New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
As you "deck the halls with boughs of holly," remember to hang up some fresh greenery in your home for the winter faeries. According to legend, the faeries enjoy coming into a magical home for a little vacation from the cold and to enjoy the lights, decorations, and excitement of the holiday season. Arrange your fresh greenery on the mantle or hang it above your doorways and repeat this charm. Here's wishing you an enchanting holiday season! These fresh holly, ivy, and evergreen ...
The Consualia was a yearly festival for Consus, the Roman god who protected the grain. Mars, and the Lares (household gods) were often also celebrated on this day. Today we often take food for granted; even in the dead of winter one can go to a supermarket and get fresh produce. There are plenty of people in the twenty-first century who never have enough to eat, and the Consualia is a reminder to not assume food will always be available. When you prepare supper tonight, set aside a plate for ...
Are you exhausted from the holiday craziness? If you need a break from all the manic energy, consider building a special earth altar. Earth is the ruling element in winter. Earth is the realm of silence, death, sleep, and darkness. Its powers include those of healing, prosperity, and manifestation. Build an earth altar in a quiet corner of your house as a place to rest your spirit. Use cloths of brown, black, and green and place on your altar a vase of bare branches and a pentacle, the tool ...
In the dark of winter, we see the harsher side of the world. The shadows lie sharp on the snow; the light flares on the ice. Challenges come upon us. It helps to have protection-but you don't want to let the dark side of your emotions rule you. So put up a shield to deflect negative energies. For this spell, you'll need a holiday ornament covered in mirrored tiles (easily found at this time of year) and four silver or white candles. Light the candles and hang the ornament between them. ...
