Imbolc: Traditional Celebrations for a Modern Time

Imbolc: Traditional Celebrations for a Modern Time

Author: Morgan

This holiday is called many names including Imbolc, Oímealg, Lá Fhéile Bríde, Laa’l Breeshey, and Gwyl Mair Dechrau’r Gwanwyn and was originally celebrated when the ewes first began to lactate. Some older sources mention Imbolc being celebrated on February 13th, although now the date is fixed on February 2nd. This holiday is a celebration of the loosening of winters hold on the land and the first signs of spring’s immanent arrival. Three main types of ceremonies could be undertaken – purification with water, blessing with fire, and consecration of talismans or charms. In addition, the main ritual theme centered on inviting the goddess Brighid into the home, either in effigy or in the form of a person acting the part.

The fire represents the growing light of the sun. Candles are lit to celebrate the increased daylight, and often candles were blessed for use in the year to come; this connection to candles offers another alternate name for the holiday, Candlemas. In my personal practice I light special “sun” candles, and bless my candleholders for the year to come.

Ritual washing was done to cleanse and prepare the people for the agricultural work of the coming seasons. Water was blessed and then used to ceremonially wash the head, hands, and feet. Each year when I do this, I dip my fingers in the blessed water and run them over the body parts in question, asking that I be cleansed of winter’s cold and filled with summer’s warmth to work towards a new season. Then I pour the remaining water out onto the earth thanking Brighid for her blessing.

The main charms and talismans of Imbolc are related to Brighid. First there is the Brighid’s cross, a woven sun wheel shape which represented the cycle of the year and the four main holy days, according to the book Apple Branch. On Imbolc, you can weave new Brighid’s crosses, or bless ones you already have, although it may be better to burn the old and weave new each year when possible. A Brighid’s cross is protective and healing to have in the home.

A second talisman is the brídeóg, or “little Brighid” a small cloth or straw doll wearing white clothes which is an effigy of the goddess. In some cases, the brídeóg would be made from straw saved from the previous Lughnasadh. This doll played a role in ritual after being brought outside, usually carried by the eldest daughter, then invited to enter the home where it was led with all ceremony to a specially prepared little bed. The doll was left in the bed over night and its presence was believed to bless all those in the household.

Another talisman connected to Imbolc is Brigid’s mantle, or an brat Bríd, a length of cloth left out on the window sill over the course of the holy day and night. It is believed that this cloth absorbs the energy of the goddess during the ritual, and can be used for healing and protection throughout the year. This talisman would be kept and recharged every year, attaining full power after seven years.

The ritual for Brighid on Imbolc centers on inviting the goddess in and offering her hospitality. In some cases a woman was chosen to play the part of the goddess, in other cases the brídeóg was used. The door would be opened to her and she would loudly be invited in, shown to her “bed” and offered specially baked bread. Candles would be lit at the windows and next to her “bed”, songs would be sung and prayers said calling on Brighid to bless all present in the coming seasons, and grant health and protection to the household.

A small broom or white wand would be placed next to the “bed”, and the ashes from the fire would be smoothed down in the hopes that the morning would reveal the marks of the wand, or better yet, the footprints of the goddess herself, either of which would be a sign of blessing. Placing the doll in her bed at night would be followed by a large family meal.

In Scotland a hundred years ago when entire communities still celebrated Imbolc in the old way, a sheaf of corn would be dressed as Brighid and taken from house to house by the young girls. The girls would carry the doll from home to home where the “goddess” would be greeted and offered food and gifts. After visiting each home, the girls would return to the house they started from where a party would be held with music, dancing, and feasting until dawn; all the leftover food would be handed out to the poor the next day.

Other rituals involve blessing the forge fires for blacksmiths and Otherworld divinations. In some Scottish mythologies, it is believed that Brighid is held by the Cailleach Bhur during the winter months but escapes, or is rescued by her brother Aonghus mac óg, on Imbolc. In others, it is said the Cailleach drinks from a hidden spring and transforms into Brighid on this day.

For modern people seeking to celebrate Imbolc in a traditional way, there are many options. Rituals can be adapted to feature the brídeóg. If you celebrate in a group, you could have one person wait outside with the doll while the other members prepare her bed, and then the group leader could go to the doorway and invite the goddess in. This could even be modified for use in an urban setting with the brídeóg “waiting” out in a hallway or separate room to be invited in.

Once invited in the goddess can be offered food and gifts as was done in Scotland and stories about Brighid from mythology could be told. Water can be used for purification; blessing with fire or of candles can be done, as well as making and consecrating the charms associated with Brighid. After ritual, the doll could be left in the bed while the group celebrates with a party; to keep the spirit of the way this was done for a modern time all members should bring food to donate to a local food pantry. A solitary celebration could still include inviting the goddess in, placing the brídeóg in her bed, making offerings to her, and a private celebration and food donations.

Imbolc is a powerful holy day with many beautiful traditions. By understanding how this day was celebrated in the past, we can find ways to incorporate those methods into modern practice and preserve the traditions that have surrounded Brighid’s day for so many generations.

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Footnotes:
Carmichael, A. (1900) . Carmina Gadelica. Floris books. ISBN-10 0-86315-520-0
Evert Hopman, E. (1995) . A Druid’s Herbal of the Sacred Earth Year. Destiny Books ISBN 0-89281-501-9
Kondrariev. K. (1998) . The Apple Branch: A Path to Celtic Ritual. Citadel Press ISBN 0-8065-2502-9
McNeill, F. (1959) . The Silver Bough, volume 2. McLellan and Co.

Back to Basics: Imbolc

Back to Basics: Imbolc

Author: Robin Fennelly

Imbolc is here! The Witch’s Wheel has turned another notch and we welcome the opportunity to turn the heat up, step into the warmth of home and hearth and connect more deeply to those growing fires that are preparing the way for the seeding of Spring’s growth at the next turn.

This year I have decided to go back to the basics in my series of writings for the Sabbats of the Great Wheel. Sometimes the most powerful revelations can be found in the joy of seeing the celebratory act in its unembellished form. I will also be including a simple ritual for each that may be celebrated as a Solitary or added to as a group celebration.

Imbolc is a Fire festival and aligned agriculturally with the first stirrings of the hope of growing light, slowly warming weather and fields that would at mid-summer’s point be lush with flower, fruit and animal life. Imbolc celebrates the new life that has yet to push through the frost-covered ground, yet remains as a strong image of the quickening potential. We revel in the excitement of spying a single shoot of greenery and the first signs of Spring even though snow may still cover the ground. The vitality we feel as the cold winds blow are sure signs that we are alive and vibrant. And this life and vibrancy holds the promise of returning to the warmth of home and interaction with friends and family.

At the time of Imbolc we celebrate the calving season as new life emerges from mother’s womb. Milk flows freely for those young animals that will provide sustenance in the coming months ahead and we anticipate the healing that this new life will bring to the land as hungry mouths graze on lush green fields that will emerge in the months ahead. We celebrate with cheese, and milk and products that contain this protein rich elixir.

We celebrate the gaining strength of the Goddess having given birth at the Solstice to the child of Light and now bathed in the fires of revitalization seen as she begins the transition into the Maiden of Ostara. This is the affirmation of the continued cycle of life and the transformative nature of Deity as source of inspiration for their much love children of the earth in all of our forms.

The Goddess Brighid is often honored at this Sabbat. Brighid, the Goddess of the Triple Flame is invoked as a patroness of Creativity, Mistress of the Purifying Forge and the Healing Mother. She is the simple of the accumulated Hope and Promise that the next few weeks will bring. These are but a few of the gifts attributed to Brighid and at this time of the year, her energies are most aptly felt as the Fires required as both light and heat that mirror the strengthening of the sun’s light that will quicken the seeding of the earth and the sustaining of the life that inhabits it.

And, so at this time of Imbolc I offer a ritual that calls upon the energy of the Goddess, Brighid and the space for communion with her eternal flames. The following is a very simple ritual that empowers candles to be used throughout the year as needed. The gifts of Brighid are called into a large pillar and can be used as a tool of contemplative connection with the Goddess in all of her aspects. The three additional pillars are attuned to her gifts of Creativity, Healing and Purification. These can be lit and used in future ritual and meditation when you wish to bolster or catalyze endeavors making use of these supports.

Note: I could have given you more information about Brighid, but that is part of the basic approach and the beauty of entering into communion with Deity open to the possibilities of what will be revealed.

The Flames of the Goddess

You will need:
1 Tall White Pillar candle and holder
3 Smaller White Pillars and holders for each
White cloth to place on whatever surface you have chosen and your altar space

The color White is the symbol of purity, clarity and the brilliance of all colors lit from within.

Arrange the candles on a flat surface (altar space) on top of the white cloth. Place the tall pillar candle behind a row of the 3/smaller pillars placed in front. Leave a small 3” of space between each of the three

Create Sacred Space in accord with your spiritual path and when your space is readied, come to stand before your altar set with the candles. Pick up the Large Pillar and hold it at your heart center.

Breathe deeply and acknowledge the heat that flows in through nostril and mouth and fills your lungs. Take another deep breath, expanding on this feeling of fullness, light and warmth. Take a third deep breath, and as you exhale offer the intention of this inner heat, the stoked fires within and release its energy into the white candle of the Goddess. This is your breath of inspiration that will invoke the Goddess Brighid. Continue to hold the candle and open to the sensation of this energy filling and connecting to it. Envision this candle as the conduit between Brighid’s Fires and the space of the Goddess and her flames within.

Approach your altar, replace the candle on its holder and invoke the Goddess Brighid:

I invoke Brighid, Goddess of the Triple Flame
She whose flame burns brightest in the work of creation.

I invoke Brighid, mistress of the Forge and transformer
Who purifies and prepares what seeks remaking.

I invoke Brighid, healer and holder of the inner light
That burns away discomfort and dis-ease.

I invoke Brighid, the Fiery Arrow, warrior and patroness
Who brings Will to action and whose sword of Truth
Pierces the veil of illusion.

I invoke Brighid to be with me in this rite of Imbolc
As I seek the flames of creativity, truth and healing.

Take a deep breath, and when you sense the energy of the Goddess is present, make statement: Hail and Welcome!

Turn your focus towards the Large White Pillar. And, as you light it make declaration:

May this candle serve as the life giving flame of Brighid.
May this candle serve as the embodiment of the Goddess in this rite.
May the flame rise in honor of the Fiery One as it lights the way
For the work of this Sabbat of Imbolc.

Spend some time envisioning the gifts of the Goddess flowing in and through this candle. Gaze into the heart of the flame and envision the fires of creative action moving in its light. Gaze into the heart of the flame and envision the fires that heal and cauterize even the deepest of wounds. Gaze into the heart of the flame and envision the fires of purification that reveal the greater truths.

When you feel the fullness of these energies present within this candle, turn your focus to the smaller white pillars.

The Light of Creativity

Firmly holding the first pillar in your hand, bring it up to the space of your heart. As you hold this pillar, pour the intention of opening to your Creative Fires. Envision this in whatever way is strongest for you. It may be seeing the completion of a project you have been contemplating. It may present as the burgeoning of a new idea. Make sure the image is strong and clear in its intent.

Take a deep breath of inhalation and as you exhale push the energy of this intention through the heart center, through your hands and into the body of the white pillar. Take two more deep breaths of inhalation, each exhalation pouring more and more of this energy into the pillar. Lift the pillar to your Brighid Candle and light it from the Flame of the Goddess.

As you hold the newly lit candle of Brighid’s Creativity, acknowledge the power and energy flowing through it. Gaze into the heat of its flame envisioning all that this flame of Creativity holds as potential. Open to the exchange of its energy moving into your physical form, enlivening and quickening the whole of your being and when you are ready place this Pillar of Creativity back on its holder.

The Light of Healing

Firmly holding the second pillar in your hand, bring it up to the space of your heart. As you hold this pillar, pour the intention of opening to your Healing Fires. Envision this in whatever way is strongest for you. It may be seeing yourself completing your physical tasks with energy and strength. It may be seeing yourself as whole, healthy and filled with vitality. Make sure the image is strong and clear in its intent.

Take a deep breath of inhalation and as you exhale push the energy of this intention through the heart center, through your hands and into the body of the white pillar. Take two more deep breaths of inhalation, each exhalation pouring more and more of this energy into the pillar. Lift the pillar to your Brighid Candle and light it from the Flame of the Goddess.

As you hold the newly lit candle of Brighid’s Healing, acknowledge the power and energy flowing through it. Gaze into the heat of its flame envisioning all that this flame of Healing holds as potential. Open to the exchange of its energy moving into your physical form, enlivening and quickening the whole of your being and when you are ready place this Pillar of Healing back on its holder.

The Light of Purification

Gently holding the third pillar in your hand, bring it up to the space of your heart. As you hold this pillar, pour the intention of opening to your Fires of Purification. Envision this in whatever way is strongest for you. It may be seeing the release of what holds you inert and does not serve. It may be seeing yourself through the eyes of your Higher Self and the purification of untrue beliefs you hold about yourself. Make sure the image is strong and clear in its intent.

Take a deep breath of inhalation and as you exhale push the energy of this intention through the heart center, through your hands and into the body of the white pillar. Take two more deep breaths of inhalation, each exhalation pouring more and more of this energy into the pillar. Lift the pillar to your Brighid Candle and light it from the Flame of the Goddess.

As you hold the newly lit candle of Brighid’s Purification, acknowledge the power and energy flowing through it. Gaze into the heat of its flame envisioning all that this flame of Purification holds as potential. Open to the exchange of its energy moving into your physical form, enlivening and quickening the whole of your being and when you are ready place this Pillar of Purification back on its holder.

Let your gaze move from one candle to the next and the beauty of the Triple flames of the Goddess, each strong and centered as energies that may be accessed individually or as a whole. Spend as much time as you wish, sensing the energy flowing between each and the resonance of these flames within your own being.

When you are ready, offer this intention to those seen and unseen:

Before me is the Flame of Brighid
Whole and complete in its energy

Before me are the Triple Flames
All part of me as child of the Divine

Creativity burns brightly in
All of my endeavors as the
Goddess weaves her magick
Of quickening new life

Healing flows with heat and
Strength as I stand full and
Whole in the reflection of
The Goddess’ healing light

Purification sets ablaze that
Which no longer serves and
What remains is the fertile
Space of my Divine Self

Before me is the Flame of Brighid
One shall become three and
Three seek the return to one
Whole and complete in its
Power to Transform

So Mote It Be!

Let the candles continue to burn as you thank the Goddess for her presence and her gifts. Allow the words of gratitude to flow as they will in sincerity and truth. When you have ended this thanks, make declaration of: Hail and Farewell!

Allow the candles to remain burning as you release Sacred Space in accord with your spiritual path. And, as the last action, gently pinch the flames; beginning with the three pillars to extinguish. Extinguish the Brighid candle, last.

The reason for not extinguishing the candles before Sacred Space has been released is the intent that you are bringing the magick and energy of these candles into the manifest and mundane world with you. Any of these candles may be burnt whenever you feel the need for Creativity, Healing, Purification or connection to the Goddess in all of her forms.

May the blessings of the Goddess be ever with you

Please enjoy the accompanying poem in the WitchVox poetry section:
Flames of Imbolc

A Little Humor for Your Day – You Might be Giving Pagans a Bad Name If…

You Might be Giving Pagans a Bad Name If…

 

You insist that your boss call you “Rowan Starchild” because otherwise you’d sue for religious harassment. (Score double for this if you don’t let that patronizing dastard call you “Mr. or Ms. Starchild.”)

You request Samhain, Beltaine, and Yule off and then gripe about working Christmas.

You expect your employer to exempt you from the random drug testing because of your religion.

You think the number of Wiccan books you own is far more important than the number you have read, regardless of the fact that most of your books are for beginners.

You’ve won an argument by referencing “Drawing Down the Moon,” knowing darned good and well they haven’t read it either.

You said it was bigotry when they didn’t let you do that ritual in front of city hall. It had nothing to do with the skyclad bit.

You picketed The Craft and Hocus Pocus, but thought that the losers who picketed The Last Temptation of Christ needed to get lives.

You’ve ever had to go along with someone’s ludicrous story because it was twice as likely to be true than most of the nonsense you spout.

You complain about how much the Native Americans copied from Eclectic Wiccan Rites.

You’ve ever referenced the Great Rite in a pick-up line.

Someone has had to point out to you that you do not enter a circle “in perfect love and perfect lust.” (Score double if you argued the point.)

You claim yourself as a witch because how early you were trained by the wise and powerful such-and-such of whom nobody has heard.

You claim to be a famtrad (hereditary), but you’re not. (Score double if you had to tell people you were adopted to pull this off.)

You claim to be a descendant of one of the original Salem Witches. (Score to a lethal degree if you don’t get this one.)

You think it’s perfectly reasonable to insist that, since every tradition is different, and no one tradition is right, there’s no reason not to do things your way.

You’ve ever been psychically attacked by someone who conveniently held a coven position you crave, and suddenly had a glimpse into their mind so you could see how evil they were.

You’ve ever affected an Irish or Scottish accent and insisted that it was real.

You think it’s your Pagan Duty to support the IRA, not because of any political beliefs you might share, but because, dammit, they’re Irish.

You talk to your invisible guardians in public. (Score double if you have met the Vampire Lestat or Dracula, triple if you got into a fight and escaped, or quadruple if it was no contest.)

You’ve ever confused the Prime Directive with the Wiccan Rede.

You’ve ever tried something you saw on “Sabrina, The Teenage Witch”

You’ve suddenly realized in the middle of a ritual that you weren’t playing D&D.

You’ve failed to realize at any point in the ritual that you weren’t playing D&D.

You’ve suddenly realized that you are playing D&D.

You hang out with people who each match at least fifteen of these traits.

You recognize many of these traits in yourself, but this test isn’t about you. But, boy, it’s right about those other folks.

by Cather “Catalyst” Steincamp

eCauldron.com

Astronomy Picture of the Day – Comet 67P from Spacecraft Rosetta

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2016 February 2

Comet 67P from Spacecraft Rosetta
Image Credit & Licence: ESA, Rosetta, NAVCAM

 

Explanation: Spacecraft Rosetta continues to circle and map Comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Crossing the inner Solar System for ten years to reach the vicinity of the comet in 2014, the robotic spacecraft continues to image the unusual double-lobed comet nucleus. The featured image, taken one year ago, shows dust and gas escaping from the comet’s nucleus. Although appearing bright here, the comet’s surface reflects only about four percent of impinging visible light, making it as dark as coal. Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko spans about four kilometers in length and has a surface gravity so low that an astronaut could jump off of it. With Rosetta in tow, Comet 67P passed its closest to the Sun last year and is now headed back to the furthest point — just past the orbit of Jupiter.

Earth Sky News for Feb. 2nd: Moon, Saturn, Antares on February 3

Moon, Saturn, Antares on February 3

Before dawn on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, watch for the waning crescent moon shining close to the golden planet Saturn. The fainter, twinkling, ruddy object in the vicinity of the moon and Saturn is Antares, the brightest star in the constellation Scorpius the Scorpion. Antares represents the Scorpion’s Heart.

You can’t see Saturn’s rings through ordinary field binoculars, though binoculars are great for getting an eyeful of earthshine on the dark side of the moon.

But you can view Saturn’s rings with a modest backyard telescope. Try your luck tomorrow, before dawn.

Once you’ve identified Saturn, jump off from there to witness all five visible planets in the same sky. From east to west, the five visible planets are Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Mars and Jupiter. Look for Mars and Jupiter a good ways to the west of the ringed planet. The bow of the lunar crescent points in the direction of Venus and Mercury near the southeast horizon, but don’t expect to see Mercury until darkness first begins to give way to dawn (80 to 70 minutes before sunrise).

The five visible planets will adorn the February morning sky until around February 20. In the chart below, Mars shines close to due south, so Jupiter lies outside this chart in the southwest sky. Scroll to the bottom of this post for an additional chart showing Jupiter and all five planets in the morning sky.

In their order of brightness, the five planets are Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Saturn and Mars. Mercury may not appear as bright as Saturn or Mars, however, because the solar system’s innermost planet sits so close to the horizon and in the glare of sunrise.

Bottom line: Before dawn on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, let the moon introduce you to Saturn – and, in fact, all five visible morning planets.

 

Author

Bruce McClure

Bruce McClure

Bruce McClure is the chief writer for the popular EarthSky Tonight pages. Since joining EarthSky in 2004, he has written thousands of astronomy articles, enjoyed here by millions. He also writes, gives planetarium shows and hosts a wide assortment of public astronomy programs in and around his home in upstate New York. If you ask an astronomy question on our site, it’s likely to be Bruce that answers it. His love for the heavens has taken him to Lake Titicaca in Bolivia, and he has sailed the North Atlantic, earning his celestial navigation certificate through the School of Ocean Sailing and Navigation. Bruce is also a sundial aficionado. He says his number one passion – besides his wife Alice – is stargazing.

Article published on EarthSky

Your Daily Influences for February 2nd

Your Daily Influences
February 2, 2016 

 

The Emperor
The qualities of The Emperor include the ability to lead and wield power. He is paternal and mentally quick as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ansuz
Ansuz represents mankind’s spiritual connection to God and the universe. It is often referred to as the “God Rune.” This Rune embodies reason, truth and justice. It denotes the coming of knowledge and true counsel from a higher authority.

 

 

 

The Menat
A few prayers to your diety of choice would serve you well when dealing with this aspect. Your questions or requests stand a better chance of being answered in the next few days if you do so.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Daily Influences represent events and challenges the current day will present for you. They may represent opportunities you should be ready to seize. Or they may forewarn you of problems you may be able to avoid or lessen. Generally it is best to use them as tips to help you manage your day and nothing more.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for February 2nd is Evil

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

Evil


At its extreme Evil indicates a life force that embodies pure malevolence. Fortunately Evil in the extreme is very rare. Generally Evil suggests actions taken that challenge our morality and without regard to the harm that may be done to others. The appearance of Evil signifies a time in which someone is acting out of rage, selfishness, ignorance, or, sadly, sating a mean spirit.

As a daily card Evil is a warning that you or your group are the focus of someone’s malice. This is time for you to be very wary of the motives of those who haven’t earned your trust. It is likely you have something they want and they are willing to go to extremes to take it from you.

Your Daily Witches Rune for February 2nd is The Scythe


Your Daily Witches Rune

The Scythe

Sudden changes and endings. Making a final decision. Completing something. Walking away from something or someone. Danger.

Additional information about Today’s Witches Rune, The Scythe….

The Scythe

This symbol is very familiar to most of people, often associated with harvest and death. In the runes, it is no different. The Scythe is related to endings, sudden separations, final decisions, important changes and danger.

The appearance of this symbol show that there’s something in you life you need to bring to end now, before it snowballs into something worse. Usually, the decision that the Scythe forces you to make is one you’d rather escape from… it’s a painful and difficult choice. Even though you know (or feel) it’s for the best, you’ll mourn the fact that it has to happen.

Also, the Scythe is connected to sudden, swift changes that force you to alter completely your plans, strategies and sometimes the very way you see the world. The situation is no longer what it was, your modus operandi no longer works here. Your ideas no longer correspond to the reality. The information you have is no longer accurate, or useful. You need to strain those adaptation muscles and find a way to keep standing while the rug is pulled from under your feet.

Although this rune can represent physical danger, such as accidents or surgeries, many time it refers to sense of foreboding. Something just isn’t right… the fear of loss looms large. Trust these feeling and proceed with caution. This rune can also relate to actual death and all related to it: burials, graveyards, inheritances, heirlooms, legacies and things connected to your ancestry.

In relationship readings, the Scythe suggest caution too. It can represent sudden and irresistible attractions, the kind that inspire people to do crazy things. . Obviously, this rune also represent separations, divorce and conflicts, always leaving a sour aftertaste. The strong passion can quickly transform into strong resentment. In its most positive note, this rune can symbolize relationship that completely transform the people involved.

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for February 2nd is The Tower

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

The Tower



The Tower is perfect card for the revolutionary or iconoclast or anyone who flourishes in rapidly changing environments. What The Tower brings to the mix is sudden, usually unexpected change. With that change there will be a period of disorder, and there may be loss. However, the loss is probably not yours, since you may well be the agent that created the change to begin with. Many positive things can occur from the change The Tower indicates: Truths will be laid bare, revelations and breakthroughs are not just possible but likely, and nothing spurs creativity like a good dose of chaos and confusion. In the end it is likely that what replaces what was lost in the fall of The Tower will be worth the loss.

Your Daily I Ching Hexagram for Feb. 2nd is 56: The Wanderer

 

 

 

 

 

I Ching Hexagram of the Day

56: The Wanderer

February 2nd, 2016
hexagram09
A seasoned traveler knows that a special kind of decorum is called for when one ventures far from home. He or she must develop a yielding nature outwardly, so that the ‘local contact’ or host can open doors and prevent unseemly errors. But inwardly, the wanderer knows that it is sometimes impossible to discern the true intentions of strangers — are they hostile, friendly or merely opportunistic?

The twin houses of mystery and discovery rule any journey. Each new day is launched on a fresh landscape, one that reaches out to grab our full attention. Though new adventures are a great teacher — and often a great equalizer — there is an art to living lightly in a strange land. Mindfulness and discernment become the keys not only to success, but also to survival.

If you are entering a new environment of any sort attempt to be sincere, flexible and undemanding, rather than obstinate. Let go of old attitudes and habits that could encumber you, or make you overly conspicuous. The onset of a great journey is not a favorable time to enter into binding agreements, or to start new enterprises.

Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

Casting the Stones, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for Feb. 2nd

Your Past, Present, & Future Reading for Today

This is a three Rune cast intended to shed light on what is, what was, and what will be.

The Past

Ansuz

Ansuz represents mankind’s spiritual connection to God and the universe. It is often referred to as the “God Rune.” This Rune embodies reason, truth and justice. It denotes the coming of knowledge and true counsel from a higher authority.

 

 

The Present
Sowilo

The Sun Rune, denotes power and strength. That which you want may be attained. Sowilo also denotes mental clarity and added warmth to your relationships.

 

 

The Future
Laguz

Laguz is the feminine Rune. It denotes a deep sexuality and fertility. Laguz also represents that which is ever changing and renewal. You may be in a tremendous spiritual growth period.

Your Daily Rune for February 2nd is Perthro

bw-perthro

bw-perthroYour Rune For Today
Perthro

Mysteries will become known to you. You should be able to see your life’s path clearly at this time. Pethro is often thought of as “Gambler’s Rune.” You are in a lucky period right now. Chance is your ally. Take advantage of it.

 

Additional information about Today’s Rune, Perthro

 

perþ: dice-cup? vulva?

 

Phonetic equivalent: p

 

DIVINATORY MEANINGS: rebirth, mystery, magic, divination, fertility, sexuality, new beginning, prophecy

 

MAGICAL USES: fertility, easing childbirth, to aid in divination and magic, enhancing psychic abilities

 

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES: Freya, Angrbode

 

ANALYSIS: The actual interpretation of perþ has been the subject of much controversy among runic scholars. The problem lies in the fact that the initial P sound doesn’t occur anywhere else in the old Germanic language, leading to the belief that the word was imported from another language. The Old English rune poem seems to indicate that it had to do with some sort of game, leading many to interpret it as ‘chess pawn’ or ‘dice-cup’. The dice-cup meaning is particularly interesting as it not only fits the shape of rune, but also hints at such an object’s original use as a container for the runes themselves. An alternate interpretation of perþ is derived from the Slavic ‘pizda’, meaning ‘vulva’. This meaning (although obscure and somewhat unlikely) fits quite into the progression of runes up until this point, symbolizing the rebirth that follows death. Viewing it as a symbol of the womb of the Goddess, it represents the same element of the mysterious and hidden as ‘dice-cup’, but taken literally as ‘vulva’, it adds a powerful, feminine, sexual counterpart to uruz that would otherwise be missing from the fuþark.

 

However you choose to interpret the literal meaning of perþ (and again, nobody really knows what that is), the basic symbolism is that of a vessel, nurturing and giving ‘birth’, keeping hidden and secret all those mysteries, which can be uncovered only after the initiation of death. The rune is closely tied in with the idea of fate, that the road we travel, regardless of what we choose to do along the way, is predetermined from the moment of our birth. The very act of being born sets us along a course of cause and effect, action and reaction that we may choose to follow blindly, or try to divine through the runes or other means order that we may better understand the lessons we will learn. Perþ is the beginning of this process, as well as the tool for accomplishing it.
Additional Info:
By Jennifer Smith

Your Daily Tarot Card for February 2nd is The Hanged Man

 

 

 

 

 

Tarot Card of the Day

The Hanged Man

February 2nd, 2016
Traditionally, the card known as the Hanged Man usually indicates a lack of ability to help oneself through independent action. This energy is arrested and awaiting judgment. With this card, there is no avenue for the will to regain control until the situation has passed.

This represents a good time to be philosophical, to study and meditate upon the position you find yourself in, and form resolutions for the moment you become free again. Only those who possess wisdom, patience and optimism will be able to see through limitations, including possible humiliation, to grasp the inspiring lesson one can gain from such an experience.

Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

Get A Jump on Tomorrow, Your Horoscopes for Wednesday, February 3rd

 

 

 

 

 

Get a Jump On Tomorrow….

Your Horoscopes for Wednesday, February 3rd

by Rick Levine

 

General Horoscope

We need to clarify our long-term goals today, and the fiery Sagittarius Moon reminds us that anything is possible. However, sobering Saturn requires us to set aside our big ideas in order to fulfill previous commitments. The Moon’s midday lineup with Saturn dampens our enthusiasm by throwing obstacles in our path. Meanwhile, a cooperative Sun-Saturn sextile inspires self-discipline, enabling us to create the healthy boundaries necessary for success.

Aries Horoscope MAR 21 – APR 19

Someone isn’t playing fairly today and there isn’t a lot that you can do about it yet. A coworker may have ulterior motives for whatever scheme he or she is plotting. But don’t try to force the issue, even if you believe something important is being kept from you. Struggling for resolution won’t necessarily bring satisfaction. You’re better off to let the events play out on their own. Everything you need to know will surface naturally if you can subdue your impatience. Good things come to those who wait.

Taurus Horoscope APR 20 – MAY 20

Normally, you lean toward being more obstinate than unconventional. However, you could play the rebel in your group today, although you might not be ready to accept the responsibilities of this role yet. If you’re working with a team, everyone else may seem more conservative in their thinking than you. You really don’t intend to create any waves, but something you casually say can inadvertently spill the beans. Once you speak your truth, you cannot take it back. Thankfully, there’s a strong probability that you will breathe a sigh of relief after the cat is out of the bag.

Gemini Horoscope MAY 21 – JUN 20

You’re pretty certain someone is purposefully blocking your path to happiness today. However, this assumption could be part of your secret strategy to avoid taking personal responsibility. There’s no reason to place blame on anyone else; instead, search within to gain understanding about your contribution to the present situation. Ironically, altering your own attitude might be the most sensible way to improve your current circumstances.

Cancer Horoscope JUN 21 – JUL 22

You might believe you don’t have many options today. Fortunately, you are resigned to work within the constraints of the current situation while you’re busy figuring out how to make real changes. You may be patient by nature, but you probably can’t continue holding out much longer. There’s no need to give up your power and accept the status quo; instead, take a risk and go after what you want. As long as you have a safety net in place, go ahead and reach for the stars.

Leo Horoscope JUL 23 – AUG 22

You’re tempted to play hooky today, but you won’t likely be able to take time off for fun as the Moon bumps into taskmaster Saturn in your 5th House of Creativity. You’re driven to keep your guard up now as you’re pulled from one unstable demanding situation to the next, without much time in between. Thankfully, you still can have a stabilizing impact on others if you set your personal desires aside and focus on the common good.

Virgo Horoscope AUG 23 – SEP 22

Your personal concerns overtake your professional ambitions today, and dealing with them could distract you from your job. You might try to overcompensate by demonstrating to others how willing you are to cooperate now, but they could misinterpret your flexibility as a sign of disinterest. It’s not wise to keep to yourself while taking the course of least resistance. Explain your position as succinctly as possible before you relinquish control.

Libra Horoscope SEP 23 – OCT 22

You’re not in a position to get exactly what you want today, but you still could end up feeling emotionally satisfied. You probably won’t be able to leverage your position to reach the top, but, fortunately, you won’t likely go down in defeat either. No matter what reality throws at you now, remember that you will have the opportunity in the next few days to reclaim any ground you’ve lost. Consider this a cosmic reminder that there’s more important things than climbing the ladder of success.

Scorpio Horoscope OCT 23 – NOV 21

Although everything appears to be perfectly in order, you may run into an obstacle that stops you in your tracks today. Fortunately, you are blessed with a deep reservoir of stamina from your two key planets, energetic Mars and relentless Pluto. There’s no reason to wave the white flag just because you’re being tested. Encountering a challenge is an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to overcome resistance. Revise your plan as necessary but don’t take your eyes off the prize, even if success is temporarily delayed.

Sagittarius Horoscope NOV 22 – DEC 21

You’re often known for your irrepressible optimism, but your perspective is more realistic today as the Moon runs into austere Saturn. Although you might be acting out of character, it’s wise to let others see your more serious side now, even if your position differs from everyone else’s. Conflict can weigh heavy on your heart, but you’ll gain respect by holding your ground. Consider your message before you start talking; your word is your wand.

Capricorn Horoscope DEC 22 – JAN 19

Your finances could be the cause of concern today; nevertheless, you must be willing to stand up and state your needs clearly. People are free to make incorrect assumptions if you don’t inform them of your goals. But the rules of social etiquette won’t stand in your way when you speak your truth as directly as you can. Others will appreciate your honesty if you share your point of view without editing it for political correctness. You might upset the status quo by stirring up uncomfortable emotions, but that’s exactly what is needed now.

Aquarius Horoscope JAN 20 – FEB 18

Dig down to the source of your uneasiness today if you’re uncomfortable with the level of concentration that your current work assignment requires. You may not like how closely you are being managed or, perhaps, you’re simply bored with your job. Your current restlessness is heightened by your inventive ideas, especially if you can’t figure out a way to share them. Instead of climbing too far out on a limb, write down your entire story and save it for another day when your message will create a more lasting impact.

Pisces Horoscope FEB 19 – MAR 20

You take your performance on the job quite seriously while the Moon networks with hardworking Saturn in your 10th House of Career. You want to have all your ducks in order before you share your opinions with anyone else. You need others to believe in your reliability, but your thoughts are erratic now and you might not trust your own instincts. Fortunately, you can think outside the box, making your current ideas very original today. Unfortunately, they could also be a bit too spacey for everyone’s taste. Keep your visions to yourself for a few more days to see how they stand up to the test of time.

 

Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

If You Were Born Today, February 2

happy-birthday-cake

 

If You Were Born Today, February 2

Career and family are equally important to you–both of these things drive you. You are a real achiever who has determination and willpower, as well as intuition that serves you well. Spirit and beauty reflect from within, and others cannot help but take notice of you. Very diplomatic, you are a peace lover through and through, and bringing harmony to your environment and family satisfies like nothing else.

Famous people born today: Farrah Fawcett, Shakira, Christie Brinkley, James Dickey, James Joyce.

 

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology

Your Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, February 2nd

 

 

 

 

 

Your Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, February 2nd

 

Aries

Aries Horoscope
Aries

While the Moon’s move into your adventure sector this morning usually stimulates your wanderlust, dear Aries, today’s energies tend to keep you grounded. You have a strong sense of the future, and perhaps it’s a little prophetic now as you seem to hone in on exactly what needs changing. Deep inner changes are brewing, and you instinctively know that it’s necessary. Love feelings are intense and stimulating. Long-term goals are clearer. You are feeling productive and practical, but you are not ignoring your intuition either. Work can thrive, and research can reward you. If you’re looking to overhaul or rework a project, now can be an excellent time to commit to it.

Taurus

Taurus

It’s a strong bonding day when it comes to love relationships, dear Taurus. There is good energy with you for partnering up in order to accomplish something important to you. There can be a new level of understanding achieved now, about a partner, love interest, or your own beliefs. This is a time for broadening your mind, sharing your experiences and ideas with others, and considering ways to explore new horizons, particularly with a partner. There is a real desire to make deep changes that will last a long time, particularly in terms of how you approach relationships and your general outlook in general. Feelings run deeper than usual, and you won’t have any patience with the superficial now. It’s all or nothing for you right now.

Gemini

Gemini

You can be quite effective and productive today and tomorrow, dear Gemini, if you put your mind to it. This is due to Mars, currently energizing your work and health sector, in positive connection with powerful Pluto. You might especially enjoy redoing or revamping a project. You are investigative and ready to solve problems and mysteries. You are able to see flaws and inconsistencies that you might overlook on another day, and you are tuning in to the tiniest details and finding meaning in them. This can be a good time to see a healthcare worker, research ideas, and get to the bottom of something. You are less inclined to avoid the truth now, even if it’s uncomfortable!

Cancer

Cancer

Your mind is capable of deeply penetrating insights now, dear Cancer. Deeper, hidden subjects and topics come to the surface now, and while you may not want to air your feelings just yet, the desire to clear the air is strong. Instinctively you know that talking about your fears will help you to overcome them. You are more attracted to people who appear to be utterly sure of themselves now. Perhaps it’s because you are looking for more reassurance, as you may be tired of wondering and questioning what and who to believe. If you’re in need of making changes in your relationships or relating patterns, this is a strong time for doing so in long-lasting, significant ways. There can be breakthrough moments in a relationship or in your feelings. Desires can be insistent now!

Leo

Leo

Relationships can be passionate and intense today, dear Leo. Insight into your finances or something in your intimate, inner life comes now. You might experience a moment of truth, and possibly extra motivation to kick a bad habit and to live a freer, more authentic life as a result. You approach touchy or complicated subjects with bravery right no. Your stamina can be strong, or you could find every reason today to want to build it up. You could also be feeling quite motivated to improve your health. Today and tomorrow are especially strong for taking on nitty gritty or challenging tasks – you are not only more capable of handling them, you’re quite willing to get the dirty work out of the way.

Virgo

Virgo Symbol/Glyph
Virgo

The Moon moves into your home and family sector late morning, dear Virgo, and there is a stronger desire to nest or cocoon. Even so, this can be a powerful day for communicating effectively and for making important discoveries, particularly along romantic and creative lines. You stand to gain tremendous insight into your close partnerships or into your relationship needs now. Freeing yourself from the role of passive bystander in your own life is what this is all about, and it’s empowering indeed. There can be a cathartic release, likely through a conversation, artistic activity,. passionate union, or even a journal entry. A feeling of closeness, with your own heart or with someone special, is likely to figure strongly now. You could be especially focused on making improvements that may not have instant results but that you know will be worth the effort in the long run.

Libra

Libra Glyph-Symbol
Libra

Changes you make today and tomorrow are designed to get rid of non-essentials, and this ultimately allows you to reduce stress and clear your mind. Business and financial thinking is powerful, and you may be taking action to make important changes that empower you. You tend to want to take care of business, get a job done that you’ve been putting off, and to reduce redundancies. You’ll go the extra mile for something if it means you’ll feel more secure in the long run. A financial strategy can emerge now and can be very useful to you, especially regarding home and family. For some of you, a partner or special someone can come through for you today.

Scorpio

Scorpio Symbol Glyph
Scorpio

With your ancient and modern rulers, Mars and Pluto respectively, harmonizing, dear Scorpio, you’re in a strong position for personal power and influence, making important changes, and pushing forward a personal plan or project that’s close to your heart. It certainly helps that Mars is in your sign currently. You know instinctively how to channel any excess energy effectively today. A moment of truth in a love relationship can occur for some of you now. This can also happen if you are single in a different way – new insights into your own relationship needs or a changing attitude towards love can emerge. This is a time of unusual events or news that alters your thought patterns or leads to fruitful connections. You are bravely facing deeper issues that need to be settled, and there is more purpose and deliberation in what you’re doing.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius Glyph Symbol
Sagittarius

The Moon’s move into your sign late morning can point to an awakening of your emotions and a need to be spontaneous, dear Sagittarius. However, the Moon meets up with serious Saturn, and some very practical energies are with you now, such that you should consider ways to make improvements in your material life as well. This can be a good time for reorganizing your finances and formulating solid strategies that have real potential. You have a strong sense for what needs to go in order to simplify your life in key ways. You have a good eye for detail and a real desire to cut out waste. People tend to only see what they are prepared to confront, and today, you may open your eyes to something that you were previously unable to deal with.

Capricorn

Capricorn Symbol/Glyph
Capricorn

Today is strong for pursuing a cause, making a difference, connecting with friends or a group and supporting one another, and pushing a project forward, dear Capricorn. Your sense of what is most important to you is on point, and you’re cutting through the fluff in order to get to the bottom of a matter or a situation. Changes you are making today and tomorrow can be extremely defining. You are discovering your own true personal power, and many of you are doing so through networking, sharing, and connecting with others. Others may be turning to you as a leader of sorts. The Moon’s move into your privacy sector late morning can stimulate a need to keep things on the down-low. Even so, you can be especially determined and focused now, and you’re unafraid of taking on a challenge, particularly if it means you get closer to a truth.

Aquarius

Aquarius

Recently, with Mars in your solar tenth house, dear Aquarius, your ambitions are stimulated and at times challenged. Today, you can very successfully draw upon your past experiences in order to make good decisions about your career or life direction. You can be focused on making long-term improvements now. You seem to be attracting the right resources or people today. A new game plan can come to you now, and you are likely to want to put it into action, not just think about it! A breakthrough conversation with an authority figure or about career can happen now. It’s a good time for making important changes that suit your current needs, particularly in your career.

Pisces

Pisces

Physical outlets for some of the deep desires for freedom and excitement you are experiencing now can be especially rewarding now, dear Pisces. New ideas are likely birthing now, and you’re feeling especially confident about them. You may be a little tight-lipped or simply quiet about your plans, and this may in fact be a good strategy. Travel or education plans can come together, and certainly you’re thinking about ways to expand your life experience beyond the routine. Friends’ input can be appreciated. This is a time for making significant, long-lasting changes that can involve friendships, group associations, publishing, travel, and belief systems. You are seeing your own ambitions and desires exceptionally clearly, cutting through the layers of fluff.

The Balance of the Signs & the Elements for February 2nd

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Balance of the Signs & the Elements for February 2nd

 

SAGITTARIUS STRONG
Inspiring, broad vision, enthusiastic, goal seeking, truthful, adventurous. Can be reckless, unrestrained, tactless.
CAPRICORN STRONG
Disciplined, responsible, reliable, industrious, conscientious, practical, achieving. Can be pessimistic, overly conventional, rigid, materialistic, callous.
AQUARIUS STRONG
Humanitarian, innovative, group conscious, progressive, serving others. Can be rebellious, eccentric, aloof, emotionally superficial, overly extroverted.

BALANCE OF ELEMENTS
The elements are balanced.

BALANCE OF MODES
The modes are balanced.