Why Rue?

I've never believed that I was one of those people. You know, the ones who just had to have the coolest, neatest, gosh-darn awesome-ist Craft name. I've never wanted to be Lady-this, or Goddess-that. (Please note - this in no way reflects upon choosing one of the Wiccan Initiatory paths and earning the title of "Lady.") I've never wanted to be "Golden FoxyDragon" or "Fluffy CrowFeather." I always liked the idea though, that at some point, a name might choose you. I just never thought it would happen to me.

Imagine my surprise when "Rue" appeared. Rue is this lovely little herb I planted in my garden that I knew absolutely nothing about. I saw it at the Garden Centre and had to have it. It was pretty and a perfect color of green - but mostly, I just liked the name.  I brought it home and planted it and as Autumn turned to Winter, it was eaten by the local deer when their supply of fresh field grass ran out.

The next year, while at the Garden Centre again, I came upon a rather stunning Rue, significantly larger than the previous year's seedling, and there was no escape. I had to have it. The greenhouse manager came over and said "Oh no, dear. That's not the herb you want. It's mildly toxic, you know. It'll give you a rash if you aren't wearing gloves AND it could kill other plants if you plant it too closely." "Funny", I told her, "because I planted it in my front garden as a companion to a plant with lighter foliage, and it looked amazing. The other plant did not die, and I weeded vigorously around the Rue and never had an itch at all. I also happen to have sensitive skin." "Oh," she said "well, it must be your patron herb then!"

I really didn't want the name "Rue." I fought it. I whined. Why would I want to be named after something that meant "regret." Why would I want to be the woman who was named after a plant that gave you contact dermatitis?

Cue the Shaman....

While in my local Metaphysical store, buying something I surely didn't need, but wanted, I ran into one of the owners who is also a Shamanic practitioner. She happened to be talking about naming. I moaned that I didn't think my name fit, so she told me to go to the 'Naming Lodge.' The idea is, that before you go to sleep, you ask to be brought to the Naming Lodge for a name. Just before you wake in the morning, a Shaman will approach you and give you your name.

I figured I didn't have anything to lose by trying, so I set out that night to state my intent to arrive at the Lodge and receive my name. Damned if it didn't work. While rising from a dream state, nearing wakefulness, I found myself in front of a large structure made with trees and what looked like animal skins. A Native-looking man approached me and put an amulet, on a cord of leather, around my neck. Here it comes, I thought, my super-cool-extra-amazing new name.....

He said "Welcome, Rue."

Damn.

Now, I can say that it was the power of suggestion. It was all in my mind. I have a hundred reasons to cry "bullshit!" But seriously - if a rather official-looking Native man comes up to me, dream or not, and calls me "Rue" - who am I to argue?

Since then, I've actually done some research. This is what I've found:

*Rue is also called "Herb of Grace" and "Mother of the Herbs"

*It's origin is the Latin "Ruta" which has no relation to the English word 'rue' meaning "to regret."

*Although Rue isn't a common kitchen herb (it's too bitter, and can be toxic if ingested in large enough amounts, especially while pregnant,) it is most famous for it's addition to the Italian libation, Grappas.

*Because of it's pungent aroma, Rue was traditionally used as a strewing herb to keep away unwanted critters.

*Magically, Rue is considered a hex-breaker and a great herb for protection work.

*According to Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Rue's powers include healing, mental abilities, exorcism and love.

I have come to terms with my name and am, in fact, rather fond of it. I haven't chosen it to be a groovy-Pagan chick. I don't toss it about on the wind. No one knows it, except my circle, and the aforementioned Shamanic practictioner and now, the entire blogosphere. Which, by the way, is not navigated by my family, my friends of various Judeo-Christian religions, or my boss. Do not assume this means I am ashamed. I believe that Craft names have their place within the Craft. It takes a certain level of committment and pluck to announce your chosen name all over this lovely earth, and even more to legally change your name to reflect your Path. I have not approached that level yet. Life's a journey. I'm walking my Path, one step at a time.

Blessings to you, as you walk yours.

*I am unable to recall if I took this picture myself or if I've found it on the interwebs.  If you believe that this is your photograph, please let me know and I will remove it from this blog.

Midsummer Blessings

I consider it an honour to be able to celebrate the Sabbats with my Circle. Our ritual was powerful and the perfect way to start the Summer off with some great energy! The only thing is...we weren't physically together.

I used to think our situation was unusual - we all live in different parts of North America - but as I visit the Pagan chat rooms, blogs, and sites, I realize that our arrangement has become infinitely more commonplace.

There are many reasons why people don't have the opportunity to gather in person. For some it's a matter of geography. There actually may be no Pagans in your small town. (I have to drive 2 hours to find the nearest open circle!) You may still be in the broom closet and are not sure how to safely find a local group without 'coming out.'

Whatever the reason, an e-coven/group/circle is now becoming a viable option for many Pagans. You are still able to celebrate, do ritual, and offer up learning, tips, and life experiences to each other, albeit in a less physical format.

This is the down side, of course. I'd love to spend time in-person with my Circle-mates. Being that they are stretched from one side of the continent to the other, this is difficult. But we can still communicate in all the traditional ways. Snail-mail brought me lovely, hand-made soap last Yule from one of my Circle!

In the meantime, we will chat as often as we can, share ideas, our Craft-work and encouragement, and plan the ritual for the next Sabbat - just like any other Circle.

A Blessed Midsummer to you!

**A short post-script: I feel that it is redundant to mention, but perhaps for those who may stumble upon this blog having had no experience working with a group/circle/coven I should state, emphatically: Please! Make sure you know your e-coven/circle outside of the Pagan net! If you have not met these people outside of a chat room, either by personal email, snail-mail, phone conversation or in-person (yes, it's difficult,) then consider holding off your group practice until you do. Use standard safety and common sense when joining any group whether an in-person coven or e-coven.**

Gratuitous Kitty Pic

For absolutely no other reason than to add to the ego of my already narcissistic cats. Not that they will reduce themselves to checking out this blog.