Category: All Regular Daily Posts

The Wicca Book of Days for February 1 & 2 – Imbolc and Maiden’s Milk

Imbolc/Candlemas Comments
February 1

Imbolc and Maiden’s Milk

Between February 1 and 2, Wiccans celebrate the Sabbat of Imbolc(also known as Oimelc or Candlemas), and the return of the Goddess from the underworld in her maiden or virginal form, as exemplified by the Celtic Goddess Brigit (“High One”), Bride or Brigid the name under which the Christians sanctified her. In Ireland, Brigit was venerated as a protector of livestock, a bestower of fertility upon the natural world, a promoter of healing and a patron of poetry and the blacksmith’s art. Oimelc means “ewe’s milk,” for this was the day on which ewes usually began to lactate, and the Goddess’s association with milk was preserved in the notion of Saint Brigid of Kildare’s cows producing milk thrice daily.

“Flowery Words”

In northern climes, the emergence of early spring flowers is evidence that nature is awakening and that Brigit is among us again, so pick a posy and pour a glass of cow’s milk on the ground as a libation to the Goddess.

The Witches Correspondences for Imbolc

Imbolc/Candlemas Comments

The Witches Correspondences for Imbolc

 

Tools, Symbols & Decorations
White flowers, marigolds, plum blossoms, daffodils, Brigid wheel, Brigid’s cross, candles, grain/seed for blessing, red candle in a cauldron full of earth, doll, Bride’s Bed; the Bride, broom, milk, birchwood, snowflakes, snow in a crystal container,evergreens, homemade besom of dried broom, orange candle annointed in oil can be used to sybolize the renewing energy of the Sun’s rebirth.

Colors
Brown, pink, red, orange, white, lavender, pale yellow, silver, green, blue

Customs
Lighting candles, seeking omens of Spring, storytelling, cleaning house, bonfires, indoor planting, stone collecting, candle kept burning dusk till dawn; hearth re-lighting

Animals/Mythical beings
Firebird, dragon, groundhog, deer, burrowing animals, ewes, robin, sheep, lamb, other creatures waking from hibernation

Gemstones
Amethyst, garnet, onyx, turquoise

Herbs
Angelica, basil, bay, benzoin, celandine, clover, heather, myrrh, all yellow flowers, willow

Incense/Oil
Jasmine, rosemary, frankincense, cinnamon, neroli, musk, olive, sweet pea, basil, myrrh, wisteria, apricot, carnation

Rituals/Magick
Cleansing; purification, renewal, creative inspiration, purification, initiation, candle work, house & temple blessings, welcoming Brigid, feast of milk & bread

Foods
Dairy, spicy foods, raisins, pumpkin, sesame & sunflower seeds, poppyseed bread/cake, honey cake, pancakes, waffles, herbal tea

Aspects of the Moon in Scorpio

Imbolc/Candlemas Comments
Aspects of the Moon in Scorpio

The mood of Scorpio is sultry, secretive, mysterious. This fleeting transit favors excavation of the soul and imagination. It’s a fixed sign that motivates us to go deep into the creative work we’re doing. The psychic radar is stronger, giving us eyes to see what’s really going on.

It’s a time that reminds us that there’s more to life than meets the eye. And it puts us in touch with the driving forces within ourselves and those we engage with.

Someone born with the Moon in in Scorpio is soulful person who likes to get to the heart of a matter. When the Moon is in Scorpio, we long for an end to the small talk. We crave deep conversations that unravel a dilemma or solve a psychological puzzle.

Striking the Root
It’s time to get to the root causes of any current suffering. We’re willing to go into dangerous psychic territory, because we know that’s the only way to heal fully.
This is a great time to sketch out characters for a detective novel. There’s a fascination with the darker side of life and ourselves. In dreams and waking life, we go through the doors marked enter at your own risk.

When we encounter what’s intense and coiled up within, we release that primal power. It becomes the creative seeds of the new, and we’ve been transformed.

Haunted
This is the Moon for telling ghost stories, or visiting a haunted house. You might corral friends for a seance or spend time with the Ouija board. As an aside, a random night with the Ouija board is what set me on a path of exploring the paranormal.

Our small group of friends sensed the presence or presences there, and that created in me the desire to know more.

However, it’s wise to always use caution when inviting spirits. After wrestling with the dark and its entities, I know it’s not something to take lightly. Sometimes Scorpio energies create an atmosphere of romance with the dark.

With Moon in Scorpio, the risks of opening to the potential that lies in the dark look more attractive.
Power Moves: keep a secret or tell a secret to a trusted friend or your healer; do a major purge (of your purse, closet, office); go scuba diving; plan for a night of sexual healing; do a detox or get a colonic treatment; take out the recycling; weed the garden; do a shamanic journey; get a deep tissue massage; be emotionally honest with a friend.

The Moon sets the emotional tone as it transits through the Zodiac signs. It changes signs every 2 1/2 days. You can work with this rhythm to “go with the flow” of the Moon. You can use it to know the general feeling tone to expect.

 

Author

Molly Hall, Astrology Expert
Article published on & owned by About.com

The Witches Almanac for Monday, February 1

Imbolc/Candlemas Comments
The Witches Almanac for Monday, February 1

Monday (Moon): Peace, sleep, healing, compassion, friends, psychic awareness, purification, and fertility.

St. Brigid’s Day (Irish)

Waning Moon
The Waning Moon (from the Full Moon to the New) is a time for study, meditation, and little magical work (except magic designed to banish harmful energies).

Moon phase: Fourth Quarter

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

Incense: Narcissus

Color: Lavender

Monday Is A Day of Witchery, Magick and Enchantment

Imbolc/Candlemas Comments

Monday Is A Day of Witchery, Magick and Enchantment

Think for a moment on all of the witchery, magick and enchantments that you have discovered. Don’t be afraid to adjust spells to suit your own specific needs. Any gentle, illusory, and dreamy charms and spells can be enhanced when you work on the day of the week that is dedicated to the moon. Mondays are a fantastic day to boost your psychic abilities and to tune in to your intuition and empathy. It also gives you the opportunity to work with a different lunar phase each and every Monday, which means in one month you could work four different types of moon magicks on Mondays. How’s that for adding to your repertoire? You are going to have mad skills in no time at all.

So light up those lunar scented candles and add a little mystique to your outfit by wearing an enchanting lunar color. Wear your sparkling silver jewelry and maybe add a pair of dangling silver earrings or a pendant shaped like a crescent moon. Create lunar potions and philters; make a dream catcher and give it as a gift to someone you love. Burn some sandalwood or jasmine-scented incense today to inspire the glamour and magick of the moon. Slice up a favorite variety of fruit that is in season for a snack or share it with your love and enjoy his or her lunar and romantic qualities. Brew up a cup of chamomile tea, enchant it with a little moon magick, and relax and get a good night’s sleep.

Most importantly, get outside tonight and watch the moon for a while. What phase is she in? What color was the moon as she rose? Why not start a journal and write down at what location the moon rises and sets for a few seasons? This is a great way to teach you to tune in and to become more aware of the moon and the influence that she pulls into our lives. Try calling on Selene for her magickal assistance, and call Thoth for wisdom and strength. Get to know the Norse Mani and the Latvian Meness. These gods of the moon have plenty to teach, and if you allow their influence to cycle through your life, you’ll receive many blessings. Be imaginative, and create your own personal lunar magick and witchery. Go on….the moonlight becomes you.

—Ellen Dugan, Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week

Monday’s Magick

Imbolc/Candlemas Comments
Monday’s Magick

Monday is the day of the moon itself, and it’s a day that’s connected to lunar colors like silver, white, or even a pale blue. Metals and gemstones like silver, pearl, opal and moonstone all come into play today.

There are plenty of deities associated with the moon – Thoth and Diana for instance – and herbal correspondences include many members of the mint family. Utilize wintergreen or peppermint, as well as catnip, comfrey, sage and chamomile in your workings.

When it comes to Monday magic, because of that lunar connection, it’s a good time to focus on workings related to childbearing and family life, purity and virginity, healing, wisdom, and intuition. Do a little bit of self exploration and work on developing your intuition – learn to trust your gut. Celebrate birth and life, and make some magic to fix what is broken.

 

Author

Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Article published on & owned by About.com

The Magick of Imbolc

Imbolc/Candlemas Comments
The Magick of Imbolc

In many Wiccan traditions, Imbolc is celebrated as the point in the year when the Goddess recovers from giving birth to the Sun. The young God grows from an infant to a child. It is a time when the growing light promises the return of springtime. Many Wiccans tend to focus their rituals on the Maiden aspect of the Goddess at this time as well.

In Celtic lore, the Goddess Brighid, is primarily worshiped because of her triple aspect as the patroness of smith-craft(fire), healing and inspiration.

As Imbolc Approaches

Imbolc/Candlemas Comments
As Imbolc Approaches

a guide to the Sabbat’s symbolism

by Arwynn MacFeylynnd

Date: February 1 or 2.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer for Imbolc

Imbolc/Candlemas Comments

Prayer for Imbolc

On this Imbolc day, as I kindle the flame upon my hearth,
I pray that the flame of Brigid may burn in my soul,
and the souls of all I meet today.

I pray that no envy and malice,
no hatred or fear, may smother the flame.
I pray that indifference and apathy,
contempt and pride,
may not pour like cold water on the flame.

Instead, may the spark of Brigid light the love in my soul,
that it may burn brightly through this season.
And may I warm those that are lonely,
whose hearts are cold and lifeless,
so that all may know the comfort of Brigid’s love.

To All Those Celebrating Imbolc Today, We Wish You A Very Blessed & Beautiful Day! For The Rest of Us, Happy Monday!

Imbolc/Candlemas Comments
Good Morning to all our precious family & friends! We wish all those celebrating Imbolc today, a very beautiful & blessed day! For everyone else, you will hear another “Happy Imbolc” tomorrow, I guarantee you. There are so many different traditions here, we realize we don’t always celebrate our Sabbats on the same day. Most of the time when our Sabbats fall on different dates, you will hear me give a speech about outsiders moving our dates. Not this time, I did my research and found out that different Pagan Traditions celebrate Imbolc on February 1 while others celebrate it on February 2. So who are we to argue with that, all I can say is we are one lucky bunch of people. We get to celebrate and party for two days instead of one! Now tell me, how many other religions can do that?

Before we get things started, I did want to take a moment and thank you for your concern about one of my familiars Friday. I appreciate it deeply and it is nice to know I am amongst people that care and love me. I know everyone probably thought it was Kiki since she has the heart problems but it wasn’t, it was Razputin (Razzy, the bobcat). I will try to make this short….we have a lynx that has been coming around the house. I have tried everything to run him off. I didn’t want to shoot him, he was a beautiful creature of the Goddess.’ He had been picking at the front windows on the porch all winter. Finally Friday, I guess he got tired of picking and went right through one. The neighbor called me and told me what had happened. He was getting his gun then the next thing he knew the lynx was gone. He saw the window, walked over, and told me he wasn’t going in because Razzy and the lynx were trying to kill each other. I rushed home and when I got there Razzy was covered in blood and the lynx was dead. I called the vet and he told me to bring both of them in. Razzy had a few deep bites but nothing major. He stitched her up and gave me an antibiotic to keep her on. He is sending the lynx off to test it for rabies. I did nothing all day Saturday except pamper the big baby. Today, I brought her to work with me. I made her a bed on the floor and right now she is sound asleep. Kiki is wandering around, expecting everyone to love on her and they are. We won’t get nothing done today. But for everyone concerned I wanted to let you know what happened and I appreciate you very much for caring about me and my critters. Oops! they ain’t critters, they are my babies.

You truly are my family, my brothers and sisters, no one could ever wish for or hope for such a wonderful family as I have here. I love you all. Thank you again, so much!

Love ya,

Lady A

We are calling it a day, brothers & sisters

Circle Is Open Pictures

Lady of the Abyss had to run one of the animals to the veterinary for an emergency. She asked that I post this explanation why we are quitting so early. I know most of you don’t know me but I have been with the WOTC since it first begun on MSN. I have grown up with Lady A and Mystie, my sister. I have offered to help at the office while Mystie takes some time off from work. I don’t feel comfortable enough to carry on the postings. I am sure I will get back in the swing of it but I am very rusty right now. I look forward to getting to know all our new members.

I would like to apologize for not being able to finish up and any inconvenience this may have caused you.

Lord of the Myst

Your Daily Influences for January 29th, 2016

Your Daily Influences
January 29th, 2016

 

 

Ace of Pentacles
Prosperity, pleasure and beauty can be realized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Berkano
Berkano is the Rune of birth and rebirth. This may symbolize a time when you are capable of great personal growth. Love may be in the air as well.

 

 

 

Scorpio the Scorpion
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is determined, forceful, emotional, intuitive, powerful, passionate, exciting and magnetic. This person is probably an acquaintance you made at work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 January 29th is The Hourglass

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Hourglass


The Hourglass is a gentle reminder that time passes and with it goes opportunity. Every moment is a moment we cannot retrieve or relive, and there are no guarantees that what we put off today really can be done tomorrow. The Hourglass urges us to make every second of our lives as rich and fulfilling as we possibly can.

As a daily card, The Hourglass suggest you may be allowing opportunities to pass you by. If you’ve been procrastinating or putting too much of your precious time into activities with no lasting value to you, now is the time for you redirect your energies into actions that will enrich your life.

Your Daily Witches Rune for Friday, January 29th is Harvest

Today’s Witches Rune

Harvest

Meaning: This is a very positive rune, related to abundance, rewards, growth and benefits. But it’s important to not mistake this rune for mere luck… while luck may help, the Harvest rune is usually related to the blessings that you have brought to yourself and to others, through your actions and investments.

“Reaping what you sow” is the message of the Harvest rune, but with a positive connotation. All that you worked and fought so hard to get will finally come to you, and you’ll be able to enjoy a time of tranquility, optimism and expansion. As the obstacles that were (or still are) in the way become smaller, you have a solid ground to reach out for your dreams.

Thus, the Harvest rune is a positive sign, telling you that you are in right path. However, it’s important to know that this symbol is always attached to personal responsibility… it’s what you do with your tools (whether they be mental, emotional or physical) that determines what you’ll get back in the end. Use them wisely, and luck will serve you well.

On a more negative side, this rune can make one sleep on their laurels and cling to past victories. One can become too reliant on “what works” and refuse to try new things (specially if the Crossroads rune is near). The Harvest runes should inspire you to take some risks and keep evolving, and not to crystalize yourself in one position because it proved to be successful.

In relationship readings, this symbol is connected to more practical aspects than emotional ones. Usually it represents couples who grow together, financially, socially and/or professionally. Security becomes an important factor when the Harvest appears. It represents the moment in which the couple begins to build their nest together, and think about starting a family. This rune tends to be very positive for all relationships, but doesn’t always inspire much passion.

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Jan. 29th is Death

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

Death

 

First and foremost Death does not specifically pertain to our physical death. The Death card marks ends and beginnings. Although most illustrations of the Death card tend to be morbid, the forces behind the Death card are actually quite exciting. Yes Death does mark the end of something. But ends are often brought about by completion and not loss. Most endings are actually good, and make room for us to begin new adventures

Your Daily I Ching Hexagram for Jan. 29th is 6: Litigating

Today’s I Ching Hexagram

January 29th, 2016

_______________________________

6: Litigating

hexagram09

 

 

 

 

 

Summary:
Do not be forceful or start fights of any kind. Find compromises. Stay calm and do not think with your emotions. Seek allies.

Line One of Your Hexagram is a 6:
State your case to the public and not in the courts.

Line Two of Your Hexagram is a 9:
Do not fight battles you cannot win.

Line Three of Your Hexagram is a 6:
Begin your own enterprise. Abandon failing relationships.

Line Four of Your Hexagram is a 9:
Avoid conflict with the irrational and taunting.

Line Five of Your Hexagram is a 9:
Express your point of view and expect positive feedback.

Line Six of Your Hexagram is a 9:
You will have setbacks in the short-term. Be patient.

 

Your Daily Rune For Friday, January 29th 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