Month: January 2011

About Imbolc

About Imbolc

a guide to the Sabbat’s symbolism

by Arwynn MacFeylynnd

Date: February 1 or 2.

Alternative names: Imbolg, Candlemas, Oimelc, Brighid’s Day, Lupercus, the Feast of Lights, Groundhog’s Day

Primary meanings: The name “Imbolc” derives from the word “oimelc,” meaning sheep’s milk. It is considered a time of purification, preparation and celebration for new life stirring, anticipating spring. The holiday is also known as Candlemas; the custom of blessing candles at this time signifies awakening of life and honors the Celtic goddess Brighid, to whom fire is sacred. This Sabbat also celebrates banishing winter.

Symbols: Candle wheels, grain dollies and Sun wheels, a besom (witch’s broom), a sprig of evergreen, a bowl of snow and small Goddess statues representing her in the maiden aspect.

Colors: White, yellow, pink, light blue, light green; also, red and brown.

Gemstones: Amethyst, aquamarine, turquoise, garnet and onyx.

Herbs: Angelica, basil, bay, benzoin, clover, dill, evergreens, heather, myrrh, rosemary, willows and all yellow flowers.

Gods and goddesses: Brighid, the Celtic goddess of healing, poetry and smithcraft; all virgin and maiden goddesses; all fire and flame gods, connected with the newborn Sun.

Customs and myths: In Irish legends of the Tuatha De Danaan, Brighid is the name of three daughters of Dagda who over time were combined into one goddess. She was venerated in Scotland, Wales, on the Isle of Man and in the Hebrides. When celebrating Candlemas or Imbolc, spellwork for fertility, inspiration and protection are appropriate, defining and focusing on spiritual and physical desires for the future. Imbolc is a good time to get your life in order — physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. Make plans, organize, clean out drawers and closets to bring in the new and clearing out the old. Make and bless candles; light one in each room in honor of the Sun’s rebirth. Carry out rites of self-purification. Burn mistletoe, holly and ivy decorations from Yule to signify the end of harsh weather and old ways.

Happy Monday, dear friends!

I couldn’t resist him, he is so cute. I have been emailing my children this morning that is why I am running late. They both work their butts off and it much easier to email them instead of calling them. Both of them will answer their phone no matter what. My daughter is a nurse that works in ICU, she would answer it if she was coding somebody. My son is a foreman and also works with heavy equipment. He would be working the boom truck and look down to see who is calling and knock someone in the river. So it is much safer for all involved to just email them.  We have our phone, cable and DSL through our local Co-Op. When our phone rings, I can turn around and see the caller ID on the TV, which is pretty cool. I like that feature and that’s about it. I had DSL installed where I use to work and it was super fast. So we were trying to save money on it. Cable was absolutely pathetic. Every month, we had a $280.00 bill and that started to hurt. So I called the Co-Op and I figured their DSL would be fast like what I had at work. HA,  HA! HA! I should never figure at  all. All I do is get myself in trouble. Hubby has done nothing but bitch the whole time.  I told him the more computers we hook up to it, the slower it would get. Well he believed that and I do too! Well I have talked to much again. Time to go to work. Have a great Monday!

A Celtic Blessing for Protection Throughout the Day and Throughout Life

Though the Celts were a fierce people, they valued their home life and cherished their kinfolk. It was an absolute rule that those welcomed, under one’s roof would be protected from harm. Likewise, visitors were under a charge not to do harm by word or deed to their home and their host’s family. This blessing to equally effective for family members who no longer live at home. It can also be directed towards special friends. The blessing is quite long, so at first you will need to read the words, but in time you will find they come naturally. Once you know the blessing you can focus on the image of family members as you recite the words.

You will need:

Photographs of yourself and family members and friends you wish to protect – a group portrait is excellent.

Timing:

On a Sunday, or any other day when you have time to focus on the individual family members in morning light.

The Spell:

Set the photographs so that the morning light shows on them. Touch each of the pictures in turn and then recite:

May the blessing of light be with you = light
outside and within.
May the sunlight shine upon you and warm
your heart till it glows like a great peat fire, so
that the stranger may come and warm himself
by it.
May a blessed light shine out of your two eyes
like a candle set in two windows of a house
bidding the wanderer to come in out of the
storm.
May you ever give a kindly greeting to those
whom you pass as you go along the roads.
May the blessing of rain – the sweet, soft rain
 – fall upon you so that little flowers may
 spring up to shed their sweetness in the air.
May the blessings of the earth – the good, rich
earth – be with you.
May the earth be soft under you when you
rest upon it, tired at the end of the day.

I must apologize……

I don’t know if you know it or not, but the posts I put in here I type up. I don’t type up the Horoscopes and all the Dailys, if there is an  extra article or two I try to type it up also. I thought I needed to tell you in cast you were wondering what was taking me so long. Also I am still getting use to WordPress. I tried to put the Dragon spell in the Protection Section of the Blog and it wouldn’t go. I don’t know why, maybe there was too many words. Who knows? But that’s what took so long getting it posted. Hopefully sometime in this lifetime, I will learn how this place works, lol! Well I am off again. I will try to speed it up for you!

Blessed Sunday to you, dear friends!

Well I have good news and I have bad news. The good news, I didn’t do my hubby in (at least not yet, lol!). It just dawned on me that some of you might take me serious about harming my husband. Let me be very clear, I would not harm a hair on his little bald head. We have been married for 20 some odd years and he is the love of my life. I joke a lot, so when I say something like that, I am joking. Something just crossed my little pea brain and I have got to tell you, then the bad news…………..

When I had my last back surgery, it was out-of-town. Also I had taken my Explorer up to our garage. It needed a tune-up and some other stuff and I sure wasn’t going to be driving, so now was perfect time to get all that done. The SUV was gone, no one was at the house, the kids would run by and check on the animals and feed them, besides that no one knew nothing. I was in the hospital for 4 days. I could have stayed longer but I wanted to come home. My daughter’s boyfriend brought his mother’s car over where I could ride home (all of us had 4×4’s, trucks, SUVs, you get the idea). So apparently they must have sneaked me in because none of the neighbors saw me that’s for sure. I stayed in the house for about a week. I had therapists coming and a’going, then some guy fitted me for a magnetic belt. I swear I believe they were trying to pull the damn screw OUT! Finally I told them to leave, I would get plenty of exercise cleaning the house. My son went and got my truck. I was planning on going to Sonic and get me one of those creamed slushies, I love those things. So after my son left, I got to thinking, I didn’t know if I could get up and down the steps. So I waddled outside with my cane. I took a long, hard look at those steps. Oh, gee, what’s the worse that could happen? Fall and have to have another surgery! So I made it down the steps and it was a pretty day so I decided to walk around the yard some. I walked to the mailbox and one of my nosey neighbors pulled up. He wanted to know where I had been. I told him it really wasn’t any of his business. Well he told me, “that’s ok because the whole neighborhood knew I left Frank and we must have made up because I was back.” That liked to have floored me. I told him that was totally untrue and I was tired and was going in the house. Well by the time I got up the driveway to the cars there is another nosey neighbor. She wanted to know how everything was over here. I told her fine and then she informed me that they knew I had left Frank. I said, “What!” I sort of went off on her. People gossiping and telling lies about something they know nothing about. Well when hubby got home from work, I told him what the gossip was around the neighborhood. We got to laughing about it. He said he ought to have when out in the backyard at night and started digging a hole. They would have called the Law and had him arrested for killing me and getting ready to bury the evidence. But the bunch around here, never eases to amaze me. I was raised if you couldn’t tell the truth then keep your mouth shut! But we still get a tickle out of this one.

Ok for the bad news……..I came down with an ear infection, sore throat and a fever. I have some stuff I have been taking for it. I have to admit it is helping but I realized that I took the nighttime formula in the middle of the day, Oops! So if you see xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx across the screen don’t think anything about it, I just passed out on the keyboard, lol!

One more thing then I will leave you alone for the day………..I am going to stray from the regular horoscopes and stuff. Instead I have some old spells that I want to put on the blog today. I know the Practitioners don’t care but the others might. Let me apologize for this, the horoscopes will be back tomorrow, I promise, if I’m not on the keyboard, lol. Y’all have a great one………….

Lady A

SLEEP OIL

SLEEP OIL

To Induce You will need:
1/2 oz carrier oil 12 drops bergamot 3 drops lavender 3 drops cypress
Directions: In 1/2 oz of carrier oil (I used apricot kernel, sweet almond would also be good),
mix 12 drops of bergamot, 3 drops lavender and 3 drops cypress.
To increase the benefits of your sleep, apply a few drops behind your ears, spreading the excess out over
your jawline. Do this immediately before bed.
This is a good oil blend for people who have trouble falling asleep at night,
or for people who sleep restlessly.

DREAMING IN THE GARDEN SPELL

DREAMING IN THE GARDEN SPELL

Dreams can be merely entertaining or intense and prophetic.
Many natural aids to dreaming can be found in the garden.
If you want peaceful dreams that are relaxing, place a vase of jasmine by your bed.
If you are having nightmares and wish them stopped, place morning glories in the vase instead.
If you need to learn something in a dream, place a bay leaf under your pillow and ask for the knowledge.
If you just want nice dreams, use a sachet of lavender.
If you want to send a psychic dream to a loved one, blow the seeds off the top of a dandelion in his or her
direction and project your wish, then go right to sleep.
If you want your dreams to come true, you can do one of two spells.
At midnight on a Friday, in silence, gather nine small non spiny holly leaves and wrap them in a cloth.
Place them under your pillow, make your wish, and go to sleep. Your dreams will come true.
Another ancient spell is to scatter marigold flowers under your bed, make your wish, and then say:
Wish I want and wish I may
Come to me through dream so fair
Come by night and come by day
Come, thou wish, and ride thee here

DREAM PROTECTION SPELL

DREAM PROTECTION SPELL

You Need: 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (or another fruit juice) 1 tablespoon of sea salt
1 teaspoon of vegetable oil 1 light weight cauldron (a glass bowl works too)
1 piece of paper 1 black pen 2 black or red candles (1 of each works best)
Mix the lemon juice, sea salt, and oil into your cauldron.
Place the cauldron in front of you on the floor.
Sit comfortably and place the candles beside the cauldron (red on left, black on right.)
Rip the piece of paper in half then set it aside.
Light both candles, left one first. Now close your eyes and visualize a sphere.
In the middle of the sphere, visualize yourself stuck inside, trying to get out.
See the black and red candles burning around you. Watch as the candles spin around you,
getting faster each time they pass. Then see yourself magickally being released.
On one piece of paper, draw a picture of what you saw. On the other, write down your biggest fear.
Light both pieces of paper on fire, using the black for the written half, red for the drawing.
Then throw them into your cauldron.
Take the cauldron outside and pour it (paper and all) into a hole in the ground.
Cover the hole with dirt. The spell is done

Creating A Magickal Tree

You can create your own, albeit more modest but nevertheless magickal, world tree in your garden.

You can use any tree or a large bush as long as it has plenty of branches. Indoors, you can use a large ornamental tree or bush. Alternatively, use large, stripped-wood branches indoors or set them in soil. Wherever it is located, your magickal tree acts as a protective force to repel harm from your property.

You can start the tree with just one or two items. You will need some of the following:

  • A witch ball or coloured-glass fishing float that reflects the garden and shines in sunlight. These are both protective and empowering. Witch balls resemble huge Christmas baubles and come from the American folk tradition. You can make one by painting a glass sphere with metallic paint or buy one from a New Age shop or website. You can also find them sold as disco ballls in gift stores.
  • Fishing floats made of transparent glass are on sale in antique stores or garage sales, but increasingly in gift shops and houseware stores. Hang two or three of these from the tree.  You can use rope with three fishing floats, each of a different coloured glass on a tree.
  • Mirrors. These need only be small to reflect the flow of the life force round the garden and repel all harm. You can use ordinary round mirrors or Chinese lucky Bagua mirrors that display the old Chinese symbols for eight natural forces that together energize the universe and our lives. Convex ones that curve outwards are especially protective.
  • Outdoors, nets of seeds and nuts or fat balls bring wild birds to the tree. This is especially important if the tree itself is not living.
  • Symbols of fertility and prosperity. Fill small raffia baskets with long handles with coins, sparkling crystals like yellow citrine and clear crystal quartz or dried herbs like sage, rosemary and thyme that bring abundance to the garden and your herbs like sage, rosemary and thyme that bring abundance to the garden and your home. You can often buy ornamental baskets set with wooden or ceramic fruits and flowers.
  • Small metal birds (you can sometimes buy them made of recycled metal). They will gleam in the light and encourage positive change and the free-flowing life.
  • Feathers on cords to encourage positive change and the free-flowing life force.
  • Seasonal flowers, again especially important if the tree itself is not living. These can be weaved into circles or used as garlands secured with twine. Keep these fresh and replace regularly.
  • Sun catchers, crystals or polished glass stones on chains.
  • Ribbons tied on the tree for different washes. Secure the ribbon with three knots on to the tree and make your wish. Use ribbons that are not synthetic.

Trees and Creation

In the Norse tradition, Yggdrassil, the world tree, supported the nine realms of existence. At the top was Asgard, the home of the Aesir, the principle deities, led by Odin and his consort Frigg. This level also contained Vanaheim, the kingdom of the wind, fertility and sea Gods, with whom the Aesir fashioned an uneasy peace, and Alfheim, home of the light elves. On the middle level was Midgard, the land of the humans. They shared this level with Jotunheim, the land of the frost giants and Nidavellir, the realmo of the dwarves, who guarded their treasure and made artefacts for the deities. The lowest realm was divided between Niflheim and Hel, realms of the dead and Svartalafheim, home of the dark elves.

In Eastern Europe as well as in Asia the mythological world tree was considered the axis of the world with the pole star at the top. Shamans, the magickal priests or healers of indigenous peoples worldwide, climb this tree in a trance to reach other realms. Look up through the branches of a very tall tree on a starry night and you will see how this belief came into being.

The tree appears in numerous creation myths. In one Maori legend, the tree was the first thing to appear at creation and on it grew countless buds that contained all created life. A number of Native North American creation myths tell how the first humans climbed pine or fir trees from the underworld and broke through on to the Earth. In Viking myth the first man was fashioned by Odin and his brothers from an ash (Aesc) and the first woman from an elm tree (Embla). The gods found the trees while walking on the seashore.

Tree Magick

Sacred and magickal trees are found in the religious and mythology of almost every culture. Trees form the link between earth and sky, because they have their roots in soil and their branches in the air and were originally regarded as a creative form of the Earth Mother.

In early forms of religion, people believed that trees were themselves deities, a belief that gradually gave way to the idea that the spirits of deities or nature essences lived within the tree. In Japan, temples have been built around sacred trees for more than two thousand years. Here it is believed that mononoke, the magickal life force, is concentrated in trees and rocks. The Japanese Cryptomeria and the evergreen sakaki trees are especially rich in this force and are often used for building sacred shrines. The tree itself is incorporated into the central pillar so the indwelling power of the nature deity night bless the site.

In parts of Sweden until quite recently, a guardian tree, often elm, ash or lime, was planted close to farms or small settlements and it was forbidden to tak even a leaf from this tree. Pregnant women used to embrace the tree to ensure an easy delivery.

Trees have also been associated from Africa to Eastern Europe with the spirits of fertility, who regulated rain, sunshine and good harvests. In Germany and France, in some agricultural areas, a large leafy branch or even a whole tree, decorated with corn ears or the last corn sheaf, adorns the last wagon of the harvest. It was traditionally set on the roof of the farmhouse or barn for a year to ensure future good harvest.

In India, sacred trees are still visited in order to ask for blessings, especially for fertility, from the indwelling spirit or deity; food and flowers are left at the tree shrine and offering ribbons are tied to the tree.

The Celtic Druids worshipped not in temples, but in groves of trees. These natural sites may have predated the Celts by thousands of years; and still in Wales, Brittany and Cornwall the trees are hung with ribbons, trinkets and petitions for healing and blessings.

Daily Goddess Devotion

Daily Goddess Devotion

When I awaken from my sleep,
Fear holds deep within my heart;
I know not if it was a dream,
Or if these things will someday start.
Men dressed in armor I can see,
As souls cry out from all around;
Lost as if they no know why,
As blood rises from the ground.
Visions fade from within my eyes,
Seeking to know: is it future or is it past;
For how can I know what lies within;
Is it a dream or time unmasked.
I ask the Goddess protect our way,
Cover us in Her love and to hold us near,
For in Her light we are truly blessed;
We shall stand as one and show no fear.
Let the world see us for who we are,
For we have not lost our way;
Goddess Mother guide us on,
Show us how to stand and stay.
Heal the hearts of mortal man,
By Earth, Fire, Rain and Wind;
And unto the world our light we’ll give,
The Energy of peace together send.

Blessed Be.
Lady Abigail
Copyright © 11292011

Runecast for Saturday January 29

This morning it’s Ehwaz of Tyr’s Aett Ehwaz pronounced “ay-wawz” or Ehwo “ay-woh” (E: Horse or two horses) Transportation. May represent a horse, car, plane, boat or other vehicle. Movement and change for the better. Gradual development and steady progress are indicated. Harmony, teamwork, trust, loyalty. An ideal marriage or partnership. Confirmation beyond doubt the meanings of the runes around it.

The Horse slowly moves her load. She doesn’t hurry, the road is long. Movement. Gradual but steady change. Your new life-style may look like a long road. It may be connected with real travel or with a change of job or house. Success won’t come quickly, so don’t hurry. It will arise naturally as a result of steady progress. The horse can carry a load and this means taking on board a duty or burden involving service to others, but this will bring you personal success.

Ehwaz Reversed or Merkstave: This is not really a negative rune. A change is perhaps craved. Feeling restless or confined in a situation. Reckless haste, disharmony, mistrust, betrayal. (Note: the reversed or merkstave definitions are included only for reference as they apply to a multi-rune cast and not to a single rune that’s drawn blind from the pouch)

As with all, take only what feels right to you and disregard the rest.

**a portion of today’s rune meaning/description was kindly provided by Ingrid Halvorsen at sunnyway.com and used here with her gracious permission**

In the Light…

Tom

SoulDiscoveryThruReiki
“Music is a release from the tyranny of conscious thought”
— Kevin Burke
Insanity is inherited, you get it from your kids…

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for 1/29

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Everyone:

53: A Steady Pace

Saturday, January 29th, 2011

Hexagram 53

General Meaning: Like an ancient old-growth forest — where the subtle play of light, texture and shadows is the product of a process measured in centuries and inches — most things of lasting value develop gradually, at their own pace. The ability to learn from experience — one of humanity’s greatest capacities — implies constant yet gradual progress. The combination of stillness within and determination without are the essence of this dynamic. Good things sometimes sprout quickly; the truly delightful take much longer.

The principle of gradual development applies also to human relationships. For love and marriage or any important partnership to endure, progress must be slow but steady: slow enough to allow for the bonds to knit properly; steady enough to keep moving in the right direction.

You can’t expect to have everything all at once. Development must be allowed to take its proper course and allotted time; events must neither be rushed nor manipulated, but allowed to unfold naturally. In this way, you will come to enjoy long-lasting relationships and achieve success.

Today’s Tarot Card for 1/29

Today’s Tarot Card for Everyone:

Strength

This Tarot Deck: Goddess

General Meaning: What has traditionally been known as the Strength card represents Nature which, however wild in its primal form, is tamed by our subtler, finer (feminine, interior) self. The will and passion of our instinctive nature does not need to be broken, but refined and brought to consciousness — so that all levels of Creation, inner and outer, may come into harmony.

The feminine soul-force contains a persuasive power that can nurture and induce cooperation from others, stilling disruptive energies by harmonizing differences in the spirit of collective good will.

Daily Horoscopes for 1/29

 

General Daily Horoscope

 

The friendly Sagittarius Moon inspires us to put our best foot forward and to interact with others in a good-natured manner. Normally we become more easygoing during this period as we sidestep the details in favor of considering the overall picture. Fortunately, the Moon’s supportive sextile to taskmaster Saturn helps us follow through on what we start. Luckily, satisfaction is within reach when the Moon joins sweet Venus later in the evening.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

On one level it seems as if everything is going your way today, but there is more happening than is apparent. Others see you as competent and your actions as straightforward, but you may be more uncertain than they realize. It’s okay that you have a lot going on within the realms of your imagination now. Your dreams are motivational, as long as you continue to clearly distinguish between reality and fantasy.

 

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

There’s a lot to finish at work today and you’re determined to deliver on what you promised. Push as hard as you can early in the day, for you may grow weary sooner than you expect. Fortunately, you are able to handle everything that is being thrown at you, even if you inadvertently get involved in more than you should. But remember to take some time off once you complete your tasks; being extra nice to yourself this evening is a just reward for a job well done.

 

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

Someone may come to your rescue today, whether you need the assistance or not. But in any case, accepting help is wise because it can deepen the bond of friendship. Don’t worry if another person’s involvement actually reduces your efficiency. Ultimately, it’s not about increasing your production; it’s about improving your relationships.

 

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

Performing your job well feels exceptionally satisfying today. You don’t even need acknowledgment from others; the fruit of your labor is reward enough for you now. But fulfillment may be elusive if you think that you should be pursuing a different line of work. Fortunately, opportunities are lurking right at the edge of your awareness, and if you are clever enough you could turn one of them into a new direction in your current career.

 

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Although you could sail through the day with a smile on your face, it’s just as easy to channel your positive attitude into a creative endeavor. Either way, it’s an uplifting time, but you might as well have something to show off when all is said and done. Don’t be tempted to isolate yourself from everyone else; working with others now can lead you in an unexpected direction.

 

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You cannot approach your work in the same manner as you did earlier in the week, for the old methods are not as effective anymore. Thankfully, you could get inspired and come up with an entirely new and original way of doing your job. Don’t worry if your idea is the best one or not. For now, just trying something different may be enough to break the ice and stir the energy in a slightly different direction.

 

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You could find yourself on a creative roll today, but you’ll have to take a risk in order to get the most from it. It’s important to keep yourself motivated, for if you become lazy, you might miss a significant opportunity. Forget about the tried and true path to success. If you want to accomplish something extraordinary now, you must set your comfort aside, step out of the box and do something you’ve never done before.

 

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

This could be a much better day than you anticipated as something nice comes your way. Of course, any unexpected pleasant experience would be welcome, but finding a bargain, receiving a cash windfall or making a new friend could have a lasting positive impact on your life. However, you must be in a receptive frame of mind or the good news might pass you by unnoticed.

 

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

The Moon’s conjunction with lovely Venus in your sign this evening is a harbinger of love, money and pleasure. Naturally, these are all wonderful possibilities, but sweet experiences won’t automatically manifest in your life unless you set the stage for their expression. Your acts of generosity will be returned, but probably not quite as you expect.

 

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You may be feeling good today, but it’s difficult to put your finger on the source of your optimism. It’s as if you know something positive is going to happen, but you don’t know what it is or why you are so sure of it. Don’t waste a lot of time trying to analyze your instincts now; instead, act as if your hunch is correct. Your belief may be enough to alter your future.

 

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

The Moon’s current visit to your 11th House of Friends and Associates can light up your social calendar. Her evening conjunction with stylish Venus may actually improve your popularity, but not if you seem too pushy, so don’t try too hard to be included. You could exude more power than you realize now and your assertive style might seem aggressive unless you consciously tone down your behavior. A low-key approach makes you more desirable at this time.

 

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

On the surface, it appears to be all about your career now, but the winds of fate are blowing from unusual directions and can carry you toward an unexpected destination. Fortunately, the outcome is likely to be better than you think, so don’t resist the shifting currents. Keep your spirits up; even if you’re heading into unknown territory, your thoughts are creating your tomorrow before it arrives.