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
Saturday, December 8, 2007
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.
Monday, October 15, 2007
The Ivy Moon: September 30- October 27
The Ivy Moon coincides with the end of the harvest season when successes and losses must be accounted for. In ancient times, intoxicating ale was brewed from ivy and was used to induce visions of the battlefield.
The plant teaches us that restrictions are necessary to help us hone our skills. During this month, remember that your enemies are your teachers and that opposition is a blessing in disguise. Focus on magic that strengthens your resolve.
Prepare for the future
Spells that boost your sense of responsibility will make you ready for what lies ahead. Be prepared to take the long-term view and accept and celebrate your life as it is right now. Trust that the Ivy Moon will prepare you to receive an answer to your prayers at exactly the right time.
The Ritual of the "Ivy Girl"
Ivy grows in a spiral formation reminding us that each cycle of the seasons brings us closer to the center, to the spirit. The last harvest sheaf to be cut in the village was once bound with ivy and called the "Ivy Girl". This was given to the farmer whose harvest was last, as a reminder of his responsibility to the spirits of the land.
IVY MYTHOLOGY
Ivy is ruled by the planet Saturn and is often linked with horned gods such as Pan and Dionysus, and as such is a plant of protection, sexuality, property and faith. Ivy was also believed to protect from alcoholic intoxication. For this reason, intertwined vines of grape and ivy, representing balance, were depicted in ancient images of Dionysus.
IVY MOON MAGIC
House Protection Spell
Utilize the magic of ivy to protect your home from negative influences. You will need:
A black candle
Lots of ivy stems
--Light the candle and say," I call upon the spirits of this place, come in peace."
--Make a circle of ivy stems on the floor and step into the center.
--Turn to the north and recite, "Spirits of the Earth protect me."
--To the east say, "Spirits of air protect me."
--To the south say, "Spirits of fire protect me."
--To the west say, "Spirits of water protect me."
--Place the stems that formed your circle at the boundaries of your property.
Women's Ivy Charms
Ivy is a feminine plant and it is particularly lucky for women. Use the following ivy charms all year around to utilize ivy's powerful magical properties.
*Brides who carry or wear ivy will have a long, committed and prosperous marriage. Sew an ivy leaf into a small pocket of white linen, and give this to a bride to slip into the hem of her wedding dress for luck.
*To guard against accidents while driving, carefully secure an ivy leaf on your car's dashboard.
*Grow ivy vines around the front door of your house to prevent negativity from entering your home.
Facing Challenges
Performing this ritual during the Ivy Moon will help you to learn from difficult circumstances and move on. To perform this ritual you will need:
A piece of paper
A pen
A white candle
A fireproof dish
*Write a list of the troubles that you are experiencing.
*Next to each one write what you have gained from it, for example "It made me stronger."
*Light the candle saying, "This flame represents my faith in the universe. I give thanks for the lessons I have learned."
*Burn the paper and feel yourself grow stronger.
Ivy Spell Bags
Use the magic of ivy to strengthen your willpower.
--Ivy leaves, ginger and echinacea (pronounced eck-can-ay-sha) placed in a yellow spell bag will guard against addictive behavior.
--Ivy leaves, chicory, sea salt and sage in a navy blue bag will guard against overspending.
--A charm of ivy leaves, hawthorn leaves, and red chili seeds placed in a white spell bag will help to keep you faithful to your lover.
--Placing ivy leaves lily petals and lilac flowers in a blue spell bag will prevent you from returning to a destructive relationship.
The plant teaches us that restrictions are necessary to help us hone our skills. During this month, remember that your enemies are your teachers and that opposition is a blessing in disguise. Focus on magic that strengthens your resolve.
Prepare for the future
Spells that boost your sense of responsibility will make you ready for what lies ahead. Be prepared to take the long-term view and accept and celebrate your life as it is right now. Trust that the Ivy Moon will prepare you to receive an answer to your prayers at exactly the right time.
The Ritual of the "Ivy Girl"
Ivy grows in a spiral formation reminding us that each cycle of the seasons brings us closer to the center, to the spirit. The last harvest sheaf to be cut in the village was once bound with ivy and called the "Ivy Girl". This was given to the farmer whose harvest was last, as a reminder of his responsibility to the spirits of the land.
IVY MYTHOLOGY
Ivy is ruled by the planet Saturn and is often linked with horned gods such as Pan and Dionysus, and as such is a plant of protection, sexuality, property and faith. Ivy was also believed to protect from alcoholic intoxication. For this reason, intertwined vines of grape and ivy, representing balance, were depicted in ancient images of Dionysus.
IVY MOON MAGIC
House Protection Spell
Utilize the magic of ivy to protect your home from negative influences. You will need:
A black candle
Lots of ivy stems
--Light the candle and say," I call upon the spirits of this place, come in peace."
--Make a circle of ivy stems on the floor and step into the center.
--Turn to the north and recite, "Spirits of the Earth protect me."
--To the east say, "Spirits of air protect me."
--To the south say, "Spirits of fire protect me."
--To the west say, "Spirits of water protect me."
--Place the stems that formed your circle at the boundaries of your property.
Women's Ivy Charms
Ivy is a feminine plant and it is particularly lucky for women. Use the following ivy charms all year around to utilize ivy's powerful magical properties.
*Brides who carry or wear ivy will have a long, committed and prosperous marriage. Sew an ivy leaf into a small pocket of white linen, and give this to a bride to slip into the hem of her wedding dress for luck.
*To guard against accidents while driving, carefully secure an ivy leaf on your car's dashboard.
*Grow ivy vines around the front door of your house to prevent negativity from entering your home.
Facing Challenges
Performing this ritual during the Ivy Moon will help you to learn from difficult circumstances and move on. To perform this ritual you will need:
A piece of paper
A pen
A white candle
A fireproof dish
*Write a list of the troubles that you are experiencing.
*Next to each one write what you have gained from it, for example "It made me stronger."
*Light the candle saying, "This flame represents my faith in the universe. I give thanks for the lessons I have learned."
*Burn the paper and feel yourself grow stronger.
Ivy Spell Bags
Use the magic of ivy to strengthen your willpower.
--Ivy leaves, ginger and echinacea (pronounced eck-can-ay-sha) placed in a yellow spell bag will guard against addictive behavior.
--Ivy leaves, chicory, sea salt and sage in a navy blue bag will guard against overspending.
--A charm of ivy leaves, hawthorn leaves, and red chili seeds placed in a white spell bag will help to keep you faithful to your lover.
--Placing ivy leaves lily petals and lilac flowers in a blue spell bag will prevent you from returning to a destructive relationship.
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