JUNIPER MAGIC

As we approach the upcoming portals of the Full Moon, Autumnal Equinox, and the celebration of Mabon, Juniper is a beloved plant ally to call in. This magical plant offers the medicine of cleansing, purging, and protection, and each of the potent portals calls us to do the necessary cleansing in order to move forward into the upcoming introspective time of the year. This is a time to clear out old energies, relationships, outdated beliefs, addictions, well-worn patterns, and anything that has reached the end of its cycle.

With the Full Moon in Pisces we have the added benefit of deep attunement to our inner knowing, and if open to it, our inner guidance will illuminate new paths to take. The Autumnal Equinox is a time to rest, contemplate, and give thanks for all that you have in your Life, particularly focusing on gratitude for Mother Earth and all that She provides for you. Mabon is the celebration of the harvest and taking time to give thanks and to prepare for the darker nights ahead, much like the energy of the Equinox. And this is where Juniper shows up to support and assist the cleansing that is called for at this time.

JUNIPER RITUALS

HOME~

Begin with Saining, the Celtic practice similar to the Native American practice of Smudging. To create this sacred smoke you can burn bundles of Juniper or place the dried berries on hot coals in a heat safe container. Move throughout your living space, covering all areas, especially corners and behind doors, allowing the sacred smoke to clear negative energies. Be fully present in your body and allow your breath to be smooth and full as you move through your home. Offering your prayers and intentions for all that is no longer serving your highest good to be dispelled by Juniper. Once you have completed your Saining, you can hang boughs of Juniper over your doorways as protection from negative energies.

Create an Altar in your home that includes sacred objects from Nature such as pinecones, apples, root vegetables, Water, Juniper branches, and anything else that calls to you. Write down 3 things in your home and family life that you are ready to be freed from and place in the center of the altar under a bowl of water. Leave there from the Full Moon (9/20) until the day after Mabon/Autumnal Equinox (9/22). On the 23rd, offer this paper to the fire along with Juniper as you visualize the three things dissolving into the smoke.

SELF~

In a large bowl, place Juniper branches and berries, cover with boiling water. Leave for 30 minutes and cover with cheesecloth. Set out under the Full Moon. The following day strain out the branches and berries and offer these back to Mother Earth with gratitude for all that you have in your Life. Say a prayer or set an intention to release all that is no longer serving you.

Run a bath and add the Juniper infusion to your bath. Test the infusion on your inner arm to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction. Prepare your space with candles, flowers, Juniper boughs, and Juniper smoke. Shower to cleanse your body and then immerse yourself slowly and mindfully into the bath. As you sit in the bath, speak your intentions and prayers out loud, asking for Juniper to assist you in letting go of all that you are releasing. Once you feel complete, slowly step out of the bath and allow yourself to dry in the air. Make yourself cozy and go to bed. Take note of your dreams the following morning.

COMMUNITY~

Gather together with 3-5 sisters or brothers that you feel connected to in a deep way. Sain your space and form a circle. It is nice to do this outside, but inside also works. Create an Altar together in the center of your circle dedicated to Juniper and the spirit of Mabon. You can create in any way that feels intuitively right to you. You can sing songs and play instruments to deepen the ritual. Take 5 minutes to ground yourselves into the space with your eyes closed and breathing deeply and smoothly. Taking a bundle of Juniper, each person will have time to share what is on their hearts and one thing they are ready to release from their life. Pass the Juniper bundle around until each person has had a chance to share, holding the bundle as they speak. Once complete, place the Juniper bundle on the Altar. Join hands and go around the circle as each person looks into the eyes of the person to their left and offers them a blessing for their life. Burn the Juniper bundle in the center of the circle as each person takes time to visualize the release happening and the blessing arriving.

I hope this serves you well as we move through these magical portals. Allow yourself to be supported by Nature, Spirit, and Community, and remember--we each hold a special strand of this web we are weaving together.

May your Life be filled with Love, Truth, & Beauty.

Love,

Glenna