We have a poem from one of our favorite guest bloggers, Steve Spellane, a GIVEAWAY(!), and a special interview with best-selling author, Francesca De Grandis.
This is, indeed, a very special Stew, so let's get right to it!
Happy Birthday this week to Janet Morissey, Kenny Klein, Marylou Young, Linda Juister, Margie Nelson, Sarah Apd, David Rodriguez, Annie Dixon, Silver Grey Eagle, Me(!), and Susun Weed. May this be our best birthdays EVER, and may our next year of life bring us joy, peace, happiness, success and all the very best of wonderful things in abundance :)
In the News
Being Pagan at Penn
Two Held Over Witchcraft
Thou Shalt Not Suffer a Witch to Live Combines the History of the Salem Witch Trials and One Woman’s Heritage
'The pain was so severe, my baby died': Woman, 38, tells of how she was bound with barbed wire and tortured with hot irons by Papua New Guinea's 'witch hunters'
Man allegedly beats two to death, claiming witchcraft
'Bewitched' maid held at airport
Drive against witch-hunting
Witchcraft phenomenon on the rise in Akwa Ibom
Nurses not Curses: Witchcraft Beliefs and Mental Health in Sierra Leone
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'Bewitched' maid held at airport
Drive against witch-hunting
Witchcraft phenomenon on the rise in Akwa Ibom
Nurses not Curses: Witchcraft Beliefs and Mental Health in Sierra Leone
A Special Imbolc Greeting from LaPulia Studio
Pagan Lore with Karen Szabo
Here is this week's edition of Pagan Lore, full of special celebrations from all around the world!
Sunday, February 2
On this day, the Candlemas Sabbat is celebrated by Wiccans and Witches throughout the world. Candlemas (which is also known as Imolc, Oimelc, and Lady Day) is a fire festival that celebrates the coming of Spring. New beginnings and spiritual growth are represented by the "sweeping out of the old," symbolized by the sweeping of the circle with a besom (a Witch's broom). This is traditionally done by the High Priestess of the coven, who wears a brilliant crown of thirteen candles on top of her head. In ancient Europe, the Candlemas Sabbat was celebrated with a torch-light procession to purify and fertilize the fields before the seed-planting season, and to honor and give thanks to the various deities and spirits associated with agriculture.
Monday, February 3
On this date, an annual ceremony called the Blessing of the Throats takes place to honor the healing powers of Saint Blaise and to magickally ward off throat ailments brought on by the winter's cold.
Tuesday, February 4
Throughout Japan the evil demons of winter are exorcised annually on this day with a festival called the Setsu-bun. Beans are placed in every corner of a family's house, and pointed branches and sardine heads are mounted over the doors. Centuries-old purification rites are performed by priests in all temples and shrines. Prayers are written on slips of paper and then cast from bridges into the rivers below.
Wednesday, February 5
On this date in the year 1962, the Great conjunction of the Sun, Moon, Venus, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn occurred in the sign of Aquarius. Also on this day, the annual Feast of Ia is celebrated in honor of, and to invoke the power of, the Sacred Maiden of the Pagan mythos.
Thursday, February 6
Throughout northern Japan, a centuries-old winter snow festival takes place each year around this time of the month. The ancient and beneficial spirits that bring life-sustaining water are honored at special shrines erected in huts resembling Eskimo igloos. A festival in honor of the love Goddess Aphrodite was held each year on this date in ancient Greece.
Friday, February 7
On this date (approximately), the annual spring fertility festival known as Li Chum is celebrated in China. Bamboo and paper effigies of a water buffalo (an animal which symbolizes "new life") are carried through the streets by a temple-bound procession. After reaching the temple, the effigies are set on fire in the belief that prayers for prosperity will be taken up to heaven by the rising smoke.
Saturday, February 8
The annual nighttime ritual known as the Star Festival is celebrated on this date (approximately) in China. The stars that influence the fate of mankind are honored by the lighting of 108 small lanterns on a special altar, and prayers are offered to the sacred stars that governed one's birth.
See you all next week -- hope it's a great one!
Karen
Guest Poem by Stephen "Wolfsong" Spellane
Some Thoughts on Imbolc/Candlemas Eve
Bright the candles in the night
Hail and Welcome the returning light
Soon brave buds will grace the trees
And fragrant flowers perfume the breeze.
Thou cold winds blow under mid winter sun
A shivering voice proclaims; Winter Not Done
One last cold blast; a storm of ice
Winter bellows; I’ll come back twice
The Sun Replies For now you rule!
But do not think it always; You fool!
My light will shine; the flowers grow
I renew the Earth with the seeds I sow
You chill the bone . . . but not the soul
My light still shines . . .my warmth for all
So bluster your winds,. . . your tempest blow
You cover the fields with ice and snow.
But in the end, I shall win back
My power grows, while yours is lack.
Life still sleeps beneath your snow
Even now, it stirs. . . it grows
With Warmth I smile, My light I send
Until your time and snows come again
So sleep now winter; Hail and Farewell
The Sun is returning, and all is well
Copyright © 31 January 2013 ~ WolfSong All Rights Reserved
Sparkle & Shine with Sosanna
Of Hogs, Shadows and Seeds.Imbolc is a Gaelic festival marking the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It is usually around the first of February and celebrates the beginning of spring. There are several stories around this time of the year. One is the story of Cailleach, she is said to go out of her house on this day to look for firewood. If the weather is clear she can hunt for lots of wood and there will be a longer winter. If the weather is bad however, she’ll stay indoors sleeping and will not be collecting anything. Bringing forth an early end to winter.
As you can see this is a very familiar story. Each year a fat little groundhog is pulled from his den and held up high. Everyone staring about to see if he sees his shadow. Here if the little guy does see his shadow it will be a long winter but if he doesn’t see it, winter will be coming to a quick end.
While I was doing some reading up on this I found another holiday falling in this time period as well. Candlemas is celebrated on the 2nd of February, generally regarded as the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin or the Meeting of the Lord. I found the following poem on google news.
Winter will not come again. If Candle mas be fair and bright
Winter has another flight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain
Winter will not come again. ~Lewiston Evening Journal – March 11, 1892
So it appears that across cultures, this time of the year is recognized as a special time of the year. The time when we’re looking at the world around us to see if we’ll be planting our seeds soon. We’ll look for shadows and light our candles in hopes of an early spring. While not related to Hecate in practice, I do take this time of year to put the seeds from for my spring planting on my altar. I light candles and sing chants in order to bless the seeds.
On this Imbolc, I wish you all health, wealth and blessings for a wonderful spring.
Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna
Uncharted Seas with Cap'n Dave
Imbolc, Imbolg, Oimelc, Là Fhèill Brìghde, St. Brighid’s Day, Groundhog’s Day, Lá Fhéile Muire na gCoinneal, Candlemas…there are many names for this day of the year, depending on which system of beliefs you follow, how “authentic” you want it spelled (I’m of Scots/Irish origin, so “Imbolg” is more closely accurate to the Gaelic of my heritage), but what we all get from it is typically the same – it’s a time of change. A turning point. Winter is nearing an end…and Spring is about to begin.
Those who are more aware of the natural rhythms in our world may be able to sense the vibrations of new life in incubation, as the warmth of the sun pushes another millimeter into the soil with every passing day. This is why it is called what it is called – “Imbolg”, from the Old Irish “i mbolg”, literally means, “in the belly.”
Brighid’s beds (or Bride’s beds) are often made by many to place near the front door, and the Brídeóg, or Bride’s Crosses, were woven from rushes and taken door-to-door in blessing. Livestock that survived the Winter months were blessed, and people came together in festival.
Today, we’re lucky to get people to come together for a potluck. What happened?
People used to belong to a community. Nowadays, the term “community” is bandied about in just another buzzword. An apartment “community”. A condominium “community”. A housing “community”. There is nothing communal about these things – everyone does their own thing and wants to be left alone. Many don’t even know their next-door neighbors.
We used to have something. We used to be part of something. We used to CARE.
Now, we just sit at home, close the door, lock the outside away, and never venture beyond unless we need food, beer, gasoline, or are otherwise bored and want to take in a movie (one that’s not on Netflix, of course, or we’d just be at home).
I’m just as guilty as the next person, but it wasn't always this way. Growing up in very rural areas has taught me that your neighbor, though a half-mile or more away, was a very close ally. You got to know them, because you needed them – not just as another human being around, but as someone who may have something you need, while you may have something THEY need in return. It was…communal. Community.
Family.
Again…what happened? Why are we now so afraid to even go out into our own neighborhood? Why are we so afraid to make eye contact with someone along the street? Why can’t we even be bothered to say, “Good morning” to someone we’re passing?
Now, here I am, living on a boat. All around me are other boaters. We watch out for each other. We share ideas, philosophies, and experience about boats, cruising, and more. I speak to people I pass, and they to me. I share what I have, and they do as well. We chat it up on the dock, we help cast one another off, we help bring the boats safely back into the slips.
We are sailors. We are boaters. We are…a community.
They know I’m Pagan, or they suspect, or they…don’t pry. Not even the Reverend a couple of boats down really cares, and he knows. See, here’s the thing: we’re pretty well of the notion that, as Cdr. Jeffrey Sinclair of Babylon 5 put it, “Maybe God doesn't care how you say your prayers, just as long as you say them.” After all, we’re out here, purposely living on a contraption slapped together with glue and fibers and paint and good intentions, bobbing about in the waters of quite probably THE most moody, changing waters on the face of the planet. Well, okay, the Bering Strait and Drake Passage are probably topping the list, but San Francisco Bay has to be in the top 5 at least! So, given that understanding, we are…well…a rare breed, I suppose.
Now, February 1st/2nd may well pass uneventfully for everyone else here, yet they don’t even bat an eyelash at the fact that I’ll be out there with incense, clearing away the spiritual “funk” that has gathered about our boat. The reason I know this is because the last time I did it, all I received was a passing “Good morning!” from one of my neighbors.
So…let the feasting begin! Eggplant and plums and purple grapes and…okay, I probably won’t have any of that, unfortunately. Nevertheless, these are most definitely Her fruits.
Whose?
 |
| Oya artwork by Francisco Santos |
Winter is not over yet, and She knows that there are many storms on the horizon.
After all, She IS the storm.
Again, the subject is about…change.
In many Neopagan beliefs, this change is a gentle, nurturing change…but what of the storms that loom? The thunderheads that will soon build? There is change, yes, but it is by NO means a gradual one. Rather, it comes upon us in a most dramatic way, with Winter holding on with a death grip until, at last, the warmth of the coming Spring finally drives it back into its den to await its return when the sun is weakened.
This is about new birth, and birth is rarely a gentle, loving thing. It tends to be…messy. Painful. Prolonged, and then an abrupt end.
Yet what we plant is as much a testament to ourselves and our beliefs as what we eventually reap. After all, this isn't just about the seedlings ready to spring forth…this is about planting IDEAS.
If our thoughts are dark during this first planting, what then shall we reap later in the year? And if we plant all goodness and light, what shall we fertilize it with later on? It’s not a one-shot deal here, we have to care for that plot of spiritual land. Nurture it. Water it. Fertilize it. WEED it, and frighten away the scavengers.
Then, later on, we may reap the fruits of our efforts, and truly rejoice.
Ajalaiye, Ajalorun, fun mi ni ire
The Winds of Earth and Heaven bring me good fortune
Iba Yansan
Praise to the Mother of Nine
Ajalaiye, Ajalorun, fun mi ni alaafia
The Winds of Earth and Heaven bring me well-being
Iba Oya
Praise to the Spirit of the Wind
Ajalaiye, Ajalorun, winiwini
The Winds of Earth and Heaven are wondrous
Mbe mbe ma Yansan
May there always be a Mother of Nine
Ashé – So be it
Sunshine's Meanderings with Kathleen Lane
Coming from two different but in some ways similar traditions, my view of Imbolc is a bit different.
The Quaker side of the family never officially celebrated Imbolc but there was always a special spring dinner which included bannocks filled with raisins, some kind of fresh meat which usually ended up being wild game and a vegetable stew. It came at a time of year when neighbors who kept sheep were busy with the first lambs. My grandfather always referred to it as "Spring Welcome" but since my grandmother would give him a nasty look when he said that, he usually didn't say it in her hearing.
The Native side of the family also celebrated a Mid-Winter festival at about the same time. It was also a spring welcome and celebrated the awakening of the first snowdrops, the first fish runs and always included some kind of fresh fish or game and fry bread. After we moved out west, I learned that the tribes out there had their own version and it seemed to coincide with the start of the spring salmon runs.
It is a time of lengthening days and as such is a celebration of fire, light and rebirth. Any celebrations should include those things that will remind us that the light is returning and new life is stirring. Whether we view it as a festival of Brigid or the Earth Mother, the motivation is the same. Decorating with greenery and white lights or white candles is traditional for Brigid and out west, the bee keepers put extra food in the hives for their bees. Also in the western tribes, potlatch is celebrated with the midwinter event.
It never fails to amaze me how little real difference there is between the seasonal celebrations of old beliefs. We all seem to feel and appreciate what the Earth does for us and show our appreciation in some tangible form. Whether it is the Earth Mother or The Goddess, we celebrate her bounty and care.
There and Back A-hen: Just a bunch of clucking nonsense with Melissa Chicky Cassick
Pagans know that pagan holidays have a multitude of names, depending on the culture in which the day was founded, and how the name may have changed as it weathered conquerors and saints, relocations and re-appropriations. I know that people prefer certain terms depending upon their own heritage, experience, and history. The name I first encountered for the holiday at the beginning of February was Candlemas, and I love that name. I love the way it hesitates before dropping off the tongue. I love the vision of shining candles, row upon row, which it calls to my mind.
Candle magic and fire meditations were my first attempts at anything remotely resembling spellwork. Is anything more appealing than ritually lighting a fresh, gleaming taper, then gazing into the depths of its flame, waiting for the moment when your mind achieves the clarity of the fire?
Candles are still my first choice when attempting any concentrated meditation or fixed focus. I turn to my usual tools: a bell, a rune, and a candle. I ring the bell, and hold it until the tone dies away, leaving its resonance within me. I draw a rune, and place it in front of the candle. I light the flame, and lose myself in it as I consider the meaning of the rune, and what I can extract from it, how I can apply it to myself in this moment. The bell calls me to attention. The rune presents a subject. The fire burns out any intrusive thoughts or doubts.
Today, my family and I will enjoy a dinner of smoked sausage and potatoes, the things our Polish and German ancestors would have been enjoying at this time of year, so far removed from the harvest when they ate the fresh meats and vegetables that were plentiful. We will talk about our plans for the spring: a new front porch, more raspberries planted along the fence, enlarging the front garden to about twice its current width. The seeds of tomorrow, already being nurtured inside our minds, will begin to take root. My children will laugh and smile as we talk, and in their eyes I will see the shining reflections of the candles on the table.
Mid-Air Moxie with Adelina Soto Thomas
I struggle much with meanings and observances of Pagan holidays. I understand the significance of Imbolc, so you don’t need another blurp from me telling you exactly what you could find on Wikipedia or a gazillion other web pages. Years ago I was initiated as a priestess in a Wiccan tradition on Imbolc. Much has changed since that time. I will tell you where I am on my path and why my heart and mind are so conflicted about this day. This day will mark another new beginning for me, as it always has…but on my own terms.
Ever since I began to follow a Pagan path, I’ve observed that we take for granted that the information we are given to use in following our paths is often of ‘Celtic’ origin. I understand and relate to Imbolc being symbolically related to the coming of spring. However, I still have some trouble with getting most of my spiritual information from one particular well.
My family background is Puerto Rican and Italian. My mother’s people came from Reggio Calabria-the tip of the ‘boot’ at the southernmost point of the coast of Italy. My father’s people have been on the island of Puerto Rico since the Taino first met Columbus. Since I first began my trek on the Pagan path back in the late 80’s…I have never met anyone outside of those areas who could talk with me about the origins of Paganism in my own ethnic background. When I met other Pagans, Wiccans, and Witches…we went from one area of origin, heard the mythology of one group of people and played by one set of playbooks; those of Celtic origin.
There are those who speak with extreme authority in the Pagan community who would never think to ask what someone’s background is before telling them what the right answer is to their questions. Should it matter? Actually, I believe it should. When we have spiritual beliefs that are to connect us with nature and follow traditions and rituals created by our ancestors, wouldn’t it help to know something about them? Wouldn’t it help us to know something more about ourselves? Should we not question everything that is what connects us to nature, the spirits and each other? These things that are deeply imbedded in our spirits are what we are trying to reconnect with and we need all the help we can get.
Is it possible that the reason I struggle at Imbolc and have for so many years is because deep down, this is not something my ancestors would have recognized in their spiritual practices? Am I still trying to fit myself into a spiritual mold that doesn’t fit? By continuing to follow spiritual practices which were taught to me of mainly Celtic origin, is this any different than when I struggled to fit in with Christians, because it was what was most common, accepted and available? Am I facing the struggle renewed that I faced when I was a child-only this time on what my Pagan beliefs and practices are?
This may sound like a ‘crisis of faith’, but it really is not. I feel more solid now in my spirituality than ever before. For this Imbolc-I will recognize and recommit to life and all its new beginnings. This Imbolc marks another bit of Spring Cleaning; all spiritual practices and traditions that have been taught to me will be reviewed. I will no longer accept the mythology, the rituals, or the practices until I have looked at them with my heart to see if I still feel they are useful to me. If I must look much deeper and go well beyond then I shall. I will ask questions of those I feel are wiser than I and take what knowledge I can that resonates in my own spirit. I commit to my spiritual path, my life, my way…
Question everything, until it resonates in your heart as true. Then you will know YOUR way…
Notes from the Circle with Alan Heartsong
Imbolg 2014
Part of my spiritual path, my variation of British Traditional Wicca, is to really focus on the current energetic tides of nature where I live, and work that into my rituals.In a normal year, with Imbolg right around the corner I would be waxing poetic about days of unending rain and gloom here in Northern California, the soups and stews I’ve been making and enjoying, and looking forward to Spring. My ritual would be about the return of the light, welcoming the Earth waking up from her winter slumber, and all the other normal stuff that should happen at Imbolg.
This year is just weird. Instead of the 12 inches of rain we should have had since last Summer, we’ve only had 2. People are in a drought panic, we’re having highs in the 70s in what should be our coldest months, and we don’t even have clouds in the sky. I’m doing my “winter” pruning of the rosebushes, which is best done when they’re sleeping, but they’re trying to sprout. I feel like I’m committing rose abortion or something.
Meanwhile, the Eastern part of the United States is dealing with a polar vortex. Because of the high pressure system dominating the west coast, our storm systems are literally going up and over us and crashing down with a fury on the east coast.
I’m a little perplexed about how to celebrate this Imbolg. The traditional chant of banishing winter and welcoming spring isn’t really appropriate this year, because while we may have lows in the 30s we’re definitely having daytime spring temperatures.
One of the other traditional things to do at Imbolg is some scrying for the year ahead. With the power of the Sun waxing, calling on the light to show you what’s ahead is appropriate. I think that’s going to be my focus for this year’s ritual, because if we don’t get a lot of rain soon, we’re going to go into a critical drought (like 1976) that will have a hugely negative impact on the cost of fresh produce and other food items that are grown and produced in California.
There’s nothing wrong with asking the gods to show you what’s coming so you can plan for it, you just have to brave enough to look ahead with clear eyes and an open mind.
However you’re celebrating, whatever your personal circumstance, I hope your Imbolg is beautiful, powerful, and meaningful.
Blessed Be,
Alan
The Witches Cupboard by Autumn Earthsong
Basil
Blessed Imbolc my friends! Imbolc is one of my favorite Sabbats. It reminds us in the dead of Winter that Spring will come…the Sun, longer days, and Mother Earth waking up! This time of year my mind and heart turn to Spring and gardening. Planning what I’ll plant..herbs, flowers, vegetables and such. I’m sure that is the same with you Garden/Kitchen Witches as well. When deciding what herb I would write about amongst the list of herbs associated with Imbolc..it was easy to decide on Basil. Basil is a wonderful herb and my garden wouldn’t be complete without it.
Basil, one of the oldest herbs, is believed to have originated in India and spread to Europe by the Middle East. Throughout history it has been regarded as having extraordinary powers in the realms of religion, medicine and cooking. Its name is derived from the Greek ‘basileus’ which means ‘king’. It’s also associated with the snake, the basilisk, because it was used to treat snake bites!
Basil: Ocimum bacilicum is part of the mint family. There are many species of basil….wild, sweet, bush or greek, lettuce leaf, ruffles, and even a purple variety..my favorite!! It also comes in many wonderful scents and flavors like lemon, licorice, anise, camphor and cinnamon. May also be called sweet basil, common basil, garden basil, Luole {chinese}, St. Joseph’s Wort, Tulsi, devil plant and my favorite, Witch’s herb.
Basil is an annual and is easily grown from seed. You can start the seeds indoors in a sunny place for 3-4 weeks, then transplant it in warm weather (after the last frost) to a sunny spot in your garden or a pot on your sunny patio. Grows well indoors in your kitchen too if you have a sunny window sill or counter to set it on.
Culinary Use
Its culinary uses are many. It’s used in Teas, Soups, Stews, Sauces, Salads, Pastas, Vinegars, Dressings, Meats and Fish. Great on pizza too! It’s a key ingredient in many Asian and Italian dishes. I’ll be sharing my favorite recipe for Pesto here in a couple of weeks! I also love, at Lughnassadh, to make a basil infused olive oil for cooking and for salads. It’s a great way to use the last of my basil in my garden at the end of the growing season. Basil is best used fresh in most recipes. That’s why having it in your own garden or kitchen is so wonderful.
Medicinal Use
Basil has a plethora of medicinal uses as well. The leaves, seeds, and its essential oil are used and occasionally the root. It's reported to contain many healing properties including antiseptic, antidepressant, a carminative, stimulates the adrenal cortex, expectorant, soothes itching, prevents vomiting, and reduces a fever. It’s also an antispasmodic, stimulant (breast feeding), tonic, diaphoretic, carminative, vermifuge and can be used as a mouthwash/breath freshener.
An oil infused with basil is good for tired, overworked muscles. A tincture or tea can be used as a mouthwash for mouth sores and infected gums. An infusion made with basil is good for chest infections and digestive problems. Oil of Basil is a wonderful treatment for acne and warts. Basil leaves in a sleep pillow will aid insomnia and depression. A basil balm will help heal skin wounds as well. Also said to cure warts. An infused tea of fresh or dried basil is good to aid in allaying nausea, vomiting and indigestion. Add basil leaf tea or a few drops of basil essential oil to a warm bath to help reduce stress and relax.
If you are outside, and the insects are bothering you, rub crushed leaves on your skin to repel insects and on insect bites to relief the itching and inflammation. If you need a quick breath freshener, chew on a couple of leaves to freshen your breath. Chewing fresh leaves may also help to calm a cough. According to Mountain Rose Herbs: “The essential oil is antibacterial, and drops of basil oil may relieve ear infections.”
*Warnings: Basil is safe in food amounts, and it seems to be safe in medicinal amounts when used by adults short-term. Long term medicinal use could cause health issues. In some people basil can cause low blood sugar.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Basil seems to be safe for pregnant and breast-feeding women in food amounts. But larger medicinal amounts might be UNSAFE.
Children: Basil seems to be safe for children in food amounts. But larger medicinal amounts might be UNSAFE.
*reference WebMD
Aromatherapy
Basil has a warm, earthy scent. Lemon basil is wonderful in citrus potpourri. Blends well with bergamot, lavender, orange, lemon, neroli and verbena. A blend of basil, orange and lavender essential oils in a base oil is wonderful! (in my opinion)
Magickal Use
There are just as many magickal properties in basil as there are medicinal and culinary. Here are just a few I came across in my research and my own BOS.
Planetary: Mars
Astrological: Scorpio
Gender: Masculine
Element: Fire
Gods: Vishnu, and Krishna
Goddess: Erzulie
Magickal Properties: Love, Exorcism, Wealth, Flying, Protection, Visionary, Fertility, Funeral, Consecration, Immortality and Purification
The Witch's Cupboard Hints and Tips for Basil:
~Basil added to vinegar water is a wonderful herbal cleanser/purifier for floors and walls. (perfect for your Imbolc cleaning!)
~Plant basil in your yard for protection and good fortune.
~Witches were said to have drunk a half a cup of basil juice before flying into the air.
~ Give a potted basil plant to a friend to bring them good luck
~Put a bundle of basil or a plant on your altar for Imbolc..for renewal
~Use basil tea or drops of essential oil in your cleansing bath before a ritual, initiation, or ceremony.
~ It may be burned as an offering to the Salamanders or fire breathing Dragons
~Stick some leaves in your pocket when on a date or with a loved one to bring good feelings and love to the night
~Grind it into a loose incense recipe
~Drink an infused tea before meditating or divining
~Sprinkle basil leaves or dried basil in the four corners of your home, your car, your place of business etc..for protection.
~Add it to a mojo bag for protection
~Add it to a sleep pillow to aid in astral travel
~Put leaves in your wallet or place on your altar with a green, lit candle to aid monetary needs
~Use it in your magickal potions/oils for love, money, health and protection
~Cook with basil on Valentine’s Day to keep your Lover at your side and infuse the feelings of love and happiness
~Make holy water with basil and use it to aspurge your altar, or sacred space Many believe that basil consecrates burial sites as well.
As you can see, the magickal ways to use Basil is endless. I know you’ll find ways to use it..any of the ways listed above. So this Spring, as your planning your garden, be sure to have a plant or two or three of basil at your disposal. I especially recommend the purple basil..it’s just gorgeous!
Have a very Blessed Imbolc!
Blessings and Love, Autumn
Coming in the February 16 edition: A Basil recipe you will love!
Visit me at my shop! Verbena Lane Botanicals
The Spice with La'Trice Lott
For this week’s Imbolc edition, I thought I’d share a yummy Lamb Stew recipe I found on the intewebs a few years back. I’ve made a few tweaks to add my own flavor to it and it’s pretty darn good, if I do say so myself. Hope you enjoy it.
Lamb Stew
(Serves 4)
Ingredients
•2 ½ cups chicken broth
•3 carrots scraped and sliced
•2 onions, thinly sliced
•1 pound of sweet potatoes, cut in to bite sized chucks (you may also use russet potatoes)
•1 cup of sweet peas (fresh or frozen)
•2 pounds of lamb neck pieces or shoulder chops, trimmed (if your supermarket or butcher carries lamb stew meat, you can use that)
•1/8 teaspoon salt
•1/8 teaspoon pepper
•A pinch of cinnamon
•½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Place chicken broth saucepan and bring to a boil. Place vegetables in crockpot and layer lamb on top. Add the boiling stock. Sprinkle with seasonings. Cover and cook for 3 ½ -4 ½ hours on high or 7 to 9 hours on low. NOTE: I prefer the low settin, I thinking it makes a richer, full-flavored stew.
Spoon into bowls, sprinkle with parsley. This goes great with some hot, crusty homemade bread and a nice glass of red wine.
BLESSED IMBOLC TO ALL.
Tiffany's Gumbo with Tiffany Newson
Winter is almost over despite the snow and ice that enveloped the South. I've seen cardinals and geese in my backyard and the pond across the street. I love seeing the various birds coming back with sun.
With this recent snow/ice storm, it's helped keep focus on cleaning the house and decluttering the stuff accumulated over the holidays. Carpet cleaning, fire place swept and kitchen nice and sparkly.
Speaking of the kitchen, what am I planning on making? I haven't the foggiest. Will maybe make a warm beef stew. Or a hearty cheesy baked potato soup. Or get hubs to get some lamb and make a roast. I'm not a big meal planner so it'll be all last minute. Oh the fun of a Libran mind.
As for the rest of my day, it will not be watching football. Thankfully my husband isn't a video/car/gun head so I won't have to worry about it. I plan on finding some kind appropriate arts and crafts for the kids to do.
What do you plan on having your Littles doing?
Saga's Spirit with Loren Morris
Brighid's Day Giveaway!!
When I was thinking about what to write......I was kind of stumped. All of your usual has been written 10 million ways, and I just didn't want to re-do that. I kind of always go to the crafty sides of things.....and even though Brigit's cross is a symbol, I didn't want that to be what I made. You can go to any blog and find the instructions and different ways to make them.
Then I thought maybe I could make something with symbols and have a giveaway. The symbols I'll discuss are the ones that I used on the giveaway. I almost used a boar. But, in the end I used the triskelion, the flame, and the raven.
Brigit/Brigid/Brid is the triple goddess as a youthful, pregnant maiden. Her father is the Dagda. She is a goddess of healing, fire, light, childbirth, and hearth. Brighid represents creativity and fertility. She watches over the sun until it can be brought forth with the ending of winter and the arrival of spring.
This is indeed our first hint of spring. Now is the time to start your spring flower seeds and plan out your gardens. We are nearing the end of winter.
So, the triskele/triskelion/triple spiral is a representation of the triple goddess, and therefore a representation of Brigit. It is also representative of creative energy, progression, balance, and regeneration.
The flame stands for Brigit being the goddess of hearth and fire.
And the raven is not her bird. Brigit's bird is the swan. But, the raven is a bird of Imbolc. It returns to the Highlands in February to nest, being one of the first birds to do so.
There is a superstition that says that if a maiden sees a raven on Imbolc and she follows it's direction of flight, she will know the direction in which her future husband lives.
There are 19 stones going around the pendant to represent Brigit's 19 priestesses that kept her perpetual flame tended in the temple.
The symbols are woodburned on and then they are lightly painted for a bit of color. A light coat of protection is added.
I also braided 3 strands of leather to make the necklace.
To enter for a chance to win this necklace and pendant:
By law, you must provide a valid email address. If you don't feel comfortable leaving it in comments, you can use the contact form at the top of this page to provide an email address to Kallan for the giveaway. Please be sure to note that it is for the giveaway.
By law, you must provide a valid email address. If you don't feel comfortable leaving it in comments, you can use the contact form at the top of this page to provide an email address to Kallan for the giveaway. Please be sure to note that it is for the giveaway.
1.Leave a comment on the Stew and tell what your favorite symbol of Imbolc is.
2. Blog about this giveaway (come back and comment here with the link to the blog post)
3. Tweet about this giveaway (come back and comment here with a link to the tweet)
The drawing will be held on Wednesday the 5th via random number generator and the winner will be announced to the winner via email and also publicly in next week's Sunday Stew on the 9th!
Brightest Blessings,
Saga
Visit Loren's Shop: Saga's Cottage
For Loren's Spirit Boards, visit Lapulia Studio
Pawsitively Witchcraft with Tiffanie Dovich
Hi there, I’m Tiffanie Or T.K. depending on who you talk to or what time of day it is and I’m here to add a doggie bag of delights to your weekly stew. So Sit, Stay and Wait for pawesome tips & tricks and random info about including your favorite furry (or scaly) pals to your witchy workings.
With all the crazy weather happening all over the place lately, I keep seeing more and more lost or found pets. Now, Luna and I live in a rather rural area but this is getting ridiculous. Yesterday alone there were over 10 people looking for lost critters! So I’ve decided to share this little candle spell I wrote incase Luna ever wandered off.
So without further ado……..
And that’s it! A simple little spell to get your critter back to your hearth where they belong!
This Week in Astrology
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| Aquarius by Josephine Wall |
Sunday, February 2
11:34am-11:54pm Moon Void of Course then moves into Aries
10:35pm Waxing Crescent Moon
Monday, February 3
All's quiet in the heavens
Tuesday, February 4
9:34pm - the rest of the evening Moon VoC
Wednesday, February 5
Moon VoC until 4:46am then moves into Taurus
Thursday, February 6
2:22pm First Quarter Moon
4:43pm MERCURY GOES RETROGRADE
11:49pm-rest of the night Moon VoC
Friday, February 7
Moon VoC until 1:43pm then moves into Gemini
Saturday, February 8
All's quiet in the heavens
Weekly Horoscopes from DarkStar Astrology
The Weekly Divine with Kallan Kennedy
Tarot: The Seven of CupsWell, with Mercury going into Retrograde this week, it only makes sense that the seven of cups would show up as well. This card is about wishful thinking, fantasy, options/making choices, and imagination. If you consider that this particular Rx is a "mermaid-drenched Neptune affair" according to Darkstar Astrology, then this card makes sense.
It's time to be very careful about being caught up in daydreams, and allow your energies to be scattered and disorganized. When the Seven of Cups appears, it is a sign that you need to pay extra attention to what's going on in that pretty little head of yours. Are you daydreaming too much? Following illusions? It's time to avoid escapism and get down to business. Be wary of the temptation to choose temporal pleasure over its consequences. That one-night stand, the extramarital affair, overeating, drinking, (name your temptation) may seem like a much better idea right now than it would normally. But, the ramifications of that choice will also be much more severe as well.
On the flip side, it could be time to review your environment. Is it chaotic? Is it too-organized? There is a balance to be struck here. If chaos reigns, then it's time to put some structure to your life. If you are a control-freak, then perhaps it's time to let loose a bit.
This is also the time for dreamers look at their wishes. Wishes are lovely things, but they will not come true without action behind them. It's time to tighten up and push yourself to reach those goals and to backing up those plans with work and effort. That laundry isn't going to to do itself ;)
One more thing about wishes- the Seven of Cups is definitely the card to remind you to be careful what you wish for; you just might get it, and that price might be more than you're willing to pay.
Totem: Turtle
Key words and phrases: Determination, being grounded, order in the midst of chaos, ancient wisdom
Turtle cautions us to take a minute, stay grounded, review and consider a situation. As I say at the end of each stew, "Mull. Digest. Enjoy." Turtle requests that we do this. Go into your shell and solidify your ideas before expressing them to the world.
There are over 250 species of turtles in the world. They are known for their longevity. Turtles seem to move at a pace that makes us believe they have all the time in the world. They can help you change the way you see time and space, particularly if time is an issue for you.
Those with Turtle as a totem have an affinity with the ancient wisdom of the earth. They are able to tap into those energies much more easily than those who do not carry this totem. They are naturally tuned into the elements, land, plants, people and animals; and because turtle carries his home on his back, these folks are able to adapt easily to anywhere and feel at home. It is the journey, not the destination for those with turtle medicine.
The American continent is referred to as “Turtle Island” in the Native American folklore. It is said that the Turtle carried the weight of the land of that continent on her back. This image is also present in Hindu and Chinese cultures, where the turtle is the animal carrying Mother Earth and holding the world in balance.
Those with turtle medicine may sometimes feel like the weight of the world is on their shoulders, but they also know they can handle whatever they carry, because they are built for it.
Turtle people also know about boundaries. A turtle, when threatened, will recede quickly into its shell until the 'danger' has passed. Turtles are also a favorite food source for raccoons. Those who carry turtle medicine should also study up on raccoons for shadow work.
The main message of Turtle is to stay grounded, take your time, and listen to your intuition. As Turtle is a symbol of Mother Earth, your connection to Her is strong this week. Take time to listen to the messages She sends you.
The Sunday Stew Special: An Interview with Francesca De Grandis
Kallan Kennedy:Why did you create the class, and why now?
Francesca De Grandis:I have an email newsletter. And, recently, I realized that a large number of people who sign up for it are spiritual healers of some kind. So I started thinking about more ways I could be of service to them.
I usually mentor healers in context of really time-intensive training. But, I thought about holding a special event: a seven-week class where, whether you're a tarot reader, or Reiki practitioner, or any other type of spiritual healer, I could mentor you. It wouldn't matter what healing tradition you worked in, or if you were self-trained, because what you do as a healer is going to be your individual approach anyway. I'd channel what you needed as an individual to take your healing ability the next level. So I am doing that.
Kallan:What will they get from the class, what do you hope they will take away from it?
Francesca:I'm good at this. I know how to help people hone their gift—even if they're top drawer, I can take it on. So I expect each person to receive the exact techniques and inner changes that they as an individual need to take their healing work to a new level.
Kallan: I know you said earlier that you have a lot of healers on your newsletter list. Is there anyone in particular who should take this class?
Francesca:Any working healer. I don't care if you're paid or you work for free. Or whether you help only a few friends or offer your services to a huge community. As long as you use mystical ability to heal either the physical body or to empower the spiritual body, we have a chance to really do something.
Kallan: So, even experienced people get something out of this?
Francesca: It's powerful even for very advanced healers. I’m experienced in holding space for my peers to empower themselves. The more we grow, the more we need to sharpen our tools and selves; and a shamanic teacher on the embodied plane can augment your process.
And—this makes me so happy—I'll also be supporting the whole community, because its healers will be doing even better work than before.
Kallan:I know you teach oral tradition, and that this class is over the phone. How does that work?
Francesca:I teach in traditional shamanic methods. During lessons, my students and I walk between the stars. We can get there very easily talking on the phone. And I limit enrollment, because it is all about real connection.
Kallan: Wow, so this is a pretty special event then. And I realize it will probably won't be repeated. I know people who would love this. Are there still spaces available?
Francesca:Yup. It starts this week, but there are some seats left. Thanks for doing this with me, Kallan. You are a doll.
Kallan:Thank YOU, Francesca!
For anyone interested in jumping in on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, here is the link. It begins on Thursday and there are limited seats available.
http://stardrenched.com/2014/01/06/master-healing-class/
That's it for this week's Stew. Mull. Digest. Enjoy!
The Sunday Stew is a free, e-publication delivered every Sunday as a loving gift to the Pagan community. All submissions are the intellectual property of their authors, and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the blog owner. All photos used are used with permission.
We welcome your feedback! Please be sure to tell us how we're doing and give us suggestions for improvement. You can leave a comment here (remember, they are moderated so it may take some time for yours to appear), use the contact form at the top of the page, email Kallan, or comment on Kallan's Facebook page.
We look forward to hearing from you!