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Category: Basics

New Items for February 2018!
aqua aura~cobalt calcite~Crystals~dolomite~new~News~opal~Our Blog~Stones

New Items for February 2018!

It is February already and we have some beautiful new stones for you this month!

Pink Dolomite

This beautiful stone was discovered in 1791 in the Alps! It’s soft gentle color is calming and encourages self-realization. It also fortifies a sense of tradition and helps us acclimate to new communities. It promotes moderation and alleviates negative emotions!
Small: $14/ Large: $20
Available in-store and online

Cobalt Calcite Clusters

Cobalt Calcite also known as Sphaerocobaltite. In addition to the properties of Calcite, these crystals are said to be crystals of joy, and opens the heart to love and activates the heart chakra! It can also bring increased harmony for people or groups working with each other.  Allows for freer communication among the emotional, etheric, and physical bodies
It encourages and positivity and dispels negative energy in the auric body! 
Small: $25/ Large $35
Available in-store and online!

Natural Honey Opal

Honey Opal is a stone of emotional stability. It is often used to amplify positive emotions. It is useful in balancing the crown chakra. The opal is said to be many things including the most powerful of healing stones, the stone of hope, the stone of great achievement and even the “stone of the Gods”. Ancient Romans associated opal with hope and good luck! $6 each
Available online and in-store

Dendritic Agate, Tumbled

Dendritic Agate is a chalcedony containing branch or fern-like markings called dendrites. Dendrites are  formations of iron or manganese oxide inclusions that crystallize within the stone. This stone is considered an agate even though it does not portray a banded appearance that is common with most agates! This stone assists with connection with nature, promotes protection of earth and all its creatures, prosperity, emotional balance and creativity! $4 each
Available in-store and online

Aqua Aura Clusters

Aqua Aura Crystal is produced through a special process in which the surface of the crystal quartz is bonded with vaporized, finely powdered pure gold. This results in a stunning brilliant blue with iridescent rainbow flashes. This color-enhanced crystal is effective in stimulating the throat chakra, enhancing your ability to communicate inner truth, and to express inner emotions in a positive way.  We have extremely limited quantities of these clusters! Price: Varies – available in-store only!

February 22, 2018
Recipes~Sabbats

Recipes to spice up your Yule Celebration!

Yule is a wonderful time to bring family and friends together, and like our ancestors, plan out what our next year will look like.  There is nothing that feels better than sharing ideas, plans and love with family during these times.  These yule recipes will help you bring a little extra cheer to your table this year!

Mulled Wine 

This delicious recipe is best enjoyed in front of a roaring fire!

INGREDIENTS:

1 Bottle of Semi-sweet red wine (such as Merlot or Malbec)
1 Ounce of Mulling Spices
1/4 Cup of Honey
1/4 of Orange Juice
Garnish: 6″  Organic Cinnamon Sticks (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  1. 1. Put the wine in a medium pot and bring it to a low simmer.
  2. 2. Once it is bubbling, add the Mulling Spices
  3. 3. Cover it, reduce heat to low and mull for approximately 2 hours
  4. 4. When you are ready to serve, strain out the Mulling Spices, then put it back in the pot and add the honey and orange juice.  Make sure the honey dissolves completely.
  5. 5. Serve with Garnish if needed – can be served either hot or cold – Makes approximately 4 cups!

Wassail 

In some Wassail traditions, the spiced cider was offered as an ancient honor to the trees. In wintertime, wassailers would prepare the traditional wassail – soaking pieces of bread, cake or toast in it – and travel from apple orchard to apple orchard in effort to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Wassail-soaked pieces of bread or toast were then buried at the trees’ roots or hung in the trees’ branches to appease the tree spirits and feed them well until the next harvest.  This traditional wassail recipe features hard cider, sugar-roasted apples, brandy and sweet spices. It is a simple, old-fashioned recipe. We found this wonderful recipe by Jenny McGruther at nourishedkitchen.com!

Ingredients

4 small apples
¼ cup unrefined cane sugar
1 medium orange
13 Organic Whole Cloves
2 quarts hard apple cider
½ cup brandy
1 tbsp Organic Ginger Root Powder
1 tsp Organic Powdered Nutmeg
6 Organic Allspice Berries, Whole
2 to three  2-3″  Organic Cinnamon Sticks
6 large eggs, (separated)
toast, (optional, to serve with)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Scoop out the core of the apples without fully penetrating the apple – a melon baller works well. Fill each apple with about a tablespoon of unrefined cane sugar.
  3. Place the apples in the baking sheet. Stud an orange with thirteen Organic Whole Cloves and place it in the baking sheet. Bake the apples and orange together for forty minutes.
  4. While the apples and orange bake, pour apple cider and brandy into a heavy-bottomed stock pot and warm over moderately low heat.
  5. Whisk in Organic Ginger Root Powder and Organic Powdered Nutmeg. Do not bring the wassail to a boil.
  6. Cut a small square of the butter muslin and place Organic Allspice Berries, Whole and  2-3″  Organic Cinnamon Sticks into the square; tie with 100% cotton cooking twine and float this sachet of spices in the wassail as it warms.
  7. Beat egg yolks until light in color and set aside. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold egg yolks into whites, then temper the eggs by slowly pouring one-half cup wassail into the eggs.
  8. Remove the spice sachet from the wassail and pour in the tempered eggs. Transfer to a punch bowl. Float baked apples and orange in the wassail and serve by the mug, topping each mug with a small slice of toast if desired.

Yule Plum Pudding

The Yule plum pudding is considered a symbol of good luck and success in the coming year, so why not turn it into an addition to your magical menu? As you stir up your batter, visualize your intent. Direct energy into the pudding, focusing on health, prosperity and good fortune in the coming new year!

 

INGREDIENTS

Fruit Mixture (To be made 4 days ahead)
1 pound seedless raisins
1 pound sultana raisins
1/2 pound currants
1 cup thinly sliced citron (can be replaced with grapefruit and lemon)
1 cup chopped candied peel
1 teaspoon Organic Cinnamon Powder
1/2 teaspoon Organic Mace (ground into powder)
1/2 teaspoon Organic Powdered Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon Organic Clove Powder
1/4 teaspoon Organic Allspice Powder
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground Organic Black Pepper
1 pound finely chopped suet – powdery fine (can substitute with lard or vegetable shortening)
1 1/4 cups cognac

Pudding
1 1/4 pounds (approximately) fresh bread crumbs
1 cup scalded milk
1 cup sherry or port
12 eggs, well beaten
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Cognac

PREPARATION

  1. Blend the fruits, citron, peel, spices and suet and place in a bowl or jar. Add 1/4 cup cognac, cover tightly and refrigerate for 4 days, adding 1/4 cup cognac each day.
  2. Soak the bread crumbs in milk and sherry or port.
  3. Combine the well-beaten eggs and sugar. Blend with the fruit mixture. Add salt and mix thoroughly.
  4. Put the pudding in buttered bowls or tins, filling them about 2/3 full. Cover with foil and tie it firmly.
  5. Steam for 6-7 hours. Uncover and place in a 250°F. oven for 30 minutes. Add a dash of cognac to each pudding, cover with foil and keep in a cool place.
  6. To use, steam again for 2-3 hours and unmold. Sprinkle with sugar; add heated cognac.
  7. Ignite and bring to the table. Serve with hard sauce or cognac sauce.

We hope you enjoy these recipes! We would love to see the pictures of what you created!!

 

December 1, 2017
What does my stone do?
Correspondences~Crystal~Elements~Healing~metaphysics~News~Our Blog

What does my stone do?

Many people ask that.  If you look on any crystal healing and metaphysical sites, you will see a huge amount of information that in the end, pretty much tells you that every crystal does everything.

There are important things to note about crystals.  They are little parts of our planet, with their own energy.  Their energy will interact with your energy for unique results for each one of us.  This is why some stones may feel really good for one person while others feel “off” for another.  

So with that said, what is the best way to know? Well – the fact is that forces in our planet have been hard at work for years creating these little gems!  They were created by the fires of volcanoes, the layering over time of debris, water currents or even the extreme pressures of continental plates pushing against one another.  These energies are tied into the matrix abd creation of each stone, so ultimately they are going to be dictating what energies that stone is aligned with.

So the next time you want to know the energy of a stone, instead of heading to a metaphysical site, head to wikipedia and see how that little gem was created!

Creation

So how did your stone come to life? What it underwater? Was it deep in the earth with intense pressure of a crater? Was it through a volcanic eruption? All of these things can give you a glimpse of the type of energy stored in each stone!

Colors

Colors have an impact on the energy of a stone in that it vibrates at a certain frequency.  So whatever energies are inside of that stone, that energy will be somewhat affected by the color frequency of that stone.

  • Red, Orange, Yellow: Creativity, power, change, drive, stamina, courage, lust, purification
  • White, Light Blue, Clear: Calming, focus, Healing, Spirits
  • Black, Brown: Grounding and Protection
  • Green – Prosperity, health, abundance
  • Dark Blue – Meditation, thought, Clarity, Academics
  • Pink, white: Love, relationships, self-love
  • Purple: Calming, stress relief, psychic ability.

Elements

Another easy way to see what types of energy are in that stone is to look at what elements created them.  If they were created deep in the earth through intense heat and pressure, the primary elements are earth and fire.  If they were created near a water via hydrothermal energy, they contain water and fire.  If they were created through erosion, they contain air and so on.

  • Fire: Stones formed through fire bring passion, drive, excitement, courage
  • Water: Stones formed through water bring healing, relationships, emotions, personal development
  • Earth: Stones formed through earth bring healing, abundance, prosperity, luck, grounding
  • Air: Stones formed through air bring clarity, psychic development, thought, creativity, communication, movement

 

Want to learn more? Visit us in Rock Hill or even sign up for our Gemstone Classes!

March 29, 2017
Lady Raven's Blog~Sabbats~Spells and Rituals~Uncategorized

Bonfire for Beltane!

Although bonfires tend to be popular in all ancient pagan practices, Beltane is the time of year when it seems the most fitting!  There are many ways to incorporate a Bonfire into your ritual – and it doesn’t even have to be large.  Sure, if you have the space and a nice fire pit, a big Beltane fire is idea – but if not, there are other ways to still bring the feel of a Bonfire into your celebration!

Portable Bonfires

These can be great if you have no permanent fire pit in your backyard or if you want to be able to travel with your fire pit.  They can range in price from under $20 all the way up to over $300 – so there is an option to fit any budget.  You can purchase these at any home improvement store or even make your own! This blog tells you step by step how to make one out of a flower pot!: Create a Fire pit out of Flower Pot!

Please remember that no matter what you decide to do, be safe! Here are some fire tips from a former firefighter to help you have a fun and safe experience: Fire pit safety tips

Indoor Cauldron Fire

If your only option is to be indoors, you can still have the fire experience with an indoor cauldron fire!  You will need the following items

  • Cast-Iron Cauldron – mine is quite small, about 4″ in diameter
  • Epsom Salts – easy to find at the supermarket or pharmacy
  • Rubbing Alcohol – 70% isopropyl (safer) or 90% isopropyl (hotter)
  • Fire-Proof surface, preferably not heat conductive
  • Long Wooden Matches

It is best to use a cast-iron cauldron, since one won’t be too hard to get and it can withstand the heat. Don’t use aluminum, since it sometimes melts or can even catch on fire. Never make an indoor fire in a cauldron that is painted, since burning or even very hot paint will produce dangerous fumes.

Use half (by volume, not weight) alcohol and epsom salts.  Always put the cauldron on a fireproof surface (such as a hearth, other tile surface, metal, etc.) and make sure that the only nearby objects are reasonably heat-resistant. Taper candles, if placed too close, will bend or even melt. Votives in glass holders work better.

Always keep a bucket of water nearby in case things somehow get out of hand. A big box of baking soda also works well. Let the cauldron burn out by itself (how long this takes depends on the size of the cauldron and how much fuel you have put into it), wait till it is cool, and then soak the inside in water to loosen the grayish mass of salts that’s been fused together by the fire. After letting it soak overnight it’s not too hard to clean.

If it’s necessary to put the cauldron out suddenly, covering it with a fireproof lid is the easiest and least-messy method, but be careful not to burn yourself while putting the lid on. One of those big leather work gloves might be good to keep around.

Now that you have a fire, what can you do?

Once you have your fire pit – there are many different ways to incorporate this into your ritual!

  • – Use herbs – you can burn any herbs in your fire pit.  If you are using an indoor fire pit be sure to only burn a very small amount at a time so that you don’t have an out of control fire.
  • – Use lava rocks to help keep your fire going. Click here to see how to use lava rocks.
  • – Fires can symbolize messages moving up to the universe to to deity – they can also symbolize the cleansing or banishing of bad things and bad energies.
  • – Fires can make the start a new phase in life – can be used at the start of a project, symbolizing burning down the old to pave the way for the new.

 

What are the Nine Sacred Woods?

The nine sacred woods – or nine sacred woods of the bonfire are part of a traditional Celtic ceremony.  They represented the first nine tress in the Celtic calendar and are generally listed in the long version of the Wiccan Rede by Doreen Valiente.  Over the years, this has been changed to a Nine Sacred Herbs incense, which you can make yourself or purchase from us here: Nine Sacred Woods Incense.  This blend is a nice way to add a Celtic touch to any bonfire celebration!

April 7, 2016
Incense~Lady Raven's Blog~Sabbats

Beltane Fire Incense!

Here is a quick and easy recipe for a fiery Beltane Incense!

2 parts Mugwort
1 Part Elder Flowers
1 Part Basil
1 Part Hawthorn Berries
1 Part Patchouli
1 Part Cinnamon
1/2 Part Dragon’s Blood Resin

Blend well! You can burn this blend on a piece of charcoal or toss it into your Beltane Fire!!

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April 24, 2015
Crystals

Cleansing and Charging your Crystals!

Below are the basics on how to charge and cleanse any stones – whether you purchased them from us or not!

Cleansing

Pick the method that works best for you!

The most obvious reason to choose https://roids.co/buy-legal-anabolic-steroids-online/order-winstrol-pills/ over steroids is that you won’t have to worry about the DEA knocking on your door.

* Bury the stone in the earth for a period of 24-72 hours. Feel the vibrations when you take it out – if it needs more time, bury it again.
* Let the stone sit outside exposed to sunlight for one full day (sun up to sun down). Or if you prefer, let it sit in the full moonlight for one night (sundown to sun up).
* Use a sage smudge stick and pass the stones through the smoke.
* Let the stone soak in salt-water overnight (do not use this method for any soft stones,  natural stones or calcites!).

Charging

Pick the method that works best for you!

* The Sun/Moon – place crystal in the sunlight or moonlight anywhere from 10 minutes to 10 hours to activate it (this also cleanses it).
* The Soil – bury the crystal near a healthy crop overnight – it charges the crystal and cleanses it!
* Ocean – if you live by the beach, dip the stone in the ocean and then let it sit in the sun on the sand for about 10mins to an hour.
* Crystal Charging – place the crystal in a bowl of Clear Quartz crystal or in a Clear Quartz Cluster.
* Thunderstorm – place the crystal outside in a thunderstorm for a real power charge!

Enjoy your stones!!

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November 22, 2014
Mabon Incense Recipe
Herbs~Incense~Sabbats

Mabon Incense Recipe

Just in time for the season, you can make your mabon special by either purchasing one of our blends or making your own! For those of you that have never made one, here is an idea!

You will need:

2 parts sandalwood Powder
2 parts White Oak Bark
1 part rosemary
1 part cinnamon chips
1 part Apple Chips
1 part Frankincense

Grind them well in your mortar and pestle (or you can use a coffee grinder) and voilà! Your incense is ready to be burned on Charcoal!

* Here is how you can burn loose incense on charcoal

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September 16, 2014
Basics~Grimoire

Quick Reference

Below are some quick reference articles that should answer most basic questions about the basics of spellcasting.  If you are interested in further study, I have posted a list of books at the bottom for your convenience.

Working with herbs

* Using Loose Powder Incense
* Empowering your Herbal Blends
* Choosing your herbs
* Creating infused oils
* Creating Herbal Baths

Correspondences and Charts

* Planetary Correspondences
* Color Correspondences
* Moon Phase meanings

Wicca Basics

* Charging Candles and Candle Magick
* Cleansing Crystals
* Crystals and the Ckakras
* Guide to the Sabbats
* Cleansing and Charging Stones

Meditations and Workshops

* Working with the Elements
* Garden of Abundance Meditation 
* Energy Attunement Meditation

 

November 22, 2011
Sabbats

Sabbat Ritual Guide

This is a complete listing of the Sabbats – broken down by Month. This guide is available on our online BoS and I wanted to include it here as a reference. Enjoy!

January – None

February – Imbolc – 02/02

  • Imbolc/Candlemas Lore
  • Imbolc/Candlemas Rituals

March – Ostara – 03/20

  • Ostara/Spring Equinox Lore
  • Ostara/Spring Equinox Rituals
April – None

May
 – Beltane – 05/01
  • Beltane Lore
  • Beltane Rituals
  • Personal Maypole Ritual for Beltane
June – Litha – 06/21
  • Litha/Midsummer Lore
  • Litha/Midsummer Rituals
July – None

August
 – Lammas/Lughnasadh – 08/02
  • Lammas/Lughnasadh Lore
  • Lammas/Lughnasadh Rituals
September – Mabon/Autumn Equinox – 09/21
  • Mabon/Autumn Equinox Lore
  • Mabon/Autumn Equinox Rituals
October – Samhain – 10/31
  • Samhain Lore
  • Samhain Solitary Rituals

November – None

December – Yule – 12/21

  • Yule Lore
  • Yule Rituals
  • Yule Songs
 The Wheel of the YearThe Wheel of the Year
November 11, 2011
Sabbats

Imbolc/Candlemas Lore

Imbolc/Candlemas Lore

Imbolc is one of the four principal festivals of the Celtic calendar, celebrated either at the beginning of February or at the first local signs of Spring. Originally dedicated to the goddess Brighid, in the Christian period it was adopted as St Brigid’s Day. In Scotland the festival is also known as Latha Fhèill Brìghde, in Ireland as Lá Fhéile Bríde, and in Wales as Gwyl Ffraed.

While in the Northern Hemisphere Imbolc is conventionally celebrated on 1 February, in the Southern hemisphere it is sometimes celebrated on the calendar date, but those who see it primarily as a celebration of spring may move it to 1 August.Fire and purification is considered by many to be an important aspect of this festival. Brigid (also known as Brighid, Bríde, Brigit, Brìd) is the Goddess of poetry, healing and smithcraft. As both goddess and saint she is also associated with holy wells, sacred flames, and healing. To some, the lighting of candles and fires represents the return of warmth and the increasing power of the Sun over the coming months.

The holiday is a festival of the hearth and home, and a celebration of the lengthening days and the early signs of spring. Rituals often involve hearthfires, special foods, divination or simply watching for omens (whether performed in all seriousness or as children’s games), a great deal of candles, and perhaps an outdoor bonfire if the weather permits. If you also want to play online casino games, check out this sources for more information.

This season belongs to Brigid, the Celtic goddess who in later times became revered as a Christian saint. Originally, her festival on February 1 was known as Imbolc or Oimelc, two names which refer to the lactation of the ewes, the flow of milk that heralds the return of the life-giving forces of spring. Later, the Catholic Church replaced this festival with Candlemas Day on February 2, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and features candlelight processions. The powerful figure of Brigid the Light-Bringer overlights both pagan and Christian celebrations.In keeping with the policy of the Catholic Church to subsume pagan festivals into Christian feast-days, the Day of Bride became equated with Candlemas on February 2nd, the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Certainly, the service most used for this day in the medieval church made much of this symbolism, playing upon images of the appearance of divine light in the darkness of human sin, of renewal and rebirth of light in the dark time of the year, and of the new light of heaven come to transform an old world.In Britain, Candlemas was celebrated with a festival of lights. In the dark and gloomy days of February, the shadowy recesses of medieval churches twinkled brightly as each member of the congregation carried a lighted candle in procession around the church, to be blessed by the priest. Afterwards, the candles were brought home to be used to keep away storms, demons and other evils.

This custom lasted in England until it was banned in the Reformation for promoting the veneration of magical objects. Even so, the symbol of the lighted candles had too strong a hold on the popular imagination to be entirely cast aside.

Finally, traces of the festival of the growing light can even be traced to modern America in the Groundhog Day custom on February 2.  If the groundhog sees his shadow on this morning, it means there will be six more weeks of winter. The custom comes directly from Europe, and Scotland in particular, where an old couplet goes:

If Candlemas Day is bright and clear,
there’ll be two winters in the year.

Various other names for this Greater Sabbat are Imbolgc Brigantia (Caledonni), Imbolic (Celtic), Disting (Teutonic, Feb 14th), Lupercus (Strega), St. Bridget’s Day (Christian), Candlemas, Candlelaria (Mexican), the Snowdrop Festival. The Festival of Lights, or the Feast of the Virgin. All Virgin and Maiden Goddesses are honored at this time.

Deities of Imbolc

All Virgin/Maiden Goddesses, Brighid, Aradia, Athena, Inanna, Gaia, and Februa, and Gods of Love and Fertility, Aengus Og, Eros, and Februus.

Herbs of Imbolc

Angelica, Basil, Bay Laurel, Blackberry, Celandine, Coltsfoot, Heather, Iris, Myrrh, Tansy, Violets, and all white or yellow flowers.

Incense of Imbolc

Basil, Bay, Wisteria, Cinnamon, Violet, Vanilla, Myrrh. Imbolc/Candlemas

Incense Recipe

3 parts Frankincense
2 parts Dragon’s Blood
2 parts Sandalwood
1 part Cinnamon
a few drops Red Wine

Stones of Imbolc

Amethyst, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Onyx, Turquoise.

Foods of Imbolc:

Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Poppyseed Cakes, muffins, scones, and breads, all dairy products, Peppers, Onions, Garlic, Raisins, Spiced Wines and Herbal Teas.

Imbolc Recipies

Honey Cakes

By Terry Paajanen

Little fried cakes, dipped in honey and nutmeg. A delightful sweet Imbolc treat.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup Riesling wine
1 egg
2/3 cup flour
1 cup honey
2 tbs sugar
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
Dash of salt

PREPARATION:

Beat the egg together with the wine. In another mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, sugar and salt. Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture. Stir until blended through. Let sit for 30 minutes.

In another small bowl, mix the honey and nutmeg. In a skillet, heat up about a 1/2 inch of oil. Drop a tablespoon of batter into the oil and fry until golden brown. Drain off the oil, and dip into the honey mixture.

Poppy Seed Bread
By Terry Paajanen

Seeds are often used in any Imbolc recipe. Here is a simple seed bread that is just delicious.

INGREDIENTS:

5 eggs
3 3/4 cup flour
2 cups half n half
1 cup vegetable oil
2 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/3 cup poppy seeds
7 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp vanilla

PREPARATION:

Preheat your oven to 350F. With a hand mixer, blend together the poppy seeds, oils, eggs, sugar, vanilla and half n half. Add flour and baking powder. Mix together on high speed for 30 seconds. Pour into 2 greased loaf pans.

Bake for one hour or until tops of loaves are brown.

Returning Sun Spice Bread
By Akasha

1 1/4 cup flour
1/8 cup poppyseeds
2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 cup raisins, plain or golden
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup butter/margarine
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
3/4 cup Karo golden corn syrup
1/2 cup light brown sugar
4 tbs. milk
1 large egg, beaten
1 tsp. mixed spices**

**Equal parts of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

Sift the flour, soda, and baking powder into a non-metal bowl. Add the mixed spice and ginger. Next add the brown sugar and raisins. Mix. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. In a small sauce pan, melt the butter and the syrup over a low heat, then pour liquid into the well in the middle of the flour mixture. Add the beaten egg and the milk, and mix very well. Pour into a well greased 2-lb loaf pan and bake in a preheated oven at 325 degrees for 40-50 minutes. This bread can be made the night before as it improves with age. Makes 8-10 servings.

Imbolc Ritual Cake
By Akahsha

13/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tbs. poppyseeds
1 tbs. grated lemon peel
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tbs. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. salt
powdered sugar

This is all done in one pan, so clean up is a breeze! Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix flour, sugar, poppyseeds, baking soda, and salt with a fork in an ungreased 9″x9″x2″ baking pan. Stir in the remaining ingredients, except the powdered sugar. Bake 35-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, and the top is golden brown. Remove from oven and cool. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Makes 8 servings.

Lamb Stew
By Terry Paajanen

A hearty Irish lamb stew that’s pretty easy to make.

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 lbs bacon, diced
6 lbs boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 cup water
4 cups beef stock
1 cup white wine
4 cups carrots, diced
2 large onions, diced
3 potatoes
1 tsp thyme
2 bay leaves
2 tsp white sugar
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
3 cloves garlic, minced

PREPARATION:

Saute the bacon in a large skillet, and then set aside (save the meat and the fat). In a bowl, coat the lamb meat with salt, pepper and flour. Brown in the bacon fat. Remove the lamb from the pan and put in a large stock pot.

Leave about a quarter cup of fat in the pan. Saute the garlic and one chopped onion until soft. Add 1/2 cup of water to the pan to deglaze then pour pan contents into the stock pot along with the bacon, beef stock and sugar. Simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until tender. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for another 20 minutes.

Imbolc Altar

Imbolc is a festival of light, reflecting the lengthening of the day and the hope of spring. White, the color of light and milk, appears predominantly. Use a white altar cloth, add white and yellow flowers and candles.  Use votives or tea lights in glass jars that the kids can decorate to get them to participate. Be sure to use extra caution with candles if you have little ones. You may even choose to abstain from lighting them altogether and just keep them on the altar unlit for symbolic reasons. If candles are absolutely out of the question, use strings of holiday lights or make candles out construction paper.

Colors of Imbolc

White, Pink, Red, Yellow, lt. Green, Brown.

Spellwork for Imbolc

Imbolc is good for psychic work: still the dark time of the year, but looking toward spring. It’s also a good time to make your space hospitable for such work, banishing old energy to clear the way for new. Traditionally, witches purify themselves and their space at Imbolc. Any kind of cleansing or banishing will do, but consider ones that include fire and water, sacred to Brighid. Once purified, you’re ready to go further; at Imbolc, covens initiate new witches.
The spark of summer dances in the future now; Imbolc is a good time to seek inspiration, especially for healers and smiths of words or metal.  Imbolc is a white time, burning with inspiration and protection, cool with healing and purification. Prophesy flares, painting luster on the dark. Light your candle, call on Brighid, and know that under the snow the seeds of spring stir.

This is a time for purity, growth and Renewal. Spells that celebrate the Reunion of the Goddess and the God, fertility, and dispensing of the old and making way for the new are appropriate during this time.

Imbolc Activities

* This is traditionally a time of purification — clean your house! If you have any Christmas greenery lingering, burn it now. Make your own Brighid’s crosses and hang them up, especially in the kitchen where her influence can bless your food.

* Put out food — cake, buttered bread and milk will do — outside your door: Brighid and her cow walk through the neighborhood tonight, and will appreciate your offering.

* Leave a silk ribbon on your doorstep for Brighid to bless: It can then be used for healing purposes.

* Meditate upon what you would like to see grow in health and strength this year: for yourself, your family, your community, the Earth, and ask for Bride’s blessing upon your prayers.

* Candle Lighting, Stone Gatherings, Snow Hiking and Searching for Signs of Spring, Making of Brideo’gas and Bride’s Beds, Making Priapic Wands, Decorating Ploughs, Feasting, and Bon Fires maybe lit.

* Light a candle and burn sandalwood incense.

* Make dream pillows for everyone in the family (great to do with kids!)

* On Imbolc Eve, leave buttered bread in a bowl indoors for the faeries who travel with the Lady of Greenwood. Next day, dispose of it as the “essence” will have been removed.

* Place three ears of corn on the door as a symbol of the Triple GOddess and leave until Ostara.

* Cleanse the area where you do card readings or scrying with a censor burning rosemary or vervain, and say:

“By the power of this smoke I wash away the negative
influences that this place be cleansed for the Lady and her babe.”

 

November 11, 2011
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