Labyrinth - June 2024
A Mystical Journal from The Bell and Raven
Issue 3 | June 3, 2024
Welcome, June!
It is indeed hard to believe that we are nearing the halfway point of the year. Labyrinth took a short hiatus as we have had a few “focus-pullers” at the forefront of our lives, but we are eager to share with you our latest issue.
Within this edition, you'll find a solstice ritual for illumination, a recipe for a sweet Midsummer treat, the true story of a message from an animal guide, astrological insights, and more.
And, for those who wish to join us this August for a week-long mystical intensive of learning and spiritual wellness, please be sure to check out the article about our Academy of Magick Summer Program for Adults, perfect for those who want to deepen the connection to their inner magick.
Midsummer can be seen as the season of change, and we are grateful to you for continuing with us on our ever-evolving journey!
Blessings and happy reading!
“Juno” oil painting by Jacques Louis Dubois. c. 1768-1843
The Magick of June & Midsummer: Illumination and Growth
This month is rich with magical significance. Named after Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and the queen of the gods, June holds themes of unity, protection, and transformation. It is the perfect time for us to explore the liminal spaces between the seen and the unseen, the earthly and the divine.
One of the most powerful events in June is the summer solstice (which also marks the sabbat of Midsummer), occurring around June 20-21st in the Northern Hemisphere. This marks the longest day of the year, a moment when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. Midsummer can also be seen as a time of heightened energy, insight, illumination. We can view this timeframe as a gateway to enlightenment and use it as an invitation to meditate on our personal (and spiritual) growth.
Ritual for Illumination & Gratitude at Summer Solstice:
Tools:
· Journal
· Clear quartz, labradorite, fluorite, and/or lapis crystals
· White candle and matches or lighter
Suggested Time/Location:
· At sunrise on the summer solstice
· In a quiet spot in nature
On the morning of solstice, find a quiet spot in nature at sunrise, and sit comfortably facing the rising sun. Light the candle and hold your crystal(s) in your hands. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and visualize the sun’s light filling your body. Envision your path opening up in front of you, free from obstruction or blocks. When you feel centered, open your eyes and write down any thoughts or feelings that come to mind, focusing on your intuitive insights. Try not to censor yourself but instead write freely and automatically (let your subconscious do the talking). When you have finished writing, express gratitude to the Sun and to Mother Earth for their grace, abundance, and illumination. (Note: If the weather is uncooperative on the morning of solstice, you can still perform the above ritual indoors, using the flame of the candle to represent the rising sun.)
June’s Flower Magick: The Rose
While June’s corresponding flower, the rose, is a fragrant and delicate symbol of love, passion, and beauty, it also represents ardent protection and firm boundaries, thanks to its prickly thorns. Having a rose bush grow near your home has long been seen as a method of ushering harmony and beauty through our doors but also of keeping our sanctuaries protected.
Roses are often associated with the heart chakra, the energy center of love and compassion. Incorporating roses into your spiritual practices this month can enhance your ability to give and receive love.
Consider honoring the rose in your magickal practices this month:
draw a self-care bath with rose petals sprinkled in,
meditate with rose’s crystal counterpart, rose quartz, during times of anxiety or self-doubt,
give a piece of rose quartz to a loved one who could use a hearty dose of compassion or an energetic lift,
or simply enjoy the presence of roses in your environment to help raise your vibration and elevate your energy field.
Raven’s Recipe Corner:
Our recipe in this issue is for Midsummer Magick Berry Layer Cake. Picture yourself outside on a warm, sunny day in June, surrounded by your loved ones and favorite people. The happiness and bliss that infuse your heart are only missing one piece of magick: A taste of summer! Enter the Midsummer Magick Berry Layer Cake, a delightful dessert that captures the essence of the season. This luscious cake, layered with fresh strawberries and lighter-than-air sweet cream frosting, is the perfect treat to honor the longest day of the year and the beauty of Midsummer.
Midsummer Magick Berry Layer Cake:
Ingredients:
For the cakes:
4 eggs, separated
a pinch of salt
¾ cup granulated (regular) sugar
2 tsp vanilla bean paste or natural extract
1 tbsp water
¾ cup plain flour
For the berries:
1 lb strawberries
1 tbsp powdered (confectioners) sugar
For the cream:
1½ cups heavy cream
2 tbsp powdered (confectioners) sugar
1 tsp vanilla bean paste or natural extract
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350F and line two 7inch cake tins with baking parchment paper. Do not grease them.
In a mixer bowl with an electric beater (or in a stand mixer with the whisk attachment), beat the egg whites and the salt to stiff peaks. Scrape into a separate bowl and set aside. Clean and dry the mixer bowl for the next step.
In the mixer bowl, place the egg yolks, sugar, vanilla, and water and beat with the whisk attachment (or electric beater) until very pale and at least doubled in volume.
Gently fold the egg whites into this mixture, and then gradually the flour, being careful not to lose too much air. Divide the batter between the two tins, and then bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and springing back when touched. Turn the tins upside down on a cooling rack, and leave until completely cooled.
Sort the berries: Pick out the nicest looking strawberries and set them aside to decorate the top of the cake. Wash the remaining berries, remove the hulls (stems/caps), and slice them into quarters. Place them in a bowl and toss with 1 tbsp of powdered sugar, then set aside.
Make the cream: Whisk together the cream, sugar and vanilla until they are JUST at stiff peaks - be very careful not to over-whip.
To assemble the cake, run a thin knife around the cakes in their tins, and then remove them.
Place one cake on a serving plate, and then top with about a third of the cream. Spread it to the edges, and then top with almost all of the strawberries, leaving any juice they have created behind in the bowl.
Place the second cake on top and firmly, but gently press it down to anchor it.
Pile the remaining cream onto the cake, and smooth it all over and down the sides, using a palette/frosting knife.
Pile the remaining filling on top of the cake in the center, and then decorate the edge with the berries that you set aside. If desired, garnish with springs of mint or even curls of dark chocolate.
Enjoy!
Celestial Insights for June: Bends in the Road Ahead
June carries an adventurous spirit, a call to embrace change and to be unafraid of any forks in the road. Midsummer (solstice) provides an opportunity to reassess our goals and make necessary adjustments. It’s a time to let go of what no longer serves us and to welcome new experiences with open arms. Maybe it's a new project, a new relationship, or a personal transformation; nonetheless, June encourages us to step forward with courage and confidence.
June’s affirmation: I am a conduit of light and positive energy. I am brave and ready to take the next step on my journey, having confidence that Universe will guide my way.
June 3: Mercury enters Gemini
The planet of communication enters the zodiac sign of communication! Needless to say, communication is key at this point on your journey. Don’t shy away from meaningful discourse and heartfelt discussions; they may just provide the “eureka” moment that you’ve been desperately hoping for. In addition, be open to casual conversation: Striking up a dialogue with the kind stranger in line ahead of you at the coffee shop might just lead to groundbreaking new opportunities for you.
June 6: New Moon in Gemini
The New Moon in Gemini signifies a time of fresh beginnings in communication, learning, and social interactions. It's an ideal period to start new projects that involve writing, speaking, or networking, as the Gemini influence enhances our curiosity and adaptability. Be open to opportunities to share ideas, engage in stimulating conversations, and explore new areas of interest. However, avoid spreading yourself too thin by taking on too many tasks at once. Also, be cautious of gossip or superficial chatter; focus on meaningful connections and thoughtful exchanges.
June 17: Mercury & Venus enter Cancer
Don’t hold back from dreaming the BIG dreams and then giving them a voice to all who might listen (provided you deem the listeners worthy of hearing your sacred truths). In the weighty areas of your life that have been keeping your mind heavily preoccupied, remember that sometimes what may seem like a breakdown can actually be leading us to a major breakthrough. Be open to solutions outside of the dreaded box.
June 20: Sun enters Cancer
Cancer brings with it a nurturing and introspective energy, encouraging us to focus on home, family, and emotional well-being. This is a time to prioritize self-care, strengthen personal relationships, and create a sense of security and comfort. Avoid getting too caught up in nostalgia or becoming overly protective, as this can lead to emotional stagnation or unnecessary worry.
June 21: Full “Strawberry Moon” in Capricorn
Let this Full Moon help you to release the old ways of doing things that just aren’t cutting it anymore. It’s a time to firm up your personal and professional boundaries, and remember that you are the boss of you. Long-range planning takes a front seat and urges you to look at the bigger picture. Having a birds-eye view of your path will help ensure that your inner compass is really bringing you to where you feel most aligned and truly want to be.
Registration Now Open: Academy of Magick 2024 Summer Program for Adults!
Brand new this year, our Academy of Magick hosts an intensive summer program for adults! This one-week program is geared toward adults who have a keen interest in deepening their connection to magickal practices and expanding their understanding of a variety of metaphysical topics. No prior experience is required; just a thirst for metaphysical knowledge and an open mind!
The program will run from August 5 to August 9, meeting Monday through Friday from 6pm - 9pm. Each evening will incorporate a variety of metaphysical lessons, magical crafts & practices, and introspective journaling as well as group discussions. Participants will engage in activities on topics such as divination, crystal and herb magick, creating sacred spaces, spiritual self-care, the wheel of the year, astrology, dreamwork, energy healing, and more.
Registration for our adult summer program is now open and our Early Bird Discount is available through June 10th. For more information, visit our Academy of Magick page here!
Mystical Places: The Kingdom of Shambhala
It is believed that somewhere between the snowy peaks of the Himalayas and the arid dryness of the Gobi Desert lies the fabled kingdom of Shambhala, a land of unparalleled beauty and spiritual enlightenment. According to ancient Tibetan Buddhist texts, Shambhala is a utopian paradise, hidden from the prying eyes of the unworthy, accessible only to those who have achieved a pure heart and mind. This mythical kingdom, often described as a place of peace and tranquility, is said to be ruled by wise and compassionate kings who preserve the world's most sacred teachings. The legend of Shambhala has captivated adventurers, spiritual seekers, and scholars alike, sparking countless expeditions and mystical inquiries.
Shambhala is more than just a legendary realm; it embodies the ultimate aspiration for a harmonious and enlightened society. Its lore is rich with stories of miraculous events and profound wisdom, where inhabitants enjoy a perfect balance of nature and technology, living in harmony with the laws of the universe. The kingdom's capital, Kalapa, is described as a magnificent city adorned with palaces of sparkling crystal and gold, surrounded by lush gardens and serene landscapes. The timeless appeal of Shambhala lies in its promise of inner peace and the hope that such a place of pure bliss and knowledge could one day be accessible to all humanity.
The Visitor: A Story
I’m always sharing my mission with anyone who will listen: To help people (re)connect with their inner magic. To live bravely, authentically, and without apology, embracing their inner truth. “Don’t cover up your inner light just to ‘fit in’. Don’t disguise your true nature just to conform to others’ expectations of you.” Again and again, I remind people that the greatest gift we can give in this world is to share and celebrate our own unique character. And yet, lately, my words have felt shallow, somehow.
Last week, I found myself in the rare alignment of both a day off and a day of beautiful weather. I had settled into a chair on my patio with my coffee in one hand and a book in the other, listening to a new mama mourning dove teach her fledglings how to sing. Just then, my dog, Rupert, a twelve-pound drill sergeant, began to bark incessantly, around the corner from where I was sitting. Of course, this is not unusual for him, as he takes his position as chief of security to the extreme. But amidst his yaps, I heard what sounded like a soft growl – decidedly not a Rupert noise. At this, I jumped up from my seat and ran around the corner to the area of the yard where Rupert was on duty.
There, to my great surprise, I saw my dog in a stare-down stand-off with a raccoon. The raccoon was crouched in a defensive position; its eyes, behind its distinctive mask, darting back and forth from Rupert to me and back to Rupert. Quickly scooping Rupert up into my arms, I deposited him into the house and quietly walked back around the corner. From a safe distance, I could see that the animal was still there, still frozen in the same wary stance.
“You’re okay,” I said. “We won’t bother you.”
I went back into the house to refill my coffee mug and to tell my husband about the encounter. After some time, I headed back outside and, because curiosity reigns, I slowly walked back over to where I had seen the raccoon. No longer in its original spot, I assumed it had finally moseyed on its way. Just as I was about to turn around, I noticed a ball of fur curled up in the shade of our rock garden. It was the raccoon, dozing quietly under the canopy of a maple tree. Though its breathing seemed regular, still I grew concerned. Why was it here in broad daylight and, although somewhat camouflaged among the rocks and leaves, in full view of potential predators?
I started looking up numbers for wildlife rehabilitators and managed to connect to a lovely, knowledgeable rehabber whose specialty (well, one of several) happens to be raccoons. I described the entire encounter and the fact that the animal did not appear in distress or unwell.
“All of the things you’re describing are normal behavior. It’s likely that it’s just a mama raccoon out hunting for food for her babies, which they will do during daylight hours,” she reassured me.
“Okay, but now she’s curled up, sleeping under a tree. Is that normal?” I asked.
“If she is in fact a new mama, well… Let’s just say, if you’ve ever had babies, you’ll understand.”
Of course, this made perfect sense. “So, what should I do? Just leave her there?”
“Yep. Hopefully she’s just taking a time-out and will move along when she’s ready. But if she’s sick or injured…”
I said, “If that’s the case, would I try to bring her to a rehab facility?”
The rehabber sighed. “Unfortunately, adult raccoons can’t be rehabilitated in Connecticut because of the potential threat of rabies. The best thing to do is just leave her be and hope she is just taking a rest. Don’t feed her, and don’t touch her. She’ll likely move on in time.”
The wheels in my brain started turning. “So, what would we do if it turns out she is sick?”
“Well, if she’s genuinely in distress, then you could call your local PD or trooper and they would come out and… euthanize it.”
The visualization of this word was not lost on me.
I thanked the woman and went back out to check on the critter. She was still curled up, resting in the shade. I made a clicking noise with my tongue to try to see if she would respond, and she opened her eyes slowly but closed them again. I walked a little bit closer to her and noticed that her back leg was protruding at an abnormal angle. Not a good sign.
My husband brought out a bowl of water and, while keeping a safe distance, he placed it close enough to her that she might be able to have a drink. The day was sunny and in the high 70s.
Within a few hours, the sunny skies turned dark and rain began to pour down. I immediately thought of the raccoon and went outside to check on her but saw that my husband had gotten there first. He had placed a large umbrella on the ground at an angle to shelter her; still curled up, breathing regularly but not opening her eyes. Seeing the level of water in the bowl, it looked as though she had taken a drink at some point. My husband and I looked at each other, silently wishing there were more we could do.
The rain continued steadily throughout the night, and in the morning, I left the dog inside the house while I went out to check on our little visitor. My husband was already there, crouched a few feet away from her. He turned to look at me and said, “She’s gone.”
My logical brain told me this was part of the natural cycle. Still, I felt a deep ache in my chest.
That evening, as the sun began to set, my husband buried the raccoon in our rock garden and placed a collection of stones around in a circle to mark her grave. I lit my palo santo and let the smoke encircle the area, entreating the spirits to guide her on her journey to the next realm.
Later that night, I listened to the peepers outside our bedroom window and drifted off to sleep. In my dream, I found myself in a verdant forest with dappled sunlight dancing across ferns and rocks. I walked, barefoot, along a mossy path. Not twenty feet ahead, I caught sight of a tufted, ringed tail darting behind a tree. I followed in its direction and there, in a small clearing, was our raccoon. Though something about her looked different, I knew it was her. Her kind eyes looked healthy and bright, and she bowed her head before frolicking off into the thicket of trees. She looked back at me once before disappearing and I suddenly realized what was different: Her mask was gone.
The next day, I took my mug of coffee out to the rock garden and stood, looking at the circle of stones surrounding the fresh dirt. In a few minutes, I would have to begin my morning routine and head to work. But something held me there, rooted in that spot.
Don’t disguise your true nature just to conform to others’ expectations of you. I suddenly realized why my words had come to sound shallow to my own ears. In all the time I had been coaching people to bare their authentic light and not to worry what other people might think, I had forgotten those words for myself.
I breathed in the warm spring air. “Thank you for the message,” I said to the little grave. “And you’re right. I don’t need my mask anymore.”
"Summer has filled her veins with light and her heart is washed with noon."
— C. Day Lewis
