Imbolc Lore
On Imbolc, a bundle of corn from the harvest is dressed in ribbons and becomes the Corn Bride. On February 2nd, the Corn Bride is placed on the hearth or hung on the door to bring prosperity, fertility and protection to the home.

On Imbolc, a bundle of corn from the harvest is dressed in ribbons and becomes the Corn Bride. On February 2nd, the Corn Bride is placed on the hearth or hung on the door to bring prosperity, fertility and protection to the home.

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.
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 (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.

“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).”
THINGS IT TOOK ME 50 YEARS TO LEARN
Never under any circumstances take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same
night.
There is a very fine line between “hobby” and “mental illness.”
People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to
share yours.
You should not confuse your career with your life.
No matter what happens, somebody will find a way to take it too seriously.
When trouble arises and things look bad, there is always one individual who
perceives a solution and is willing to take command. Very often, that individual
is crazy.
Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.
Never lick a steak knife.
Take out the fortune before you eat the cookie.
The most powerful force in the universe is gossip.
You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why
we observe daylight savings time.
You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you
think she’s pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that
moment.
“The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender,
religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we
all believe that we are above average drivers.
The main accomplishment of almost all organized protests is to annoy people who
are not in them.
A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person.
Your friends love you anyway.
And the thought for the day: never be afraid to try something new. Remember that
amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic.
Author unknown
As we sit on the cusp of February, how apropos that today is called ‘Inspire Your Heart With Art Day.’ Feng Shui says that if you’re looking for love you should display a painting of a woman playing the lute in the love space of your bedroom. According to Eastern traditions, the sound of the lute is believed to express the bliss of marriage as well as the deep and abiding friendship between man and wife. Purity and moderation are both invoked by this instrument’s sweet sounds and so it came to be associated as a symbol for harmony and happiness in family life. In more modern times, the flute has come to be regarded as equally auspicious when attracting the perfect partner, so displaying any artwork with a woman playing that woodwind will work. If you’ve been waiting for a mate, this tip should be music to your ears.
By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com
We want everyone to get along now because our attraction to peace and harmony is strong when the Moon visits diplomatic Libra. The Libra Moon also awakens our desire for beauty, prompting us to think about aesthetic perfection as an idea, rather than experiencing it directly. This sense of detachment is amplified by the conceptual Aquarius Sun. Meanwhile, the erratic brilliance of a Mercury-Uranus alignment zaps our minds with radical new ideas.
You are drawn into stressful relationship dynamics, both at home and at work, as the Moon visits your 7th House of Companions. However, your emotions may not be on the same page as those of your partner or coworker. Unfortunately, you might place roadblocks between yourself and intimacy because you’re afraid of losing your independence. Instead of resisting your fears, get them out into the open where their power dissipates once and for all.
The Moon’s presence in your 6th House of Work reflects your need to know you are doing a valuable service. Nevertheless, there is a part of you that would prefer to skip out on your responsibilities and indulge in pleasurable activities instead. However, as a stubborn Bull, it takes a lot to pull you off course; even if you want to relax, your unwavering determination can help keep you on track to reach your destination on time.
You may be motivated to express your creativity in original ways today, but it’s still hard to set practicality aside in the name of spontaneity. Nevertheless, your sense of responsibility won’t likely be strong enough to shut down your free-spirited behavior. It might be helpful to eliminate extraneous noise by minimizing your time online and postponing unnecessary meetings. You have a better chance of accomplishing your goals if you can hear yourself think.
You might not feel very adventurous today as the Moon moves through your 4th House of Home and Family. But seclusion can be problematic, especially if you need to play a leadership role at work or in the community. Don’t waste time dreaming about your escape because you probably won’t go through with it, anyhow. Instead, demonstrate your maturity by doing the right thing now and fulfilling your obligations.
It’s all about diplomatic communication today as five planets move through relationship-oriented Air signs, making what you say less important than how you say it. However, you have the capability to turn your dreams into reality now, so you must be careful when sharing your fantasies with anyone else. Take time to consider your audience and fine tune your delivery; concentrate on your goal and stay true to your heart.
Virgo Horoscope
You may seem very determined to get whatever you want today, but you must first overcome your timidity and ask properly. The emotional Moon in your 2nd House of Self-Worth can give you a sense of firm resolve, but your actions might not back up your intentions. If you find your mind wandering throughout the day, just gently bring your focus back on point and try again.
Tender feelings rise up to the surface as the gracious Libra Moon travels through your 1st House of Personality today. You are highly sensitized to the subtle emotional energy spreading through your environment, and you’re aware of the impact that your reactions have on others. As helpful as you are, don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. You won’t be any good to anyone if you don’t pay attention to your needs first.
You might feel somewhat discouraged today as the Moon visits your 12th House of Escapism. It’s hard to get much done if you’re not motivated to interact with anyone else. You don’t want to be fully involved with the outer world and are tempted to withdraw into the hidden recesses of your imagination. Do what you must to get by, but don’t shut off your dreams now just because they don’t easily fit into reality. Remember, indulging your fantasies is a wonderful way to explore all the possibilities ahead.
Everything seems to run smoothly today, helping to soothe any lingering tensions. Don’t worry about trying to resolve all the differences of opinion; just remember that being kind and considerate relieves the building pressure. Your current strength is reinforced by the fair-minded way in which you deal with others, even when you don’t agree with them. It’s more important to be a part of the community now than being on the winning side.
It’s challenging to shake off the stress these days, especially if someone is pushing your emotional buttons. Still, you appear to continue acting gracefully even in a difficult situation. Thankfully, you’re able to hide your tension for a while longer, enabling others to feel more at ease. Fortunately, your own anxiety is ameliorated when everyone else finally settles down.
Even if serious responsibilities continue to multiply, today’s peaceful Libra Moon lightens things up. Although the source of your concerns won’t likely disappear, taking a more spiritual approach to very real problems certainly helps. There’s no reason to upset the applecart; for now, just try to go with the flow. Be smart and save your energy for when you really need to take a stand.
There are complex emotional waves washing through your mind now, challenging you to balance them with more practical issues. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to find your rhythm and maintain the pace long enough to accomplish your goals. Listen to your inner voices as you carry on with your normal routine. The discomfort will settle soon, leaving you enriched by the experience.
The last day of January 2013 has a few tricks up its sleeve. What is supremely helpful is yesterday’s Jupiter turnaround in Gemini — giving hope and renewed confidence that big projects can eventually lead to handsome profits in the long run. The main source of discord is a Mars-Saturn parallel (5:03AM PST) at 13 degrees south of the Celestial Equator. This Mars-Saturn connection behaves like a zodiacal conjunction and it may remain influential for a good portion of this 24-hour time-period. When the red planet and the ringed planet hook up like this, it’s easy to become your own worst enemy and create unnecessary problems. An abrasive, 45-degree tie from Mercury to Pallas (9:54AM PST) adds another layer of difficulty to the situation. However, the cosmos begins changing its tune by orchestrating a Grand Triangle in air signs — composed of a Moon trine to Jupiter from Libra to Gemini (10:02AM PST) followed later on by a Moon trine to the Sun from Libra to Aquarius (9:05PM PST). On this creative, affirmative and mind-expanding note, the three air signs offer humanity gifts of the heart, mind and spirit by simultaneously connecting both lights with the just-recently enriched Jupiter — now a very dominant celestial force.
31 Wolfmonath
Imbolc Eve: Day of the Bean Sidhe
Color: Black
Element: Air
Altar: Upon cloth of black place a cup of blood, kept from the last slaughtering. Before it lay bloodstained rags and a flute, and many small unlit . Block the windows and shut out all sunlight.
Offering: Give aid to a child who has lost their mother.
Daily Meal: Red meat and milk.
Imbolc Eve Invocation
Go, my children, to the riverbank,
In the dark of the night when the wind is howling,
And you shall hear the wails of one who mourns,
And you shall see her kneeling by the water,
Washing the bloody clothes of those
Who did not survive the giving forth of life.
She weeps for the mothers lost,
She weeps for the children lost,
She weeps for the life cut short,
What should have been a joyous day
Become a night of mourning.
She weeps above all for those
Who have no one else to weep for them.
So we shall light a candle, on this night
Before the morn of Candlemas,
For all those who have no one to weep for them,
And we shall shed the tears
And we shall be the voice,
And we shall do the work
Of the lonely Bean Sidhe.
(The cup of blood is poured as a libation. Each comes forward and lights a small , and then all wail in a great torrent of sound together, with one wildly over the cacophony. Those who can shed tears should do so. This should go on until all are exhausted from wailing, and then all should go quietly to their other tasks in silence until Hesperis.
Imbolc is a festival of light — celebrate it with candles and flames!
Hundreds of years ago, when our ancestors relied upon the sun as their only source of light, the end of winter was met with much celebration. Although it is still cold in February, often the sun shines brightly above us, and the skies are often crisp and clear. As a festival of light, Imbolc came to be called Candlemas. On this evening, when the sun has set once more, call it back by lighting the seven candles of this ritual.
** Note: although this ceremony is written for one, it can easily be adapted for a small group.
Prior to beginning your ritual, take a warm, cleansing bath. While soaking, meditate on the concept of purification. Once you’re done, dress in your ritual attire, and begin the rite.
Pour the sand or salt into the bowl or cauldron. Place the seven candles into the sand so they won’t slide around. Light the first candle. As you do so, say:
Although it is now dark, I come seeking light. In the chill of winter, I come seeking life.
Light the second candle, saying:
I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth. I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life. I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.
This light is a boundary, between positive and negative. That which is outside, shall stay without. That which is inside, shall stay within.
Light the fourth candle. Say:
I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth. I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life. I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.
Like fire, light and love will always grow. Like fire, wisdom and inspiration will always grow.
Light the sixth candle, and say:
I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth. I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life. I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.
Finally, light the last candle. As you do so, visualize the seven flames coming together as one. As the light builds, see the energy growing in a purifying glow.
Fire of the hearth, blaze of the sun, cover me in your shining light. I am awash in your glow, and tonight I am made pure.
When you are ready, end the ritual. You may choose to follow up with healing magic, or with a Cakes and Ale ceremony.
By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide

Magickal Intentions: Luck, Happiness, Health, Legal Matters, Male Fertility, Treasure and Wealth, Honor, Riches, Clothing Desires, Leadership, Public Activity, Power and Success
Incense: Cinnamon, Must, Nutmeg and Sage
Planet: Jupiter
Sign: Sagittarius and Pisces
Angel: Sachiel
Colors: Purple, Royal Blue and Indigo
Herbs/Plants: Cinnamon, Beech, Buttercup, Coltsfoot, Oak
Stones: Sugilite, Amethyst, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire
Oil: (Jupiter) Clove, Lemon Balm, Oak moss, Star Anise
Jupiter presides over Thursday. The vibrations of this day attune well to all matters involving material gain. Use them for working rituals that entail general success, accomplishment, honors and awards, or legal issues. These energies are also helpful in matters of luck, gambling, and prosperity.
*Thursday (Jupiter): Expansion, money, prosperity and generosity.
*Waning Moon
*The Waning Moon (from the Full Moon to the New) is a time for study, meditation and little magickal work (except magick designed to banish harmful energies).
Moon Sign: *Virgo
*Virgo: Favors accomplishment of details and commands from higher up. Focuses on health, hygiene and daily schedules.
Moon enters *Libra 1:36 am
*Libra: Favor cooperation, social activities, beautification of surroundings, balance, and partnership.
Moon Phase: Third Quarter
Incense: Clove
Color: Green

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