As usual whilst I'm sitting
here at my computer typing away, my familiar Bob has jumped on my lap wanting
strokes and cuddles! I don't blame him:
its pouring with rain outside and it doesn't seem possible that we are
celebrating the wiccan festival of Imbolc on the 2nd of this month. Imbolc, also known as Candlemas celebrates
the end of winter and the beginnings of spring.
Tiny green shoots can be found starting their journey from seed to
flower and the sun is starting to rise higher in the sky. Another name for this festival is Brigid's
day - she is the Celtic goddess of Poetry, healing , Midwifery and anything
really that you can make with your hands.
As the darkness envelopes us all on this day, traditional lore says that
we should light many white candles to honour the goddess and to celebrate the
passing of winter. Spring may still feel
a long way off but the sun is being reborn and the days are getting longer. If you don't fancy lighting candles why not chill
out in front of a real log fire and raise a glass to Brigid and the
anticipation of long warm days fuelled by the energy of the sun.
Practical Magic
It hasn't escaped my notice
that this month it is Valentine's Day. Some of you may relish the excitement of
this; giving and receiving anonymous tokens of love, maybe being taken out
for a romantic meal or sent flowers
. Others of us may hate the
commercialisation of this day, feeling that love and appreciation should be
shown all year round. Is Valentine's Day
just a money making gimmick? Some people
are looking for love so for them Valentine's day might be just another sad
reminder that they have no special other to share it with. I believe that expressing gratitude is one
way of attracting more of the same into your life, so this month I am asking you to cut out a heart shape from a pink piece
of paper and write down on it all that
you are grateful for. It can be as long or as short as you like: 'I'm grateful
for my health/my black hair/my house/ my job/my friends'. Even when you feel life is tough, giving
thanks for what you have will ultimately attract more of what you want into
your life. If you can, try to practise
gratitude every day this month and see how you feel at the end of the February!
Crystal of the Month: Carnelian.
I wanted to choose a crystal
which like the sun is vibrant and full of energy. Carnelian is an orange/red colour and is
thought to restore vitality and stimulate creativity. It's a very positive stone and gives courage
and strength when needed. It is said to
help with arthritis/rheumatism, neuralgia and depression. I also think it's a great stone to have with
you during childbirth .
Archangel
Michael Card
This month's card is 'Your Home is Protected by Angels'. Are you having questions or vulnerable
feelings about your home or living arrangements? If so do not worry, Archangel Michael is
reassuring you that your home is being protected. If you are moving this is a sign that the
angels are assisting you with your relocation and in spite of setbacks
everything will go to plan. This card
can also indicate a financial windfall that will enable you to more easily pay
your mortgage or rent.
Moody Moon:
The full moon this month
falls on the 11th February, so expect things to come to a head on this
day. It falls in Leo, a sign of grandeur
and drama , so don't be surprised if things go with a bang! There might be
arguments and frayed tempers but they will all blow over as quickly as they began. There is also a Lunar Eclipse on the 11th at
00.45; this is where the moon passes through the Earth's partial shadow, but
sadly it will only darken slightly from the UK.
You will have better luck seeing
this from American, Africa or Asia.
The new moon is on February
26th, a time of new beginnings and offers, and this falls in the sign of Pisces. This new moon marks a Solar Eclipse
at 14.53 on the 26th, but the moon is too far away from the Earth to completely
cover the sun resulting in a ring of light around a darkened moon. Again sadly
this won't be visible from the UK, but if live in south and west Africa or South
America you will be able to see it.
Eat: Spicy foods in honour of the sun , seasonally you
can opt for Skate, Cod, Game (For one more month only), and apples, pears and
oranges are still in abundance.
Play: Not only is February 2nd Imbolc in the Wiccan calendar,
but it is also Groundhog day! Take a
trip down Memory lane and make a date to watch the classic Bill Murray film
Groundhog Day.
Love: thy neighbour.
If you have someone that lives near you and is alone, whether elderly or
young, do try to reach out to them even if it's just with a smile. It can make
such a world of difference and is terribly infectious.
No comments:
Post a Comment