Beyond the darkness of winter, there is an oasis of light and warmth on the journey from solstice to spring. Known as Candlemas, Imbolg, Brigantia, or Lupercus, it is a hope-filled celebration held in early February to welcome the returning light and the promise of spring. Candlemas sheds light on the origins, lore, and customs of this ancient holy day with:
·Myths and stories: Brigit the Goddess, Brigid the Saint, and her meaning today
·Candlemas magick and divination: flame scrying, hearthside divination, candle magick, and protection magick
·Late winter goodies and feasts: Brede's Braid Bread, Guiness Stew, Bubble and Squeak, Mulled Cider or Wine
·February festivals and traditions: rituals for purification, blessings, and renewal, from the Irish, British, Scots, Welsh, Norwegian, Greek, Roman, and Chinese cultures
·Seasonal crafts and games: Brigid's crosses or sun wheels, "Begging for Biddy," and a Brigit corn dolly
Several of the Pagan sabbats are intimately connected with individual deities, or aspects of Deity. Eostre/ Ostara is the festival of the spring goddess, Lammas/Lughnassad is the celebration of the Celtic Lugh of the Long Arm, Beltane is sacred to ...
Well, dear readers, here we are at another cross quarter, midway between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox. This has always been a good time to cast away some of those winter blahs in order to open ourselves to the spring that is buried ...
The sands of time cannot erase the ancient ways of the Middle East. Generations of selective history and the destruction of sacred sites cannot destroy them. Elusive, like shimmering heat from a sun-warmed mudbrick, the magic endures. Cast your eyes over the ruins glittering in the golden sun and embrace their foundation. The sun set on the... read this article
