Simple Working Altar

Here is my simplified altar after getting rid of some of the clutter. I've felt the need to simplify my life as much

An Offering

As I step off the porch with bare feet I feel the cool richness of the earth beneath me, the refreshing crisp air of an early December night, and I take notice of the stars shining against the black of night.  With the chalice in my left hand, and cut apple revealing it's sacred star in my right hand; I venture out to leave my offerings that have adorned my altar the previous day.  As I kneel down before the old tree I take a moment of silence as my heart is filled with gratitude.  I place the apple at the base of the tree and know that I'm giving back a gift that already belonged to the earth.  I slowly tip the chalice and let the aromatic wine pour over the fruit. 
As I rise, I look up once more and I feel the connection between myself and deity.  Seeing the stars glistening above the branches, I recognize the world tree in the place where I stand.  The old tree becomes the stang which connects this world to the upperworld and the underworld.  The earth itself is the great cauldron womb of the goddess.  And here I stand, in awe of the mysteries that surround me.  Truly blessed to recognize the gifts all around me.  Thankful to be apart of such splendor. Such beauty.  For deep within, the witch feels the connection with the land, the sea, and sky.  Because of this, the offering is made, not from a feeling of necessity but rather an attitude of appreciation.

Humble Beginnings

As I sit at home this morning, gazing out the window and watching the trees dance in the wind; I'm reminded of my teenage years when I secretly practiced magick in the wooded hills of Kentucky.  I didn't have in my possession a single ritual tool.  The concept of drawing down the moon was foreign to me.  I had never heard of the Wiccan rede, nor did I know the dynamics of setting up a ritual altar.  However, there was such a connection between my spirit and that of the forest.  Instinctively I developed a relationship with the elements.  I felt a connection with the plants and the trees all around me. 

I remember being drawn to certain herbs of the woods and intuitively working knot magick.  I would speak ecstatic utterances under my breath and call up the winds and the local spirits of the land.  While I now have more experience and knowledge of the craft, that can never replace the raw, uncompromising communion with nature.  As a pagan, a witch, a devotee of Hestia; it is my prayer that I never forget the heart of this path.  While continually learning more is crucial to growth, I never want to get to the point where knowledge replaces experience.  I love studying, but even more I love stepping outside with bare feet and feeling the heartbeat of Gaia beneath me.