Volume 9 Issue 2 Imbolc 2012 - White Moon

Volume 9 Issue 2 Imbolc 2012

Issue 2 Imbolc 2012

Contents

Holy Days Imbolc and Ostara, Ajna DreamsAwake Ritual Work Amaterasu Sun Goddess Ritual, Mystic Amazon Celebrating Imbolc with Celtic Goddess Brighid, Maeve Cliohdna MoonBird Gardening with the Goddess Endings and Beginnings, BellaDonna Oya Sacred Sites Papua New Guinea, Ajna DreamsAwake OWM Awareness OWM Happenings, Kerritwyn Ceannaire The Bardic Soul: Poetry and Song for the Spirit Courage to Heal Invocation, Moonwater Chalcedony Ashwood Call of the Mists, Mystic Amazon

Imbolc and Ostara

Imbolc celebrates the awakening of the land and the return of the Sun. Though the Earth remains under a blanket of snow, life is stirring. The sap begins to run, the first buds are seen on branches and the days are noticeably longer. If possible, walk outside naked, breathing in the cold air of Winter, then visualize and remember the splendour of sun's warmth.

Brighid is said to walk the earth on Imbolc eve. Before going to bed, each member of the household may leave a piece of clothing or strip of cloth outside for Brighid to bless. These cloths are imbued with Brighid's blessing and may be carried on one's person, or used in ritual magick. On Imbolc eve, place lighted candles in windows to welcome the Goddess. A ritual bonfire is also a wonderful way to honour Brighid. Once the embers have cooled, rake the ashes smooth. In the morning, look for some kind of mark on the ashes, a sign that Brighid has passed through.

This is the time to give your home a good thorough cleaning in preparation for a visit from Brighid. If you have a fireplace, ensure it is cleaned very well. Birch has strong associations with Brighid, and a branch of this tree may be used to symbolically sweep the floors, clearing away old energies. This is a time to ask forgiveness from those people you may have hurt, and to forgive those who may have hurt you. Imbolc eve is one of the best times of the year to perform divinations specifically pertaining to the future welfare and prosperity of your family.

Ostara marks the day of the Vernal Equinox, when the balance of light and dark are equal. It is the first day of Spring and promise of new life at Imbolc is now

fulfilled. Many of the traditions now associated with Easter may be used to honour the Season at this time.

Decorating eggs is a wonderful way to celebrate. Eggs have long been a symbol of rebirth and renewal. Eggs may be coloured in pastel shades to replicate the delicate flowers of early Spring, or in vibrant shades of orange, yellow or gold in honour of the Sun. Eggs may be decorated with assorted symbols, infused with prayers or specific qualities. As the egg is ingested, the eater takes these qualities within herself. The eggshells may be scattered in the garden for compost. In the Ukraine, it was believed the yolk represented the Sun, and the white shell, the Moon. Pysanky are a unique type of decorated egg from Russia. Covered in magical symbols for protection, fertility, wisdom, strength and other qualities, they are often given as gifts, or used as talismans. The decorating of the Pysanky belong solely to the realm of women, and Mothers would pass on the designs to their Daughters.

Another Ostara ritual is that of awakening Mother Earth. Cast your circle, then take a stick or wand, stand in the North and tap on the ground three times and call on Mother Earth to "wake up". Repeat this three times. You may then wish to invite Mother Earth into your circle to honour Her.

Traditional foods include ham, fresh greens such as dandelion, nettles, asparagus and fiddleheads, eggs, cheese, butter, pancakes, hot cross buns. You may, instead, prefer a ritual fasting to cleanse the body of toxins. For three days prior to Ostara, eliminate refined sugars, white flour, processed foods, alcohol, and red meat. Eat fresh fruit and vegetables and drink plenty of water. If you have health issues, be sure to discuss with your doctor before attempting to fast.

There may be a tendency to create drastic new beginnings in our lives as we go through the euphoria of rebirth, but beware Mercury Retrograde. Stick to small personal changes, or simple and attainable goals. By the time mercury goes Direct, you may have enough information to determine whether these new pursuits are appropriate.

? Ajna DreamsAwake Ajna DreamsAwake is an Adept of The Sacred Three Goddess School. She lives on a mountain in beautiful British Columbia with her husband, cats, ferrets and other varied critters of nature. Ajna works with vibrational medicine and toning to heal the Earth's Children. She is an eclectic Pagan, rediscovering Her Visionary Goddess Gifts.

Amaterasu Sun Goddess Ritual

You will need: 1 red candle to represent the Goddess 1 candle to represent yourself in your preferred color 1 black candle to represent the shadow self 1 white candle Round mirror or mirrors (makeup compact mirrors are okay) Crystals, if desired Cinnamon incense Oils, such as Jasmine and/or Dragon's Blood

Cast your Circle; call in the Elements, 4 Directions, and the Higher Powers. You may also wish to call upon your ancestors and guides.

'Dress' or oil your candles. If you are going to carve anything on them though, do that first. On the red candle, carve an image of the sun. On the black candle, carve 'facing the shadow self' and 'releasing negativity'. You can use two black candles if you wish, it's up to you. You can carve your name on yours, and since the white one will represent Spirit or Enlightenment, you can carve that on it or just leave it blank. (The intent is always the main thing!) Put mirrors around to represent the Sun Goddess, and crystals such as white quartz, citrine or yellow topaz.

Light your candles. Put the white candle next to the black candle to represent illumination. Put your candle next to the Goddess candle. Put mirrors and crystals around the candles.

Center yourself; then say this invocation three times.

Invocation to Amaterasu

Amaterasu, bright Goddess of the Sun! Shine upon us who call upon you! Light the path before us,

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