Imbolc Correspondences
(St. Brigid’s Cross, Imbolc Ornament, Celtic Festival, Home Protection from Evil, Hunger and Fire created by Christina Carrie of Pure Gaea Vibes on etsy.) February 1, 2 Other Names: Imbolg (im-molc)(em-bowl’g) (Celtic), Candlemas (Christian), Brigantia (Caledonii), Oimelc, Festival of Light, Brigid’s (Brid, Bride) Day, La Fheill, An Fheille Bride, Candelaria (Mexico), Chinese New Year, Disting-tid (Feb 14th, Teutonic), DisaBlot, Anagantios, Lupercalia/Lupercus (Strega), Groundhog Day, Valentines Day. Animals & Mythical Beings: Firebird, dragon, groundhog, deer, burrowing animals, ewes, robin, sheep, lamb, other creatures waking from hibernation. Gemstones: Amethyst, garnet, onyx, turquoise. Incense/Oil: Jasmine, rosemary, frankincense, cinnamon, neroli, musk, olive, sweet pea, basil, myrrh, and wisteria, apricot, carnation. Colors/Candles: Brown,…
Shadow Work in Dreamspace
Shadow Work in Dreamspace: A Guided Anahata Meditation (Photo by Jake Buonemani on Unsplash) Blessed night, all. I had just woken up from shamanic dreamspace and I thought I would share with you my experience and interpretation of shadow work within dreaming. This was a bit intense and the information given was a little difficult for me to take in. But I know well with my line of work when it comes to shadows, it is something that is always needed. This dream started out in a church I went to once with my friend Victoria as a child. Oddly, though this is where Lammas monologues were being held. If…
ZOOM IN!
Tips and Techniques for Effective Zoom Events COVID-19 and new protocols for safety has resulted in canceled festivals, rituals and workshops leaving many within our community feeling isolated and yearning for interactions with others. Fortunately, we live in a technologically booming age and since creativity is a staple of pagans, these two together can form a winning partnership….. Setting Up Your Event Planning/Advert and More This section speaks primarily to the offering of a virtual ritual, but much of this information can be used for workshops, social events, retreats, etc. COMMUNICATION IS PARAMOUNT! COMMUNICATION IS PARAMOUNT! COMMUNICATION IS PARAMOUNT! DID YOU GET THAT? When planning a virtual event,…
Witch Hunt
There are witches all around us. You can find them anywhere… The Witch on Wheels has been documenting her findings. Meet Diane Hasz Diane is a gatherer of goddesswomen. I met her more than a decade ago when we were both original members of a Dianic coven. The purple streak she put in her raven hair convinced me wild hair colors were not just for my daughter’s generation. Her roadtrips that began after the death of her husband added to my inspiration for this trip. Diane has and will always be a gatherer of women seeking their path. She began a Facebook group of goddesswomen to meet…
19-Days of Illuminated Darkness 2020
The Countdown Begins… 19-Days of Illuminated Darkness 2020 This year we need the spaciousness of a returning Light that offers Hope and Healing. To bathe in the light the Solstice is to step into a mantle of power and illumination that pulls you from the stasis of longing into the temples of what can be. Join me, once again, in our fourth annual count down to the Winter Solstice and 19 Days of Illuminated Darkness. What was begun as the veils of Samhain parted and the New Year turned another cycle of the Great Wheel, continues as we welcome the Winter Solstice and the burgeoning of the Solar Light! Topics for…
Notes from the Apothecary
Notes from the Apothecary: Primrose Primroses are a hardy, perennial plant which means they’re tough and come back year after year. They’re also absolutely gorgeous and often around in winter, lending some welcome colour to gardens, windowsills, or containers. Originally a woodland plant, primroses or Primula vulgaris will grow just about anywhere as long as there’s drainage so the roots don’t get waterlogged. Finding primroses in the wild can be a sign that you’re on ancient woodland. However, some “wild” blooms can be escapees from folks’ gardens! Either way, even in November and December, their blooms make a gorgeous, colourful addition to the winter landscape. The Kitchen…
Of Medicine ‘n’ Magick
Deep Autumn I love this time of year. The wheel turns in my hemisphere, and the dark of night claims sway in its dance with daylight. It’s a wondrous sharing. As I anticipate the arrival of winter, the enveloping darkness is comforting Medicine to me. The older I get, the more meaningful this deep autumn Medicine becomes. It’s hard for many, I know. It’s hard, even for me with my solitary ways and absolute love for the long nights, short days, and cooling temps. And this year such seasonal challenges are compounded for many – if not most – with the increased isolation offered by COVID-19. Nonetheless, with or without…
The Gifts of the Solstice to Connect with the Animal Allies
(Image: Robert Kaufman) Seeking our Animal Allies We are filled with great anticipation for welcoming the Light of the Solstice, the promise of increasingly warmer days and the promise of Spring’s grace. Solstice is also a wonderful time of opportunity to connect to those energies and beings that stand with shining eyes in the darkened forest, seas and air. These gentle and fierce creatures are ready to support our work in all of our endeavors. I would like to share with you a pathworking written a few years ago and one that I have had requested many times. Join me on a journey through the gates of the elemental…
Storm Moon
(Image via Unsplash) Full moons in November or December are sometimes known as Storm Moons. Here’s my poetic take on that, and how it can feel when times are tough. Storm Moon Storm moon coming Beating at the door Tempers are a raising Mood drop through the floor Hard times over Starvation ain’t the kill Hearts running hungry Stagnant water standing still Voices louder No one asking why Anger comes from the gut Emptiness from the sky Flowers drowning Crimping o’er with frost Tiny reminders Of just what you have lost Trees still bare Under February air But they need no help to get there To the green…
Ho’oponopono: A Hawaiian Forgiveness Practice
Forgiveness is the end result of a deeply emotive process of coming back from the devastation of trauma and betrayal and into strength once again. You’ll understand anger’s profound connection to real forgiveness and you’ll understand the true definition of mercy: mercy can only arise from a position of strength that gives you the ability to harm, tempered by the ability to control your impulses and choose not to. -Karla McLaren from “The Language of Emotions” *The following is an excerpt from the book “Dreaming of Cupcakes: A Food Addict’s Shamanic Journey into Healing:” Harry Uhane Jim is a Kahuna, healer, and teacher. He is the author of…