Scargle Nargle Scroll 01.08.22
- colleendalzell2
- Aug 1, 2022
- 12 min read
Welcome to the month of August! The team at Scargle Nargle are proud to release our first edition of The Scargle Scroll.
It is a very welcomed alignment that our first edition falls on the festival of Lughnasadh, and so we wanted to provide you dear reader, with background on the festival itself, and give you knowledge and tips to make the month ahead magical!
Lughnasadh Associations
Season: Autumn
Month: August
Direction: West
Element: Water
Energies: Harvest, Abundance, Gratitude, Fullness
Deities: Lugh Lamhfada, Demeter
Crystals: Citrine, Carnelian, Tiger’s Eye, Amber
The festival of Lughnasadh (or Lammas) is one of the four fire festivals in the witches’ wheel of the year. It falls on the 1st of August and is a time to honour the first harvest of the season as summer draws to a close and autumn renews in her bright colours and vibrant beauty. It is a time to celebrate abundance, fullness and give gratitude for the many blessings that the summer sun has brought.
In Ireland, Lughnasadh is the festival of the god Lugh, or Lugh Lámfada (of the long hand), the many skilled god of the Tuatha De Danann.
Lugh as he appears in legends adored competitions and feats of strength, and in tradition it is said that the games were first began by Lugh in honour of his foster mother Tailtiu, a Queen of the Firbolg.
In our modern times, the Irish Order of Thelema has reinvigorated this tradition by holding their own version of Lughnasadh games on or about the date of the festival (this year, taking place on Sunday the 7th of August at Moira Lakes). It is a day of sporting games, comradeship and magic. The energy of Lugh is embodied in the awarding of the honour of Champion and Spirit of the Games, followed by feasting and fun!
Ideas for celebrating Lughnasadh:
There is a longstanding tradition in Ireland of creating harvest knots at this time of the year using sheaves of wheat or barely.
People would exchange knots as tokens of love or offer them back to the Earth to express gratitude and hope for further blessings and for a good crop in the remainder of the harvest season and the cycle to come.
To make your own harvest knot, you will need the following:
1. Wheat or straw (three stems for each knot and ideally with the heads still attached).
2. Scissors.
3. String.
4. Ribbon – Red for love, green for hope, orange for courage and yellow for bravery).
How to make the knot:
1. Soak the wheat/straw in tepid water for twenty minutes to make the stems more pliable to braid.
2. Take three straws and bind them together at the base of the wheat heads with the string.
3. Braid the three straws together as you would in a single plait. Start on the right and place the outside straw underneath in the center, then on the left side place the outside straw underneath in the center. Then back to the right and so on. Braid to the end of the straws and secure with string. Ideally, the length of the braid should be 7 or 8 inches.
4. Curve the length inside of itself, looping like a pretzel. The end result should appear heart like.
5. Secure the ends at the base of the wheat heads.
6. Tie with ribbon.
And voila! You have your own harvest knot to be blessed in ritual, displayed on your altar or to be used as an offering.
Another great way to celebrate Lughnasadh is to offer gratitude back to the land and honour the relationship we have with it.
The act of giving thanks will not only strengthen our ties to the land, but it can also provide physical and spiritual sustenance for the following year to come.
There are ways to offer gratitude to the land beyond the maintenance of our gardens, and one of the easiest and most powerful ways to do this is to give offerings to the land itself.
This can take for the form as acts as simple as:
Ø Water – offering water to the land has a lot of power. Giving the Earth around you a drink is a gesture that strengthens your personal connection to it, as it nourishes you, you nourish it. Be careful however not to over water, pay attention to the needs of the land around you.
Ø Compost – offering compost is ideal as it replenishes the nutrients in the soil. Natural compost is best, and plants such as comfrey do wonders for this.
Ø Offerings from the harvest – many farmers and gardeners still leave a portion of their harvest for the land and the wildlife to enjoy. If you don’t grow your own food, items from local markets work just as well.
Ø Performing dance, poetry or song for the land is a good for those who are artistically inclined. Our talents are gifts that give energy to the land.
Ø Biodegradable art – another idea for those with artistic talents, creating a beautiful art piece (as long as it is all natural materials that will degrade and not harm wildlife) is just as valid to leave as an offering to the land.
Ø Giving of our own selves – perhaps not looked as keenly upon by most modern witches, but giving the land pieces of ourselves (hair, spit, blood and even urine) contain many nutrients that nourish the land and also creates a direct link to us and the Earth around us.
Ø Cleaning up rubbish from local nature spots is another excellent way to offer gratitude, whether this is going with a bin bag to clean foot traffic left by passers-by or removing plastic and harmful objects displayed on trees.
Ø Another good way to connect with the land and give back is to donate to charities that champion environmental causes or if you see people committing illegal activities towards nature e.g. cutting of hedgerows to report this to the proper authorities.
There is so much to do at this wonderful time of the year to celebrate and to express gratitude and we hope that Lughnasadh blesses you with joy, love and abundance.
Bright Blessings!
Astrological Conjunctions for 2022
Lughnasadh this year takes place after the New Moon in Leo on the 28th of July and precedes the Aquarius Full Moon on the 11th of August. The New Moon and Sun come together with Jupiter in Aries, bringing with them courage, initiative, and momentum. On the 1st of August, earthly Moon in Virgo accompanies the fiery Sun in Leo and, likewise, the planets dominate earth and fire signs. Uranus and the North Node in Taurus together break long-held patterns related to money, stability and growth. Some may experience a strong sense of purpose and have a desire to remove all obstacles, clearing their paths to follow their calling. Conventional is replaced by ingenious and radical as these two forces combine. The Moon is void of course from 22.29p.m. on the 1st of August to 16:05p.m. GMT on the 2nd of August. Void of course moon time lends well to parties and social gatherings as it tends to help us relax.
As Lughnasadh 2022 passes, the Full Moon on the 11th of August will be in the sign of Aquarius, a sign of friendship, community, and collective energy. The Moon approaches Saturn, a planet of karma, commitment, and consequence. This can present opportunities to resolve past injustices and to fully engage in devotion to others and our planet. During this time, Mercury, Venus, and Mars, the closest planets to Earth, move forward at their usual pace while some of the more distant planets are retrograde. Having the closer planets direct may be helpful for early August pursuits and plans.
Tarot Card of The Month: The Fool's Journey
With a new journey for Scargle Nargle beginning with the launch of our new website and newsletter, no other card from the Tarot deck seemed more appropriate than The Fool.
Despite its name The Fool is a positive optimistic card. It symbolizes embarking
on a new way of life with an openness and faith that you will be supported in
your new adventure/venture. This can be a physical journey, moving to t new
place, starting a new job, opening a business, entering a new relationship, making
life changes, new spiritual path. It favours trusting your own intuition and acting
on it. It can indicate that it is a time to let go of worries and self doubt. Taking
a leap of faith trusting you will be successful and supported rather than staying
where you are – a decision often rooted in and made out of fear. The Fool
signifies the unpredictable; life is full of surprises and encourages a go with the
flow attitude. Can also signify the inner child and exploration.
Blockage
The main cautions with this card – making sure you are not wreckless in your
decisions or neglecting responsibilities you may have. Be in possession of all the
facts before making a final decision. It can mean that you don’t listen to the
advice of others, being obstinate, careless, impulsive, immature and rushing into
things.
Kitchen Witchery
Harvest Herbal Iced Tea
Whether as an offering for your altar, charged up as a spell or just a refreshing summer beverage, this harvest herbal iced tea is a simple recipe that can add a dash of magic to
your day.
What you will need:
1. 10 cups water
2. 10 black tea bags
3. Lemon juice (fresh or bottled is fine)
4. 1 ¼ cups of sugar.
5. Baking soda (the secret ingredient)
6. 1 whole lemon
Optional to give your iced tea that magical kick:
1. Lemon balm
2. Basil
How to brew your tea:
1. Add five cups of water to a saucepan and bring it to boil.
2. Place 10 black tea bags in a large bowl. Pour in boiling water and steep for five minutes.
3. If adding in herbs, and what you wish and stir clockwise and think of your intent for your tea.
4. Remove tea bags from the bowl (if added herbs, strain them from tea).
5. Stir in lemon juice.
6. Gradually stir in sugar, stopping occasionally to taste, add more sugar as required.
7. Add a half teaspoon of baking soda.
8. Pour in five cups of cold water.
9. Hold the bowl in your hands and use whatever visualisation that works best for you to charge the tea with your intention, whether that is to bring happiness, joy, prosperity, or whatever you wish it to be.
10. Place in the fridge and allow to completely cool.
11. Serve on ice with fresh lemon slices and enjoy!
Meet the Scargle Team: Colleen Dalzell, Proprietor of Scargle
Meet Colleen, proprietor of Scargle Nargle.
After a very long time thinking about it and deliberating – I decided to take the metaphorical bull by the horns, rent a premises and open Scargle Nargle. Although Scargle had been a name, a concept and not to mention a Facebook
page for some years, this was a big step.
My mother was a clairvoyant and tarot reader from the mid 80s, so really I grew up with it. Tarot and magic were around me from I was a child – though nothing more than a hobby and an interest and I decided I would go to university and eventually get “a real job”, however when my mummy sadly passed in 2005 it walked back into my life in a big way once more.
My mother had taken great comfort in Reiki during her illness and felt it was the main reason she remained symptom free until a few weeks before her passing, so in 2007 my sister and I jumped at the chance to do Reiki Level 1 and didn’t look back from then – seeing and feeling the results almost immediately. We did Level 2 and 3 the following year really as a tool for our own self development and healing journey.
Magic and all things esoteric were my passion and although I had a long career (23 years in the Education Authority, 16 years as a manager of a Training Centre for young people with special educational needs and behaviour problems and for 10 years as a Senior Adolescent Liaison Officer in Beechcroft Adolescent In-patient Unit CAMHS) I was very active in the Pagan community from 1993. I am an ordained priestess in two magical traditions and have helped run the Belfast Pagan Moot for many years. In 2017 I took a voluntary severance from the EA and decided to take my passion a bit further and make it my life. (Think of The Fool in tarot!!)
At Scargle I do Reiki treatments and tarot readings on a one-to-one basis. I also run tarot classes and teach and attune people to Reiki Level 1 – 3 and Master teacher Level (qualified February 2014). I also run meditation classes and individual sessions (qualified March 2015). Reiki and meditation sessions can be tailored to suit children and young people, given my experience and qualifications.
I also run many other classes and workshops throughout the year including full moon rituals (esbats) and I organise rituals and celebrations for the 8 sabbats of The Wheel of the Year. I am passionate about creating a safe, supportive magical community where people can meet, learn and grow together on our own spiritual paths and I am hoping this community continues to go from strength to strength with the launch of the website and the building of our online presence which I received a lot of help with as those of you who already know me will suspect. I would like to thank all the wonderful people I am honoured to have met on my path so far, for the help, support, motivation and love they have given. I am truly blessed.
So you are most welcome to the community!
Bright Blessings.
Colleen
Magical August: Dates for Your Calendar
Lughnasadh Games on the 7th of August 2022 2pm
A day of fun for the whole family, the Lughnasadh games is an annual celebration hosted by the Irish Order of Thelema. This will be the second year of the games being hosted at Moira Lakes Paddle and Event Centre. It a day of sporting events, BBQ, live music and an open ritual performed by the Order. Cost is £15 and children go free.
Charity Night in aid of the Ten Foundations on the 10th of August 2022
One of the aims of Scargle Nargle is to promote a strong sense of community, and we feel that a part of that is to engage in charity work. Our resident hypnotherapist Ray Dennison works closely with the Ten Foundations, a registered charity which was established in 2012 to support vulnerable children, adults and families living in the Philippines. All proceeds from this evening will go directly to Tens Foundations.
Full Moon Ritual 11th of August 2022 7pm
Taking place at Scargle Nargle is our monthly full moon ritual, with the full moon being in the sign of Aquarius. This uplifting circle is the perfect opportunity to manifest intentions in a gathering of like-minded people. Cost is £7.50
Salt Bowl Workshop on the 25th of August 7pm
Come along to create your own salt bowl for psychic protection and protection of your home. We will open sacred space for you to set your intentions. All materials provided. Cost is £15
Magical Book Club on the 31st of August 7pm
Our first meeting of our magical book club at Scargle Nargle (places also available on Zoom) will have us explore and discuss the work of Doreen Valiente and her book ‘Witchcraft for Tomorrow’. Cost is £5 and light refreshments provided.
Monthly Magical Book Club
Book of the Month: Witchcraft for Tomorrow by Doreen Valiente
Something that we are very passionate about at Scargle is the promotion of authentic and trusted sources of information on witchcraft, wicca and all things spiritual. One of the most common requests we receive is reading lists that can help start a person off on their spiritual journey.
With one of our goals being to help people as they find their path, we have decided to create a magical book club to meet monthly to provide a safe space to discuss ideas and share our knowledge.
So of course, there was the question, which book to start with?
Doreen Valiente was a pioneer of Wicca and Witchcraft and played a pivotal role in creating and shaping many of the traditions and practices we still hold to this day.
Born on the 4th of January 1922, she began practicing magic as a teenager, and after discovering Wicca was initiated into the Gardnerian tradition by its founder, Gerald Gardner.
Doreen Valiente also played a leading role in both the Witchcraft Research Association and then the Pagan Front during the 1960s and 1970s and has written five books dedicated to witchcraft.
“Witchcraft for Tomorrow answers those most frequently asked questions about witchcraft: ‘How can I find a witches’ coven?’ and ‘How can I become a witch?’
Doreen Valiente tells you what the old religion of witchcraft has to offer the new age of Aquarius; how the age-old Craft of the Wise can be practised in the modern world; how to initiate yourself as a witch and form your own coven. The author was a practising witch from 1953, and in this book, she includes a new Book of Shadows (the witches’ handbook of rituals and instructions) based upon ancient magical tradition but geared to the age of the future. Also included are witch songs, spells incantations and practical advice on how to run a coven and how to acquire your own collection of magical implements, as well as methods of divination and other witch lore.
The author shows the oral traditions of witchcraft throw light not only upon the origins of the present-day witch cult and the activities of the witch leader George Pickingill and his covens, but also upon the mystery of the founding of the famous magical order, the Golden Dawn. Also discussed is the relationship between the witchcraft of Britain and Europe and the magical belief of the Far East. Do both traditions hark back to the legendary city of Shamballah and to the shamanistic practices of Asia? And why do the secret circles of the witches resemble those of the Tantric sex-magic of India?
This book does not fear to be controversial and outspoken, addressed as it is to the outlook of the new age”.
We hope you have enjoyed this first edition of The Scargle Scroll, and hope that your August is blessed with abundance, joy and magic!
Bright Blessings!
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