Month: February 2013

Witch Works: Spells and Rituals for Every Season

Witch Works:  Spells and Rituals for Every Season
A Column by Kelly
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Candlemas Edition
Candlemas, or Imbolc, is the Feast of Flames. Usually celebrated on February 2, Candlemas was a celebration of the coming spring with all of its promise and bounty.  Even though the winters were long and the food supply was dwindling by this point of the year, the ancient Celtic people who first celebrated Candlemas still found reason to do just that: celebrate!  Traditionally, Candlemas involved an extinguishing of the all of the lamps, candles and the central home hearth, followed by a relighting celebration which became the Feast of Flames. Below are a few of my favorite ways to celebrate Candlemas. Try them out for yourself or combine them with your existing Candlemas traditions!
Candlemas Altar Decoration
Candlemas is most closely associated with the Celtic Goddess Brigit. If you are not already familiar with Brigit, Candlemas is the perfect time of year to introduce yourself!  Try incorporating Brigit and her sacred symbols into the magick you perform this Candlemas.  Brigit had several animals that were considered sacred to her: the boar, the cow, the fish, the sheep, the snake or serpent, the wolf, the bear and the badger.  If you plan to decorate your altar for Candlemas, try utilizing her sacred animals as well as the colors of Candlemas (red and white) into your decoration theme!
Candlemas Magick
Being that Candlemas is the Feast of Flames, any magick that calls for fire will be especially sacred at this time of year.  If you are not already familiar with pyromancy, divination by fire, there are several formats you can try.
First, there is flame scrying.  Take a white candle and place it in front of a black scrying mirror. Focus on the candle’s flame in the mirror and wait for the images to reveal themselves.  This is a highly effective form of pyromancy. Second, if you plan an outdoor celebration that will include an open pit fire, try sitting beside the fire and meditating on the flames as they dance.  Relax and wait for the dancing flames to reveal their message to you.
Libanomancy, or divination from smoke, is another excellent form of magick to engage in during Candlemas.  You can either use the smoke from stick incense that you have burning or you can burn some herbs on a charcoal brick. Try to divine the images the smoke produces.
A lesser known form of divination is called ceromancy, which is melting max in a traditional manner and pouring the melted wax into a large bowl of water and then looking for symbols and images that the wax produces.
Candlemas Ritual
There are several rituals that go hand in hand with the spirit of Candlemas. The first is a self-blessing ceremony. With the beginning of a new year, some people like to clear themselves and get s fresh start, so to speak. A self-blessing ritual is a perfect extension of that ideology.    A self-blessing ritual you can follow is below, or write your own if you are inspired!
Step 1 – Take a ritual bath and dress yourself in white clothing or go skyclad.
Step 2 – Cleanse the area you are going to work in
Step 3 – Ground and Center
Step 4 – Cast a circle
Step 5 – Call the elements or deities you like to work with. Don’t forget that Brigit would be an excellent choice for this!
Step 6 – With anointing oil or holy water, dip your fingers into the substance and anoint your feet, groin area (not internally!), stomach, heart, throat or lips depending on the substance, eyes and forehead or third eye, repeating a blessing on each part that you anoint. The blessings need not be complicated. You could say “bless my feet that aid my physical earthly journey, bless my loins that bring pleasure and life” etc.
Step 7 – Meditate on clearing yourself and seeing yourself as blessed.
Step 8 – Thank your deities and elements and release them from the circle.
Step 9 – Break down your circle and then rest.
Repeat this ritual as often as needed.
Candlemas is a wonderful time to perform a house/room cleansing or blessing as well.  Clean the house/room thoroughly before you begin. Then you can simply smudge the locale with a smudging stick or incense, repeating a simple house blessing as you smudge, such as “bless this space in the name of The Goddess. Let it be free from negativity and filled with love.”
Also, if you have a personal sanctuary or room for your spiritual practices, now would be an opportune time to clean it out, physically and spiritually. Or, you maybe find your altar is in need of revamping. Spend a little time cleaning it and maybe reorganizing the layout of the altar.  Cleanse and reconsecrate your altar tools as well.
Candlemas Projects
Given its name, Candlemas is my favorite time of year to make candles!  On Candlemas, I like to replenish my candle stock.  I check and see what colors or shapes I am running low on and spend some time making candles for the upcoming Ostara and daily meditation and ritual use.  Candle-making is really simple and an excellent creative outlet! If you have not tried making your own candles before, stop by your local craft store and pick up a few candle molds and experiment!
Have a blessed Candlemas!
About the Author:  Kelly is a solitary practitioner from the Midwest.  She is currently a student at The White Moon School, studying to become a High Priestess. Kelly has been a practicing witch for 4 years and performs tarot readings and long distance energy work via the Internet.

Statement of Intent

Statement of Intent

My intent is to walk in Peace and Love, feeling that Love, spreading that Love, by BEING that Love.
My intent is to forgive and have compassion for all people, including myself.

My intent is to exist in the moment with no attachment to outcomes. To observe what IS, while also affirming what I choose to create and attract.

My intent is to see every person on this Earth as a Brother or a Sister and as a being of the Divine, for we are all One and so it is.

My intent is to recognize the divinity in each person, no matter what their external projection is.
My intent is to feel joy when I look out onto this world, and to let that love well up inside me like a raging river, flowing out onto everything and everyone I come in contact with.

My intent is to feel all that I feel. To honor all feelings as valid, and then choose to direct my energy in a way that best serves my higher goals.

My intent is to live in the energy of YES. Yes to myself. And to realize that sometimes saying “No” is needed in order to say “Yes” to myself.

My intent is to recognize that I am deserving and worthy of love and abundance. And that I am perfect just as I am in this moment.

My intent is to stay open to my intuition and to the messages of my soul. To trust that I am taken care of and provided for in all moments and in all situations.

My intent is to trust that I will know what to do in each moment to care for myself and those I love.
My intent is to tell the truth in all situations to myself and others.
My intent is to be aware of the sacredness that is all around and within me and to be aware of the sacred process that I am a part of.
My intent is to count my blessings everyday and give thanks for all that I have. To thank myself for I am the creator of my own Universe.
My intent is to stand brave and strong in the face of my fears. To feel my fears, allow them to be what they are and flow through me, embracing my Shadow Sister with compassion and acceptance.

My intent is to break out of any barriers and limitations that I’ve put on myself.
My intent is to fully remember, in every moment, my power of love and my power to create.

My intent is to acknowledge, embrace, accept, and allow every aspect of my being….giving them each a place at my table.

My intent is to shine a light for others by enjoying who I am and what I’ve created, letting them know by my actions and energy that they too are welcome to feast on life and enjoy themselves.

 

My intent is to affirm daily, to myself and the God/dess:

I AM light, I AM dark, I AM peace, I AM sorrow, I AM forgiveness, I AM compassion, I AM ALL THERE IS, I AM GOD/DESS!!
All that is around me is of my creation.
All that is around me is at it should be.
All that is around me is right and perfect.
All that is around me is balanced and whole.

 

All that is around me is LOVE….
As I am love….
Eternally, Never ending
And so it is….So mote it be!

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About The Author: Lotus Moonwise is studying to become a Priestess of the Order of the White Moon.

Waking Up & Clearing Space

Waking Up & Clearing Space
By Lotus Moonwise
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When the cold weather begins and the season shifts from autumn to winter, I go into hibernation. I go into that quiet space within and it feels like time stands still. Projects that I’ve been working on get put on the shelf. I know that things unfinished will have to wait for Spring. I let go of the past year and move into the dark months. During this time, I often find myself wanting to just curl up in a warm bed, like a child in the womb of the Mother. I feel a quiet calmness. If one looks only on the surface, it seems there is not much going on. Though deep within there is much activity. Energies of the past year mingling with energies of what is to come. Swirling together in the void. Within that void, all possibilities exist and from that space, creation springs forth. In this dark space, we wait to be reborn and for new light and inspiration to find us. We wait for the first signs of Spring. I feel the stirrings within me and the excitement of starting over again. Another turn of the wheel and we’ve arrived at one of my favorite times of year: Imbolc. We start to awaken from Winter’s long sleep. We pay attention to our thoughts and notice how inspiration begins flooding in, giving us little clues to follow, opening us up to all the potentials of the New Year. We feel an inner urging to clear our space. We begin to look around and notice all the ways we could simplify, clear out, and unclutter our lives. We make peace with the process of letting go of the past to make room for the new.  “Spring Cleaning” is a tradition for many people at this time of year. It’s part of our natural cycles as humans connected to the Earth. We feel it in our bodies. We don’t need to look at a calendar to tell us it’s time to clear our space. We feel it in every cell. We know it by the way we feel. We know it when we feel the flower inside our hearts begin to open up, ready to blossom towards the sun as it grows in strength. We want to open our arms and embrace this new light by sharing it with those we love. In my family, Imbolc is a celebration that lasts over several weeks. It begins when we pack up the Yule decorations and take down the tree. The clearing process starts with our physical space. Starting at one end of the house, usually the kitchen, we turn on some music, open all the windows, empty each room completely, and clean everything from top to bottom, infusing the space with new energies. Then we take our time filling the space again, putting back only what is essential. We usually have a few boxes to categorize the items we remove from the rooms. A box of things we know we want to keep, a box for things that we know we can let go of, and one for things we are not sure of yet. First we put back what we know we want, then we spend time in the room as it is. Going within, we ask, what else is truly needed here? The inspiration comes. Maybe a new altar for the kitchen? Maybe some new pictures to hang on the wall? A new plant? Every year, it’s a different answer. The room tells us what it needs. Room by room, we continue like this, until the entire house has been re-born.  When we get to the kid’s rooms, we talk about what it means to let things go. We talk about how other children may enjoy the toys the kids no longer play with. The kids get their own box to put used toys in that are later taken to a donation center, along with everything else that we are letting go of as a family. It’s a process they have become used to. Letting go of things from the past is a natural part of their life. Learning to let go now, as children, sets a foundation for their lives and makes transitions easier to move through.
Once the physical space is clear, it’s time for a clearing of another kind. A clearing of the emotional, mental, and spiritual space within. A time to take stock of everything in our lives and what it means to us. Family, friends, career, spiritual practice, hopes, dreams, goals. It’s the time to get quiet and listen to your inner voice tell you what it needs. A time to set your intention to be open to allow all avenues of blessing and abundance into your life. Sometimes the inner voice will tell us if we have gotten off track and how to get back to the basics of what we truly need. Maybe we need to spend more time with family or friends. Maybe it’s time to change our job if it’s not bringing us joy. Maybe it’s time to move to a new place? The possibilities are endless. I use this time to re-dedicate myself to my chosen spiritual path and to re-write my personal statement of intent. I call upon Brigid at this time for inspiration for new projects that I’m starting, and to revive old projects that I put on the shelf when the winter months began. I visualize the waters of her sacred well washing me clean of the past and nurturing me in the wholeness of the now moment. I allow myself to be actively fulfilled by the present moment and open to the truth of the perfection that is within me. It’s time to fertilize the soil of our souls with the seeds of our dreams, knowing that these seeds will grow and blossom as the year progresses through it’s cycles once again.
Have a Blessed Imbolc!
About The
Author: Lotus Moonwise is studying to become a Priestess of the Order
of the White Moon.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, February 2nd

Our intense emotions rise and fall with the tides today, making it tricky to manage our feelings. We can feel the shift into the indefinite watery realms as the Moon enters passionate Scorpio at 7:01 am EST. Additionally, today is the first full day of Mars’ six-week visit to imaginative Pisces. Magic is afoot as the oceanic waters of Pisces are heated by Mars. We each have the choice to transform our negativity and become a spiritual warrior.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You’re better off keeping your most intense feelings to yourself now that your key planet Mars is traveling through your 12th House of Secrets. Instead of creating a lot of fanfare about a new project or interest, quietly finish up old business because it may take longer than you expect. But don’t be hard on yourself if your progress is slower than you wish. Setting a steady pace and sticking to it is more important than reaching your goal today.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Success seems within your reach now that enriching Venus is visiting your 10th House of Public Life. Exciting opportunities encourage you to believe that fame and fortune are just around the next corner. But be careful if your current life circumstances are not aligned with your goals. Complications make you nervous, tempting you to take a risk to place yourself back on a path that leads toward your desired destination. Don’t push too hard for change; let things unfold organically to incur the least amount of stress.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

You may feel as if you need to re-evaluate your career objectives and readjust your priorities. The current transit of energetic Mars traveling through your 10th House of Profession motivates you to stretch beyond your comfort zone to make something positive happen at work. If you let this chance slip by without trying to better your position in the world, you could regret it. On the other hand, you might see encouraging results very soon if you get started right away.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

The next few weeks can give you the emotional boost you need. It’s not that you are overflowing with energy; the effects of assertive Mars in your 9th House of Big Ideas are more subtle than that. You’re comfortable enough with yourself now to hold on to any position that demonstrates your integrity. Don’t let anyone sidetrack you while you’re following your heart.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Although you may not be in denial, a situation close to home could seem better than it actually is today. You might want to gloss over criticism that you receive from a good friend or family member. But don’t be cavalier; you cannot afford to screw this up. Listen carefully and take any feedback now as constructive guidance rather than as a sign of defeat. A simple change in attitude can be enough to turn things around.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Concentrate on a project today that you recently let slip through the cracks. Remind yourself of your achievements as you re-establish new goals. But instead of trying to make big changes on your own, involve others in your process. There is not a moment to waste; it’s time to get in gear with or without the support of your friends. The good news is that you can accomplish nearly anything now if only you put your mind to it.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Your creative phase continues for a few more weeks, even if the energy is already beginning to shift. You may feel pressure to make money from your artistic pursuits, but you’re not quite ready to cash in your chips yet. In the meantime, explore ways to take what you already started and make it last longer. Establishing new routines in your daily life can help, but avoid the dullest ones that take the joy out of life.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You are brimming over with energy now that your planetary ruler Mars is marching through your 5th House of Self-Expression. You are highly creative in your thinking, though this isn’t necessarily apparent to anyone else today. Concentrate on your internal world rather than external circumstances. Inspiration is returning to your imagination and you could begin to feel more emotionally in touch with your dreams. Make time to play; relaxing a bit may be the catalyst you need to feel even more revitalized.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Stress arises today from the judgments that others may make about your commitment to caring for those you love. Even if you act responsibly, your efforts might not be enough to satisfy everyone. Thankfully, somehow you can keep up with your busier-than-normal schedule and still have personal time for yourself. It’s just that you have some deep thinking to do that makes you want to escape. Before you sneak off on a one-way, late-night flight to the tropics, deal with the source of your discomfort first.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Spending extra time to fully prepare for the upcoming changes in your social life is a wise move now. Remember, no matter how ready you are, there still will be surprising obstacles to overcome. Unexpected twists and turns could surface in the coming weeks — as if reality is teaching you how to handle curve balls being thrown your way. Others will appreciate your efforts if you simply do the best you can at hitting it out of the park.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You’re relieved with the recent cosmic changing of the guard; pushy Mars has left your sign and is now heading for the open seas of softhearted Pisces. Meanwhile, friendly Venus is visiting social Aquarius for a three-week visit that brings a smile to your heart. Your problems won’t be solved overnight, but they may be much easier to handle now if you take a lighthearted approach. Open your heart to the love that is all around you.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Your imagination is buzzing today, but you’re not content to just lose yourself in fantasies; you want to seize the day now that impulsive Mars is visiting your sign. Spend time exploring ways to turn your dreams into actions or you might end up feeling frustrated with your inability to communicate your amazing visions to others. Remember, developing your ideas is just the first step; you must execute your plan in order to be successful.

Your Weekend Lunar Love Horoscopes for Feb. 1 – 3

Weekend Love Horoscopes

February 1 – 3: Get a Little Closer

Jeff Jawer    Jeff Jawer on the topics of love, horoscopes, astrology

The weekend starts sweetly with the Moon’s presence in lovely Libra on Friday. Putting others first and acting graciously flow easily in this sociable sign. Finding pleasure in pairs or in groups comes from an open-minded interest in people and a commitment to cooperation. Conflict may be avoided at all costs by taking the path of least resistance, which hides deeper needs behind a smile.

Emotions intensify on Saturday morning with a lunar shift into passionate Scorpio. The desire for closeness is so strong that it’s better to connect in an intimate setting than to be out in public or part of a crowd. The Moon’s conjunction with responsible Saturn shadows the night and wee hours of the following morning with a somber light. It’s an auspicious time to get down to the serious business of addressing complex relationship issues.

Although this task may not sound like fun, it’s a great opportunity to get so real with someone that you both know exactly where you stand. When this conversation is done with kindness, it’s a moment when a partnership can be strengthened and trust is earned. This exchange is more realistic than romantic at first, but when honesty and compassion meet it can create a bond that will take intimacy to a much more satisfying level.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for February 2nd

The Moon leaves void status in Libra by entering fixed and potent Scorpio (4:03AM PST). Research, investigations and in-depth studies receive the proverbial green light with the Moon in the eighth sign of the zodiac. Don your detective garb to solve personal mysteries and ferret out ancestral secrets.  Giving you an extra dose of psychic sensitivity is a Moon-Neptune harmonious trine of 120-degrees (7:46AM PST). Pressing the anger button is a no-no around the time-period when Mercury forms a caustic, 45-degree tie with underworld-ruling Pluto (4:01PM PST).  Healing forces are back on the march — courtesy of a Moon-Chiron trine in water signs (5:39PM PST). Learn more about The Great Pyramid, Stonehenge, and the building of ancient megaliths. Don’t be surprised if feelings of deja vu pop up without warning.  Turn the tables on self-doubt or pessimism later on during the monthly Moon-Saturn union (11:46PM PST).

Calendar of the Moon for February 2nd

Calendar of the Moon
3 Nion/Anthesterion

Day of Llyr

Color: Sea-blue
Element: Water
Altar: On a sea-blue cloth place a chalice of salt water, a skull, a dolphin, and a ship.
Offerings: Paper ships. Deal with fearful emotions that threaten to drown you.
Daily Meal: Fish or seafood.

Invocation to Llyr

We cross the sea at our own risk,
Be it the sea of water
Or the depths of our own
Internal tides of feeling.
We cross the sea at our own risk,
Knowing that the smooth expanse
Could at any moment become turbulent,
Degenerate into a vast
And draw us screaming into the darkness.
We cross the sea at our own risk,
Navigating our way with signs
And symbols that have nothing
To do with the vast expanse we see,
But are just numbers, spun out of
The mind’s vast abilities,
The world of air and sky,
And sometimes they fail us.
We cross the sea at our own risk,
But if we do not cross it
We will be separated forever
By those terrible watery chasms.
Ocean god, we  to  mercy;
Bear us up and do not let us drown
In any ocean, within or without.

Chant:
Born of water, cleansing, powerful, flowing, healing, we are…..

(Let one who has been chosen to do the work of the ritual come forward with the bowl of salt water, and each shall dip their hands into it and mark themselves on their heart chakras and their heads. Then the salt water shall be poured out as a libation.)

 

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for February 2nd

Calendar of the Sun

2 Solmonath

Oya’s Day

Colors: Purple, burgundy, dark orange (pottery color), copper
Element: Air
Altar: Lay out the nine sacred items of Oya: the purple cloth, the black flywhisk, the copper crown, the rainstick, the broken pottery rolled up in a woven mat, the earthen pot of candles, the basket of graveyard earth, the buffalo horn, and the glass knife. Burn incense.
Offerings: Plums, eggplants, red wine. The house should be swept thoroughly before the ritual.
Daily Meal: Cooked plums or . Cooked eggplant. Millet. Red wine. .

Invocation to Oya

Hail, Lady of the Wind,
Weather goddess most unpredictable,
Whirlwind that  all away
Before its inevitable path!
Hail, Lady of the Rain,
Bringing water to grow
Our crops and slake our thirst!
Hail, Water Buffalo Woman,
Crashing through the underbrush
Unstoppable as fate!
Hail, Carrier of the Container of Fire,
You who can unleash
New beginnings from the ashes!
Hail, Mistress of the Marketplace
Hetaera of the smashed crockery!
Hail, Lady of Death,
Duena de la Cemetaria,
Princess of Graves!
Hail, Keeper of Souls,
Mother of dancing Egungun!
Hail, purifier of the motivations,
In whose mirror we see ourselves,
Who cuts away our illusions!
Hail, Queen of the Air
Whose essence we breathe!

Chant:
O-ya! He-yi! (This should be accompanied by a drum circle, with trance dancing.)

 

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Current Moon Phase for Imbolc – Waning Gibbous

Gibbous Moon

(waning /56% illumination)

This is a tremendous time of transmutation. All of the prior elements are coming together for a final burst of creative output. You have seen a clear view of your own needs and the posture of significant others. Now the accumulation of that input is leading to a deep, core change within you. In this phase, you will naturally be inclined to seek higher guidance so that you can emerge from this transformation successfully. The Disseminting Moon favors sharing what you have learned (and are learning) with others.

The Witches Spell for Saturday, February 2nd: Dream Tending Spell

Imbolc/Candlemas Comments

The Witches Spell for Saturday, February 2nd

 

Dream Tending Spell

Imbolc – Groundhog Day

Color of the Day: Brown

Incense of the Day: Sandalwood

This is a truly special day for Wiccans and some Witches. It is Imbolc, a high holiday that honors the triple Goddess Brigit and one of the eight Sabbats that mark the turning of the Wheel of the Year. Groundhog Day is also observed today. This holiday incorporates the seasonal divination of the more ancient Imbolc, which uses the movement of a snake rather than the shadow of a groundhog to divine how much longer winter will remain. It is the beginning of the Storm Moon and also the time of the Feast of Oya, the orisha of weather and changes. To the Iroquois people, it is Midwinter Ceremony, a time to bless the fields, tell your dreams, and pay tribute to your Ancestors. Today is also the birthday of Marie Laveau II, New Orleans’ Voodoo Queen and diviner extraordinaire. At bedtime now, light a braid of sweet grass. Extinguish the flame but allow the braid to smolder. Wave the braid lovingly and with great care around your bedroom, motioning with your hand to encourage the smoke to drift in a snake-like stream over your bed and pillow. Dip the braid in springwater, making absolutely sure no flame remains. Then put the braid away. Pour lavender water in a large bowl. Put your favorite seashell inside the bowl of water. As you sleep, the bowl will act as a conduit for messages from the Ancestors, nature spirits, and the great beyond. Place this under your bed or on your bed table. Replenish the water as needed over a period of two weeks. Write down your dreams in a journal. Read over them frequently. Messages revealed in the darkness of winter have special meaning. Work each day to lift the shroud of darkness so you can glimpse new growth and the coming light of spring. Understanding the mysteries of winter is at the heart of Imbolc and its celebration.

by Stephanie Rose Bird

The Witches Magickal Correspondence for Imbolc 2013

Imbolc/Candlemas Comments

The  Witches Magickal Correspondence for Imbolc 2013

Colors: White, Pink, Red, Orange, Yellow, Light Green, Brown.

Food: sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, muffins, diary products, peppers, onions, raisins, garlic, poppyseed breads and cakes, herbal teas, dairy, spiced wines, potatoes, turnips, bread, rabbit and venison. Use up last of winters supply of food.

Incense: basil, bay, cinnamon, violet, vanilla, rosemary, frankincense,  and wisteria.

Candles: brown, pink and red.

Gemstones: amethyst, garnet, onyx, bloodstone, ruby and turquoise

Deities: All Virgin/Maiden Goddesses, Brighid, Aradia, Athena, Inanna, Gaia, and Februa, and Gods of Love and Fertility, Aengus Og, Eros, and Februus.

Symbols: Brideo’gas, Besoms, White , Candle Wheels, , Priapic Wands (acorn-tipped), lamps, yellow flowers and Ploughs.

Herbs: Angelica, basil, bay, blackberry, celandine, coltsfoot, heather, iris, myrrh, tansy, snowdrop, violets, all white or yellow flowers.

The Witches Almanac for February 2nd, Imbolc

Imbolc/Candlemas Comments

The Witches Almanac for *Saturday, February 2nd

*Saturday (Saturn): Longevity, exorcism, endings, homes and houses.

 

Imbolc – Groundhog Day

 

*Waning Moon

*The Waning Moon is a time for study, meditation and little magickal work (except magick designed to banish harmful energies).

Moon Sign: *Libra

*Libra: Favors cooperation, social activities, beautification of surroundings, balance and partnership.

Moon enters *Scorpio 7:00 am

*Scorpio: Increases awareness of psychic power. Precipitates psychic crises and ends connections thoroughly. People tend to brood and become secretive.

Moon Phase: Third Quarter

Incense: Sandalwood

Color: Gray

The Celtic Calendar for February 2nd – Imbolc and Candlemas

Imbolc/Candlemas Comments

February 2nd – Imbolc and Candlemas

The festival of Candlemas has ancient roots, for in Pagan Europe, fires were kindled at this time of year to reflect and encourage the growing strength of the Sun. It’s name is Christian, however, being derived from the tradition of the future year’s supply of candles being blessed before the first mass of February 2, and then being carried around the church in a pious procession. This is also the feast of the purification of the Virgin Mary and the presentation of the infant Jesus in the Temple; the parallels between the Virgin Mary and the Goddess in Her maiden aspect, and Baby Jesus and the solar child of promise, are unmistakable.

 

Candlemas Creativity

White represents purity, pale gree denote a fresh start and growth, and a flame signifies the kindling of creativity. Light candles of these colors to commemorate the concepts symbolized by Candlemas. As you gaze at the flaming taper, ask the Goddess for inspiration.

Imbolc to Ostara

Imbolc/Candlemas Comments

Imbolc to Ostara

Imbolc (Oimelc or Candlemas) celebrates youthful potential, with the Goddess being venerated in her Maiden guise, while the Horned God is still in his infancy and childhood. That the Goddess has returned to Earth from the Otherworld, and that nature is reawakening under her magickal touch, may be evident in the tender green shoots of such spring-flowering pioneer as snowdrops, whose white blooms represent the Maiden purity.

Imbolc – In The Belly fthe Mother

Imbolc/Candlemas Comments

“Candlemas’ is the Christianized name for the holiday, of course.  The older Pagan names were Imbolc and Oimelc. ‘Imbolc’ means, literally, ‘in the belly’ (of the Mother).  For in the womb of Mother Earth, hidden from our mundane sight but sensed by a keener vision, there are stirrings.  The seed that was planted in her womb at the solstice is quickening and the new year grows.  ‘Oimelc’ means ‘milk of ewes’, for it is also lambing season.  The holiday is also called ‘Brigit’s Day’, in honor of the great Irish Goddess Brigit.  At her shrine, the ancient Irish capitol of Kildare, a group of 19 priestesses (no men allowed) kept a perpetual flame burning in her honor.  She was considered a goddess of fire, patroness of smithcraft, poetry and healing (especially the healing touch of midwifery).”

–  Daven’s Journal – Imbolic