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The Certainty of Gaea “I am the Mother of all things and my love is poured out upon the earth.” (1) Spring is coming! Yesterday I saw six fat robins sitting in the maple tree! The ground has two feet of snow on it but the temperature is a little warmer and there is the expectancy of Spring in the air! Ostara is coming and we turn to the Goddess of Spring in our meditations and rituals. This is Gaea as the Maiden, also called Eostre, the pregnant mother who holds the egg and the hare as Her symbols of fertility. As Wiccans we say that we are a nature-based…

      “Parapsychology’s Database Debacle” It’s well-known that paranormal research isn’t taken seriously by mainstream scientists- after all there is a big difference between measuring phenomenon like earthquakes and hurricanes, which affect and are witnessed by hundreds of thousands, as opposed to telekinesis and ghosts sightings, which are often the subjective experiences of an individual. Not only is there a measurement issue, but there is a records issue. Advancement in medical research and development, for example, hinges on one crucial component- the existence of a database of verified knowledge and investigative research that is shared, and contributed to, by doctors and laboratories around the world. Without that collaboration, medical…

Deanna, I really enjoyed reading your book Magick for the Elemental Witch. You include information from a rich and diverse history in this book. Tell us a little about your research process, if you will. I research on both the internet and in print books.  The internet is so easy to access, however since anyone can post websites and information I always double-check anything I get from the web and see if I can find other sources to back it up or look to see what sources that website got their information from (such as from a book).  I also use a wide variety of resources, as you can tell from…

  Merry Meet and welcome to the February 2014 Issue of PaganPages We have a great issue for you this month, which includes: Interview with Dorothy L Abrams: Magic, Ethics and Standing in your Power and Book Review: The Qabalah Workbook for Magicians   Our Etsy is back!  You can check it out Here Be sure to like us on facebook and Twitter for updates and releases!!!      We are currently looking for Pagan Parents to head up some columns on pagan parenting.  Interested??  Email [email protected]

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, pink, red, orange, white, lavender, pale yellow, silver. Tools,Symbols, & Decorations: White flowers, marigolds, plum blossoms, daffodils, Brigid wheel, Brigid’s cross, candles, grain/seed for blessing, red…

Inside, inside, I see inside. I look so deep I want to hide. I hear a calling, a presence so near, it fades away, carries my fear. Inside, inside, I feel so safe. For so long it’s been my true escape, I know what’s there it touches me, draws me in, helps me see, inside. Kathleen Morgan ©

Imbolc (Candlemas) Saturday, February 1, 2014 – 7:22 am EST (sunrise) Names: Candlemas,  Imbolc, Oimelc, Brigit, Brigid’s Day, Bride’s Day, Festival of Lights, Brigantia, Gwyl y Canhwyllau (Welsh), Lady Day Date: Feb 1st (sometimes celebrated on the eve – Jan 31st) Astro Correspondence: 15 degrees Aquarius Color: reds for the blood shed by lambs, whites for the milk Food: lamb, nuts, legumes, breads, egg dishes, chicken, cakes, chocolate, wine Common Info: Brigit or Brid is honored (Keepers of the Flame at Kildare, Ireland), Brigit’s Crosses are made, first Fertility Fest, Initiations/re-dedications,   Imbolc (Oimelc) is the festival of candles, aka as Candlemas. The date is usually around the 1st or…

Divining the Weather: Will Winter This Year be Kind or Cruel?   There has been an ongoing argument among some of my Facebook friends about the Banded Wooly Caterpillar and if this animal really can predict the weather of the winter to come.  A Wooly Caterpillar is black with a middle band that is brown or tannish.  If the brown band is narrow, the coming winter will be harsh.  Naturally, if the band is wide, it will be a mild winter.  I have to admit I have never seen any of these caterpillars, so I cannot comment on whether these animals actually do predict the weather.  But having been watching…

Spring Cleansing Though winter may seem to still be holding on very tightly at this time of year, spring is only just around the corner. The days have noticeably lengthened since the Winter Solstice, birds are starting to pair up in readiness to raise their broods, and the first spring flowers are starting to appear. Spring is a great time to give your home and your life a good cleansing in preparation for the year ahead. After the period of withdrawal and contemplation provided by winter it is time to shake off the literal and metaphysical cobwebs, let in some fresh air and welcome in the new possibilities that life…

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…