KAJAMA.COM NEWSLETTER

May 1 through May 7, 2023

With Pluto turning retrograde on Monday and a Scorpio Moon/lunar eclipse waxing full on Friday, this could prove a challenging week. Patience, flexibility, and counting to ten (or more!) will be essential to getting through the week unscathed. Let’s keep in mind that Scorpio is a sign that can cast fear or doubt which may or may not be real, so we’ll have to pay close attention to what we learn and then bide our time for a few days before we act on anything. We may not notice the Pluto shift on Monday since it’s an outer planet, but the Virgo Moon could bring out our intense side. The more we resist the change the harder things become, so try to move through the day with an open mind and heart. The Libra Moon on Tuesday and Wednesday will create a more gentle flow of movement mid-week, allowing us to stand back and observe rather than act. Viewing things from a more balanced perspective will keep us grounded and on track. The Scorpio full Moon/lunar eclipse on Friday could create conflict, so the main thing will be to choose our battles wisely or when in doubt, stay out of the traffic jam it may create. On an up note, this can also create a time of release, when we can let go of misguided notions or efforts we’ve been making that keep us going around in circles. The week ends on a sweeter note when Venus moves into the heartwarming sign of Cancer and turns our attention to home and family for the next four weeks.

Three Simple Ways to Connect with Urban Fae, by Tara Sanchez

(Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal.)

There are Fairies at the bottom of your garden. No really, there ARE; and in alleyways, city parks, and shopping malls. Dora the Explorer was absolutely right: there is a grumpy old troll who lives under the bridge, and his cousin Boris hangs out beneath the expressway heading out of town, if you care to seek him out. Gone are the days when to connect with the Fae you had to head to hills and fields. Quite honestly, those days may have never actually existed, except maybe in the minds of certain poets and artists with romantic ideas of what a Fairy should look like.

In the recent Fairy Census¹ conducted between 2014 and 2017, of the 500 published entries, roughly 18% of the sightings recorded were in back yards, in gardens, and on front porches. Just a brief examination of recorded folklore reveals that the idea of the Fae being this intimately connected to our urban environments is sound. It doesn't take much to find tales of the Fae shopping in our marketplaces, legends of spectral creatures frequenting bridges and roads catching poor souls unaware, and once upon a time every good housewife knew not to annoy the Buttery Sprite that lived in her pantry. Solitary fae do not have a monopoly, either; in the UK we even have handwritten accounts of large troops of Fairy creatures appearing annually in certain very urban locations, particularly graveyards and gardens. These beings haven't disappeared; they are still here, it is us that have banished them from our sight and forgotten the role that the Fae once played in our everyday lives, and it is us that would do well to remember them.

One of the best ways we can do that is to start observing the simple rituals that our ancestors performed. These oblations were part of everyday life designed to make things easier for all concerned; Fairytales are a source of information regarding them. I promise you, no matter where you are in the world, there will be stories of little folk and spirits that can guide you in researching this should you wish to do so. Of course, if you are struggling, there is always travel, for without a shadow of a doubt there are now Nordic Trolls in Canada, and, as I discuss in my upcoming book Urban Faery Magick there is definitely at least one Dwarf in Detroit. Here are three great ideas that can just take a moment of your time that can help you make a strong connection with the Fae in your area, and combining them you can build a daily practise, a devotional practise, and a regular seasonal practise.

1. Light a Candle Every Night for the Fae. Rowli Pugh, it was said, was a terribly unlucky man. Everything he turned his hands to just failed. No matter how hard he tried he could not catch a break. His house was falling apart, his livestock were dying, his crops had perished, and even his wife had taken to her sick bed. His only option (so he thought) was to go away and try and find his fortune. As he contemplated his fate, a little man appeared to him and told him that he need not leave if he asked his wife to leave a candle burning each night before she went to bed. This she duly did, and for years the family prospered, each night the candle was lit and each morning when they woke, the work was done. The crops flourished, the animals grew rich and fat, all was well. One night, however, Rowli's wife couldn't help herself, and she crept down to try and find out who was doing all the work. Sadly, she startled the wee folk and they scattered never to return, but the family were now rich and remained so for the rest of their lives.The story of Rowli is one very specific to a region of South Wales, but across the British Isles there are dozens of variants, and some of these tales of Fairy helpers have even made it into our global collective consciousness. ("The Elves and the Shoemaker," for example, has delighted generations of children with visions of little men working tirelessly by candlelight and chuckling with joy as they danced away in their fine clothes.) Now obviously, health and safety dictates that you don't leave a live flame burning each night, but a small candle lit with a few genuine words, for a short while each evening, can draw the attention of the Fae in your area. You do not always need to ask for something to do this; the best relationships develop and grow from mutual admiration and not obligation, so start with asking for absolutely nothing, just a sense of respect and an open mind, for the Fae rarely appear how you expect them to.
2. Observe the Three Nights for Spirits. Specific nights appear repeatedly in myth and legend, Solstices and the cross quarter days being very common. According to Wirt Sykes,² the Welsh call these nights "Tier Nos Ysbrydnos," or the three nights of spirits. These are astrological and can be marked whereever in the world you live; sightings worldwide still seem to peak during these times, but it is also fair to say that you may find your local spirits have their own special times as well so take some time to seek them out.At All Hallows (31st October/1st November) the dead are said to cross the veil and the Lord of the Wild Hunt welcomes them into his army of Fae that careen across the skies, sweeping up any unsuspecting soul who gets caught outside. At Mayday Eve/Beltane (30th April/1st May), the King of Fae battles for the love of his life against his mortal enemy who would also win her hand. They are fated to fight this battle until the end of the world, neither one ever truly gaining the upper hand, but whilst the battle is fought his Fae can cavort—and do so with great gusto. Then of course there is the "Mother's Blessings," the troops of Fae who on hot Midsummer (20th/21st June) nights run riot in the streets causing madness and mayhem in their wake. On these nights ritual and offerings can be given, introductions made, and old friendships more easily renewed. Be prepared to dance, there is almost always movement and strong emotions at these times, and it may be this energy that fuels the Fae allowing them to become so apparent even to our blinkered urban eyes.
3. Leave Regular Offerings Such as Milk and Honey to Show Your Appreciation. But, NEVER outright say "thank you," as this is considered offensive. The humble Boggart can be a fairly amiable chap; he tends to hang out in very domestic environments and as long as you don't annoy them you'll rub along quite nicely. There are some tales that suggest that he (or she) is just a regional form of house brownie and as such one of their favourite payments for the return of items lost, found, mended, or procured is milk and honey. However, saying thank you has almost the identical effect as spying on them, which as we know, ended not so well for Mrs Pugh. A direct statement of gratitude is very likely to result in your faery visitors leaving without even a "fare thee well."A word of caution here: don't bargain with your Boggart and then forget to follow through with your offering; it;s far more trouble than it's worth, and to appease them might take more than the originally agreed upon bowl of milk and honey. As an interesting aside, an offering of milk and honey is commonly said to appease both the Wild Hunt and the "Mother's Blessings," and so are totally appropriate as offerings when you observe the Three Nights for Spirits.

These, of course, are just some suggestions, and I do discuss many more in Urban Faery Magick; you may also find that, just like the Faery who asked for a candle to be lit each night, your local Fae may ask for something very specific to them. As long as it doesn’t bring you, your loved ones, or your area in harm's way, then go with their request. We need to start listening to them; they have a lot to teach us.

1. www.fairyist.com/survey
2. Sykes W. British Goblins: Welsh Folklore, Fairy Mythology, Legends and Traditions (Sandycroft Publishing 2017)

Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal. Copyright Llewellyn Worldwide, 2021. All rights reserved.

Did I smell an angel? I was recently diagnosed with cancer, so I have been doing a lot of praying and talking to the night stars, hoping that I won't be taken from my children. My most recent scan showed that my cancer hasn't spread, and the doctors are now hopeful that they can cure it, not just treat it. I am so grateful that tonight I said thank you to the stars again, at which point I suddenly got a wonderful strong smell of clean washing, flowers and baby talcum powder. I had a tingling feeling on the back of my head. I was on my own and this happened outside on a cold wintry night, so I can't explain it any other way. This has never happened to me before. I'm a Virgo.

Susyn:

Spirits and guardian angels often make their presence known through smell; it's one of the most frequent methods they use. All of our senses become more acute when we experience a loss or face the threat of physical death. Since being diagnosed with cancer, you are likely to notice that all of your physical senses are more acute. This also activates our extra-sensory perception, which would make it easier to perceive the messages your guardian angels and Spirit send you.

The first time I encountered this phenomenon was when my grandmother passed. Immediately before her funeral, the distinct smell of apples came to me. My grandmother and I used to spend hours peeling fruit from her orchard, and I will never forget how the smell of apple crisp filled the house. I experienced familiar scents that seemed to come out of nowhere when my husband and mother passed away as well.

Since there are no smells specifically related to your angels and spirit guides, they surrounded you with three scents that sent very clear messages. The aroma related to freshly laundered clothing is a sign that your body is being washed clean and the cancer eliminated. The flower scents represent springtime and rebirth, the promise of a new beginning and blossoming potential. In the cycle of life, nothing dies; it merely takes on a different form. This is a wonderful indication that your optimum health is returning.

One of your most powerful prayers during this challenge is that you not be taken from your children. The scent of talcum powder is often connected with babies, so I feel this is reassurance from your angels that you will be there to watch your children grow and prosper.

Because of the life-threatening illness from which you are recovering, there will be more signs and changes to come. Once we encounter such a situation, our psychic abilities come to life and our connection to the spirit world becomes much stronger. In fact, along with the medical action you have taken to address this issue, your spiritual awareness, meditation under the stars and increased prayer are working in tandem to promote greater well-being on every level.

As you gain some distance from this challenge and start to see the bigger picture, you will be able to see the cancer as a blessing that opened your eyes to the important things in your life and revealed how much spiritual strength you possess. It is a wonderful paradox that we learn the most from our difficulties, and that, in the end, they tend to bring us the greatest gifts.

*****

Oceania:

There could also be a medical explanation for your experience. There is a mild form of epilepsy called simple partial seizure that does not involve loss of consciousness but is characterized by a smell, another sense memory or by a physical sensation like tingling or jerking, which could explain your experience. It's also possible you experienced momentary brain activity related to your cancer or your treatment. If the phantosmia or tingling persist, you can discuss your symptoms with your oncologist to see if there is any cause for concern.

That idea aside, you've been reaching out to the powers that be to affirm that you'd like to watch your children grow up. The good news you received about your cancer may be a reflection of your strong desire to live.

Your prayers and talks with the stars have become a spiritual ritual for you. Stars are a good choice, for they symbolize angels, departed loved ones, and enlightenment from beyond. When we routinely make time for the sacred in our busy lives, we reduce our stress and bolster our immune systems. We can also touch upon or enter an altered state of consciousness where we experience peace and a connection to all that is. Your rituals may well have contributed to the containment of your cancer.

I recommend that everyone engage in a daily spiritual routine because it can lead to health, serenity and the development of intuition. It could simply be a few minutes of deep breathing or more formal meditation. It could include yoga, spiritual readings and written or verbal affirmations. Such practices help us tap into wisdom both within and without and help us live with greater presence, clarity and purpose.

I don't think you smelled an angel. There's a phenomenon called phantosmia, also known as olfactory hallucination or phantom smell, in which a specific scent memory is triggered for no apparent reason. The memory of scents are stored in our brains, just as sights and sounds are, and can be triggered unexpectedly. I can recall being washed over by various scent memories from childhood in recent years: the smell of Play-doh, my grandmother's ginger cookies baking, and vinyl from a costume I wore in a dance recital.

In your state of joy and gratitude, you were washed over by scents associated with your children or with being a mother: clean laundry, baby powder and flowers. It may have been the intensity of your emotions that stirred these memories of several precious everyday things one could easily take for granted.

Astrea:

Many times in life we hear, "You will always have what you NEED, but not necessarily what you WANT." Your spirit must have needed to experience the feeling of leaving your human body, and the suggestion in the next chapter of Sylvia Brown's book was all it took to get you there.

Even though you hadn't read it yet, your SOUL recognized the title of that chapter as something it had been seeking, and your soul, knowing that you had that reference to read after your experience, got with it and out you went!

While I don't usually recommend her books, Sylvia Brown has a wide reaching and powerful effect on lots of people. A Gemini like you would be able to relate easily to her writing and put it to good use. Synchronicity - you gotta love it!

I like your description of "getting caught." That's exactly what it feels like, isn't it? One minute you're free and hovering above the room, and the next minute, ZAP! back down into your corporeal form you go!

As a little kid, I loved that "feeling of return." With practice, most of the time we can control that event, but sometimes, when our physical ears hear a distracting noise or something else occurs to knock us back into reality, back we go. With practice you will be able to control your return better.

I find it interesting that you were visiting your mother-in-law and not someone in your own genetic family. Evidently, you and your husband got married for reasons that are even deeper than love. His family's interest in "psychic stuff" will nurture your children in such matters and help them to grow into their own abilities.

You'll never have to be concerned that when your daughter visits them, she'll be discouraged from exploring her own psychic life and power. My parents encouraged me to develop my psychic senses in a time when it wasn't nice to even discuss such things in public. Heck, it's STILL not considered a great topic at the dinner table in some families!

Your kids will get to talk about it ALL and ask questions and read and study. This is going to give them such an edge in life! Talk with your husband about how you want to present this to your kiddos, so that you are united in your approach and ready to tell them their experiences are all natural and okay.

A word or two of warning: Geminis often have difficulty staying grounded in REAL LIFE. Don't get so strung out on your ASTRAL life that you neglect what you're doing here on Earth.

You are at the beginning of a long journey to learn where your power really lies. Try to be patient with this process and take your time.