Springtime Mood Boards 1 - Imbolc and Early Spring

Wittering On 04/01/2014 - Sabbat Haul

Well, after 5 days in Yorkshire with +Shiann Raven Moon and +Tiger ShadowRaine  and her family, I am home now looking over my sabbat gifts (I say sabbat rather than Imbolc because Shiann has given me my gifts for the whole wheel.. It's been so much fun to catch up and share Imbolc celebrations but I am looking forward to my own bed tonight.

Well I should get started as this is a haul post, so off we go...

The books - as a witch, I am obsessed with books and so is Shiann - knowledge, wisdom, insight, instruction, correspondence, all gifts of the written word. Usually I buy the books for Shiann but we seem to have swapped roles for this go round on the wheel. The books pictured are those that I have received during this visit:

1. Sabbats, by Edain McCoy is a book that I have wanted forever, or at least since it was written. I celebrate the Sabbats as if my life depended on it and so I cannot wait to get my nose into this book.
2. Fragrant Magic, by Cassandra Eason. This author is a favourite of mine and I have several other books of hers; aromatherapy and scent magic is something I look forward to delving deeper into - after much more research and that is starting with this book.
3. Candleburning Rituals, by Raymond Buckland. The legend that is Raymond Buckland has had a special place on my bookcase for a long time, but now that special place is increasing and so will my candle orders.
4. Magical Aromatherapy, by the one and only Scott Cunningham. Hands down, Scott Cunningham is one of my all time favourite witchy-authors - insightful, wise and wordy - another Cunningham book in the collection - yay!

This section of the haul is for what has been brought or given from personal stock.

• The goblet belonged to Shiann and as I took a liking to it,, it was added to my gift bag.
• The runes are sodalite, which is one my favourite stones (one of the very few connections I feel to the colour blue is via sodalite).
• The incense are 'White Jasmine' and 'Love Angel'
• 2 Red Cords - one is plaited, one is not. These were gifted as I mentioned in conversation that I love knot magick.
• Spell candles  - blue and pink. So pretty.
• Dill - Home-dried and always very useful.
• Obsidian Mirror - love it, love it, love it. Scrying is my life
• Ribbons - pale green, white and brown; I will use these as part of my Beltane Pole for my altar.

The items of Section 3 of the haul are those which have been made for me (Shiann is so crafty):

• Starting with the wand as it was completely hand-made for me from a Birch twig. It's beautifully slim and spindly and has inspired me to write a Birch wand post - maybe by the weekend. The charm on the end is a sword, and shield with a red eye which was a gift from me to Shiann - which has been regifted back to me as she wasn't drawn to it.
• The two small round things on the left are Massage Lotion Bars - made with Lavender and Chamomile and will soon be available from Shiann's online store: Shiann Creations.
• The CD is a compilation of spiritual chants
• The health pillow is Lavender and Chamomile, made for me when I had a very bad flu a few months ago.
• The God's eyes were made for me because I asked for them - so pretty!
• The packet on the right of the image is a hand-made smudge stick of sage and bay. Should be very fragrant.
• Finally, on this section, what everything is laying on - the altar cloth - specifically made for Imbolc, decorated with daisies, with the dimensions of my altar in mind. Beautiful!

Now, I've saved these items for last because they were completely unexpected.

1. The charm bracelet has two charms on it - the sun and the moon - this means I can take a representation of the God & Goddess with me wherever I am.
2. The Book of Shadows is a 2-ring binder, hand decorated with green velvet on the front, purple velvet on the back, and a front page cover relating to my blog inside - made with coffee paper to energise me when I open it. Certainly need the energy tonight - lol

Much love, light and blessings to +Shiann Raven Moon for my beautiful and plentiful gifts. x)O(x

Imbolc Celebrations (Part 3)

All spells mentioned here were cast & performed ‘in circle’. The circle used was by +Laura Daligan found on her youTube video 'Casting a Circle'.

The Brighid Prayer (a wish spell)

This was taken from Celebrating Wiccan Spirituality, by Lady Sabrina (see below for a link to purchase it on Amazon).
Amazon.co.uk 
Amazon.com

You need:   A red candle and a wish planned

Practice:      Light the candle as you make you wish

Recitation:   My Lady Brighid, Goddess of Fire

                Bless my intentions and grant my desire

                Through Summer’s sunshine and Winter’s snow

You kindle the spark that make hearts glow

O Gracious Goddess I now ask thee

To grant me power, love and purity.

Banishing Winter (to banish things from your life as Winter is left behind)

Method 1 of this ritual was taken from Ultimate Book of Shadows by Silver Raven Wolf; Method 2 was an adaptation of the original which we felt was more us.

You need:   Paper snowflakes & a Cauldron or fireproof dish

Method 1:    (Standard) Write on each snowflake a single thing you would like to banish from your life. Burn each snowflake, symbolising winter being left behind and visualise the unwanted ‘thing’ fading from your life as the paper snowflakes melt to ash.

Method 2:   (The Element Method) Have 4 snowflakes ready but do not write on them. Light 4 ‘element’ candles and consider something relating to each element that you would like to banish from your life (e.g. for the element of fire, banish the lack of control in your temper).Say out loud what the snowflake represents for you and then set it alight via that element candle. Do this for each element.

Evergreen Luck

This spell is taken from The Craft, by Dorothy Morrison

You need:   5/6 leaves of evergreens (preferably kept from Yule celebrations)

                Cauldron of fireproof dish

Method:     Take holly/ivy leaves individually and burn into cauldron one leaf per verse of the recitation below:

Recitation:   Water immortal, element of time

Always nourishing ever divine

In your ceaseless flow I ask

Bring luck this year to every task

Earth immortal, element green

Always growing, always seen

Solid, steady, in endless ascent

Bring luck to every life event

Fire immortal, element of heat

Always glowing, never complete

Shining embers, burning bright

Bring luck to any battle I fight

Air immortal, element hidden

Always flying but never ridden

Breath of life that won’t expire

Bring luck in fuelling my desire

Spirit immortal, element vernal

Forces converge on luck eternal

Bring your power and bring your might

To bless this burning evergreen rite

This recitation is adapted from my Element Chant

Now, Shiann and I shared this ritual so I burned a leaf for the Earth & Air verses, Shiann burned them for Fire & Water and we both did a leaf for Spirit (hence the requirement of 6 leaves but if you are doing it alone, only 5 are required)

Vision Quest (impromptu) - 

with +Shiann Raven Moon 

A wind-down meditation after the evenings spell work proved to be extremely interesting. Shiann and I chose to meditate and try to connect to each other but we both ended up scrying on the living room candle of the Room Candle ritual. Many visions came to both of us and some did match each others – I actually ‘stole’ one from Shiann as when a peacock feather appeared to me, it left her vision. Also amongst my visitations were many wings around the candle which morphed from one winged being, to another… this included: dragon, bat, angel, butterfly and owl (the owl wings accompanied Shiann’s vision of owl eyes around the candle).

Salem (Shiann’s cat – passed away 2011) visiting at sitting on her lap, stretching out and having a play. Very fidgety.

A weasel playing with Salem – there was only a very quick view of the weasel and it was shown to me as a shadow but I know a weasel when I see one – lol!

Large panther on Shiann’s lap – when I say large, I mean huge – it’s head was resting on her lap and filled it completely; sitting on the floor as she sat on the sofa opposite me, the beautiful black panther was very content in it’s state of relaxation.

See Part 1 - God & Goddess Tree Walk & Part 2 - Recipe & Feasting

Imbolc Celebrations (Part 2)

I feel and +Shiann Raven Moon agrees with me, that as a general rule, ritual requires a cakes and ale segment at the end of workings. Our Imbolc celebrations are no exception and for this reason we made Lemon & Vanilla cupcakes to enjoy at the end of our workings:

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 110 grams Self raising flour

• 110 grams butter
• 110 grams soft brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp baking powder
• 2 caps vanilla essence

Method:

1.          Preheat oven to 180°.

2.         Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl.

3.         In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.

4.        Add eggs into the butter/sugar mix and stir until combined.

5.         Add and stir in vanilla essence.

6.         Fold in the flour and stir until thick and creamy.

7.         Pour into cupcake cases, in baking trays.

8.         Bake for 22 - 25 minutes.

9.         Allow to cool and then inject with lemon curd.

10.       Enjoy the yumminess!!!

The ‘ale’ part of cakes and ale was a beautiful sparkling red wine: Lambrusco Rosso.

The bright yellow of lemon is a promise of bright, warm days to come filled with daffodils. The subtle vanilla is the gentle passage of winter fading into the past as it makes way for spring.

Imbolc Feast

Our Imbolc feast came via the local curry house – the spiciness and colours representing the future warmth and bright colours. Spices in general have a strong significance at Imbolc as the heat from them is so symbolic of the time of year.

See Part 1 - The God & Goddess Tree Walk & Part 3 - Evening Spells & Rituals

Imbolc Celebrations (Part 1)

The Imbolc-y day of +Shiann Raven Moon & +AcanthaRayne OakMoon 

The wheel of the year has turned once more toward the light, preparing for the warmer months as the Sun God ascends in strength and shines his blessings on the warming earth. The Imbolc celebrations have begun with a nice long walk into the woods to give thanks to the Goddess for the new life springing up all around us, trees are beginning to bud and though we were ankle deep in mud, the sign of her presence was all around.

As an offering, in honour of the Goddess:

We took honeyed spring water, infused with sage to sprinkle on the new growth of the woods and the sprouting buds. Whilst watering the abundance of new life, we gave thanks to the Goddess for her spirit.

The God is growing is strength, not quite mature yet but certainly showing signs of growth as the heat of the sun whispers away the chilly air. As he grows in maturity, so will the sun grow in strength and warmth as the season passes.

To honour the God at Imbolc:

We took a small bottle of milk to the woods and poured it at the roots of several trees that we’re damaged and healing or seemed to struggling to survive. As we poured the milk, we incited:

                Lord of the Wild Wood, God of all

                Growing stronger, standing tall

                Accept our offering made this hour

                To strengthen you up to full power

As we stopped at many trees and even hugged a few, we felt for the spirits of the trees and silently gave thanks for their beauty and bounty, and for them allowing us to visit with them and enjoy the birth of their new buds

See Part 2 - Recipe & Feasting & Part 3 - Evening Spells & Rituals

Imbolc Plans

As the wheel turns towards the spring, Imbolc has arrived and we banish winter’s frosty fingers by bringing in the light and warmth of the vernal approach. Snowdrops are beginning to bloom, showing the promise of the earth and Mother Nature to increase her display of bounty as the light returns. So, to mark the Sabbat of newness and increment, a festoon of frolicking festivities will ensue tomorrow. I am sharing Imbolc this year with +Shiann Raven Moon  and we have several things planned:

·       Offering to the God – with milk

Purpose: To aid the God in his ascent to manhood

·       Brighid Prayer – with red candle (Celebrating Wiccan Spirituality, by Lady Sabrina)

Purpose: Wish spell with Brighid in mind

·       Home Cleansing (Shiann’s home) – with a sage smudge

Purpose: to banish negative energy and unwanted influences

·       Water Winter Walk – with bottle of spring/rain/moon water

Purpose: to assist Mother Nature as she renews life into the warmer months

·       Banishing Winter – with paper snowflakes & cauldron

Purpose: To banish situations/habits/negativities from your life and them fall away with Winter

·       Evergreen Luck Rite – evergreens & cauldron

Purpose: To bring luck to the coming year

To be posted at a later date

The Celtic Year – Rowan

Rowan/Luis

22^nd January – 18^th February

The second month of the Celtic Calendar. I have chosen to write about it first because I have just purchased a Rowan wand in time for the month beginning.

PROTECTION - ASTRAL TRAVEL - PSYCHIC ENERGIES - PERSONAL POWER – DIVINATION – STRENGTH – SUCCESS – HEALING - WORKING WITH SPIRITS

Associations:

Polarity:        Masculine

Element:        Fire

Sabbat:         Imbolc

                   Deities:          Brigantia; Thor; Brighid; Aphrodite

Planet:          Sun; Mercury

                   Animals:         The Duck, The Blackbird, The Green Dragon

Colour:          Red; Green

                   Gems:            Yellow Chrysolite, Ruby; Tourmaline

Medicinal Uses

• The berries of this wonderfully powerful tree are rich in vitamin-C and therefore are a great preventative measure against a variety of ailments: flu's & colds, even scurvy.
• The organic acids, tannins and sugars of the berries make them great for tonics to help the body as once the berries are ripe they act as a mild purgative and diuretic.  

Herbal Uses

• Rowan bark has astringent properties and can be decocted to help cure irritable bowel.

Natural Uses

• Berries of the rowan tree act as an incredible food source for a variety of birds: the grouse, cedar waxwings and many others.

Magickal Uses

• In meditation – clears the mind and opens us up to inspiration.
• Rowan Essence – vibrational medicine uses this essence to assist in attuning us to nature, broadening perspective and making room for a deeper understanding of our place her in the Universe.
• Spell work – Protection; astral travel; psychic energies; personal power; divination, strength, success; healing; working with spirits.
• Ritual – Initiations
• Tools - spindles and spinning wheels; tool handles; stakes and pegs; dowsing and diving rods.

Other Information

• The Celts considered Rowan the symbol of the hidden mysteries of nature and the quickening of the life force. Scottish tradition only allowed Rowan wood in ritual and nowhere else.
• Rowan is one of the nine traditional woods that is added to the Belfire (burned at Beltane).

See also:
+Shiann Raven Moon Rowan Blog Post

For articles of my other Celtic Trees, see below

The Celtic Year – Birch

http://acantharayne.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/the-celtic-year-birch.html

The Celtic Year – Ash

http://acantharayne.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/the-celtic-year-ash.html

The Celtic Year – Alder

http://acantharayne.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/the-celtic-year-alder.html

The Celtic Year – Willow

http://acantharayne.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/the-celtic-year-willow.html

The Celtic Year – Hawthorn

http://acantharayne.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/the-celtic-year-hawthorn.html

The Celtic Year – Oak

http://acantharayne.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/the-celtic-year-oak.html

The Celtic Year – Holly

http://acantharayne.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/the-celtic-year-holly.html

The Celtic Year – Hazel

http://acantharayne.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/the-celtic-year-hazel.html

My January Celebrations

I like to celebrate something every opportunity I can and so I have listed here all of the God/Goddess Days, Feasts, and general festive practices that I respect, honour and celebrate in the month of January. This also includes the end and start of a Celtic Tree Month, although I am not elaborating on this too much because my very good friend Shiann Raven Moon will be posting detailed information on each tree over the coming months.. This is by no means a complete list of the myriad of deities, historical events, beings and myths that could be incorporated into daily celebrations because there are far too many. This is simply a list of who and what I give thanks to and for throughout the year (later months to be posted in time).

1^st

·        New Years Day

The first day of the year based on the Julian and Gregorian calendars.

·        Tewa Turtle Dance

The celebration of a creation myth detailing when Sky Father embraced Earth Mother and all life was created.

·        Gamelia Festival

It is a wedding festival; consisting of a month of marriages; celebrated in Athens. Therefore honoured by Athena and so during this time I honour her in return.

·        World Peace Day

This is a day set aside to meditate for peace to be brought to the world.

2^nd/3^rd

·        Inanna’s Day

Inannna is the Sumerian Goddess of Love, War and Fertility; daughter of Anu; the 2^nd and sometimes 3^rd of January are celebrated in honour of Inanna because it is believed that this is when she was born.

3^rd

·        Thesmophoria

Greek in origin, the festival was based on secret women-only rituals related to marriage customs. It is commemorated on the third of the year because this is when Kore (Persephone’s maiden aspect) was taken to the Underworld by Hades.

5^th

·        Kore’s Day

Kore is the name of maiden aspect of the Greek Goddess Persephone (Queen of the Underworld and daughter to Zeus and Demeter). The word ‘Kore’ itself means ‘maiden’.

6^th

·        Feast of Kore/Epiphany of Persephone

Celebrated at midnight on the 5^th and continues into 6^th January.

7^th

·        Day of Sekhmet

This is a festival of intoxication; Egyptians would dance and play music to soothe the wildness of the Goddess..

·        Feast of Aphrodite

To honour peace and compassion the feast held on this day is in Aphrodite’s name.

21^st

·        Start of Celtic Month – Rowan (Luis)

This Celtic month named by the tree Rowan runs until 17^th February is associated with the Celtic Goddess Brighid and indicates a good time of year for initiations or self-dedications.

·        Sun enters Aquarius

The start of the Aquarian astrology sign.

23^rd

·        Day of Hathor

Egyptian Goddess of Love, Beauty, Motherhood, Healing, Music, Dance and Joy. Celebrated by wearing obsidian and/or blue lace agate as they are both associated with Hathor. A symbolic reference to cows is also appropriate so I put cattle pictures on my altar on this day.

27^th

·        Day of Ishtar

Babylonian/Assyrian Goddess of fertility, love, war & sex counterpart of Inanna. She has the title of ‘Queen of Heaven’. Symbolised by the Morning Star, the planet Venus and the star Sirius; also eight and sixteen pointed stars and lions. Celebrate and honour by using these symbols and/or invoking her for a working relating to her specialities.

31^st

·        Festival of Hecate

Hecate is the Crone aspect of a Greek Triple-Goddess archetype; generally considered a moon Goddess, given her association with Dark Moon. Renewed later as Artemis/Persephone, and later coming to fruition as Selene/Demeter. I indulge in her Festival by invoking her and meditating on her wisdom and drawing down dark moon energy.

·        Imbolc Eve

Imbolc is the first spring festival, the true embracing of light returning to the world and so the eve of this celebration is much like the last day of darkness.