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FREYA Love is in the air.  Yes, a very cliche saying, but one that Freya would agree with always.  She is the Norse goddess of love, and enjoys getting arrangements of flowers and dancing to music.  Along with the prettiness she was also a warrior goddess of the Valkyries.  On her missions as the leader,  she would ride on her chariot of two blue cats across the sky, creating what is now called “the northern lights.”  When she got to the war battle field, she would claim the souls of the bravest warriors who died, and bring them back with her to rest in perfect peace.  A very kind women,…

Have you ever had a sibling that you just couldn’t stand? A brother or a sister that for some reason no matter how hard you tried, they just rubbed you the wrong way? Or if you don’t have siblings somebody in your life that for one reason or other just drove you bonkers? If so then you’ll be happy to know that even Gods and Goddesses had this problem. Norse trickster god Loki couldn’t stand his brother (even if they were only brothers by adoption) Thor. In some versions of Greek and Roman mythology Hades or as he’s known to the Romans, Pluto would do his best every so often…

Imbolc “I remember I saw you, I saw you dancing through the woods. I watched you dance away the snow, from the shadows where I stood. I smelled your scent within the breeze, it dropped me to my knees. As I watched you, so longingly…. And the Wheel turns, can you feel the fire inside, begin to burn? Can you hear the wind whisper our names? Destiny that cannot be changed As it is willed, so is it done Our dance has just begun When the Moon is kissed by the Sun” Imbolc, I imagine somewhere deep within a sacred grove of ancient trees. The youthful God stands quiet and still. The Mother…

Bringing Imbolc to the Table In February, we celebrate Midwinter. It is the time that we see the first hints of spring as Old Man Winter says farewell. The snow is melting, and birds are returning. Some like to focus on fire and candles during this time, as it is a symbol of the sun. Spicy hot foods are entirely appropriate as are foods that are cooked by fire–baked, roasted, or even flambed. In the same nature, sun-dried fruits and vegetables honor the sun. Others find themselves honing in on the physical signs of spring through seeds, sprouts, early spring vegetables, and dairy products. It is also common to use…

Marking Time Last month, I discussed setting aside time and space – any time and space you can use regularly – for a meditation practice. Once you’ve started integrating meditation, or even just a few minutes of quiet time, into your habits, you can start shaping that time and space to further your meditation practice. I can’t emphasize enough that the most important thing about meditation is doing it. If you try one of these suggestions, and it pushes you further away from making your practice a regular part of your life, scratch that approach and go back to what you were doing before, or try something else. For beginners…

How To Use Persuasion Spells In Witchcraft Much of what spellcasters do is to fortify and focus on what they want to occur. Part of that mindset is to convince others to make their wishes come true. A spell such as invisibility will convince others they can’t see you. Invisibility is a great way to finish a project at work, school or home. If you’re not bothered, you can complete a task. Another example is with a spell for luck. Once you’ve established a desire to bring luck to you, this manifests in your persona. You glow with anticipation of good luck and others around you feel that energy. A…

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…

Honor the Source The other day I was browsing through my dance instructor’s website and I came across a gorgeous photo of her belly dancing. She has lots of beautiful photos, but this one in particular drew my attention because of the quote on it. In large letters at the top of the photo were the words “Honor the Source.” At the bottom corner of the photo was a poem about the womb being the source of life and dancing with the moon. The poem was really beautiful too, but it was the words “Honor the Source” that really stuck with me. In our busy over commercialized society how often…

Haunted Works of art Have you ever seen a painting that just gave you an uneasy feeling, or perhaps felt the eyes of a portrait following you?  Is it possible that a simple work of art could be haunted?  Art is made to stir emotion.  Some images stay with us or remind us of evil or darkness.  Simple images can “haunt” a person’s mind, but can something within the painting itself be paranormal?  An artist will put much of them self into a painting and at times can capture the essence of another in a portrait, but can this act stir up more than just hidden emotions?  Here are some…

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…