Embracing the Magic of the Buck Moon
Antler Craft Ritual for the Crone in the Making
As I journey through the phases of life and the wheel of year, each full moon serves as a beacon, illuminating my path with its ancient wisdom. The Buck Moon, named for the new antlers that deer begin to grow, symbolizes strength, resilience, and transformation. This full moon is especially significant as it is the last one before the start of the new school semester, a time of new beginnings and renewed energy. As I embrace my crone years, the Buck Moon invites me to tap into my inner power and wisdom. With the Buck Moon coming up on July 21, I'm exploring a unique ritual that resonates with my journey towards becoming a crone, honoring the magic of this potent lunar phase through the ancient symbolism of antlers.
The Magic of the Full Moon
The full moon is a powerful time for reflection, manifestation, and release. Its energy amplifies my intentions and provides a perfect opportunity to connect deeply with my inner self and the natural world. As I noted in a previous full moon post (focusing on April’s Pink Moon), harnessing the energy of the full moon through ritual and reflection can bring a sense of power and clarity, especially as we transition into our wise woman years. During the full moon, I focus on letting go of what no longer serves me and setting intentions for growth and transformation. This practice is particularly meaningful as I step into my crone years, embracing the wisdom and power that come with this phase of life.
Antler Craft: Creating a Symbol of Crone Wisdom
Antlers have long been symbols of power, growth, and regeneration. They are associated with several goddesses who embody these qualities and are revered in various cultures. As I step into my crone years, crafting a symbol with antlers can help me connect with these goddesses and the wisdom they offer.
Goddesses Associated with Antlers
Artemis: The Greek goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and wild animals, Artemis is often depicted with a stag. She represents independence, strength, and protection, qualities that resonate deeply with the crone phase of life.
Flidais: In Irish mythology, Flidais is a goddess associated with deer and the forest. She represents abundance, fertility, and the nurturing aspects of nature, aligning with the crone's role as a guardian of wisdom and life.
Elen of the Ways: A lesser-known Celtic goddess, Elen is associated with reindeer and pathways. She symbolizes the guiding light and the journey through life, reflecting the crone's role as a guide and mentor. The ritual shared today focuses on working with Elen.
Who is Elen of the Ways?
Elen of the Ways is a powerful yet lesser-known Celtic goddess associated with reindeer and pathways. She symbolizes the guiding light and life's journey, reflecting the crone's role as a guide and mentor. In Celtic mythology, Elen is often depicted as a guardian of ancient tracks and paths, particularly those used by migratory animals like reindeer. Her name evokes the idea of movement and journeying, both physical and spiritual. As a goddess of the old roads and wilderness, Elen embodies the connection between humanity and the natural world.
Elen's association with antlers connects her to the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. As reindeer shed and regrow their antlers, they symbolize renewal and transformation—key themes for me as I embrace my crone years. Elen guides me to trust in my path, no matter how winding or obscure it may seem. She encourages me to embrace my inner strength and wisdom, much like the reindeer she is connected with, who navigate vast, harsh landscapes with grace and determination.
Crafting My Antler Symbol
Creating an antler symbol during the Buck Moon helps me channel the energy of Elen of the Ways and embrace my own inner strength and wisdom. Whether I have a real antler or need to make faux antlers, this ritual can be adapted to suit my materials.
Using a Real Antler
If I have a real antler, like the one lost by a buck in my yard in May 2022, I'll follow these steps:
Materials:
A real antler
Ribbon or twine
Small charms or crystals
A candle
Steps:
Cleanse the antler: I use herb-infused water to cleanse the antler, removing any negative energies and preparing it for my ritual.
Decorate my antler: I tie ribbons or twine around the antler, adding charms or crystals that represent my intentions. Clear quartz can be used for clarity, amethyst for spiritual growth, and rose quartz for love and compassion.
Invoke Elen of the Ways: I light a candle and call upon Elen. I might say something like, "I call upon Elen of the Ways, the guiding light of the old paths. May her energy empower this symbol and guide me on my journey as a crone." I recommend using a green candle. Green symbolizes growth, renewal, and the natural world, which aligns well with the themes of the Buck Moon and the energy of Elen of the Ways. Green also resonates with the strength and resilience represented by antlers and the journey of transformation during the crone phase of life.
Empower my antler: I focus on the flame, visualizing my intentions filling the antler. I speak my intentions aloud, affirming my inner strength and growth.
Place my antler: I display my antler in a place where it can remind me of my power and the wisdom of the Buck Moon. This could be on an altar, a special shelf, or any sacred space in my home.
If you don't have a real antler that just randomly showed up in your yard like me, you can create a faux one for this ritual.
Making Faux Antlers
Materials:
Twigs or branches resembling antlers
Ribbon or twine
Small charms or crystals
A candle (again, green recommended, but white is always a good substitute when needed)
Steps:
Gather your materials: Find twigs or branches that resemble antlers. Cleanse them with herb-infused or moon-charged water to remove any negative energies and prepare them for your ritual.
Create your faux antlers: Tie the twigs together with ribbon or twine, adding charms or crystals that represent your intentions. Clear quartz can be used for clarity, amethyst for spiritual growth, and rose quartz for love and compassion.
Invoke Elen of the Ways: Light a candle and call upon Elen. You might say, "I call upon Elen of the Ways, the guiding light of the old paths. May her energy empower this symbol and guide me on my journey as a crone."
Empower your faux antlers: Focus on the flame, visualizing your intentions filling the twigs. Speak your intentions aloud, affirming your inner strength and growth.
Place your faux antlers: Display your antler creation in a place where it can remind you of your power and the wisdom of the Buck Moon. This could be on an altar, a special shelf, or any sacred space in your home.
Embracing My Crone Path
While this ritual is meant to inspire, I always caution that my magic is personal—you do you. You are welcome to adapt these practices to suit your needs and preferences. You might use these questions to guide your ritual:
What aspects of my life need strengthening or transformation as I embrace my crone years?
How can I harness the energy of the Buck Moon to achieve my goals?
What personal symbols or tools can I incorporate into my rituals?
The Buck Moon's energy, combined with the ancient power of antlers and the wisdom of Elen of the Ways, is a reminder of my innate strength and the continuous journey of growth. I hope sharing this ritual can help you embrace your own journey.
May your path be illuminated by the moon's gentle light.