Let’s Have Some Fun – Imbolc

A Thought for Today

I am not feeling any better than yesterday as it is still below 0F here and in the double digit below 0F with the wind chill factor. But I do not want to take off another day and you miss out on the daily posts I try to do every day. So even though all the extras’ posts are missing at least you are getting the regular everyday posts. It will probably be the same for the rest of this week. I hope you will bear with me while I am in this fibromyalgia super flare and the pain from arthritis and stick around until I can bring you extra posts about a wide range of pagan and some other topics.

Life in The Craft mini magazine will still be going out on January 30th, so you have the stuff it covers for Imbolc which falls on February 1st.

Binding spell

Binding spells should be used as a last resort, when all else has failed.

Items that you will need in order to perform this spell:

1 picture of the victim or there name on a peace of paper
1 white ribbon

Time: Any

Ritual: Take the white ribbon and wrap it around the picture over and over tighter and tighter until its at its end. While you are wrapping the picture say the following

” I bind you ______ from doing harm against others and harm against yourself””

Say until you have completely wrapped the ribbon around the picture.

The Modern Day Spellbook: A Collection of Spells for the Modern Day Witch
R. Marten,

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.

2022 January 26

Stars, Dust, and Gas Near Antares

Image Credit & Copyright: Mario Cogo (Galax Lux)

Explanation: Why is the sky near Antares and Rho Ophiuchi so dusty yet colorful? The colors result from a mixture of objects and processes. Fine dust — illuminated from the front by starlight — produces blue reflection nebulae. Gaseous clouds whose atoms are excited by ultraviolet starlight produce reddish emission nebulae. Backlit dust clouds block starlight and so appear dark. Antares, a red supergiant and one of the brighter stars in the night sky, lights up the yellow-red clouds on the lower right of the featured image. The Rho Ophiuchi star system lies at the center of the blue reflection nebula on the top left. The distant globular cluster of stars M4 is visible above and to the right of Antares. These star clouds are even more colorful than humans can see, emitting light across the electromagnetic spectrum.

How To Open Your 7 Chakras?

This contains a video as well as reading material on how to open your seven chakras.

Click here for more information from sunsigns.org on How To Open Your Chakras?

Lady Beltane can open your chakras either through a full-length photograph of you or through a Skype video call, especially if they have never been done or are blocked. She does charge for cleaning them out, fills them with positive energy, get them connect to each other and will check back in a week to see if a minor tune up may be needed. Prices for this service can be found on the ‘Lady Beltane’s Readings and Abilities’ (page coming soon). Until the page is up you can contact Lady Beltane at ladybeltane@aol.com for more information. Please put the word “CHAKRAS” in the subject line. Thank you!

Weekly Horoscope Sunday, January 23 to Saturday, January 29, 2022

Click here for Georgia Nicols’ Daily HoroscopesHoroscopes

All Signs

This week we’ll put our noses to the proverbial grind stone because suddenly, we want to be productive. We want to stop needless effort and activities that drain our energy. Enough! We will cut back, pare down and focus on what is necessary. It’s time to review goals and take steps to move forward to what we really want to achieve. (Hey, this isn’t a pep talk. These are the astrological influences coming down the pipe for everyone.) By the weekend, we will reward themselves. Yay! After all, you can’t afford to waste too much time making money. Don’t wait to be happy in the future. Be happy now.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

This is a goal-oriented week because there are four planets at the top of your chart pumping your ambition! Please know that some of your best opportunities will actually be connected with the past. If you’re looking for a job, or you want to explore your options, go back to places you have done business with before, or worked at before, or where you might have applied before. This is because two planets at the top of your chart are retrograde right now – Mercury and Venus. This also means good things are waiting for you that are connected with your past. Meanwhile, this is a popular week and people will be supportive. You can’t lose!

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Right now, you look fabulous in the eyes of authority figures. You don’t even have to do anything special. (Chalk it up to good lighting.) It’s important to know this because it means you can ask for something and people will be receptive to you. They admire you and will be more likely to go along with your request. (This happens only once a year so use it while you have it!) Meanwhile, four planets make you want to travel, learn and do something to expand your world. You might face restrictions that we all have right now; but you can still do something to shake things up and create variety in your life.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

You want to explore new ideas, learn new things and expand your world through travel. These are all things you love to do because you’re always curious and you hate to be bored. Naturally, with the restrictions that we have right now, you might not be able to do all of these things but you can always learn. You can always go someplace you’ve never been before. You can explore your world. Meanwhile, this week is passionate and intense! Physical intimacy will be memorable. In your mundane, practical world – you will easily finish up old business that has been lingering, especially related to shared property, taxes, debt and inheritances. Just do it.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

This is an interesting week because four planets are sitting opposite your sign – Mercury retrograde, Venus retrograde, fiery Mars and Pluto. Obviously, your focus will be on partners, spouses and close friends. Furthermore, your focus might also be on ex-partners and old friends who are back in your world. This might be a good thing – or not. (When people from our past are “back in our world”, sometimes it’s not literally; sometimes they are in our thoughts or our dreams. But they’re back!) This can be an opportunity for you to work out old details, establish closure or learn something, especially about yourself.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

This week the Sun continues to be as far away from you as it can get all year (in your chart), which means your energy level is low. You need more sleep. The irony is that four other planets are urging you to bust your buns and work hard! And you will do this. This will mean you need more sleep! Yes, it’s a vicious cycle. Two retrograde planets will help you finish old business and wrap up old stuff so that you feel caught up and ready for whatever’s coming next. Actually, this is a lovely opportunity for you. Later, you will be gratified and proud of everything you’re able to do. Relations with coworkers will be cozy and supportive. Everything will help you to be productive.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

This is an interesting week because like everyone else, you’re keen to work hard and be productive. However, in addition to this influence, you also have four planets urging you to play and have fun! This means you’re ready to work hard and party hard! Enjoy social outings wherever possible. Enjoy sports events and playful activities with kids. You will also enjoy any chance to express your creative talents because you want the joy of creating new things. Admittedly, old flames might be back in the picture. This can be exciting and thrilling or scary. It can also trigger problems with a current partner. Just go with the flow and be honest and forthright.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

This is a strong time for you because the Sun is now in an Air Sign and you are an Air Sign, so there is a lovely support in terms of energy and opportunity for you. This is why you feel free to do your own thing and be exactly who you are. This makes you joyful! Because of this, you will enjoy social outings, sports and fun activities with kids, as well as chances to express your creative talents. Nevertheless, you are also dealing with a wild and crazy situation at home. Past issues are back on the table. Relatives you haven’t seen for a while might be sleeping on your sofa. Despite this increased activity and chaos, you want to make home improvements and redecorate. (Put those sofa surfers to work.)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

The bottom line for you lately is that you want to cocoon at home and relax among familiar surroundings. You feel you have to pull your act together, and you want to do this privately. (Some of you might be more involved than usual with a parent.) However, despite your desire to withdraw to your own sanctuary, four planets are urging you to get out there and hustle! This is why appointments, errands, short trips plus conversations with family members, siblings and neighbours will keep you busy! (Everyone loves you.) Make sure you make time for yourself because you count. If you don’t take care of your own needs – you’ll be no use to anyone. (But you know this.)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

This is a fast-paced time! Short trips, errands, appointments, discussions with relatives and neighbours, plus increased reading, writing and studying make busy demands on your days. You’re keen to talk to others because you want to enlighten someone about your ideas. (You’ve got that philosopher streak.) Nevertheless, this week, four planets are sitting in your Money House. And two of these planets are retrograde, which means money will be delayed. Cheques in the mail will be late. On the upside, you will wrap up financial business that has been dragging on forever. You will work hard to boost your earnings but you’ll also spend money. (Especially on beautiful things for yourself and loved ones.) Ka-ching!

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

This week fiery Mars moves into your sign to stay for the next six weeks. Yay! This will boost your energy and give you lots of drive! It will help you get stuff done. But it can make you come on too strong with others. Meanwhile, Mercury retrograde has slipped back into your sign to join Pluto and Venus, which is also retrograde. This could trigger moments of Dijon vu, where the smell of mustard reminds you of cold rinks and hockey games. “He scores!” Don’t hesitate to buy nice clothes for yourself. A new look will boost your confidence and work well with the sassy energy that Mars is giving you. Go do that voodoo that you do so well!

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

This continues to be your special time because the Sun is still in your sign until Feb. 17. Yeehaw! You are blessed! The Sun boosts your confidence and gives you energy, focus and optimism. Ironically while this wonderful, positive influence exists, meanwhile, four planets are literally “hiding” in your chart. This is a real Jekyll and Hyde influence. The upside is it will help you do research. It will also promote secret love affairs. And you will find it easier to be self-scrutinizing and contemplative. The downside is that it’s possible that someone is working against your best interests. Trust your intuition on this. If you suspect that something fishy is going on – it is!

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

You’re very active with others right now because people from your past, friends from your past, as well as professional contacts you might have known through groups, clubs and organizations are suddenly back in your world. This is why you are involved with younger people and artistic people. You also might be in competition with someone. Some of you will be more involved with competitive physical sports – there are many ways this energy is expressing itself for your sign. The bottom line is that you can learn a lot through your contact with these people from your present and your past. Meanwhile, in the bigger picture, use some of this quiet time to think what you want for your new year ahead.

January 22 Today in History

Today’s Important Historical Events

1689 Prince William of Orange (future King William III of Britain), summons Convention Parliament to discuss ruling jointly with his wife Mary (daughter of exiled King James II)

1879 Battle of Rorke’s Drift: British garrison of 150 holds off 3,000-4,000 Zulu warriors. Eleven Victoria Crosses and a number of other decorations were awarded to the defenders.

1905 In St Petersburg, Russia, a large demonstration of workers led by Father Gapon, march to the Winter Palace with a petition to the Tsar; troops fire on protesters in what becomes known as ‘Bloody Sunday’

1973 Roe vs Wade: US Supreme Court legalizes most abortions

Today’s Historical Events

Today’s Historical Events in Film and TV

Today’s Historical Events in Music

Today’s Historical Events in Sports

For Your Listening Pleasure – Imbolc

Music for Imbolc – Brigid’s Day Songs (Celtic Festival)

For Your Listening Pleasure – Lammas

Lisa Thiel – Lammas Song

Flashback 2004 Lammas

(This is written for the Northern Hemisphere in 2004. The date of August 7th is wrong for 2022 the Southern or Northern Hemisphere)

Lammas

Lammas is the first of the harvest festivals, a celebration of ripening grains and grapes. If you celebrate traditionally on the second, the planetary energies offer a for great creative energy, drama, and joy. If you celebrate on the astrologically on August 7 at 15 degrees of Leo, the Moon will aid a ceremony with great magic and mystery.

The Sun is wanning, but still holding sway in the sky. A day of circle dances and foot races will honor the Sun; be certain the music encourages exuberant joy. If you planted wheat in a pot or plot, this is the day to ritually harvest it. Use some to make a Brigid’s cross; save a few stalks to return to the earth as compost next spring and lend continuity from harvest to sowing to harvest.

If corn is your grain of choice, bring ripe ears to the altar and use the husks to make corn dollies for use at Imbolc. Indian corn can be dried, ground, and used in corn bread. Make a fiery incense with dragon’s blood and hot herbs like ginger or galangal. Do a ritual at a sacred spot — a well or tree or sacred hill. Use the colors of green and gold and orange for your altar, and encourage everyone to wear them. The harvest has just begun.

Flashback 2004 Imbolc

Imbolc

Celebrate this festival by draping the altar in white and silver. Kepp the entire altar white — white candlesticks, white incense bowls, etc. Represent the Goddess with a figure of a horned cow. If you wear robes in ritual, honor Brigid in her guise as the goddess of the dairy by wearing white. With Neptune lending the glamour to your robes to the Sun this time, as glitter to your robes with sliver and “diamonds.” Let your imagination run wild.

Save snow from the last storm, or use crushed ice, and put it out in bowls on the altar. Scrub clean an old milke bottle or cream jar and fill it with fresh milk; freshly made mozzarella cheese will round out your cakes and ale. Nestle all bowls in the snow.

The planetary energies are particularly favorable this sabbat for working magic for world peace. Place all the candles you’ll be using this year on the altar and start this ritual in the dark — this is, without lights. Add your magic to the returning Sun. Dedicate and consecrate all your candles during this festival of lights, and consecrate your agricultural tools for use in the coming cycle of growth. This is the festival of new beginnings.

Printable Warning Spell