Samhain - It's getting personal

Hi there, folks!

I decided to give my blog a bump. I don't really know why now, why today, but I just feel like it. Maybe it's the thinning of the veil I feel more intensely this year, maybe it's all the ignorant posts I see on Facebook about 'the source of all evil' that is Halloween. In this post, I hope to explain what this time of year, this date that everyone calls 'Halloween', means to me on a personal level. I've never been so open about my personal beliefs before, so please bear with me.

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Pagan

First things first: I'm a pagan. Many people don't know what that word means, or see it as something 'evil', so I gladly used Google to explain it to you (obvious example included):

a person holding religious beliefs other than those of the main world religions.

It is a common belief that witches and pagans are devil worshipers, but they are not.

No evil, devilish abracadabra. Everything different from christianism, judaism, islamic, or any other monotheistic religion is considered pagan. For example: native American beliefs are pagan. Traditional Slavic beliefs are pagan. And my personal beliefs are pagan.

Following a pagan path isn't a choice. One day, it just happened. I was called. Called by the Earth, the green Allies, the forest creatures. Called to see myself in a new light, to see myself as the person I really am. It's a wonderful journey, and I am grateful of this path every single day. It is not 'just a hobby' (some people really think that). It is my way of life.

Following this path means (among A LOT of other things I can't possibly write down right now) living with the seasons all year round.

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Samhain

Samhain is one of the eight holidays I celebrate in a year. I maybe tell you more about the others in a later blog post.

Samhain, as stated in de image above, is the Summer's end (I'm not sure the true meaning of the word is 'Summer's end', but it's a great way to explain this and come on, isn't that a pretty picture?! ❤) The end of the harvest. In older times, often the end of the hunting season. The meat is processed, livestock safely put away in the barns, pantries stocked up, wood hauled and stacked. All in preperation for the cold winter to come.
In the period before Samhain, I prepare for the winter, too. Of course I don't have livestock to look after and I don't rely on wood for heating and cooking. But I still prepare for the winter: I clean my house, tidy up, get rid of stuff I don't need anymore, plan winter proof activities (such as finally reading that pile of books, taking courses, sewing an apron for my sister, etc.). 

The period between Mabon (on September 21th, the fall equinox) and Samhain are usually very busy and chaotic for me. Besides school, work and a social life to keep up with, my head and heart burst with inspiration. I have to make things in this time of year. All kinds of things. Medicine, food, jewelry, candle holders, presents for friends, wall hangings, ritual items, you name it. I sleep less than I should and my hands have to keep busy all the time! 

I go outside, gather acorns, leaves and chestnuts to decorate my altar. 

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I visit my grandparents to talk with them, tidy up their grave and stick new candles in their lanterns. Because the closer we get to Samhain on October the 31th, the thinner the veil between our world and the Otherworld gets. And maybe this needs some explanation. I don't believe in heaven nor hell. I believe in different worlds or realms. They exist next to each other, but in another dimension. Most of the time, these worlds don't really mingle. But sometimes they do. And in the period around Samhain, they definitely do. The veil, as we call it, is so thin, that communication between worlds can take place. I believe that most people who die, go to the Otherworld. 

That's why I tend to my grandparent's grave during the time around Samhain. Because I know they will see that I care. They see that I gather their pictures and light them candles. My grandmother smells her favorite parfume as I put it on my wrists befor I go to school. My grandfather hears his mouth organ as I play a tune. And I remember them, honor them in this time of year. Because I am still grateful for their existence. Because I know they are not gone, but just in the Otherworld. 

I honor the dead. I don't 'worship' them. I remember them. I honer my ancestors, because without them, I would't exist. Because I am grateful for what they mean to me, for the things they taught me. On the night of Samhain, when the veil is on it's thinnest, I sit by my altar, telling stories to and about my grandparents. I eat my grantmothers' favorite Belgian chocolates. I laugh about my grandfathers' silly old jokes. And I remember.

Halloween

Halloween or Hallowe'en is a contraction of 'All Hallow's Eve'. It's very likely that Samhain is a forerunner of this holiday.

Last but not least

To people (friends, family) who read this and are surprised, feel overlooked, hurt, maybe angry: I'm sorry. But I can no longer deny who I am and what I believe in, and I think you should know that. If you have questions; please do ask. I only ask you to be open minded about this, to have as much respect for my beliefs as I have for yours. Thank you ❤

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Wandering

Hi, folks!

Today was a scorching hot day, which is pretty unique for mid-september. Oh well, it's better than rain and cold!

Remember my last blogpost, a few months ago? I wrote about Kralingsebos, a forest/lake in my city. Today, I went there and visited the small botanical garden next to the lake.

The botanical garden

Small, but cozy and quite pretty!

I don't know why, but this statue really appealed to me.

The yellow flowers in the centre are from the Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis). (Click!)

Common marigold (Calendula officinalis) (Click!) in the medicinal herb garden.

One of the most spiritual trees in the word: the fig. Here the common fig (Ficus carica). (Click!)

Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale). Actually not a crocus! (Click!)

I met this beautiful frog, today. Frogs symbolize peace, fun and transformation and are often related to emotional healing. The frog is connected to the healing ceremony of water.

The lake

During my wander around the lake (not the entire lake: way too hot!) I ran into a massive amount of hops! Naturally, being a true hedgewitch, I couldn't resist and harvested some strands to take home. They are now drying for medicinal use in herbal teas.

Hops (Humulus lupulus). (Click!)

One of the most charismatic herbs. Aren't they pretty?

When the sun shines in th clear water and you can see all those water plants and small critters... Oh, boy!

For questions and comments: leave a message below. I always respond!

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Strolling though the woods

Although I live in a big city, I always try to find the best spots of nature to explore. Today, I went for a hike in Krlingsebos; a forest in Rotterdam with a lake in the middle. The area is around 700 acres and known for it's passable paths (even for wheelchairs).

The spring weather was so nice and I really enjoyed my walk! It was nice and quiet and I almost forgot the forest lies in the middle of my crowded city.

A hart's-tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) under the trees. Click here for more information about this fern.

Citrus peel vinegar cleaner (DIY)

Hi folks!

Last week, I came across an article (click!) about the uses of orange peels. One of them was about making your own all-purpose cleaner! For I eat lots of tangerines during winter, I always have heaps and heaps of citrus peels at my disposal, so I decided to make my own.

I've always used vinegar as a cleaner for my windows, floors, bathroom and furniture. It's a fabulous degreaser and descales every tap and tile. It's very cheap and harmless to all animals (including humans, yay!)

Want to make some yourself? Here is a simple guide.

You will need:

• an empty pot (or bottle with wide bottleneck)
• citrus peels (fresh or frozen)
• white vinegar

Tear or cut the peels into smaller pieces and put them loosely in the jar until approximately 1/2 to 1 inch under the rim.

Cover with white vinegar, nearly until the rim. Close the lid tightly and shake the jar.

Put the jar in a dark spot or cupboard and let sit for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, sieve the content and throw away the peels. Mix the citrus infused vinegar 1:1 with water and put in a (spray) bottle. Use a desired. It leaves a very fresh scent after using!

Note: do not use vinegar cleaner on waxed or untreated wood!

The herbal encyclopedia

A while ago, my uncle gave me an old herbal encyclopedia. The book is from the year 1934, has the Dutch title 'Kruidenboek' and was written by A.P.Dinand, a biology teacher.

The book mostly contains information about the herbs used in herbal medicine; their history, how to use them and for what physical complaints. But above all, the book contains the most beautiful vintage herbal pictures. I'm not going to tell much about it; just take a look for yourself!

Pen for scale.

A gift from the sky

Several weeks ago, my flatmate texted me that she found a pigeon on the street, right in front of our front door. I was out for groceries, and when I came back, I took the bird inside to examine it.

It was a young common wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) that probably crashed into a window, fell down and broke it's neck.

There I possess no taxidermy skills whatsoever, so I decided to make the best out of this bird. I've always had the wish to dry a bird's wings, so this was my opportunity! I clipped the wings off the bird, pinned them down on a piece of cardboard, salted the flesh and waited. Patiently.

Last week, they were fully dried. I took them off the cardboard and brushed the excessive salt off the dried flesh.

They make perfect smudge wings, don't you think?

Clothes for the refugees (Dutch)

Ik heb veel kleding. Althans, ik vind het best veel. Voor wie mijn kledingkast nooit heeft gezien: er hangen twee roedes van ongeveer een meter vol met jurkjes, rokjes, spijkerbroeken, jasjes en vesten. Dan heb ik nog een ladenkast met drie goed gevulde laden met t-shirts, truien, longsleeves, meer vesten en werkkleding.

De laatste tijd paste mijn kleding niet meer zo goed in mijn kast, dus het werd hoog tijd daar iets aan te veranderen. Ik heb alles uit de kasten getrokken (letterlijk), gesorteerd en opnieuw ingeruimd. Het resultaat is drie volle vuilniszakken voor het Leger des Heils en een opgeruimde kast!

Mijn grootste motivatie voor het uitmesten was eigenlijk de constante stroom nieuws over vluchtelingen in Nederland. Deze mensen hebben niets meer dan hetgeen wat ze mee hebben kunnen nemen (en dat is niet veel...) In Rotterdam zijn er al meerder plaatsen ingericht om deze mensen op te kunnen vangen. Dit is veelal noodopvang en er zijn niet veel voorzieningen.

Toen ik op mezelf ging wonen, zei mijn moeder tegen mij: 'Ik kan je geen geld meegeven, maar wel spullen.' Dat spookt de laatste tijd veel door mijn hoofd, want ik ben nu in dezelfde positie beland. Ik kan deze mensen geen geld geven, maar wel kleren.

Op de website van het Leger des Heils staat een kaart waarop je kunt zien waar je kleding kunt inleveren. Voor overige spullen kun je terecht bij de Welkom-winkels.

Laten we deze mensen, die niets meer bezitten, een warm welkom geven. Verzamelen jullie mee?

Catch your dreams!

About two years ago, I decided I wanted to make my own dreamcatcher and bought the necessities. Metal rings, string and beads remained unused in a drawer for far to long.

But today, I finished it. I'm so happy with the result, it turned out exactly as I had pictured  it!

The dreamcatcher is made of jute string, cotton lacing, tooled wooden beads, buffalo bone beads and kestrel feathers. And now: let's dream nice dreams!

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Arboretum adventure

(scroll down for Dutch / scroll naar beneden voor dit artikel in het Nederlands)

Hello, everybody!

Yesterday, a friend and I went to Trompenburg. Trompenburg is a botanical garden and arboretum (strictly speaking a trees collection, read more about arboreta here) in the Rotterdam district 'Kralingen'.

I am so grateful for the stunning Indian summer we experience here in the Netherlands!

Overview / Overzichtsfoto

Although it was the first time for me going to a botanical garden / arboretum, it was a really, really good experience! There were loads of different plants and trees to admire and we didn't even see everything, because it was so wide.

Plants are a great hobby of mine (therefore I own a lot of houseplants) and it was really great to see al those exotic and native species in one garden. They even had a greenhouse full of succulents, a small patch of forest (chock-full of mushrooms), a kitchen garden, a tearoom and an aviary with Java rice birds and Zebra finches!

The garden was beautifully planted and arranged, with small bridges, mixed plants, patches of grass with park benches and a lot of art. I definitely look forward to my next visit!

And now: less talking, more pictures!

Wrinkle leaf goldenrod / Guldenroede
(Solidago Rugosa)

Most plants and trees had labels with the name of the species on it. /
De meeste planten en bomen hadden bordjes met de naam van de soort erop.

A chilling Java rice bird. / Een chillende rijstvogel.
(Lonchura oryzivara)

A gathering of Java rice birds and Zebra finches. /
Een verzameling rijstvogels en zebravinken.
(Taeniopygia guttata)

A Parent bug on a mint plant. / Een gewone broedwants op een munt.
(Elasmucha grisea)

An idyllic small pond waterfall in the forest with the mushrooms. /
Een idyllisch watervalletje in het bos met de paddestoelen.

A beautiful variety of the Maidenhair tree. /
Een mooie varieteit van de Japanse notenboom.
(Ginkgo biloba 'variegata')

A cute little succulent in the greenhouse. / Een schattige kleine vetplant
in de kas.

Nederlands:

Hallo allemaal!

Gisteren ben ik met een vriendin naar Trompenburg geweest. Trompenburg is een botanische tuin met arboretum (strikt gezien is een arboretum een bomentuin, lees hier meer over arboreta) in de Rotterdamse wijk Kralingen.

Ik ben zo blij met de mooie nazomer in Nederland!

Hoewel ik gisteren voor de eerste keer in een botanische tuin was, vond ik het een fantastische ervaring! Er waren superveel verschillende soorten planten en bomen te bewonderen. We hebben niet eens alles gezien, omdat de tuin zo groot was.

Planten zijn een grote hobby van me (daarom heb ik ook zoveel kamerplanten) en het was heel gaaf om al deze in-  en uitheemse soorten samen in één tuin te zien staan. Ze hadden zelfs een plantenkas vol met vetplanten, een klein stukje bos vol paddenstoelen, een moestuin, een theehuisje en een volière met rijstvogels en zebravinken!

De tuin was schitterend aangelegd met kleine bruggetjes, veel gemengd groen, stukjes gras met parkbankjes en veel kunst. Ik kijk nu al uit naar mijn volgende bezoek!

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Hawthorn and medlar

(scroll down for Dutch/ scroll naar beneden voor dit artikel in het Nederlands)

Hello everyone!

This afternoon, I had a wonderful walk in the park nearby. I consider this park to be my 'home', because it's the nearest patch of green for me. When I feel blue or just when I feel I need some air, I go to 'my park' and everything is in perfect harmony, again!

Today, I went on a mission: I had to bring something home I had never brought before. Nature would tell me what it was. And it did!

First, I came by a single-seeded hawthorn. Hawthorn berries are edible and known for their healing and supportive properties in favor of the heart. I recognized the tree immediatly: its dark green, deeply lobbed leaves and -in this time of the year- its small, dark red berries (which are botanically speaking pomes, like apples!) (read more)

The tree was packed with ripe fruit, so I decided to pick some to make whatever would come to me. I picked about 80 grams; enough for a bottle of hawthorn-infused wine.

Single-seeded hawthorn / Eenstijlige meidoorn
(Crataegus mongyna)

Hawthorn in my field guide / Meidoorn in mijn veldgids

At home, I rinsed them and put them in the freezer. After a few days, they will have a sweeter taste and will be easier to work with.

My harvest / Mijn oogst

Medlar

A few minutes later, I discovered another peculiar tree on the side of the path. I noticed long, felty leaves on a large shrub. As I touched the leaves; they were soft as baby skin. My curiosity grew and I scanned the tree with my eyes, looking for flowers -or even better- fruit.

After a couple of moments, I saw a small, globular formed... thing. Astonished and enthusiastic as I was, I gently plucked the 'thing' from the tree... It was medlar fruit! I never expected to find medlar in the park so near to my home, but I did!

Common medlar / Mispel
(Mespilus germanica)

Medlar is a very special kind of fruit; you can't eat it fresh from the tree. They become edible after being 'bletted' by frost or given enough time to soften. Bletted medlar is ready when de skin is browned and wrinkled. (read more) 

So let's be patient (or shall I put them in the fridge for a few days? I'm dying to try these little 'soft apples'!)

Medlar at short range / Mispel van dichtbij

(Nederlands)

Hallo allemaal!

Afgelopen middag had ik een heerlijke wandeling in het park. Ik beschouw het park als mijn 'thuis', omdat het het enige stuk groen is in mijn buurt. Als ik even niet zo lekker in mijn vel zit, of gewoon als ik zin heb in frisse lucht, ga ik naar 'mijn park' en dan is alles weer goed!

Vandaag ging ik op pad met een missie: ik nam me voor om iets mee naar huis te nemen wat ik nog nooit eerder had meegenomen. Moeder Natuur zou me wel vertellen wat het zou zijn. En dat deed ze!

Eerst kwam ik langs een eenstijlige meidoorn. Meidoornbessen zijn eetbaar en bekend om hun hartversterkende eigenschappen. Ik herkende de boom meteen: de donkergroene, diep ingesneden blaadjes en -in deze tijd van het jaar- de kleine, rode besjes (wat botanisch gezien een pitvrucht is, net zoals appels dat zijn!) (lees meer)

De boom zat vol met rijpe besjes, dus ik besloot wat mee te nemen om thuis het eerste mee te maken wat in me op zou komen. Uiteindelijk plukte ik ongeveer 80 gram; genoeg voor een fles geïnfuseerde meidoornwijn.

Eenmaal thuis waste ik de meidoornbessen en stopte ik ze in de vriezer. Daar blijven ze een paar dagen. De vrieskou zorgt ervoor dat ze zoeter van smaak worden en makkelijker te verwerken.

Mispel

Een paar minuten later ontdekte ik aan de zijkant van het pad een andere bijzondere boom. De lange, viltige bladeren die aan de hoge struik zaten, vielen me meteen op. Toen ik de bladeren aanraakte, voelde ze als babybillen zo zacht! Mijn nieuwsgierigheid nam toe en ik speurde de boom af op zoek naar bloemen -of nog beter- vruchten.

Een moment later zag ik een klein, kogelrond... dingetje. Verwonderd en enthousiast als ik was, plukte ik voorzichtig het 'ding' uit de boom. Het was een mispel! Ik had nooit verwacht dat ik mispel zo dicht bij huis zou tegenkomen... En dat in 'mijn eigen' park!

Mispel is een bijzonder soort fruit; je kunt ze niet vers van de boom eten. Ze worden eetbaar na het 'bletten' door vorst of door ze een tijd te laten liggen. Geblette (gefermenteerde) mispel is eetbaar wanneer de buitenkant bruin en rimpelig is. (lees meer)

Nog even geduld hebben, dus! (Of zal ik ze gewoon een paar dagen in de vriezer stoppen? Ik ben zo benieuwd naar deze 'zachte appeltjes'!)

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