Imbolc Ritual, February 2

Imbolc, also known as Candlemas, the highest point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. In the olden times in the British Isles, it came to be observed as Brigid’s Day, and the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin. Many Wiccans use this sabbat (holy day) as the special day to initiate new witches. Brigid, the Celtic goddess and saint honored on this day, is connected with both the elements of fire and water, both with powerful purificatory powers.

Essential elements for this Imbolc ritual are a cauldron, white candles, a bough of cedar, a small bough of pine, a small bough of juniper, a small bough of holly, incense, red cotton thread or yarn, a stone for an altar, and a bowl of water.

The leader of the circle should purify the circle with the fire of the incense while invoking the four directions to raise power. Place your altar stone north of the circle and place white candles on and around the altar. Cast the circle:

Face east and say:

Welcome, Guardians of the East, bringing your fresh winds, the breath of life. Come to the Circle of Candlemas.

Face south and say:

Welcome, Guardians of the South, bringing us heat and health. Come to the circle on Candlemas.

Face west and say:

Welcome, Guardians of the West, bringing the setting sun and light rains. Come to the circle on Candlemas.

Face north and say:

Welcome, Guardians of the North, brining life-bringing rains and snow. Come to the circle on Candlemas.

Meditating on the concept of purification, make a bouquet of the four branches and wrap it with the red cord. The red symbolizes Brigid’s fiery aspect, while the four trees stand for purification. Bow with it to each of the four directions. Bow last to the north, over the altar stone, and say:

Bright Brigid,
Sweep clean our homes and spirits on this sacred day.

Purify our souls of the dullness of winter, and help us prepare for the light of summer.

Brigid of the white hands, Brigid of the golden curls,

Bless us all. So mote it be.

All respond:

So mote it be!

The ritual leader dips the branches in the water and sprinkles the circle, and the participants, saying:

Blessed Brigid, may your water heal us, and make us whole.

Leave the bouquet on the altar stone as an offering to Brigid.

Once in a Blue Moon Spell: Telepathy Tea

The full moon is a perfect time to unleash your prophetic potential when trying to make decisions about investments, job opportunities, or new business ventures. Sharpen your senses with any of these herbal teas:

Borage: A commonplace herb, which is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of abundance.

Mugwort: A favorite of witches for centuries; this is a Venusian infusion.

Yarrow: Drink this before any candle magic for deep knowledge.

Dandelion Root: Grind this dried root and sleep; drink in direct moonlight.

Fire Power Ritual

I am inspired by the teachings of the brilliant Yoruban priestess, Luisah Teish, who told me she keeps a votive glass candle burning in her fireplace at all times to “harness Magic Fire in another way” . On the next full moon evening, gather a group around your hearth or build a bonfire on the beach or a beautiful fire in a safety-certified fire ring in a park. Ask everyone to bring a glass- votive candle, preferably one of the seven-day candles you find at grocery stores or metaphysical shops. After everyone is comfortably seated around the fire, speak aloud:

We call upon the power of fire.

We call upon the power of the sun.

Lend us your strength and might,

On this blessed Full Moon night.

So mote it be.

  

Next, go around the fire and let each participant tell a “fire story.” This can be a personal story of fire or where they are needing power and support in their lives.  After each story, the storyteller lights a personal candle from the fire and gives thanks for the fire that warms us and keeps us alive.

Your Healing Altar: Crafting Well-Being

Creating a healing altar will safeguard your physical health and that of your loved ones. Your altar is your sacred workspace. It is charged with your personal power. Set up your healing altar facing north, the direction associated with the energy of manifestation. North is also the direction of the hour of midnight, the “witching hour,” and an altar set up facing north at midnight promises potent magic.

To ensure healthful beginnings, find a pure white square of fabric to drape over your altar to make a tabula rasa, or altar equivalent to a blank slate. Take two green candles and place them in green glass holders or votive glasses and position them in the two farthest corners of the altar. Place your incense burner in the center between the two candles and light the incense. Sandalwood, cinnamon, camphor, and frankincense are all powerful purification incenses that are perfect for the creation of a healing altar. Burn one or all of these purification essences to consecrate the space. Adorn your altar with objects that symbolize healing energy to you. You may perhaps choose a candleholder carved from a chunk of amethyst crystal, which contains healing properties; an abalone shell with the iridescent magic of the oceans; a sweet-smelling bundle of sage; a small citrus plant bursting with the restorative power of vitamins; or a bowl of curative salts from the sea.

These symbolic items, and any others that you select, will energize your altar with the magic that lives inside you. It is also important that the altar be pleasing to your eye and makes you feel good when you look at it so that you want to spend time there each and every day. After you have been performing rituals there for a while, a positive healing energy field will radiate from your altar.

Altar Herbs

Refer to this list whenever you are setting up your altar and setting your intention for ritual work. It is a concise guide to the enchanted realm of herbs, essences, plants and plant properties.

•   Benzoin can be used for purification, prosperity, work success, mental acuity, and memory.

•   Camphor can be used for healing, divining the future, curbing excess, especially romantic obsessions, and a surfeit of sexuality.

•   Cinnamon refreshes and directs spirituality. It is also a protection herb and handy for healing, money, love, lust, personal power, and success with work and creative projects.

•   Clove is good for bringing money to you, for protection, for your love life, and for helping evade and deter negative energies.

•   Copal should be used for love and purification.

•   Frankincense is another spiritual essence that purifies and protects.

•   Lavender is a plant for happiness, peace, true love, long life, chastity, and is an excellent purifier that aids with sleep.

•   Myrrh has been considered since ancient times to be deeply sacred. It aids personal spirituality, heals and protects, and can help ward off negative spirits and energies.

•   Nutmeg is a lucky herb that promotes good health and prosperity and encourages fidelity.

•   Patchouli stimulates and grounds while engendering both sensuality and fertility. It also supports personal wealth and security.

•   Peppermint is an herb of purification, healing, and love. It supports relaxation and sleep as it helps to increase psychic powers.

•   Rosemary is good for purification, protection, healing, relaxation, and intelligence. It attracts love and sensuality, helps with memory, and can keep you youthful.

•   Sage brings wisdom, purification, protection, health, and a long life. It can help make your wishes come true.

•   Sandalwood is a mystical, healing, protecting essence that helps attract the objects of your hopes and desires and dispenses negative energies and spirits.

•   Star Anise is a lucky herb that aids divination and psychism.

•   Tonka Bean brings courage and draws love and money.

•   Vanilla brings love and enriches your mental capacity.

•   Wood Aloe is good for dressing or anointing talismans and amulets you want to use for protection.

Sweet Dreams Are Made of This: Lavender Aromatherapy

Dream Mist Potion

My Aunt Edith, who introduced me to the wonders of witchcraft, had a linen closet that always smelled sweetly of lavender. I remember breathing in the smell and immediately feeling comforted. Sleeping on crisp, clean, herb-scented sheets always made for the soundest sleep and delicious dreams. (Little did I know at the time, lavender is also a moth repellent and an adaptagen, adjusting to satisfy your own energy needs.) Here is a potion for dreamers:

4 drops lavender oil

3 drops chamomile oil

3 drops orange oil

4 ounces distilled spring water

Shake the oils and water in a colored-glass spray bottle or mister.

Fifteen minutes before you retire, spray your bed linens, bath towel, pillow, and all around your room. You may want to keep a dream journal by your bed to record what happens during the night.

Healing Yourself at Home: Herbs and Spices for Health and Happiness

Pharmacopeia - The Spice Rack of Life 

Did you know your pantry is like a pharmacy?  Thankfully, it is far cheaper. Cumin is loaded with phyto-chemical, antioxidants, iron, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, selenium, zinc and magnesium and contains high amounts of B-complex. Cumin helps with insomnia.  Cinnamon is truly a power spice. Just half a teaspoon daily can dramatically reduce blood glucose levels in those with type 2 diabetes and lower cholesterol. Cayenne promotes circulation and boosts metabolism. Clove is an antifungal and abets toothaches. Nutrient-rich parsley is a detoxifying herb and acts as anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic helping conditions from colic to indigestion. Rub it on itchy skin for instant relief! Sage is very beneficial in treating gum and throat infections. Sage tea has helped ease depression and anxiety for generations. Thyme is a cure for a hangover and doubles to alleviate colds and bronchitis. Cilantro is a good source of iron, magnesium, phytonutrients and flavonoids and is also high in dietary fiber. Cilantro has been used for thousands of years as a digestive, lowering blood sugar having hypoglycemic properties, possibly the result of stimulating insulin secretion. Ginger stimulates circulation and is an excellent digestive, aiding in absorption of food and rids bloat. Immune champion turmeric boosts production of antioxidants and reduction of inflammation. Blue Zone centenarians credit their long healthy life by drinking turmeric-root tea daily. Pack your pantry with these seasonings for optimal health and happiness. 

Ward Off the Flu With Magic!

Heart’s Ease Cauldron Cure

There is a terrible flu going around What can you do about it? Here is a soothing sip that can uplift your spirits anytime and also serves to ward off chills and fevers. This combination of herbs brings about “letting go” of illness, sorrows, worries, and doubts and reignites feelings of wellbeing. 

Stir the following together in a clean cauldron or pot:

One ounce dried rosehips

Once ounce dried hibiscus

Two ounces dried mint

One tablespoon dried ginger root

Combine the herbs, pour into a colored jar and seal the lid tightly. When you are ready to brew, pour hot water over the herbs, two teaspoons per cup. While this steeps for five minutes, write down any thoughts or fears you need to rid yourself of on a small piece of paper.  Now say each one aloud, then chant, “Begone!” After this letting-go ritual, burn the paper with sage in the cauldron on your altar. As you sip the tea, enjoy your renewed sense of self and peace of mind.