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BO ORANN ~ THE BLACK COW ~ THE DARK MOON

The Journey of the Soul

The Bo Orann (dark cow or dark moon) begins to take prominence in September; a Virgo moon that transits into Libra on that evening. With the September Bo Orann you will begin a Journey of the Soul, a cerebral odyssey that will take the mind from its dusty, worn-out state, to a renewed, enlightened state. Although this journey might be classified as a mental experience, you, the sojourner will find -- upon completion -- that it is a journey of the soul.

Meditation is an active experience of Sacred Consciousness, Deity, and higher reality and the Key Insight in the following mediation will provide a place to focus the mind in spiritual contemplation for personal growth. We can all benefit from the practice of regular meditation and, while the giveaway of making time once a day or once a week, might -- in the beginning -- seem a big sacrifice, the returns far out-weigh what little energy is required. From a spiritual stand point the regular practice of meditation will help deepen your connection to Faery through the inner awakening that will naturally occur during the journey. Yet many people who have never meditated before fear it, or rather fear the thought that they either do not know how to meditate or simply can't. The first step in meditational training is the orientation of self to the world of sacred space -- that realm of existence between the worlds, a place of being, where like the Temperance tarot card we stand with one foot in the solid world and the other foot in the invisible world. This magickal realm is the convergence point -- the center point -- where the conscious and subconscious minds meet, the place where the Heavenly energy of the Shining Ones and the UnderWorldly energy of the Ancestors meet, marry and become one. The "center" can be considered the "navel" of the cosmos, where the umbilicus of life is attached. Contemplating the symbol of a circle will help define this concept. The symbol of a circle can be viewed as a boundary, showing that what is in the boundary is within the center of the universe, and what is without is part of the infinite which contains many things of both a positive and negative characteristic. The circle itself is a great symbol. Many creation myths indicate the Universe began with roundness. The Great Circle, the cosmic egg, the bubble, the spiral, the moon, the zero, the wheel of time, the infinite womb, such are the symbols that try to express a human sense of the wholeness of things, a compilation of the five elements.

If we were to stand within the center of the circle, we might consider self within the great womb of the universe, awaiting rebirth into a new level of consciousness. In meditation, by contemplating this idea we learn to enter the Silence: the center point of the Sacred Circle, from which comes an inner wisdom, an innate knowing that whispers:

Earthbound spirits, we are, within each physical incarnation, learning to be human, material. Striving to function under the laws sequestered by such a state of physicalness.

Born shrouded with seven veils of ignorance. Dancing to remove each, awakening to new levels of consciousness, each level bringing us deeper to remembering. From dust, we begin to shapeshift our spiritual remembrance into the light power from where we've come, to where we are going. With light-filled minds we spiral into the center of this current living, playing and laughing, loving and sharing. With open minds we face the trials attached to living experience. Undergoing each situation with balance and understanding. From this comes new memory! The memory fibres begin to grow brighter and brighter. With ease we begin to see the beauty way, the Web of life, the tapestry we are participating in weaving. Lightness and darkness contrast woven into the design. Royal shades of every hue, woven into the design. Each strand placed with deep emotion. Through feeling, the big picture is revealed. "Get out of the head!" is resounded. The picture presents arcane images to our souls and psyches. We open to the intuitive feeling of uniqueness -- love. The most powerful law of this, our universe -- LOVE. From the crown of seven stars above our heads, the love slips down into the seven stars within our bodies, activating each power center as it shines through.

Energy breaks the shroud, and one-by-one the seven veils slip to the floor, bringing clarity. Our ancient eyes begin to see, and once more we know who we are. From this awakening we are free to move into the seven stars within the Earth....

With this great sense of knowing, whether consciously at first or through a gradual awakening, we orient ourselves to the magickal world, a world that is both inward and outward. Air, Fire, Water, Earth and Ether are the very basic components of all life-energy on this planet. All five move us inward and outward. Each of the five maintains a perfect point in the great circle. Meditating on the circle can put one in touch with a deep inner requirement to reach beyond the limitations of formal religion or conditioned materialism, to seek the truth hidden within illusion. This can be achieved through merging with the natural world and learning to move into the Silence, and then beyond... into the clarity. This achievement is built on sweat, and sometimes emotional and mental pain. Why? Because changing oneself is the hardest thing for most people to do. Too many people would rather force the world to change and fit their idealistic conceptions of "the way it should be." Meditation teaches we must first change self. By changing self we generate change in our immediate surroundings. This change gradually radiates out, transforming the broader world in which we share this life's dance. The Beloved Community of FFN is called into a great service at this time in history/herstory. We are the energy workers, the shifters, and the work we do now on the inner planes is vital… for the outer world isa reflection to us that there is a battle going on in the inner world!My Dearest Ones, I write this article with a call to attention for us as a Unified Whole. In September, the Equinox stands before us… a time of balance between the Light and the Dark before leading us into the Dark Time. The Heavenly bodies are reflecting a great tension, and we have noticed that tension playing out on the physical level… but the opposition is still there and has not decreased and may continue to intensify. Those of us who are fed by this spiritual tradition must now join together and work the energy by connecting via the Starlight Connection, by committing ourselves to undergo the FFN ceremonies brought forth for our community; these are not randomly designed ceremonies at this time, they hold a purpose. The first was for an act of unified prayer, this second has been to focus the mind to begin the mind-body-heart-soul connection, the next is to sink us into balance through some magical workings.

Then we shall take the next step of doing some serious energy work. Our time of work is at hand. Wont you join with me to provide the service that we are designed to perform?

Celebrating Bo Orann is an important practice within our tradition because it keeps us aligned with the Stellar Realm. We worship according to the ogham lunar cycle, pathworking into the other country each month, sometimes at multiple times.

Each season, a different phase of the moon becomes a focal point. During the season of Winter, Bo Orann, the Dark Cow or dark moon is most auspicious.

What this should convey, is that the important times to align with the moon in Winter would naturally be Bo Orann, to celebrate the Sacred Tree month, Bo Orann to work with aspects of our inner shadow, and to use Bo Ruiad to heal any inner shadow aspects in need, while celebrating the unificiation of our inner shadow and light at Bo Finn.

Earthbound spirits, we are, within each physical incarnation, learning to be human, material. Striving to function under the laws sequestered by such a state of physicalness.

The Grove that governs Bo Orann (dark cow or dark moon) Lunar Venerations is:

Grove 5

The Sacred Trees that are venerated at

Bo Orann are:

Hazel

Vine

Ivy

Reed

The Holy Days that occur during the time of Bo Orann:

An Fheile Fomhar

Samhain

An Nullaig

For a December Bo Orann Lunar Veneration visit

REED

Working with a lunar return can be a powerful experience if you've never done so, especially in a month during which something special is planned. Explore yourself and attune to our Stellar Ways... only one of you has thus far!

SEPTEMBER BO ORANN

Pathworking for Peace

Calm, Ground and Center yourself in the way you are accustomed. Take one deep breath mind, One for Body and One for Spirit. Slowly allow your eyes to close.

You find yourself walking along a small dirt path, there is a fog all around you but you can find your way by following the path. The fog is so thick that you are a bit hesitant and afraid as you move forward that you aren't sure what might come out of the fog or that you might make a misstep. After walking for a time, you sense that you are going down a slope and that the fog is starting to dissipate. As images start to become clearer to you, you notice that at the bottom of the slope is a great tree which has a group of people surrounding it. As you walk closer you can begin to pick out more details. You recognize the Great Tree as the Tree of Life, the Tree of Trees and the people who surround it represent every conceivable culture; Men, Women, African, Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Islamic, Christian, Pagan, Buddhist, Shaman, Bhaird ~ peoples from around the world.As you walk closer, you notice a gap in the circle and when you come closer, one of the people closest to you speaks and says;

"Welcome, we have been waiting for you to complete the circle. Do not be afraid or hesitant for only fear and hesitation can hinder the goal of peace upon the Earth. Come and take your place within the great circle."

You walk forward and join hands with the others around the Great Tree. As you do, you feel the warmth of the contact and as this warmth begins to fill your being, you begin to realize that this is a gathering of equals, that there is no hierarchy here, that there is perfect love, perfect trust and perfect respect within this circle.Allow yourself a few moments to meditate upon what this means to you. As you stand there in the midst of these great people encircling this Great Tree, you begin to feel the energy and power of this human family well up within you, and after a short time all of you who have gathered here today raise your hands and release this built up positive energy to send it forth upon the Earth. The concussion of this released energy burns away the fog that had hindered your journey earlier and in its place you see a vast beautiful landscape for as far as the eye can see. Upon this landscape you see people; thousands upon thousands of people who are coming towards you and the group around the tree, they are coming to join you. They are coming to join you because you have helped to dissipate the fog of fear and hesitation that has surrounded the land upon which they live. As you come to fully realize this, you feel yourself being drawn away, you rise up and float away, coming back to this realm once again. As you feel yourself coming back, take one deep breath for Mind, one deep breath for Body and one deep breath for Spirit.

October Bo Orann

by Bansagart Airmed

Sit before your altar. Prepare for meditation in the usual manner. Light your hearth candle. Gaze into your flame, breathing naturally. Breathe gently...following your natural breath...in and out...in and out. Close your eyes. Continue following your natural breath in and out...in and out. With each breath you take you move deeper and deeper within yourself.

A light begins to form in your minds eye. It is your hearth light. It begins to move forward, illuminating a white golden path for you to follow. As you step upon the path your feet begin to tingle. A wave of warmth fills your body. Look at your arms...you are glowing...a golden white light surrounds you. The path leads you forward and you begin to feel cool. You have entered a cave. Your hearth light continues to move forward. Shadows form on the walls around you. The light stops between two stone pillars. They are close together. You wonder if you will be able to pass thru them.

Suddenly you hear a deep voice, "Do you dare?" Instinctively you look around. Where did the voice come from you wonder? "Do you dare?" The voice is all around you. "The cave seems to be speaking" You say to yourself. You hear a giggle in the direction of your hearth light.

Curious now you walk to the pillars. In front of the left pillar is a natural well filled with water. Dip your fingers into it. It is cool. Anoint your third eye. "Sip" You hear. You cup our hands in the water and take some. Sip it. It is cold. You feel it pass thru your throat and enter your stomach. You feel refreshed. You stand straight and glance at the right pillar. In the center it begins to glow. A pale golden glow. It becomes larger and rounder. Within the center is a symbol. Commit it to memory. The hearth light moves forward. It is a little tight, but you are able to squeeze thru the pillars.

Your flame settles itself within a natural pit in the center of the chamber. There are boulders around the pit forming a perfect circle. Walk around the circle and choose where to sit. Intuitively you move to the boulder and sit facing the fire. Know the direction you are sitting and remember.

You hear footsteps coming toward you. Seven more people have entered the circle. They follow the same ritual you have. They seem familiar to you. You realize that you have seen their faces in old pictures in your family album! They are smiling at you. You ask them..."What was it like?"

[Take 3-5 minutes to communicate.]

"Blessed is the time of honoring and remembering" A red haired woman with crisp green eyes enters the circle. She reaches her hand out to you and helps you stand. Together you walk the circle, thanking your ancestors for coming...the oldest one comes forward and places something in your hand. You look and see it is a stone with the same symbol that was on the pillar. The seven smile at you and leave the circle. Slowing they fade into the walls of the cavern and symbols form.

The red haired woman takes your hand and leads you back to where you were sitting. You sit and she sits facing you. Still holding hands she says, "You are within the womb of the Mother, where all are born and to where all return. This is the space where time does not exist. Samhain is the season. In death there is life. This symbol is your first step within. What have you learned thus far?"

[Allow 5-10 minutes to communicate.]

She says your name and smiles. Realizing you do not know her name you begin to ask. She repeats your name smiling then adds "Trust". She walks withinthe center of the pit and is absorbed within the light. The flame rises and leads you thru the pillars. As you pass thru you feel lighter and stronger. You turn and face the pillars. You raise your hands and place a hand on each pillar. As you do you realize just how much you truly learned from your ancestors. In gratitude you smile.

It is time to return...return to daily living. Take one breath for mind....one breath for body and one breath for spirit. You are totally aware of your surroundings. Stretch and look at your hearth flame....knowing where ever you are it is. Journal your experience.

November Bo Orann

Journey into the Fore Faery Mound

by Mari Fore ni Etain

Allow your mind to quiet. Letting go of linear thinking. Breathe deeply, focusing on each breath. Take three full belly breaths. One for mind, one for body, and one for spirit. Feel your body sinking, becoming one with the land beneath you. Feel the earth's energy moving up through your body and relax.

You become aware that you are standing on a Faery mound in ancient Ireland. As you gaze around at the beautiful meadow with lush green grass, you notice a smooth stone before you. Something tells you to pick it up and you do so, placing it in your pocket.

You hear music and laughter coming from behind you. You turn to look and as you do a man with golden brown hair and beautiful eyes takes your hand and you begin dancing. Dance lik eyou have never danced before.

[pause]

Everyone around you is in ancient dress and they are celebrating, dancing and playing games. It is a wonderful feeling. Then in a swirl of excitement you disappear from the mound and find yourself in a dark chamber with stone walls and ceiling. Something is pulling you forward so you begin to follow the passage through its twists and turns.

You come to an opening. And peer through the doorway into a large room lit with torches. There are quite a few people standing around and in the center of the room there is a throne, and sitting on the throne is a King and Queen of Sidhe, the Ancient Ones who govern this mound.

You feel someone take your hand and lead you forward, as you come into the light you see it is the same man you were dancing with on top of the mound. As you approach the throne you bow your head in respect and thank the King and Queen for allowing you to be there. You kneel there quietly as the King and Queen convey a personal message to you.

[pause now to receive their message.]

You thank them both for their words of wisdom and present them with a parting gift, which magically appears in your pocket. The Faery Queen then tells you that the stone you picked up on the mound is their gift to you. Make use of it's special qualities, for it contains the energy of the Sidhe and will be of great use to you in the future.

She motions to the man who led you to the throne and calls him Lugh, "He will lead you out," she says. You take his hand an in an instant you are on top of the mound. He puts you safely on the back of a very large raven who will take you home. As you slide off, the raven transforms into the Badb. She says she will be watching over you to give you strength in the times ahead. You thank her and as you do, she changes back to her raven form and flies away.

Slowly, you bring your awareness back to the present. Gently blinking open your eyes and taking a deep breath, knowing you have been on a very special journey.