Imbolc This month we get to celebrate Imbolc on February 1st. It is and has been since ancient times one of the major Sabbats to celebrate the impending return of Spring. It also could be considered in those ancient times, a celebration of the New Year. For pagans with a Celtic lean, it was a time to celebrate Brigit which also means “bride”. Though now she is considered a Christian Saint, she began as a Celtic Goddess, meaning “Light-Bringer.” The bringing of Light, the return of Spring, the return of flowing this after the thaw. The flow of water, of milk from mother giving birth, it is a celebration of…

Merry Meet and Welcome to the “New to Witchcraft” column here at Pagan Pages.  My name is Twilight Raptor and I am new to this magazine, but not so new to the craft.  It is my goal to cover many various aspects of the craft in the column from a starting point and one of progression from then on.  Since reading is always an important part of any study, much of the information I will provide you with in future columns will of course be documented for further research on your part.  Any information that comes from an outside source will be documented through a footnote as well as a biographical…

Do You See What I See: Spirit Photography Last month we dealt with capturing audio evidence so this time around it seemed logical to continue by exploring spirit photography.  I was honored to chat with Paul Michael Kane in preparation of this article.  Paul is a professional photographer and has experience in paranormal investigations.  During an enjoyable and humorous chat many topics were discussed. Many of us have taken a picture from time to time that had strange exposures, lighting effects, or unknown properties and stood there in awe wondering what it was.  Paul just about made me fall out of my chair in laughter over what he calls “chimping”. …

Legends and Lore for February February, the second month of the current Gregorian calendar and the third month of Winter’s rule, derives its name from Februa, the name of a Roman purification festival held on the fifteenth day of February in ancient times. The traditional birthstone amulet of February is the amethyst; and the primrose and the violet are the month’s traditional flowers. February is shared by the astrological signs of Aquarius the Water-Bearer and Pisces the Two Fishes, and is sacred to the following pagan deities: Aradia, Brigid, Juno Februa, and the Wiccan Goddess in Her aspect as the Maiden. During the month of February, the Great Solar Wheel…

The High Priestess (2) “To know that you know, and to know that you don’t know – that is the real wisdom.” ~Confucius Image Description: The Rider-Waite deck portrays a High Priestess seated on a throne between two pillars, which displays the letters ‘B’ and ‘J’. The crown of Isis rests upon her head, and the waxing crescent moon lies beneath her feet. The symbol of an equal sided cross is displayed on her robes.  In her arms is a scroll containing the word ‘Tora’. Symbols: Crown of Isis: Knowledge, understanding Pillars: Balance Letters B and J: (Hebrew symbols for the entrance to the temple of Solomon) Holy place Waxing…

Sage Sage (Salvia officinalis) is also known as Healer of all Ills, Garden Sage, Red Sage and Sawge.  It was a perennial shrub with soft, finely-toothed leaves that have many different uses.    It was first discovered to grow in Mediterranean areas because it likes to grow in the full sun.   It has traveled all over since then and can be found all over the world.  There are 500 different varieties of Sage now.  Sage is used in many different ways and this article will explore some of those ways. Sage was considered to be sacred to the Romans.  They would offer the plant wine and then harvest it without any…

Imbolc and Honoring the Fae We of the pagan persuasion will be celebrating the sabbat of Imbolc (“in the belly) on 2 February here in the Northern hemisphere.  This sabbat is also known as Oimelc (“milk of ewes”), Candlemas, St. Brigid’s Day (or Brigit, Brighid, Bride, or Brìd), Là Fhèill Brìghde (Scotland), Lá Fhéile Bríde (Ireland), G?yl Fair (Wales), Brigantia, and Lupercalia, and may be spelled Imbollgc. For those who were unable or preferred not to perform the Twelfth Night ritual of removing their Yuletide foliage from the home to release any fae or nature spirits residing therein, as one of the four fire festivals Imbolc is an excellent time…

The Cauldron of Inspiration with Brigit, the Lady of the Sacred Flame February begins with a Sabbat that is usually celebrated on February 2nd.  Although it has many names, it is usually referred to as Imbolc or Imbolg (pronounced em-bowlg or immol’g) meaning “in the belly” (being pregnant with life) or Oimelc (pronounced oy-melk) meaning “ewe’s milk” (nourishing life).  Other names for this day are Disting-tid (Norse), Laa’l Breeshay (Isle of Mann), and Candlemas (Saxon; “mas” meaning “feast”, not a Catholic word).  As this is the day of Brigit, be she goddess or saint, this day is also called White Brigit’s Day, Feast Day of Saint Brigit (Irish) or Feast…

Burgundy: Color of the Everyday Sacred The moon turns a deep burgundy when it is near an eclipse, and is truly a sight to behold. This time is unrivaled for opening oneself to the flow of all energy, and scrying for life path decisions. The wine pours from its holder, shining in the air for a moment like a jewel and beautiful in its glorious impermanence. It is the color of red earth and drying blood, that I write of, hardening in the elements but no less true to life. On the Rainbow Path I have walked, and learned the colors and their meanings in turn. Burgundy is the color…

Daily Divine Devotion Devotion can be defined as either “feelings of ardent love” or a “commitment to some purpose” (retrieved January 20, 2010 from http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/). The word devotion or devotional is often used in a religious context, especially within Christianity. According to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/), in Christianity a Bible study is the study of the Bible by ordinary people as a personal religious or spiritual practice. Some denominations may call this devotion or devotional acts. A Bible study or devotional time can be done in a group or practiced alone. What does this have to do with Paganism? Everything! Despite popular opinion we can learn a lot from Christians and their…