take my negative mantra and make it into a positive transformational one. For example the mantra above I changed to, “With trust I depend upon others to help me.”  Chanting that mantra opened up many new doors for me with new opportunities and projects blossoming. The heavy burden of being a single parent and business owner was shared, successfully.

Life did not become an overnight bowl of cherries, but with knowing that I have and can choose and direct my inner voice, I am freer to guide my visions into fulfilling goals.

It worked for me. Can it work for you? How has your stinking thinking closed off positive paths?

Learn more about my books The Skye in June (novel) and The Timeless Counselor: The Best Guide for a Successful Psychic Reading at www.juneahern.com and Life Coaching practice.

This blog was originally a guest blog at big girl bombshell

The Priests Paved my Witch Path

On numerous occasions I’ve been condemned for being a pagan and witch by those professing to be God loving religious folks.

After years of avoiding inquiries about my spiritual path I became forthcoming to disapproving faces of those chastising my spiritual practice.

I’ve been asked how could a nice Catholic woman forsake God for a heathen practice? What demon seduced you to prance around under the moon naked to the world? What evil spirit took control of your soul calling you to cast spells?

“Honestly,” say I, “it was a progression rather than a possession.”

It wasn't the spirituality of Catholicism that started my soul’s exodus and detachment from it, but rather the "old boy" attitude.

I began to view my religion as stuck in outdated dogmas. I questioned such things as, why women
weren’t involved with electing a new pope?

For centuries Catholic women have accepted backseat roles to male members, proving to me that they, my sisters, bought into men as superior to lead. As I looked around the church at a majority of women, girls and boys with a sprinkling of, mostly, senior men, I wondered why I supported a religion that didn’t allow for powerful decision-making roles for females.

But it was these incidents at Mass that finalized my decision to leave the Church. During a sermon a priest addressed the role of women as mothers and daughters. He said they were to serve their husbands and fathers’ needs (cook, clean) and not question his decisions for he was the head of the family as the priest is the father of his flock. Later at another sermon on Mother’s Day the congregation was told to condemn abortionist. Done deal for me, said I, a pro-choicer. At the age of 44 I left my family’s religion forever.

It was a most difficult and sad choice because religion was a large connection to, and part of, my family. But my spirit sought, amongst other needs, a spiritual group that contained equality of sexes in power roles.

Some former Catholics hold a grudge against the religion. I do not. There is no reason to be stuck in what didn’t fulfill me. I am thankful for my religious upbringing and continue to appreciate some reasonable philosophical and spiritual concepts from it. Through the faith I learned to have a deep caring for, and practice in, spirituality and ritual.

Attending parochial school my memories are mainly cherished ones of my teachers, the nuns. Most were good women and very interesting teachers who taught me to enjoy literature, geography, history and theology.

I’ve created a satisfying spiritual practice through mixing and matching philosophical and spiritual teachings from Buddhism, Rosy Croix, Native American spirituality, paganism, Wicca and witchcraft. I am open to learning about religions that support women in strong decision-making roles in regards to making laws and dogmas for I am a devoted student of living with spirit, spirituality and  theology.

My books - An excellent consumer's guide: “The Timeless Counselor: The Best Guide to a Successful Psychic Reading” and novel:  "The Skye in June” & "City of Redemption.
juneahern dot com

Do the Dead in Hereafter Really Talk?

I just watched the movie Hereafter with Matt Damon as George, a retired psychic medium, who is called back into service against his will. I know how he felt.

I’m one of those people who easily sees and talks to the dead––those who have passed over. In the movie George tells another how he became psychic: As a child he had become very ill and needed surgery on the back of his head. Because of it something happened in his brain resulting in him “knowing and seeing” things about people he had no prior access to and this information was told to him by dead people.

I appreciated how the scriptwriter presented a correlation between head/brain surgery and changes in one’s psychic abilities. I also had a similar experience where a head injury had awoken my psychic abilities.

When I was nineteen I was in a very serious car accident and received grave injuries to my face and head and for a moment in the ambulance I “died”. That brief moment profoundly changed the course of my life forever, although it took me years to, not only understand what happened, but talk about it openly. Like one character in Hereafter I went to the“otherside”. My experience was like what some others had as described in Life after Life by Dr. Raymond Moody.

The attending physician told my parents that it was nothing short of a miracle that I came through as well as I did. I had blasted through the windshield, bounced back inside the car with glass embedded in my face and eyes. A leg hit the gearbox with such force that it broke it out. No broken bones, no blindness (the biggest concern). The face scars were deep and ugly, but I lived through the initial freaking out. The physical part in time healed but the true miracle was what happened afterward.

Within a couple of months I began to have strong premonitions, about people’s past (recognition) visions of future events (precognition) and dead people spoke to me. It was not pleasant. Heck it scared the bejeevus out of me! Not that I was new to accepting psychic occurrences. My mother had a curiosity in it, even having a few prophetic a few dreams and for fun read tealeaves, but my experiences surpassed this greatly.

Quite a few years later I read in the Time-Warner popular book series “Mysterious of the Unknown” how a head injury often happened before one experienced psychic abilities. The knock opened a part of the brain resulting in this phenomenon.

One of my strong abilities is mediumship and I rather enjoy it. I’ve mostly given up giving spirit communication (aka séances) because of the physically living beings as George experienced.

Of course the dead can be an annoyance as Oda Mae Brown (Whoopi Goldberg) in the movie “Ghosts” learned where she was deluged by spirits all coming through (talking) at one time––it can happen like that when they find a person who can see and hear them.

Do they haunt you like Oda Mae was by the dead character Sam, Patrick Swayze? You bethca! This happened to me once. The spirit didn’t lighten up until the police contacted me for all her information (her killer was successfully prosecuted.)

There are many rewards having these abilities’ and talents. I’ve met people from all over the world and been invited to travel to share my abilities. People have told me the information I shared changed their lives. Then again there’s a downside. In the movie George says that some people say he has a gift, but he thought of it more as a curse. I can relate. The curse is seeing and knowing too much as George says. Psychics do become tired.

Its takes a lot of energy, much focus and a certain detachment as information surges through. I’ve worked with law enforcement and even the believers have a particular way that can make one feel a bit blocked. There’s the need and expectations of clients to fulfill (or not) and neediness of the people seeking help and connections to dead loved ones. Let’s not forget the testing doubters, the ridiculing critics and the condemning haters (oh yes!) of psychics.

After having used my abilities for 40 years I believe that psychic energy must retire and the person must live for her or himself. But then, like George, there’s always that one more person who truly needs that information.

My book, The Timeless Counselor, tells it all - how psychics receive information, psychic readings, how to have a positive experience with and take my ESP test in The Timeless Counselor available as an ebook at www.smashwords.com & Amazon Kindle. See more at www.juneahern.com

SO MOTE IT BE. LET THE MAGIC BEGIN!

 Paul Borda at moonlight mysteries. com

The Word for today is Mote. State your '15 goals then end them with So Mote it Be.

I'm often asked what "so mote it be" means. It's the same as saying, "amen' or "it's my word, and that's is as good as gold." What you declare to be true, is and you are bound by your word.

The actual meaning of mote is based upon old Anglo-Saxon language - thank you. Also, similar to ending a prayer with, amen. 

It can also be used to as "The truth has been spoken or That's the truth" hence said when an agreement has been made and like a handshake, seals the deal. Perhaps saying this precluded written contracts.

In essence one is confident and committed to what she has just declared as good and truthful.

In certain spiritual groups the phrase So Mote it Be is said at the end of a statement or ritual. Wiccans or witches or those who cast spells say it with the thought of “So might it be” or “So be it” or “Let it be" meaning, let the magic begin, the manifestation is in motion.

Saying it shows confidence that what you are creating will manifest.  

My complete consumer's guide to a psychic reading: The Timeless

Counselor: the Best Guide to a Successful Psychic Reading and  my overwhelmingly rated five star novels, The Skye in June and City of Redemption go to Amazon.  Or,  june ahern dot com.

New Book How to Talk With Spirits: Seances, Mediums and Ghost Hunts now available. 

Take a ghostly historical walk with me through San Francisco's infamous Barbary Coast, meet a wee gent in an alley and more on youtube.com "The Haunted Bay." Links found at my website. june ahern dot com

MARRIED TO A WITCH

Not once but twice the man committed to the witch. 

Bound to her through a handfasting ceremony he later signed a legal form pulling the knot tighter.


Was it because of his love or the Love Potion Spell the witch cast?

Perhaps bit of both. But, I think he likes being married to a witch. 

I know hubby has taken quite a bit of ribbing being married to a witch.

He likes being married to a witch. He can handle it. That’s what he tells the guys.

Standing around the barbecue pit with his buddies flipping burgers, I heard him asked, “So, like, does she put spells on you?” followed by a bucket full of manly ho, ho ho’s. 

Husband just smiled. He knows that indeed I did put a spell on him shortly after we met – with his permission of course. In fact, he supplied me with a snippet of his hair. “Go ahead, put a spell on me,” brave-hearted potential lover said, and then dubiously eyeing the anthame (witch ceremonial knife) added, “A good one.”

I didn’t use all his hair at once. First, using a few strands, I cast a spell that he’d be happy, healthy and play good golf. Then after a while I coveted him (yum yum), so I wrapped the remaining strands of hair around my finger making a ring before carefully slipping it off.  Soaked it overnight in Cleopatra oil.

 When the moon was lustfully plump and bright one Venus night I knelt before my altar and chanted (actually cooed) words of love to him. 

 When I mentioned the love spell he laughed saying , “Cool” whereas a sister witch declared “Oh my goddess alive! You'll never get rid of him." And, to this day, I never do want to get rid of him.

Before marrying legally (muggle way) we had had a handfasting ritual, and although my wedding day was superb, the handfasting was magically beautiful with lots of laughter during the holy affair.

 It took place in the early crisp winter morning of New Years Day 2001 in a wooded countryside with the wedding party and guests in their sleep attire covered by down jackets and complete with woolen gloves. The bridesmaids were several Barbie dolls dressed up in glittery costumes like Fairy Princesses, which I'm sure they really were.

The deep green winter clothing and earthy scents created a lively energy to the ceremony. The rapid running of the overflowing river was our music. A circle was drawn around the area where our personally written vows would be exchanged. The officiating priestess-witch donned in flannel nightgown and woolen leggings read the vows aloud before binding our hands with a red ribbon signifying we were as one. It was a fun, loving, enchanting event.

Handfasting is an ancient ritual for a couple to agree to live together for a year and a day. During the ceremony the couple's hands or wrists are bound together with a ribbon or cord wrapped snugly in a figure eight hence giving the ceremony its name. Today “tying the knot” comes from the tying of the cord or ribbon. 

The vows were similar to modern day marriage. If all went well the agreement was renewed. If not, I guess they divided up the furniture, goats and chickens.

 It was a common practice amongst the ancient Celts for many centuries and remained a legal union in Scotland until 1939. Although there are a few ideas of the purpose of handfasting - an engagement or actual marriage contract - it was a time to decide if they’d make a good life together. 

There are other handfasting rituals, such as drawing a circle around the ground where the wedding party stands symbolizing a power place where only good can enter there in. And with a marriage that’s all we still hope for.

June is the author of four books, two non-fictions on paranormal and parapsychology subjects and two lovely novels. She's a paranormal investigator for The Haunted Bay seen on YouTube and Amazon Prime. check her out: juneahern.com

Handfasting and spells mentioned in my novel, “The Skye in June.” June took up the comb untangling a couple of strands of hair. She tossed them into the ashtray and set them on fire with the red candle. Smoke smoldered up and the smell of burnt hair mingled with the incense.

Religion-Fair & Equal to Women?

Religious people too often condemn me for being a pagan and witch. Even when I hope to soften my spiritual choice by saying, "I'm a Wicca", a title I hope sounds a bit more acceptable, they look skeptically or at times fearfully, at me and draw away.

How could this happen to a nice former Catholic girl such as myself? What demon seduced to me to prance around under the moon naked to the world? What evil spirit took control of my innocent Catholic soul calling me to cast spells? Honestly, it was a progression rather than a possession.

I have heard a lot of bad stories from former Catholics and especially from those who attended Catholic school. I have a few also, along with and funny ones. Most of my thoughts are cherished memories such as about the nuns who taught me. Of course, there was always "that nun" who I found unusually cruel and should not have been around children, but there was also "that nun" who carried me forward, guiding and building into her teachings a love for literature, or once finally my fear of math transformed under kindness.

When I chose to leave my religion I took some reasonable philosophical and spiritual concepts. Catholicism began my connection to a deep caring for, and practice in, spirituality. For this I am forever grateful. Later mixing and matching other teachings, I created a satisfying spiritual practice.

It wasn't the spirituality of Catholicism that turned me from the Church. It was the "ol' boy" attitude that started my exodus. It wasn't the nuns that caused me to fear my beliefs; it was the how females bought into that attitude - men are superior proven by the fact that they decide all-important decisions.

I experienced Catholicism is stuck in a religious dogma that does not allow for progressive social changes. If you are a practicing Catholic and attend Mass regularly look around you. What you more often than not will see are many more females - old, middle-aged and young girls. Yes, there are often male children, a few younger or middle-aged men and senior males. The Catholic Church is supported more by the participation of females than of the opposite sex. Then why don't the females have stronger roles? Don't give me Jesus built his church upon the men story again -that was history - a time when men had the freedom to do that.

That in it self and also being a freethinking and outspoken woman, I turned away from the religion I was born into.

Outside of Wicca I have not found religions to be fair and equal for a female to hold a strong and influential role such as a pope, mullah, or rabbi as religious leaders and not in the role of wives and mothers. I'm opened to learning about religions that support a woman in decision-making roles for the religion's laws and dogmas.

Autumn Time Predictions

photo by Jennie Yuen

June Ahern's two books, The Skye in June and The Timeless Counselor/A Professional Psychic Reader more at juneahern.com

Autumn a time when night comes quickly and the cold lingers longer – time to think and dream, time for soups, hot teas and memories of the summer days gone past. A time of remembering those that have passed away from our lives as the leaves drop from the trees to the earth – as one. A time of celebration of the bounty we have, of the love we share and the caring we give and get! No matter how small you think your blessings are, be thankful for each one. Blessed be.

Stirring up the waters of life in my cauldron these autumn visions were revealed to me: (read the sign you're born under & your rising one, if you know it.)

LIBRA: Energy is sparked by opportunities brought to light through your recent travels, studies and chance meetings. Expect communications of like-minded others business and personal. Ask questions; be sure your agenda is on their agendas. Listen, learn and lead. Ooze your charm and glory to the beauty of the Libra! Art of all kind stimulates a desire to be into the fullness of autumn.

SCORPIO: Summer relationships were fun but exhausting of your delicate nervous system. Take control now and days off from the constant needy people. A wise teacher comes into your life. Brew some tea, sit and chat and open up (it really won’t hurt) – color time change in the wardrobe – yes closet clearing time. Freshen up, loosen up and live it up! It’s all about the laughs - your four L’s – what other “L” word comes to mind?

SAGITTARIUS: Whiny away, who cares? Tossing your head with ideas but the hooves can’t get off the ground to success? Oh my, a trainer can set you on the right path if you’d only LISTEN once in a while, dear hotheaded friend. Take your fire and turn it down a notch, you are well love, well like and respected. Get a hug; give hug and merry meet with friends. Go to new places, see new wonders and get a new attitude. It’s all about the NEW YOU. Art by Jennie Yuen

CAPRICORN: Which way she (he) go? Two steps forward, one to the left, back up, now you’re in deep -. Yes, the “C” word will come up as you smile and agree with others, they’ll want you to stay, be a part of and oh no! Lead the way. More things to do, but who can do it better? It’s okay to be needed. You have the ability to be in control, get things centered and grounded and know you saved the day. Accept the adulations gracefully.

AQUARIUS: There is no then; it’s all about now, in the moment. All year patience has been the key word and the tilt toward –BUST A MOVE – is on the horizon. Better spruce up the wardrobe – ask a Libra about colors and styles. Chat it up, accept the challenges of new relationships while deciding which ones fit and also which old relationships can go into the recycling bin – it’s okay other people will pick them up. The spin is in movement and you are stepping into it.

PISCES: Bigger, stronger, better if you ate your spinach that is. (Read my spring and summer predictions for spinach advice) This has been a powerful year for you little fishy’ez – it was a step-up and be counted at the head of the line. Tough decisions had to be made as your focus was on what is best for you and not for everyone else. The waters as smoother this autumn as you flow into a restful dreamy state, dancing under the moon, falling in love with even just being in love with life. Take a gamble, your lucky number and day is now.

Please read a chapter from my novel, THE SKYE IN JUNE, at links to left - WICKED BEHAVIOR IN HOLY SAVIOR.

ARIES: Stop holding your breath – jump – it’s okay you’ll survive. Strict regime didn’t kill the Spartans and it won’t kill you. Others hold the lead line right now as you move up the line toward the truth of self. The constraints of others rules can either give you a headache or give you exactly what you need to flourish. Warm nights by the fire, speaking slowly and thoughtfully and counting that somebody, besides yourself, sees clearly the truth of your heart is what your soul is searching for. Be still, be silent and dream big.

TAURUS: What can I say other than; you were right, life is a field of daisies. Sorting it out, figuring where everything goes, setting down the rules, pushing the crumbs off the table and sweeping it up – plans come together. Don’t rush the process. If you don’t have a calendar, get one. Schedules are important to keep on track. You do work well alone so keep busy bodies at bay. You know what you are doing. Still, when you need assistance, accept it. Come late December your gifts will be plenty.

GEMINI: Frazzled yet? Yes. No denying the Gemini’s are in many directions naturally but you’ve overdone it and really are rather scattered, would you not agree? A much needed rest time is upon you and hey! Listen you can still have a good holiday cheer. Be a monk, a silent nun, an alone traveler, step away from others energy to the best of your ability. Smile but offer no words of the wise, help a friend but wear a watch and say adios early. Your energy can be renewed and great ideas, professional changes and personal relationships fall into place my mid-November or I’m your Uncles’ monkey!

CANCER: Why? Why? And more why? Listening to good advice is not easy when you pull into your shell and cover it with sand. The cool days and long nights are perfect for you to fix what you ignored during the summer time if you’re smart. Come into the moon beams, spread opened your arms and let in the light of the night sun. Remember that class (course or learning time) you took four years ago? It holds an answer for you progressing professionally at this time. Personally – a bit too demanding of others leaves the crabby girl or boy floating between stubborn digging in the claws or wishy-washy boo-hoo I’m hurt. They’re not listening. Wipe off the sand and dry up the tears and present a reasonable solution and/or plan. They will move on with you in a supportive way. You are so charming almost Libra like.

LEO: Giggle, giggle, toss the mane, and twitch your whiskers. You’re back in your glory whatever that means to you. You are in the center, the limelight, the see I told you smugness. All eyes are on you but hopefully you don’t get so caught up in it you forget the many invitations to social events. Balance big cats – the “My audience awaits me” with “I need ME time.” It’s great that you are being acknowledged but there could be some real needy traps there. Love is diffidently in your corner, at your doorsteps and even popping out of the closet. Wear the autumn colors, hold a séance, have a Halloween party – it’s LEO PARTY TIME!

VIRGO: You have much to offer, wisdom, loyalty, organization and what else? Dig into your gold chest and bring forth new ideas as you continue to grow spiritually and with grace attract a better group of people (this includes long-time relationships improving.) This is a simple quiet time that is also very powerful. Your intuition is soaring. Check your dreams for important messages and clues to upcoming events. An old lover wants to set it straight, rekindle the relationship and/or apologize for not recognizing your importance in his or her life. Don’t hold grudges; don’t jump back into it but just listen and say, “Thank” or “I’ll get back to you.” Patience my earthy being. The seeds are only beginning to sprout for you. New Year’s Eve will blast away the past and you truly will begin a new adventure.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW THROUGH YOUR COMMENT IF MY PREDICTIONS HAVE BEEN HELPFUL TO YOU. FIRST TWO RESPONDERS WILL RECEIVE A FREE PSYCHIC ANSWER TO A QUESTION.

Book review for the Skye in June from Goodreads: ...this book was different than any book I have read before, which is such a plus in this day of cookie cutter mass market paperbacks. ~ Jessica

WITCH WEDDING & HANDFASTINGS

permission by travellady.com

Witches do marry -whether it be a handfasting ceremony and/or a legal affair (according to the man-made laws of the land).

My husband and I married both in a handfasting country New Year's Day ceremony  in ‘02 and a civil ceremony in ’06.

Brides everywhere always have a great concern: What to wear? 

What to wear? Witches can and do, wear traditional wedding clothing. The bride: a white gown or full ritual witch clothing. Where to buy witch clothing? You can put together a gown that might look like Elvira's maybe in white though rather than her black. Of course, wear black if you wish or visit a Renaissance or Celtic faire for capes and dresses. And, let us not forget that special sexy (witches are very sensual beings) undergarments, something a bit deliciously wicked!

permission by travel lady.com

Like other brides and grooms witches (includes pagans, Goddess' Worshippers and Wiccans) wish for their wedding vows, rituals and celebrations to be beautiful, memorable and reflective of their spiritual beliefs.

To have a wedding that is a true expression of witchcraft (pagan - Wiccan) beliefs and values witches begin with creating their own wedding vows––words that reflect true intentions and magic.





Vows: Create vows to be a sacred message for all to hear of your devotion to the goddess(es) and for some, the gods. Vows which declare the power, faith and devotion of your love for the intended as well as  the purpose of uniting families. End your vows with saying Blessed Be or So Mote it Be (it's the truth or the truth is spoken), which is like saying Amen. You've sealed it.

Perhaps you would want to include a few ancestors - those who have gone on to the Underworld or Slumberland (heaven etc) who inspired and loved you. Those who have passed on can certainly be a positive part of your wedding as you bring them in through calling their names(s).  Blessed be.

Another suggestion: after exchanging vows place the paper your vows are on in a circle on your wedding altar. The circle can be drawn before or at the time of the ceremony and made from small stones, crystals, shells or rose petals. Or you can choose to burn the while at the altar in a fire-proof container such as a table size cauldron or a larger one, like a fire pit. We burned our papers afterwards in a cauldron to send the words up to the ethers - the cosmos.

Scatter the ashes in a moving body of water or bury in the ground.

The altar: prepare it before before the ceremony. Place a white candle in the center and on the four corners of the altar place candles in the four directions: East (can be white or yellow), South: red, West: blue, and North, green.

Include four elements, fire (white candle) incense (air); water; a cup or bowl of water and Earth can be salt or a crystal. Flowers are beautiful on altars for all celebrations and they're a gift from the goddess. Add whatever else has meaning to you.

After our civil marriage ceremony my husband and I exchanged vows again at our reception. They were written on special paper (parchment)with selected colored pens. I also read an old Celtic poem.

We it a unity candle (two figures intertwined). The image candle was a man and woman united in wax. It burned throughout the reception in a safe fire-proof container away from guests bumping into it but where it could be seen.

At our the handfasting we had two separate image candles - ones we chose independently - my husband chose a green man and I,  a red woman. They were placed in a pie pan facing each other. Oh, how fun to see the different colors of the candles blending together, becoming one melted wax design.  A niece and nephew dressed up some Barbie dolls and placed them around the bottom of a tree trunk where we stood for the ceremony. The dolls, they said, were the forest fairies. It truly was fun and cold!

If you want to include family or friends to light the unity candle symbolizing the brining together of important people in both of your lives,  ask from each family a parent, grandparent or child to light at the unity candle.  My husband's daughter and my son lit separate candles and then presented them to each of us, which we lit the unity image candle.

As a minister when I officiate a wedding I provide two image or figure candles set on a platter and later after they have burned down, I “read” the wax combination for the couple. The reading includes how the couple will blend their lives together.

If older family members or guests of another religion perhaps consider including a piece or part of a conventional rituals or religious aspects in a show respect. It can help to bring them into accepting and celebrating your pagan union in a joyous way. The word God might be said, as would The Lady and The Lord, or a particular goddess, such as the Greek goddess Hera aka Juno Roman name, goddess of marriage.

Hanfasting: If you are exchanging rings afterwards blend in the handfasting ritual. Clasp hands and with the free hands tie a ribbon around the united hands. There are different colors of ribbons you can use. Research which ones appeal to you.

Jump the Broom - old pagan wedding ritual - at the altar stand within a circle drawn beforehand or the bride’s attendees can draw a circle around the couple before or after the vows are exchanged. After the vows one of your wedding party can lay the broom down for both to jump.

Jumping the broom marks the beginning of making a home together and symbolizes that the groom and bride physically and spiritually crossing the threshold into the land of matrimony. As they sweep away the old and the welcome the new they begin a new life together with a clean sweep!

Four Corners: Witch, Wiccan or pagan ceremonies and rituals begin the magic with Calling in the The Four Corners (Elements.)  This can be done by the officiate - the High Priestess or Priest.

A wand or finger can be used as one moves around the four directions and a colored candle (see above) placed in each direction is lit.


• Face East - As we welcome the sun each morning, the dawn of a new day we welcome in energy of the east.
• Face South - As we welcome the spark of the day to spark the fire of my actions we welcome in the energy of the south
• Face West - As we leave my dream world we bring them forth into our waking day to manifest within the right time. We welcome the energy of the west.
• Face North - As we bring into form that which is manifesting, that which we work to create we welcome the energy of the north.
• All around: We welcome the powers of above, the powers from below and the powers all around.

After each direction is welcomed by the officiant or one or both of the couple the guests can participate by saying "Welcome!"

Here's a website to gather more information:
http://www.ceremonies.com.au/sitefiles/res_symbol.htm

Anther four corner ritual: acknowledge the corners again in a different order. This is said by the couple:

• Face South: Fire:
 From fire comes love and warmth. The spark that created our passion. Welcome Fire!
• Face West: Water:
 Water is the giver and purifier of life, sustaining us, as it will this marriage.
• Face East: Air breaths new life into love.
 Giving both _______ and ______ the freedom to be themselves.
• Earth:
The earth upon which we walk provides us with our home and our future.

Merry meet, merry part and merry meet again. Wishing you a very joyous union of love.

Handfasting and Wedding Rituals: Welcoming Hera's Blessing by Raven Kaldera suggests how to create a holy pagan/witch/Wiccan wedding.

 June Ahern and her books at june ahern dot com

• How to Talk With Spirits: Seances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts

http://tinyurl.com/jamvo92 amazon

• The Skye in June - Girl with psychic abilities, Scottish immigrants in San Francisco

http://tinyurl.com/jfvmkes - Amazon

• City of Redemption

http://tinyurl.com/h958ccm - amazon

• The Timeless Counselor: The Best Guide to a Successful Psychic Reading

http://tinyurl.com/zor7mjx - amazon

http://tinyurl.com/jrouk8l - smash-words  

http://tinyurl.com/hbrbcgn smashwords

WICCAN DEATH RITUAL: PASSING OF A WITCH

Yesterday, I participated in my first Wicca Passing Ceremony and Ritual. 

 It was for Ellen, my beloved eldest sister—the first born of eight children and the first to die.

She was our coven's High Priestess.

Born into a Scottish Catholic family, Ellen had been a Wiccan and witch for the past fourteen years.

When a family funeral ceremony was being planned Ellen’s eldest daughter, also a coven member, said it was only proper that her mom have a Wiccan funeral.

It’s not the norm for Wiccans/pagans/witches to openly celebrate such events such as weddings, new child, or deaths in our way with the blessings or acceptance of family, society or other religions, 

We usually keep them private because of the misunderstanding or non-acceptance from those with different religious and spiritual practices. 

But I agreed because recently before her death Ellen had told me that she no longer would hide her Wiccan witch life and practices. It was decided our "send off to Ellen" would take place before the memorial celebration. I undertook the task of preparing a ceremony while keeping in mind that after our Wiccan Ritual and Ceremony, there’d be a Rosary in respect for our Catholic mother and relatives. 

The entire Scottish clan was invited. Ellen’s sisters and brothers, her children, grandchildren and a few select friends. Our mother, brothers and their families did not attend for their religious beliefs could not be crossed over.

As grieving family began to arrive at the Wiccan ritual each person was smudged before entering the chapel. Her coven, donned in capes, gowns, witch hats or flowed wreaths and the few grandchildren participating gathered around the casket while in the pews, guests sat.

Ellen laid quietly (she always was a quiet, watchful person in a crowd) in a forest-green cape and gown with a beautiful mother-of-peal shelled necklace.

An altar was set in front of her. It held a vase of white lilies (new life), chalice, salt, athame and various colored candles - including three image (people) candles: black for transition, white symbolizing her spirit transcending, and red for rebirth.

Frankincense and myrrh incense wafted lightly throughout the chapel. The four corners were called in and the circle was cast, the spell made fast and only good could enter therein.

Three of her grandchildren drummed and another rang a bell before a blessing of Ellen was said by one of her coven. Hallowed words were spoken over her as she was cleansed with a special incense, ocean water and oils.

A granddaughter dropped rose petals around the coffin. A sacred guided meditation was delivered followed by several Oms that vibrated throughout the room. The group sang the song, We All Come From the Goddess (Linda Lila) three times. 

The circle was closed. All held hands singing The circle is opened not unbroken, may the peace of the goddess be ever in your heart. Merry meet, merry part and merry meet.

It was truly magical holy ceremony fitting for a most respected High Priestess. So Mote it be.

She is greatly missed, her gentle guidance, her irreverent humor and her great, undying love! She inspired me in life and continues to commune in this world's death. Her spirit lives on.

Learn more about me, my books, and work  at june ahern dot com and sf coaching 

My book, "How to Talk With Spirits: Mediums, Seances, Ghost Hunts" will connect you with the dead in a loving and safe way. 

HANDFASTING CEREMONY IDEAS, DRESSING FOR, RITUALS

Photo permission by travel lady.com

Witches do marry -- whether it be a handfasting ceremony and/or a legal affair (according to the man-made laws of the land).

My husband and I married both ways––handfasting in ‘02 and legally in ’06.

Like other brides and grooms everywhere, witches (includes pagans and Wiccans) wish for their wedding vows, rituals and celebrations to be beautiful, memorable and reflective of their spiritual beliefs.

Witches, you can have a wedding that is a true expression of your beliefs and values. Start by creating your wedding vows that reflect your true intentions and magic. Vows that are a sacred message for all to hear, a message of your devotion to the goddess(es), one that speaks of the power of your love and the purpose of uniting as a family.

After our San Francisco City Hall wedding with the usual vows my husband and I exchanged our own at our reception with family and friends. We had written them on special paper with a selected colored pens. I also read an old Celtic poem. Afterward the readings we burned the papers in a cauldron, sending the words up into the ether toward the heavens--a common w/w/p ritual. A ceremony of lighting a unity candle (two figures intertwined) followed.

“Handfasting and Wedding Rituals: Welcoming Hera's Blessing” by Raven Kaldera suggests ways to create a holy pagan/witch/wiccan wedding.

Another way of making a ritual of your vows is after exchanging them, place the paper in a circle on an altar set up for your wedding. The circle can be drawn before or at the time of the ceremony and made from small stones, crystals, shells or rose petals. Or you can choose to burn them in a fire-proof container at the altar or later. Scatter the ashes in a moving body of water or bury in the ground.

If older family members or those of another religion are guests, perhaps consider including something conventional rituals or religious aspects in a show respect. It can help bring them accept and celebrate your pagan union in a joyous way. The word God might be said, as would The Lady and The Lord, or a goddess, such as the Greek goddess Hera or Roman name, Juno. Perhaps ask a parent or grandparent to light a unity candle.

After exchanging rings blend the red rope handfasting ritual. Clasp hands and with the free hands tie a ribbon around the united hands.

Jump the Broom - an old pagan wedding ritual - at the altar stand within a circle drawn beforehand or the bride’s attendees can draw a circle around the couple before or after the vows are exchanged. After the vows one of your wedding party can lay the broom down for both to jump.

Jumping the broom marks the beginning of making a home together and symbolizes that the groom and bride physically and spiritually crossing the threshold into the land of matrimony. As they sweep away the old and the welcome the new they begin a new life together with a clean sweep!

Witch, Wiccan and pagan ceremonies, rituals and magic making begins with Calling in the The Four Elements

http://www.ceremonies.com.au/sitefiles/res_symbol.htm

Water:
Water is the giver and purifier of life, sustaining us, as it will this marriage.

Air:
Air breaths new life into love.
 Giving both _______ and ______ the freedom to be themselves.

Earth:
The earth upon which we walk provides us with our home and our future.

Fire:
From fire comes love and warmth.

Candles are very Witchy - aren't they? and also culturally and religiously acceptable to others: During our reception my husband's daughter and my son lit separate candles and then presented each to us. After receiving the candle, we newly weds then lit a “unity couple” candle of a man and woman united in wax. It burned throughout the reception in a safe fire-proof container away from guests bumping into it but where it could be seen. Or,you can light separate candles placed close, but not touching. As the candles burn down the wax merges. As a minister when officiating at weddings I provide two image or figure candles set on a platter together and later after they have burned down, I “read” the wax combination for the couple.

What to wear? Witches can and do, wear traditional clothing. The bride -- white gown or full ritual witch clothing. Where to buy witch clothing? You can put together a gown that might look like Elvira's maybe in white though rather than her black or black if that is what you wish, or visit a Renaissance or Celtic faire for capes and dresses. And, let us not forget that special sexy (witches are very sensual beings) undergarments, something a bit deliciously wicked!

Merry meet, merry part and merry meet again. Wishing you a very joyous union of love.

Websites to help your wedding day be a magical one.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/mar_hand.htm

June authored four books, two non-fictions about paranormal and parapsychology subjects. Two novels.

Review my books and about me at june ahern dot com and/or amazon.com smashwords.com

#witchwedding #paganweddings #goddesswedding #witches #psychics

ARE YOU A WITCH?

Friday 13th - At my first book reading at a neighborhood bookstore of my novel, The Skye in June, about a young Catholic girl turning to the mystical life of being a witch.

Would you be a person who'd do well as a witch?

My Catholic niece told me that her six-year old daughter declared herself a witch. Luckily my niece is not judgmental about her witch aunts of which I am happily one. She asked if I could teach her daughter the craft because she trusts that I would do so wisely with harm to none.

You might wonder, how do you know if you're a witch?

Sometimes, like this youngster, you just know it. Maybe from a past life connection.

 Or, you're drawn to witchcraft because of a love of the beautiful force of nature  And then again, you might enjoy the magical qualities of witchcraft; the candles, incense, spells and even the hat.

For me as a sensitive (a psychic/medium) it’s the spirituality and the magic of creating and manifesting my dreams into goals. Also, it's where I can openly express my abilities without fearing misunderstanding, ridiculed or condemned.

Witches are extraordinary and ordinary people from many walks of life, different backgrounds and religions, a variety of professions and levels of education. There is even witches in the armed forces.

Witches are interested in such things as natural healing, psychic phenomenon, self-power, magic, rituals, and they share a one common focus, – the supportive love of nature; Mother Earth– environmentalists. 


Shekinah Mountainwater, Ariadne’s Thread, quotes an early ‘60’s organization W.I.T.C.H. Witches have always been women who dared to be: groovy, courageous, aggressive, intelligent, nonconformist, explorative, curious, independent, sexually liberated and revolutionary.”

In essence they are wild strong creative smarty ass opinionated women. Men can also be witches (not warlocks.) You might even live next door to witch or work alongside a one. How's that for you?

Maybe you’ll find that you are a witch just waiting to blast out of your muggle self.

Please read about my books about how to get the most out of a psychic reading consumer's guide, The Timeless Counselor and How to Talk With Spirits as well as my two novels at june ahern dot com