The Celtic calendar begins with the month of the Birch Moon, a time of new beginnings and making plans for the future.
The first of the 13 months of the Celtic calendar is the month of the Birch Moon. It begins just after Yuletide and runs through most of January.
Starting just after the Winter Solstice---the shortest day of the year---the month of the Birch Moon marks the period of the year when the hours of daylight start to increase over the hours of darkness. Its associated color is flame red; from this comes the red candles that we burn at Yuletide.
New Year's Resolutions
The month of the Birch Moon falls into the "quiet time" during the bleakest period of winter. None of the eight major witchcraft festivals occur in this month. There is little to do but wait for warmer weather.
This month is therefore primarily a time of contemplation, of looking to the future and starting to make plans for the year ahead--hence the tradition of making New Year's resolutions.
The Lady of the Woods
The silvery bark that covers the trunk of the birch tree resembles the silver of the moonlight, wich it reflects at night giving it a magical look.
With its long, slender branches that stretch up to the sky, the birch symbolizes the female aspects of nature and isoften known as "the Lady of the Woods." Growing up to 100 feet high, it has also been thought of as a ladder that shamans can climb to reach the gods.
Cleanse your home during the month of the Birch Moon by lighting a red candle or by burning rose potpourri.
Birch Moon Magic
The month of the Birch Moon is the ideal time to weave magic focusing on new beginnings and purification, or to cast spells for support, shielding and cleansing.
Resolution Blessing Spell
The birch is the first tree to grow back after a forest has been cut down or razed, reinforcing its association with new beginnings. It is a tree of extreme hardiness, thriving in places where the oak cannot. When you make a New Year's resolution, increase your chances of sticking to your guns by performing this blessing spell.
You will need:
*Red Candle
*Red Ribbon
*Birch Wand
*Frankincense, rose and benzoin essential oil
1. Go for a walk in your local park and collect a birch twig no more than 12 inches long. As birch is a very common tree, you should be able to find one easily, even in urban areas and parks.
2. Mix a few drops of rose, frankincense and benzoin essential oil into the palm of your hand and rub the mixture into a red candle.
3. Light the candle, and stand in front of it for a few moments visualizing your resolution. If you are planning to learn to play guitar, for instance, visualize yourself happily strumming your favorite song. You may want to state your intent aloud, saying, "I will learn to play guitar."
4. Holding your birch twig at one end, pass it through the candle's flame. Then turn around, counterclockwise, holding the twig in front of you to draw a circle around youself.
5. Repeat the incantation, "I manifest new chances for good fortune, clarity and insight, I open myself to new experience and allow change to manifest in my life."
6. Now sit down for a few minutes and quietly contemplate your wish. When you have finished. Blow out the candle.
( To bind your spell, draw a magic circle around yourself with your birch wand.)
Purification and Cleansing
The silver color of the birch's bark is associated with purity and cleansing. Criminals and naughty schoolboys were often beaten with birch twigs- "birched"- in order to purify them and drive out any evil influences.
This is a good time to cleanse your mind of negative thoughts or attitudes , such as anger and jealousy, or addictive behavior, such as smoking. a full Moon that falls within the month of the Birch Moon is called the Cold Moon; you can strengthen your intent by performing the following ritual at this time.
A Simple Cold Moon Ritual:
* Light a white candle beside a small bowl of natural spring or rain water.
* Stand over the water and pray for the strength to let go of your vice.
* Write down you negative behavior nine times on a piece of paper.
* Fold up the paper, place it inside a freezer bag, and pour in some of the prayer water.
* Place the bag inside your freezer to "freeze" your bad habits--putting them behind you forever.
Birch throughout the Year
--Birch is used for purification, exorcism and protection. A red ribbon tied to a birch twig will help ward off the evil eye.
--Witches' brooms are made of birch twigs tied around an ash branch with strips of willow. The purifying birch sweeps away evil spirits, as well as dirt.
--At Beltane (May Day), birch twigs are used to light the fires that signal the beginning of the new season.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Celebrating the Winter Solstice
The world is frozen at Winter solstice and, in nature, little is happening on the surface. Deep in the Earth, however, the roots are putting out shoots ready for the push toward life when the weather warms in spring. This is the season of rebirth, and many religions celebrate the birth of a Sun King. In Christianity, it is the child Jesus, the "Light of the World".
The Fruition of Dreams
The ideas, dreams and visions you begin to connect with at Samhain can now be born. They will grow in power and strength -- in parallel with the waxing of the Sun's strength and nurturing warmth as it begins its journey toward the Summer Solstice.
In Wiccan lore, the power of the winter Holly King is at its maximum now, but the summer Oak King has been born. He will gain in ascendancy from this point on, showing that the Wheel of the Year always turns.
Yuletide in the Modern World
In Christian countries, Winter Solstice, or Yuletide, is replaced by Christmas. The stillness of this time of year is felt, but rarely acknowledged. Most people have exhausted their energies in the preparations for Christmas Day celebrations, when they instinctively know it's time to stop--and eat!
The Feast of Fools
The ancient Yule rituals still predominate today. The Lord of Misrule, who originated in the wild Roman Saturnalia festivals (that ended on the Winter Solstice), presided over a time of chaos, which is still echoed in some of today's Christmas office parties. normal behavior is replaced by people acting like fools. Yule has also always been a time of feasting and plenty, hopefully setting the pattern of abundance for the year to come.
Yuletide Celebrations
Celebrate the Yuletide traditions of old, such as kissing under the mistletoe and making Yule logs, as the Wheel of the Year turns around the Winter Solstice
Ancient Pagan Roots
Many of the customs you may observe at Christmas are rooted in Pagan ritual. Evergreens, for example, have always been brought indoors at Yuletide to symbolize everlasting life. This ritual survives in the traditional Christmas tree. Other aspects of the festivities, such as kissing under the mistletoe, also hark back to ancient beliefs.
Fertility Rites
Holly and mistletoe were used in fertility rites to ensure the coming of spring. Red holly berries represent the life-blood of the female, while white mistletoe berries represent drops of male semen. The Yule's holly wreath also referred to the Wheel of the Year, as Yule means "wheel".
Making a Yule Log
The Yule log was traditionally cut from oak, because of its connections with the Oak King of summer. It burns slowly and with great heat, redolent of the Sun. Make your own Yule log by following these steps:
1. Get a piece of wood, preferably oak, approximately 4 inches thick and 10 inches long.
2. Drill three holes in the top of the log. then wrap tin foil around the bottom of three red candles and wedge these in the holes in the log.
3. Decorate the log with holly, ivy and mistletoe, and light the three candles to welcome the rebirth of the Sun King.
Welcome the Sun
Many of the customs surrounding the Winter Solstice involve honoring the return of the Sun and celebrating the birth of the Sun King -- or Oak King, in Celtic circles. As a change of pace from the usual rush of social activity, Christmas parties, and festivities surrounding this time of year, you many wish to find a moment of solitude to welcome back the Sun.
A meditative Ritual
Se the atmosphere for your private Winter Solstice ritual by darkening a room in your home and kneeling at a small table where you have placed a red candle. Reflect on all the things that you hope for the New Year, and visualize the Sun rising up out of darkness to a position high above the Earth. Light the candle and say, " I welcome back the life-giving light of the Sun."
Tribal Gathering
An ancient need stirs within the human soul at this time of year for contact with the tribe. On the eve of the Winter Solstice, gather with friends and family, and watch the Sun set for the last time under the rulership of the Holly King. Then invite everyone home and light the Yule log.
Community
Sit everyone around the fire and let people tell their hopes and dreams for the following year. You can also have fun making a hot punch with plenty of spices and apples, then drink together from a communal cup -- traditionally called the wassail bowl.
You gathering may wish to spread their good cheer and visit your neighbors with gifts of food, to share the festivities of Yuletide in this very traditional way.
The Real Story of Christmas-- click here
The Fruition of Dreams
The ideas, dreams and visions you begin to connect with at Samhain can now be born. They will grow in power and strength -- in parallel with the waxing of the Sun's strength and nurturing warmth as it begins its journey toward the Summer Solstice.
In Wiccan lore, the power of the winter Holly King is at its maximum now, but the summer Oak King has been born. He will gain in ascendancy from this point on, showing that the Wheel of the Year always turns.
Yuletide in the Modern World
In Christian countries, Winter Solstice, or Yuletide, is replaced by Christmas. The stillness of this time of year is felt, but rarely acknowledged. Most people have exhausted their energies in the preparations for Christmas Day celebrations, when they instinctively know it's time to stop--and eat!
The Feast of Fools
The ancient Yule rituals still predominate today. The Lord of Misrule, who originated in the wild Roman Saturnalia festivals (that ended on the Winter Solstice), presided over a time of chaos, which is still echoed in some of today's Christmas office parties. normal behavior is replaced by people acting like fools. Yule has also always been a time of feasting and plenty, hopefully setting the pattern of abundance for the year to come.
Yuletide Celebrations
Celebrate the Yuletide traditions of old, such as kissing under the mistletoe and making Yule logs, as the Wheel of the Year turns around the Winter Solstice
Ancient Pagan Roots
Many of the customs you may observe at Christmas are rooted in Pagan ritual. Evergreens, for example, have always been brought indoors at Yuletide to symbolize everlasting life. This ritual survives in the traditional Christmas tree. Other aspects of the festivities, such as kissing under the mistletoe, also hark back to ancient beliefs.
Fertility Rites
Holly and mistletoe were used in fertility rites to ensure the coming of spring. Red holly berries represent the life-blood of the female, while white mistletoe berries represent drops of male semen. The Yule's holly wreath also referred to the Wheel of the Year, as Yule means "wheel".
Making a Yule Log
The Yule log was traditionally cut from oak, because of its connections with the Oak King of summer. It burns slowly and with great heat, redolent of the Sun. Make your own Yule log by following these steps:
1. Get a piece of wood, preferably oak, approximately 4 inches thick and 10 inches long.
2. Drill three holes in the top of the log. then wrap tin foil around the bottom of three red candles and wedge these in the holes in the log.
3. Decorate the log with holly, ivy and mistletoe, and light the three candles to welcome the rebirth of the Sun King.
Welcome the Sun
Many of the customs surrounding the Winter Solstice involve honoring the return of the Sun and celebrating the birth of the Sun King -- or Oak King, in Celtic circles. As a change of pace from the usual rush of social activity, Christmas parties, and festivities surrounding this time of year, you many wish to find a moment of solitude to welcome back the Sun.
A meditative Ritual
Se the atmosphere for your private Winter Solstice ritual by darkening a room in your home and kneeling at a small table where you have placed a red candle. Reflect on all the things that you hope for the New Year, and visualize the Sun rising up out of darkness to a position high above the Earth. Light the candle and say, " I welcome back the life-giving light of the Sun."
Tribal Gathering
An ancient need stirs within the human soul at this time of year for contact with the tribe. On the eve of the Winter Solstice, gather with friends and family, and watch the Sun set for the last time under the rulership of the Holly King. Then invite everyone home and light the Yule log.
Community
Sit everyone around the fire and let people tell their hopes and dreams for the following year. You can also have fun making a hot punch with plenty of spices and apples, then drink together from a communal cup -- traditionally called the wassail bowl.
You gathering may wish to spread their good cheer and visit your neighbors with gifts of food, to share the festivities of Yuletide in this very traditional way.
The Real Story of Christmas-- click here
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Cleansing Ritual for a Sick Friend
When a friend becomes ill, help speed his or her recovery by performing a cleansing ritual.
Performing a cleansing spell will help to cleanse your sick friends of their illness, and of any problems that might interfere with their recovery, such as feelings of vulnerability and depression.
Allowing time to recover
Before beginning, be mindful of your intentions; a person may need to go through a period of illness before he can be well again. Say "for the highest good" or " by divine will" before performing healing spells to show that you are honoring the process of the illness, as well as wishing for your friend's recovery.
Circle of Salt
Whenever you set up a spell, it is important to form some kind of circle around your activities. This defines the space, allowing you to focus your attention and helping to contain the energies you are channeling. This is called "binding" your spell the best way to bind a cleansing ritual is with a circle of salt, into which you can visualize the illness dissolving.
Performing your Ritual
You will need:
1 pale blue pillar candle
Flowers
A memento of your sick friend- such as a photo or a piece of their jewelry
Natural sea salt.
You may perform this ritual up to three times a day.
1. No Disturbances---Find a quiet place to perform your ritual.
2. Healing Flowers---Place the flowers in a vase and set them down beside the candle.
3. Remember the Sick---Place the memento of your friend that you have chosen beside the candle.
4. Bind your Spell---Sprinkle a loose circle of natural sea salt around the group of items you have set up in order to define your magical area.
5. Candle Magic---Light your candle, and watch it slowly burn.
6. Thinking of You---Sit quietly for 15 minutes and imagine your friend's pain or sickness dissolving into the salt.
7. Ground the Spell---Blow our your candle, sweep up the salt, and dispose of it into some earth (away from plants, as salt can damage them.)
Every item used in your cleansing spell has a specific purpose, although you may choose to make slight variations depending on the particular situation.
A Personal Item
The personal item you use will focus your thoughts on your friend, and clear any other concerns from your mind. By placing it at the center of the spell, you are showing that your friend's well being is your primary concern.
If you don't have a recent photo of your friend, use an item of her jewelry instead. Something you gave as a present will help strengthen the bond between you.
Wish for the outcome that is best for your friend-- not just for you. People need time to recover slowly more than you need your social life back!
Flowers for Life
Flowers are filled with the Sun's golden energy, making them an ideal ingredient in healing spells and a perfect gift for a sick friend even when you aren't casting a spell. Good flowers to use include:
Marigolds----represent and remind us of the life giving Sun, promote rest, recovery and renewal.
Red Geraniums---generally associated with strong and courageous Mars, the God of War, aid a speedy recovery.
Cyclamen---offers protection from setbacks during sleep and convalescence.
White Roses---promotes peace of mind and tranquility. White is the color of purity, washing away our worries and ills.
Potted Plants---those who watch the living, breathing plant grow will gain strength as they recover and their health blossoms.
Candles for Change
Candles represent fire, which gives out the heat and light necessary for life. Candles also symbolize transformation--our problems dissolve along with the wax.
* Use a pale blue candle to bring serenity, happiness, and protection.
* Use a wide or pillar candle so that it can be lit and re-lit throughout your friend's illness. A slow-burning candle is best, as recovery takes time.
* If your friend is undergoing surgery, use a violet candle, as this represents success and victory over the challenge.
* Use a black candle if your friend has been emotionally hurt, or is depressed.
Focus on the candle's flame as you imagine your good wishes flying toward your friend, carried by the smoke.
Crystals for Focus
Crystals send out subtle vibrations that affect the atmosphere. If you use an item of your friend's jewelry in your spell, the crystal set into it can help the spell to work.
* Amethyst clears headaches, stress and anxiety
* Citrine eases emotional states such as depression
* Turquoise is a master healing stone that strengthens and protects during illness
* Quartz harmonizes environments
As well as using crystals in spells, you can give your sick friend a small crystal touchstone to put under his or her pillow.
Performing a cleansing spell will help to cleanse your sick friends of their illness, and of any problems that might interfere with their recovery, such as feelings of vulnerability and depression.
Allowing time to recover
Before beginning, be mindful of your intentions; a person may need to go through a period of illness before he can be well again. Say "for the highest good" or " by divine will" before performing healing spells to show that you are honoring the process of the illness, as well as wishing for your friend's recovery.
Circle of Salt
Whenever you set up a spell, it is important to form some kind of circle around your activities. This defines the space, allowing you to focus your attention and helping to contain the energies you are channeling. This is called "binding" your spell the best way to bind a cleansing ritual is with a circle of salt, into which you can visualize the illness dissolving.
Performing your Ritual
You will need:
1 pale blue pillar candle
Flowers
A memento of your sick friend- such as a photo or a piece of their jewelry
Natural sea salt.
You may perform this ritual up to three times a day.
1. No Disturbances---Find a quiet place to perform your ritual.
2. Healing Flowers---Place the flowers in a vase and set them down beside the candle.
3. Remember the Sick---Place the memento of your friend that you have chosen beside the candle.
4. Bind your Spell---Sprinkle a loose circle of natural sea salt around the group of items you have set up in order to define your magical area.
5. Candle Magic---Light your candle, and watch it slowly burn.
6. Thinking of You---Sit quietly for 15 minutes and imagine your friend's pain or sickness dissolving into the salt.
7. Ground the Spell---Blow our your candle, sweep up the salt, and dispose of it into some earth (away from plants, as salt can damage them.)
Your Cleansing Ritual Ingredients
Every item used in your cleansing spell has a specific purpose, although you may choose to make slight variations depending on the particular situation.
A Personal Item
The personal item you use will focus your thoughts on your friend, and clear any other concerns from your mind. By placing it at the center of the spell, you are showing that your friend's well being is your primary concern.
If you don't have a recent photo of your friend, use an item of her jewelry instead. Something you gave as a present will help strengthen the bond between you.
Wish for the outcome that is best for your friend-- not just for you. People need time to recover slowly more than you need your social life back!
Flowers for Life
Flowers are filled with the Sun's golden energy, making them an ideal ingredient in healing spells and a perfect gift for a sick friend even when you aren't casting a spell. Good flowers to use include:
Marigolds----represent and remind us of the life giving Sun, promote rest, recovery and renewal.
Red Geraniums---generally associated with strong and courageous Mars, the God of War, aid a speedy recovery.
Cyclamen---offers protection from setbacks during sleep and convalescence.
White Roses---promotes peace of mind and tranquility. White is the color of purity, washing away our worries and ills.
Potted Plants---those who watch the living, breathing plant grow will gain strength as they recover and their health blossoms.
Candles for Change
Candles represent fire, which gives out the heat and light necessary for life. Candles also symbolize transformation--our problems dissolve along with the wax.
* Use a pale blue candle to bring serenity, happiness, and protection.
* Use a wide or pillar candle so that it can be lit and re-lit throughout your friend's illness. A slow-burning candle is best, as recovery takes time.
* If your friend is undergoing surgery, use a violet candle, as this represents success and victory over the challenge.
* Use a black candle if your friend has been emotionally hurt, or is depressed.
Focus on the candle's flame as you imagine your good wishes flying toward your friend, carried by the smoke.
Crystals for Focus
Crystals send out subtle vibrations that affect the atmosphere. If you use an item of your friend's jewelry in your spell, the crystal set into it can help the spell to work.
* Amethyst clears headaches, stress and anxiety
* Citrine eases emotional states such as depression
* Turquoise is a master healing stone that strengthens and protects during illness
* Quartz harmonizes environments
As well as using crystals in spells, you can give your sick friend a small crystal touchstone to put under his or her pillow.
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