Symbolism of Imbolc

Symbolism of Imbolc

Imbolc can be symbolically represented by a dish of snow, evergreens and/or candles. Ritually, you may choose to light and hold candles (symbol of light) within the Circle. You may also want to place a wheel symbol upon the Altar. It is traditional upon Imbolc, at sunset or just after ritual, to light every lamp in the house — if only for a few moments. Or, light candles in each room in honor of the Sun’s rebirth. Alternately, light a kerosene lamp with a red chimney and place in a prominent part of the home or in a window. If snow lies on the ground, walk in it for a moment, recalling the warmth of Summer. With your projective hand, trace an image of the Sun on the snow. Other Pagan activities may include the gathering of stones and the searching for signs of Spring. It is considered taboo to cut or pick plants at this time.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Invocation to Brid, Celtic Triple Goddess

Celtic & British Isles Graphics
Invocation to Brid, Celtic Triple Goddess

Brid, I call you.

Oh, Bright One! I call you.

Goddess of Fire, Healing, and Inspiration, Hear my cry.

Help me stand strong like the Rowan, that I may become your Brigand and rise up against the darkness.

Oh, Bright Arrow! Guide my judgment, protect me in my wanderings.

I will remember always—Brigantia

—-by Dettie Em Freefoot

Enhanced by Zemanta

TO BE A WITCH

Witchy Comments
TO BE A WITCH

To be a witch is to love and be loved.
To be a witch is to know everything, and nothing at all.
To be a witch is to move amongst the stars while staying on earth.
To be a witch is to change the world around you, and yourself.
To be a witch is to share and give, while receiving all the while.
To be a witch is to dance and sing, and hold hands with the universe.
To be a witch is to honor the gods, and yourself.
To be a witch is to be magick, not just perform it.
To be a witch is to be honorable, or nothing at all.
To be a witch is to accept others who are not.
To be a witch is to know what you feel is right and good.
To be a witch is to harm none.
To be a witch is to know the ways of old.
To be a witch is to see beyond the barriers.
To be a witch is to follow the moon.
To be a witch is to be one with the gods.
To be a witch is to study and to learn.
To be a witch is to be the teacher and the student.
To be a witch is to acknowledge the truth.
To be a witch is to live with the earth, not just on it.

To be a witch is to be truly free!

Enhanced by Zemanta

A Little Humor for Your Day – Benefits of Being a Woman

Benefits of Being a Woman

We got off the Titanic first.

We get to flirt with systems support men who always return our calls, and are nice to us when we blow up our computers.

Our boyfriend’s clothes make us look elfin & gorgeous. Guys look like complete idiots in ours.

We can be groupies. Male groupies are stalkers.

We can cry and get off speeding fines.

We’ve never lusted after a cartoon character or the central figure in a computer game.

Taxis stop for us.

Men die earlier, so we get to cash in on the life insurance.

We don’t look like a frog in a blender when dancing.

Free drinks, free dinners.

New lipstick gives us a whole new lease on life.

If we’re not making enough money we can blame the glass ceiling.

It’s possible to live our whole lives without ever taking a group shower.

No fashion faux pas we make could ever rival The Speedo.

We don’t have to fart to amuse ourselves.

If we forget to shave, no one has to know.

We can congratulate our teammate without ever touching her butt.

If we have a zit, we know how to conceal it.

We never have to reach down every so often to make sure our privates are still there.

If we’re dumb, some people will find it cute.

We don’t have to memorize Caddyshack or Fletch to fit in.

We have the ability to dress ourselves.

We can talk to people of the opposite sex without having to picture them naked.

If we marry someone 20 years younger, we’re aware that we look like an idiot.

There are times when chocolate really can solve all your problems.

We’ll never regret piercing our ears.

We can fully assess a person just by looking at their shoes.

We’ll never discover we’ve been duped by a Wonderbra.

We know which glass was ours by the lipstick mark.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Quiz of the Day: Which Bird Will Help You Today?

Quiz: Which Bird Will Help You Today?

Birds can be powerful allies for becoming our truest selves or for simply  helping us to get through our busy and challenging days. Do you need the  sharp-eyed eagle, merry finch, or something else? Take the quiz and find out,  here:

Answer the following questions TRUE or FALSE.

1. I need the ability to wait patiently until the right time comes to  act.

2. I need to get a clear overview of my life right now; I’m too bogged down  in details to have perspective.

3. I feel like I’m operating in the dark and could really use some help  finding my way.

4. I need to feel more cheerful and optimistic.

5. I want my brain to feel sharp and flexible, making the best possible use  of what I know.

6. I want to feel more loving, gentle, and affectionate.

7. I need to feel that my territory is protected and safe.

8. I need help getting rid of outworn things in my life.

If you answered TRUE to:

1, then Crane will be helpful to you.

2, then Eagle is your guide.

3, then Owl is your ally.

4, then Finch will aid you.

5, then Crow is your helper.

6, then Dove will be your companion.

7, then Jay is your friend.

8, then Vulture is your guide.

You may want to put photos or other images of your bird where you can see it  and be reminded of its basic nature, which offers itself to you for help and  guidance. Be sure to put an offering of birdseed outside, if you can, as a  thank-you.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Daily Feng Shui News for Jan. 29th – ‘Seeing Eye Dog Day’

I’m going to put a little twist on today’s ‘Seeing Eye Dog Day.’ If your dog loves to ride in the car with their head hanging out the window, from time to time you may notice that their eyes will get inflamed. Dampen a soft and lint free cloth and carefully clean out the dog’s eyes. Then place a drop of castor oil in each eye. Do this twice a day until the inflammation has gone away and the dog’s eyes are normal again. See, I told you — a new spin on ‘Seeing Eye’ dogs.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Enhanced by Zemanta

Your Charm for Wednesday, Jan. 29th is The Tet

Your Charm for Today

The Tet

Today’s Meaning:

This aspect is influenced by someone who finds you irresistible, yet they will say nothing of it.

General Description:  

The Tet, or Tat, amulet was most popular with the ancient Egyptians, among whom the power of charms was believed to be irresistible. They were worn to protect the human body, living and dead alike from evil influences, and from attacks of invisible and visible enemies. The Setting up of the Tet (the reconstruction of the body of Osiris the god of vegetation and everlasting life) was a religious ceremony, celebrated annually at Abydos, in Upper Egypt, and in the Delta at Bus iris. Worn as a talisman for protection from evil also for strength and stability.

Your Animal Spirit for January 29th is The Skunk

Your Animal Spirit for Today
January 29, 2014

Skunk

Phew! Everyone knows Skunk’s power—that’s why people (and other animals) get out of his way! If you’re lacking self-esteem, Skunk is there to help. You are worthy of a happy life—and if someone is making you miserable, look to Skunk as a confidence builder. Remember, though, Skunk doesn’t have to spray to be powerful—his reputation precedes him! And, like Skunk, you don’t need to spray either-but you do need to stand your ground calmly, and with Skunk’s confidence.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Your Ancient Symbol Card for January 29th is Love

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

Love

Love indicates that love is either present in our life or a distinct possibility. Be open to all possibilities, remembering that true love is given freely, without condition, and does not have to be earned. This is the kind of love we want to welcome into our life and to give to others. Be open to new ideas, and beware of judging against someone in an unloving manner. When Love appears, return to the place where you can love yourself and then seek out the same love from others.

As a daily card, Love suggests that for those who are currently in a relationship the opportunity to deepen the bond is present. For those who are single, Love implies that the prospect for them to begin a romantic relationship is very strong at this time.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Your Daily Tarot Card for January 29th – Strength

Strength

Wednesday, Jan 29th, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, Jan. 29th

We’re eager to break away from previous attachments as the progressive Aquarius Sun brilliantly sextiles shocking Uranus. We are so excited about the future that it’s challenging to maintain a balanced perspective today. Additionally, a Mercury-Jupiter alignment inflates the importance of our ideas. Although the reserved Capricorn Moon encourages caution, her shift into unconventional Aquarius at 11:33 pm EST reminds us that anything is possible.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

It seems as if extra effort in the workplace should pay off, but lingering resistance might impede your progress. You may be harboring resentment about your responsibilities, but resisting the inevitable now is not going to land you anywhere but in trouble. Use your intellect and convert your anger into production, regardless of your feelings. You’ll soon look back on today with pride in your persistence and a sense of accomplishment.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Your anticipation is spreading like a field of dandelions on a fertile spring lawn. Unfortunately, it might not feel like you have any way of gaining control over the situation unless you take an extreme approach and bury your emotions as deeply as you can. However, denial is not a good idea because your thoughts will pop up again faster than you expect. Don’t try to suppress your temporary anxiety. Instead, go to the source of the problem and make changes where they can take root.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

You might want to hold back your original ideas now because you believe that others aren’t playing with the right attitude. You can sense that something is wrong, but there’s not much you can do about it except honor your own end of the deal. Don’t give anyone a reason to question your motives. Smile and whistle while you work. Let your deeds speak volumes for you today and steer clear of any unnecessary drama.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You bring a fresh perspective to your job today, and your unorthodox approach may untangle a difficult situation that has been bothering you for a while. Don’t be afraid to take a calculated risk now, since you have a healthy balance between your intuition and your common sense. There might not be a better day than this one to initiate the exciting changes you’ve been dreaming about. Make your move while the window of opportunity is still wide open.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You think that you can relax a bit now and maybe even play hooky, but your responsibilities might not give you this kind of latitude. There’s just too much on your plate today and you’re going to need to do your part at work before you sneak off to enjoy some free time. It’s difficult to juggle everything, but you can keep the most important projects in motion if you simply prioritize your tasks.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

If you have taken care of business over the last few weeks, you may be counting your lucky stars today. On the other hand, everything might fall apart if you have been slacking off from your responsibilities. Even if there’s no quick fix for what you should have already done, you still could have a trick or two up your sleeve. Don’t wait for a better time; this is as good a moment as any to make some magic.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Whether it is your lack of self-esteem that holds you back or growing responsibilities that keep you from fulfilling your promises, you could feel caught in a net with no easy escape route. Your mind is running incessantly as you try to find a way out of the predicament, but your own wheels keep getting in the way. Don’t struggle so hard and the solution may come to you in a sudden flash of inspiration.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You have a gnawing urge to spill the beans today. Although you may think that sharing everything is a good idea, it could be problematic if you’re not willing to deal with the consequences of your disclosure. Currently, exercising discretion serves you better than uncensored impulsive outbursts. There’s no need to tell tall tales; it’s probably wiser to leave some of the details out of the story for now.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You could run into a minor financial setback today, but it might ultimately work out to your advantage in the long run. It may be as small as being overcharged a few cents at the market. But it can be more significant, like finding yourself short of cash with others relying on you to cover the tab. Pay close attention to all monetary transactions now, regardless of how this energy plays out in your life. Taking time to reassess your resources is never a bad idea.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You’re experiencing agitation because you don’t want to deal with your emotions, but you must face the music now that the reflective Moon is rattling your 1st House of Self. Your first inclination might be to take your current desire to rebel out on someone else who doesn’t deserve it. Even if being radically honest seems like the right thing to do today, don’t do it. Assuming full responsibility for your feelings is your best bet. Being honest from the start is much simpler than dealing with the resistance you will receive if you shift the blame to others.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You’re feeling the temptation to quit fighting for your beliefs today. You’re tired of all the drama and can’t help but dream of running away. However, it’s smarter to call on your inner strength and listen to your intuition instead. Remember, the largest obstacle facing you now is your own self-doubt. Unfortunately, enemies seem real, even if they are just windmills spinning in the breeze. Change your outer world by changing your attitude first. Lasting transformation starts from within.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Knowing when to quit isn’t an easy task for you big-hearted Pisces. Although you can be fiercely loyal to a cause, you’re not one to go down fighting a losing battle today. However, you still might have trouble letting go at the last moment. The smallest glimmer of hope leads you into believing the clouds will clear and the sun will shine. It may not be as clean a victory as you want, but you could still surprise everyone with your brilliant tactics. Your unwavering faith stirs up a powerful magic of its own.

Enhanced by Zemanta

New Moon in Aquarius Horoscopes

New Moon in Aquarius Horoscopes

Brilliance strikes during January’s late New Moon

Jeff Jawer   Jeff Jawer on the topics of new moon, horoscopes, astrology, aquarius

Innovation is off charts with the New Moon in unconventional Aquarius on January 30, 2014. This Sun-Moon conjunction in this super smart sign is excellent for expanding perception and triggering bright ideas. Idealism and a stronger sense of community can also emerge in the days that follow. Aquarius’ ingenious ruling planet, Uranus, favorably aligns with this lunation as well, making our mental laboratories more productive.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Discovering ways to become a more effective member of a team is a potential gift of this intellectually energizing New Moon. It lands in your 11th House of Groups, where you can get a fresh start within an organization or find a place of inspiration supporting a cause. Idealism is strong in Aquarius, which can help you recognize ways to meet your own needs while being an even more valuable friend or colleague.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Get ready for some radically new experiences in your professional life. This brainy and innovative Aquarius New Moon lands in your 10th House of Career and Public Responsibility to spark a fresh start that challenges your usual ways of doing business. Be as open-minded and flexible as you can, because old rules and systems may start breaking down. Innovation and risk-taking should put you in a more exciting work situation.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Travel and mind expansion are on the agenda with this brilliant Aquarius New Moon in your 9th House of Faraway Places and Higher Education. Your busy brain may suddenly turn in a different direction as you’re stimulated by a radically new idea. Sharing your discoveries, going back to school, or doing business with people in distant places are ways to put more excitement and meaning into your life.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

This quirky Aquarius New Moon lands in your 8th House of Deep Sharing, where it can have a significant influence on your personal and professional relationships. A lunation in your 8th house, associated with emotional intimacy and financial alliances, is about making choices in partnerships. Either you come up with a fresh approach that enriches connections, or fight change and settle for less.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

Fresh connections can enliven your personal life with this exciting New Moon in your 7th House of Partners. Sure, you may attract unusual individuals who don’t always follow the standard rules of love and business. But it’s also an opportunity for you to enliven current alliances with original thinking, or to take some chances by sharing brilliant insights that impress others with your original thinking.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

Surprises could shake up your daily routine with this rebellious Aquarius New Moon in your 6th House of Employment and Habits. Although adapting to unexpected circumstances is logical, it’s even better if you take the initiative to make changes. Going into a different profession, getting additional training, and altering the ways that you deal with diet, exercise, and health will work to your advantage.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

Creativity and romance get significant shots of adrenalin from this electrifying New Moon in your 5th House of Self-Expression. Let your playful side show as this lunation is a signal to come up with fresh ways to get attention and to have fun. Experimenting with different approaches and looks will put more pleasure into your personal life and make your professional presentations entertaining and inspiring to others.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

This liberating Aquarius New Moon occurs in your 4th House of Roots to provide you with a fresh perspective on your past. Old issues, especially from your family, can be seen with distance and objectivity that allow you to let go of emotional issues that have been holding you back. You’re becoming free of unconscious conditioning, making this an excellent time to break habits and try different ways feel safe.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

Ideas are firing up with greater frequency thanks to this inventive Aquarius New Moon. It lands in your 3rd House of Information and Communication, cooking up fresh concepts and connections. Learning, teaching and meeting people should be more stimulating than usual. Just remember to ground what you say in a way that others can understand, because your enthusiasm may overwhelm others with more input than they can handle.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

This inventive Aquarius New Moon occurs in your 2nd House of Resources, providing you with inspiration for making money and getting the most out of your assets. But instead of trying to squeeze more from your current abilities, this lunation signals the need to invest in developing different kinds of skills. Consistency is usually rewarding, but being innovative will lead to even more profitable ways to work now.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Are you ready for a fresh start? This exciting New Moon in your sign can light the fuse of change that you’ve been waiting for. Your innovative ruling planet Uranus makes a harmonious angle to this Sun-Moon conjunction in your sign, firing you up with originality. Trying a different look or coming up with a radically new approach to connecting with people are excellent ways to utilize this energy.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

This ingenious Aquarius New Moon occurs in your 12th House of Spirituality to spur awareness of your connections with nature and divinity. Taking more time to be alone provides the peace and quiet needed to tap into the higher knowledge coming to you now. Don’t worry if it’s harder to get others’ attention, because the greatest rewards are more likely to come when you are less concerned with how others see you.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Daily Cosmic Calendar for Wednesday, Jan. 29th

At 12:00AM — as this day begins — Juno merges with Chiron at 12 degrees of Pisces. Put an emphasis on healing and uplifting primary partnerships that need sustenance and support right now. This may be easier said than done as the Moon parallels Saturn (12:28AM) while Mercury piles on by squaring Saturn (3:57AM) and the Moon then also forms the monthly conjunction with Saturn (5:44AM). Pushing the business envelope in any form is taboo.  The Moon in Scorpio is in void mode starting at 5:56AM and lasting over 13 hours until 7:14PM when the lunar orb enters upbeat, goal-oriented Sagittarius. Anticipate some stormy psychic weather and stubborn human emotions blocking forward progress during the void-of-course lunar cycle.  Once Sagittarius Moon materializes at 7:14PM, focus your gaze on reaching long-sought goals — particularly on the literary, educational and publishing fronts. [Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Standard Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]

Enhanced by Zemanta

Calendar of the Moon for Wednesday, January 29th

Calendar of the Moon

Dark Moon Night

Color: Black
Element: Air
Altar: Upon a black cloth set a single black candle, incense, an iron sickle laid to mimic the direction of the waning moon, a cup of water, a lock of silver hair, and a white bone.
Offerings: Bones. Stones. Menstrual blood. Give something up.
Daily Meal: Soup of some sort, cooked in a cauldron, eaten in silence.

Dark Moon Invocation

At this time, in the dark of the moon,
When the Silver Lady ages
To an old woman in the dark,
Haunting crossroads, working magic,
Stirring her cauldron
Of poison that heals,
Grandmother Moon of sorcery
And wisdom, who sees all
And reveals little to our searching eyes.
Moon of Death, Moon of mystery,
Moon of silence who hides her face,
Let us learn silence from your averted gaze
Let us learn patience from your aging face
Let us feel for the dark places within us
And find our way down your path in the darkness
Which is utter and complete
But not impenetrable.
As darkness wraps us,
So silence heals us.
As darkness finds us,
So silence guides us.
As darkness speaks,
So silence falls.

(The candle is blown out, and all leave in silence. From the beginning of this rite at Hesperis until the dawn, silence will rule in the house. Talking must be done only in whispers, and between no more than two people, and only for that which is necessary. Long meditation is encouraged, and all work must be done quietly if possible. The evening meal should be eaten by candlelight, and only candles may light the house, except for the sake of certain important work.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Enhanced by Zemanta

Calendar of the Sun for Wednesday, January 29th

Calendar of the Sun

29 Wolfmonath

Concordia: Irene’s Day

Color: White
Element: Air
Altar: Upon a white cloth set the single white candle from Eunomia’s ritual the day before, a cup of milk, a garland of leaves and white flowers, and a white bird.
Offerings: Work for peace, in the home or outside of it.
Daily Meal: White food.

Invocation to Irene

Hail, Irene, Keeper of the Peace,
Hora of the Open Hand!
Without you, third of the Graces,
There are rules and justice, but no man
Is happy for more than a moment,
And no one is content.
You whose hand is extended in friendship,
You who are the quiet at the end of the storm,
You whose compassion aids the fallen
And who gives the struggling a space to breathe,
Like the bird that flutters beneath the cages of our ribs,
You, Lady Irene, pure white maiden of tranquillity,
Show us the way of the opened heart.

Song: Peace I Ask Of You O River

(The milk is poured out as a libation. All sit for a time in silence, and then go. No arguments or harsh words may be exchanged today.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Enhanced by Zemanta

Current Moon Phase for Jan. 29th – Waning Crescent Moon

Crescent Moon

(waning/8% of illumination)

This is a time to rest, reevaluate and reflect, pulling back into yourself to reconnect with inner sources of strength. Now is not a time to initiate anything new. It’s a phase suited to spending time with friends and getting in touch with the “big picture.” A window of opportunity exists for seeing your life objectively and becoming aware of what is important to you. At this point, what are your dreams and aspirations? What larger goals can you aspire to that will bring vitality and excitement into your life? This is a time for resting and gaining inner strength to prepare for a new cycle.

Enhanced by Zemanta