Respect and Polite Courtesy

Bushido Virtues carry lessons that perhaps all people can learn from and apply. This month, my coven works on the Bushido Virtue of REI (Respect & Polite Courtesy.

There is no reason to be cruel, no need to prove strength. Be courteous to even your enemies. Without the outward show of respect, we are nothing more than animals. Be respected not for your strength in battle, but in how you deal respectfully with all people in all situations. True strength becomes apparent during difficult times.

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REI – Politeness or Morality

The kanji for rei is a modern abbreviated form, which does not reveal very much of the ancient character. The ancient symbol shows a sacrificing vessel that evokes the rites and ceremonies conducted for worshipping and offerings. The character actually means rite or ceremony but in a broader sense it means respect. Rei too is essential to Confucianism: In society rei governs your actions towards others, a fundamental politeness, very much related to jin. It is often translated with morality, but as morality has other connotations I suggest politeness.

Rei is politeness, respect shown in social behavior.

http://www.theartofcalligraphy.com/seven-virtues-of-bushido

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Discerning the difference between obsequiousness and politeness can be difficult for casual visitors to Japan, but for a true man, courtesy is rooted in benevolence: Courtesy and good manners have been noticed by every foreign tourist as distinctive Japanese traits. But Politeness should be the expression of a benevolent regard for the feelings of others; it’s a poor virtue if it’s motivated only by a fear of offending good taste. In its highest form Politeness approaches love.

http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/09/14/the-bushido-code-the-eight-virtues-of-the-samurai/

Sun Water & Moon Water

Among many magical components are the ever versatile Perfume Waters. These can be bought through The Magical Blend. Here is a list of the common ones and what they are used for:

• Angel Water: sprinkle around a bedroom, or anoint a person to call a guardian angel or protective spirit to watch over them
• Florida Water: used in rituals for purification and in spells to remove negativity and suppress gossip, also to encourage calm and positive emotions
• Glory Water: anoint yourself to have success and power
• Holy Water: used to bless people, places and things, also used to drive away evil
• Passion Water: anoint yourself for attractive energy or sprinkle on the bed for passionate energy
• Peace Water: used to encourage peace and calm
• War Water: sprinkle about if there is a threat and to remove hexes
• Water of Notre Dame: used to encourage health, soak in a soft cloth and wipe the person down from head to toe

While the above are useful in your magical practice and for various spells, Sun Water and Moon Water are used in rituals.

Sun Water: anoint yourself for power/vitality/solar energy, used to strengthen the power of the Sun or the God in a ritual, also used to anoint people and ritual space for Sabbat rituals.

A sunstone has been added to each bottle for greater potency.

http://www.themagicalblend.com/spellworking-supplies/perfume-waters/sun-water

 Moon Water: anoint yourself for cleansing/intuition/lunar energy, used to strengthen the power of the Moon or the Goddess in a ritual, also used tp anoint people and ritual space for esbats.

A moonstone has been added to each bottle for greater potency.

http://www.themagicalblend.com/spellworking-supplies/perfume-waters/moon-water

Lammas, Eve of Dark Moon

Lammas is a time of Highland Games and other acts of prowess and power of the Sun before it starts to show its waning. For this double event of the Sabbat and the Dark Moon, I like to honor the WARRIOR!

Lammas is a time of grain harvest and bread baking. Also, corn roasts. Twice a year I like to do Celtic Blessing Bread. This is one of those times. I would like to share the recipe I have.

So easy, versatile, and delicious! This is a perfect addition to any Lammas Sabbat celebration.

In honor of the Warrior (such as the Morrighan and Scathach, Lugh and many many others), The Dark Moon ritual will be a time to infuse our weapons of choice with the energy of the Dark Moon: powerful, introspective, honorable, thoughtful, and clear-cutting.

Dark Moon Ritual for All

Purify yourself and your space with an incense of your choice.

Bless yourself and your space with Holy Water.

Create Sacred Space by lighting a candle in the center of the altar.

Cast circle.

Dark moons are times for banishing, letting go, and introspection.

Quarters and deities or totems could be called, but not necessarily  as this is a very personal ritual. This is time for you to be with YOU.

Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Just breathe and relax in the silence. Allow the chaos of the month, the week, the day, to fall away. Just breathe.

Let go of whatever weighs you down this month.

Listen to your inner self for what you need in your life right now and how to go about achieving that goal or necessity.

Thank yourself.

SUGGESTIONS:

Incense - sandalwood, benzoin, myrrh, vanilla,  or rose (or herbal resin for the Dark Moon)

Holy Water - 3 cups of spring water with three pinches of sea salt and 1 teaspoon of orange blossom water

Candle - white, black, blue, or violet

RECOMMENDATION:

Drink a comforting tea afterwards. A good tea would be Monk's Blend.