Tag: paganism

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Simmer Pots; and the Magic behind them

I absolutely love simmer pots! I honestly can not praise them enough! Not only do they leave your house smelling amazing, are usually pretty inexpensive to do, but did you know they are jam packed full of magical energy and properties?

I recently learned most people including witches and pagans don’t know this about them!

Whether you consider yourself a Kitchen Witch, are vaguely interested in Kitchen Magic or just want to bring some good vibes and good smells into your home, simmer pots are an easy, accessible and fun ritual for any time of year!

Simmer pots are easy to create and customise to your liking, so you can make your kitchen a sacred space whenever you want!

In this blog post I will dive into the magic of simmer pots, how to use them, what they can do for you in a magical sense, and go over how to do a refreshing spring simmer pot!

First what is an actual simmer pot?

Simmer pots are basically potpourri in a pot! You choose your ingredients, put them in a pot with water, bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer and let it do its thing. They couldn’t be any easier, just be sure you don’t let your pot boil dry! If you want to keep the pot going simply add more water when it gets low. And obviously never leave it going when you are not home.

Simmer pots also lack the harsh toxins that are packed into conventional air freshener sprays and many scented candles. Just fresh ingredients from your kitchen! No fake fragrances or toxic chemicals needed.

One more benefit, they can likely be crafted with things you already have in your kitchen making them a convenient and inexpensive solution.

What makes a simmer pot magical?

Aside from making your house smell divine, one of the ways simmer pots are magical is they incorporate all of the natural elements – making it a fun way to bring a connection with nature and the environment to your space.

You do this simply by creating it.

EARTH
The first step to creating a simmer pot is to choose the herbs, spices, plants and other foods that will go into your concoction

WATER
Once you’ve put all of your botanical ingredients in the pot, you will fill the pot 2/3 with water.

FIRE/HEAT
The fire element is added when you turn on your stove top burner and start heating up your simmer pot. You’ll want to bring it to gentle simmer

AIR
The steam from your simmer pot will circulate the scent and magic of your simmer pot throughout your space. And sending the energy of your spell, intention, manifestation, or ritual into the air, your sacred space and the multiverse.

This is my favorite part and why I find them so magical. The amount of magical energy being released into your space out into the multiverse and than inhaled back into your soul through your lungs is astounding and intoxicating.

Simmer pots also leverage the magical and mysterious properties of herbs and other plants making it great way to practice kitchen witchcraft even if cooking or baking isn’t really your thing.

The magic behind the ingredients

Different simmer pot rituals can be created with different herbs, spices, and foods. Tune into abundance, peace, health, peace – you name it! – depending on what you add to your pot.

We mustn’t forget that the herbs, spices, and whole foods housed in our kitchens all carry their own energies and magickal properties.

So let’s use those items to assist us in manifesting our goals. You’ll easily be able to create a simmer pot that aligns with your intentions and smells delicious!

Below are different ingredients and their associations. Remember you can add anything to these in any combination you want to fit your own personal needs and intentions!

Lavender – Purification, intuition, good luck, calm, peace, balance

Cinnamon – Love, passion, purification, money, success, strength

Clove – Protection, love, clarity, stress relief, truth

Star Anise – Protection, Banish evil, clarity

Oranges – Love, luck, money, happiness

Lemon – Longevity, purification, love, happiness, friendship

Vanilla Bean – Love, passion, strength, intelligence

Rose – Love, invigoration, stimulation

Verbena/Vervain – Good fortune, healing

Cardamom – Clarity, courage, direction

Pepper – Courage, warding off jealousy

Capers – Romance, fertility

Nutmeg – Health

Mint – Virtue, protection

Ginger – Protection from evil

Bay Laurel – Victory, success

Calendula – Healing, warmth, sunshine

Sage – Wisdom

Lemon Grass – Clarity

Lilac – Youth

Marjoram – Peace, harmony, happiness

Oregano – Joy

So, what can simmer pots be used for?

Now, that you know what they are, what can go in and how they are magical what can you use them for?

SO MUCH! You have endless possibilities. You can use them to manifest, set intentions, cleanse, purify, protection, to connect to the deity Cerridwen, and more!

Below is a list of some ideas for you!

SUCCESS & CONFIDENCE

PROTECTION & CLARITY

ABUNDANCE & WEALTH

PROSPERITY & LUCK

CLEANSING & HEALING

How do you make one?

When I do a simmer pot with a specific intention in mind I follow these simple steps to incorporate my magick and mind into the process.

Step 1: Gather The Herbs
First, I select the herbs and aromatics I want to use. I try to select herbs that match the overall vibe of the intentions I’m setting for the season. Or for that specific ritual, spell, or manifestation.

Step 2: Set your intentions very clear in your mind and don’t lose sight of them for the entire process.

Visualize your desired outcome or goal for the magickal work you are doing. Are you aiming to create happiness in the home, or more money in your wallet? Whatever it may be focus on what you want the outcome to look like. Continue with the visualization and stirring until it feels right to finish. You’ll know when!
You may recite your goal, a chant, or ritual words while you stir as well. Something pertaining to your desired outcome.

Step 3: Next, I fill my pot with water ( Fill the pot two thirds full of water. You can just use water from your kitchen sink.) and add all the herbs and aromatics into the pot except for the bay leaves. ( If using them and I almost always am for these)

Step 4:Then I bring the water to a simmer over medium heat.
Then turn down the temperature until it is simmering gently – similar to making soup.

*Once the water starts to get low, you can always add more water, allowing the the pot to simmer longer.

Step 5: set your intentions again

Once the water is simmering, I take each bay leaf and write my intentions on them. It could be the same intention written on several leaves or unique intentions written on each one. Then I take each intention in my hands, close my eyes, and take a few deep breaths. I try to connect with it and really feel what the intention will be like when it manifests. If you’re good at visualizing, you could spend a few minutes visualizing the intention. 

After I’ve spent a few minutes with the intention, I place the bay leaf in the simmer pot. Then I repeat for the rest of my intention. Once all the bay leaf intentions have been added to the pot, I stir the pot a few times clockwise and imagine the simmer pot dispersing the energy of the herbs throughout my home

*stir the pot clockwise. Unless you are doing a banishing or releasing spell, in that case stir the pot counter clockwise.

step 6: And that’s about it! I just let the simmer pot do its thing for the day, keeping an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t run out of water. At the end of the day, I dispose of the herbs in my little compost bin (I pick out the citrus first). Usually, it’s suggested that herbs used in rituals be returned to the earth when you’re finished, so you could bury them outside. But if that’s just not an option, I think it’s ok to just thank the herbs and dispose of them in the garbage!

Spring Refresh simmer pot

With Imbolc just behind us and spring looming ahead here is a simmer pot recipe for a magical spring refresh!

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Working With The New Moon

The Sacred Meaning of the Moon

 Over the centuries, the Moon has played a significant role in different cultures  and traditions. 

The Moon moves quickly through the Zodiac, spending about two and a half  days in each sign. 

It passes through all twelve signs in about 28 days. 

Some nights, at the time of the Full Moon, we admire its beauty and grandeur. 

Other nights, when it starts to fade, it becomes thin and inconspicuous, so  different from the peak of its fullness and magical glory. 

Ever-changing lunar cycles remind us of the cyclical nature of life itself. 

The Moon’s physical power is demonstrated by the phenomenon of ocean tides,  which are generated by the moon’s gravitational pull.

It’s a well-known fact that the human body consists of nearly 60% of water on  average. It only proves that the moon has the power to influence our physical  and mental states, just as it influences ocean tides. 

The profound connection between Moon cycles and human states of being has  been observed throughout the centuries. 

https://astronomy.stackexchange.com/questions/32272/struggling-to-understand-the-phases-of-the-moon

Moon Phases and Their Meanings 

The Moon constantly passes through the cycle of growth and decline, and the  phases of the Moon are different parts of this never-ending cycle. 

They are much more than just astronomical phenomena; they have a deep  symbolic meaning. Understanding each stage of the Moon cycle can help guide us  on our journey of personal growth and development. 

The full Lunar cycle consists of 8 phases: 

• New Moon 

• Waxing Crescent 

• First Quarter 

• Waxing Gibbous 

• Full Moon 

• Waning Gibbous 

• Third Quarter 

• Waning Crescent To simplify things, it’s recommended to work with two main phases of the Moon:  New Moon and Full Moon.

New moon What is it and why we honor it? 

The new moon is the time to reflect and cleanse your energy. It is a time to  set your intentions for what you wish to attract this lunar cycle. Every  intention set requires action and energy from your part as well.

The new  moon energy is there to support you in manifesting what you want. The  new moon is a time to allow new ideas and energy to flow with you. It is a  time to honor new beginnings, and the turning over of a cycle. Think of these  intentions as seeds you are planting for this lunar cycle to be ready to harvest by the full moon.

Use this time to  rest, reflect, and plant what you will grow just as your ancestors across  many cultures did while there was little light in the night sky for them to  use.

 Each New Moon is unique, offering its own magic within each month.

Check out some of my FREE Moon celebrations with Divination Academy on youtube in the links below to see some of the specific differences for the new moon in each zodiac sign! You can also check out my study guides here https://modgepodgemystic.com/resources/

What to Avoid on a New Moon 

1. Isolation: especially if you’re manifesting new friends or a  partner, avoid keeping yourself isolated on a new moon. This is a  great time to get out and build new connections! Check out a new  environment, meet new people and put yourself in places that  align with the life you’re manifesting. 

2. Spending Time Around Negativity: the new moon is a time where  we want to focus on the things we want. We’re planting seeds,  setting intentions and planning out our action plan for  

manifestation. Avoid people and places that carry a negative  energy or will bring you down. 

3. Giving Up on Something: the new moon isn’t the best time for  release. For releasing, giving up and letting go, try to align with  the full moon instead.

Foundations of working with the new moon

There are so many ways to work with the new moon, below I will go through the basics of new moon workings but, remember each new moon will be slightly different and have different practices to add and different ways to do it based on which zodiac sign the new moon is spec

1. Set Intentions 

One of the best rituals for manifesting on a new moon is by setting  intentions for the month ahead. 

Grab your favorite journal and write out the following: 

• What kind of energy do I want to experience over the next  month? 

• What do I desire to manifest the most in this moment?

• What action steps can I take towards achieving that dream?

• Write out your goals, hopes and desires for the following month.

2. Start Something New

If you’re looking for the perfect energy to start something new (like that  business idea, that blog, or that new yoga routine) the new moon is the  perfect day to do it. Be intentional as you begin and focus on WHY you want  to start that new adventure.

3.New Moon Candle Manifesting Ritual 

To do a candle manifestation ritual on the new moon, you’ll just need a few  items: 

• Candle: I recommend chime candles, beeswax candles, or even  birthday candles.

• Anointing Oil: Resonance Apothecary makes a beautiful one and  so does Art of the Root, I recommend their Road Opener Oil.

• Manifestation Herbs: bried basil, cinnamon, sage, rosemary, rose, are all good options. Mountain Rose Herbs is my go to  for organic, wild-crafted herbs. 

Dress your candle with the anointing oil of your choice (you can also  substitute the anointing oil for aligned essential oils you may have on hand).  Once your candle is dressed in the oil, roll it in the dried manifestation herbs  of your choice. Next, find a good place to light your candle. As it burns, gaze  into the flame and visualize your manifestation coming true. Focus on how  you’ll feel when it happens. Allow your candle to burn all the way down (use  a birthday candle if you don’t have time to monitor a larger one). Give  gratitude for your practice and the elements assisting you.

4. Scripting 

Scripting is a manifestation technique you can use to journal out your  desires. To do so, simply write a gratitude letter to the universe, giving  thanks for the details of your manifestation coming true. Be sure to write in  present tense. 

For example, “Dear Universe, I am so grateful that XYZ has become my  reality. Thank you for assisting me in making this dream come true. I am  celebrating this accomplishment (be specific) by xyz.” 

Write a thank you letter to the universe, expressing gratitude for your  manifestations as if they already happened.

5. Make a Crystal Grid 

Making a crystal grid is a great way to harness the powerful manifestation  energy of a new moon.

T O C R E AT E Y O U R O W N N E W M O O N C R Y S TA L G R I D : 

1. Get clear on what you’d like to manifest with this new moon and  set an intention for your grid. 

2. Choose crystals that align with what you’d like to manifest. (hint:  citrine for success and wealth, rose quartz for love, black  

tourmaline for clearing or protection, clear quartz for amplifying) 3. Lay the crystals out on a surface where they will be safe and  won’t get disturbed. You can arrange them in a traditional grid  pattern or even just a shape that feels good and inspiring to you. 4. Using your hands, draw a line connecting all the crystals in your  pattern- this helps to connect the crystals with each other and  charge the intention of your grid. 

5. Meditate with your grid (maybe as you drink your ceremonial  cacao!) and allow it to stay out for the entire lunar cycle- referring  back to it when you need a reminder of your new moon  

manifestation intention. You can use a crystal grid cloth to inspire your crystal design, or just follow your  heart as you place your crystals in a formation that resonates with your new moon  manifestation.

Best Crystals for New Moon  Manifesting Rituals 

• Selenite– Connecting to our angels, clearing our space  and our aura 

• Citrine– Good luck, attracts abundance, success and an  overall good manifesting stone 

• Labradorite– Amplify and strengthen spiritual awareness 

• Moonstone– New beginnings & protection 

• Rose Quartz– Promotes and attracts love • Clear Quartz- Amplifies our intentions and manifesting  ability

6. Make a Manifestation Box 

Simply fill a dedicated box with items that represent what you’d like to  manifest, and place it on your altar or in another meaningful space in your  home.

7. Make a Vision Board 

Similar to a manifestation box, a vision board is a compilation of images and  words that represent what you’d like to manifest. To make a vision board as  part of your new moon manifestation ritual, gather images (real or digital)  and arrange them into a collage on a large piece of paper. You can add words that represent what you’re manifesting or words that represent the  journey you’d like to experience manifesting. Hang your vision board in a  place where you’ll see it everyday and can be reminded of it.

8. Make a Manifestation Jar 

Similar concept to the manifestation box and vision board, making a  manifestation jar is a fun ritual you can do to call in your desire. 

T O M A K E A M A N I F E S TAT I O N J A R : 

1. Gather your supplies: a glass jar, paper + pen, crystals, herbs and  items that represent what you want to manifest. 

2. Write your manifestation goal down on the piece of paper. Bonus  tip: using a real graphite pencil is a magical way to use elements  that strengthen the magic of what you’re manifesting. 

3. Place your paper in the jar, along with the other items you’ve  collected (crystals, trinkets, herbs, feathers) 

4. Seal the jar by fastening the lid and dripping melted candle wax  around the close. 

5. Optional: Leave your jar out under the new moon so it can be  infused with the energy of fresh beginnings. Then place it on your  altar or in another safe place where you’ll see it often and be  reminded of your goal. 

6. Take some time each day to focus on your goals. Visualize yourself  achieving them and thank the universe for bringing them to you. 

9. Do a Bay Leaf Manifestation Ritual I have a whole article on this here: Bay Leaf Manifestation Method, and this  is a great ritual to practice under the new moon! Simply write down what  you’re manifesting on the bay leaf, then burn it as you focus on your  intention. Be sure to use a fire-safe bowl or cauldron

10. Make New Moon Water New moon water is great to have if you want to create a room mist, add  some magic to your bath, or drink to fill your vessel up with your new moon  manifesting intentions. click the link below to read my blog post for a detailed look at how to make moon water and its benefits to your practice.

11. Attend or Host a New Moon Circle  Gathering in a circle is a powerful, ancient tradition you can recreate today  in honor of the new moon. Get together with some friends and take turns sharing around the circle what your intentions are for the new moon. You  can discuss what you’d like to manifest, and what aligned action plans you  have to make it happen.

12. New Moon Tarot or Oracle Reading 

An easy new moon ritual you can practice by yourself or with others is  pulling some cards. Whether you prefer oracle or tarot, asking the following  questions and pulling cards to answer is a fun way to get intuitive guidance  influenced by the new moon energy. 

Q U E S T I O N S T O A S K : 

• What steps do I need to take to accomplish my goal? 

• What should I focus on to stay aligned with my path and higher  purpose in manifesting?• Is there anything I need to watch out for or be mindful of as I  manifest my desires?

Calling down the moon & The four corners

Mother moon I call to you

Tonight your energy is new  

Under this new 

Give me your power this faithful night  

I invoke you into my being and souls 

Fill up my vessel and make me whole 

I heal and cleanse myself 

This new moon my spirit is renewed 

Under your silvery light I stand before you in awe and in love 

I cherish the gifts sent from above 

I welcome growth 

I welcome transformation  

So mote it be 

Amen  

Aho

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Setsubun- Celebrate the coming Spring in Shintoism

Setsubun is a Japanese festival day held between the second to the fourth days of February. Although it is not a public holiday, the day is still well known for Japanese people to perform rituals right before Spring begins in the Japanese lunar calendar.

It is also known as the Bean-Throwing Festival as the most famous ritual associated with Setsubun is mamemaki (“bean scattering”).

Setsubun (節分) is the day before the beginning of spring in the old calendar in Japan. The name literally means ‘seasonal division’, referring to the day just before the first day of spring in the traditional calendar, known as Setsubun; though previously referring to a wider range of possible dates, Setsubun is now typically held on February 3 with the day after – the first day of spring in the old calendar – known as Risshun (立春). Both Setsubun and Risshun are celebrated yearly as part of the Spring Festival (Haru matsuri (春祭)) in Japan. In its association with the Lunar New Year, Setsubun, though not the official New Year, was thought of as similar in its ritual and cultural associations of ‘cleansing’ the previous year as the beginning of the new season of spring

When is it?

Setsubun is usually celebrated in Japan on February 3rd, marking the day before spring with various traditions meant to drive away evil spirits and bad luck and cleanse the home and family for the coming year. Shrines and temples around Japan hold special festivals for the public to come together and participate as a community

What is the meaning behind this festival?

Setsubun (節分, lit. “seasonal division”) is a festival held on February 2, 3 or 4, one day before the start of spring according to the Japanese lunar calendar. It is not a national holiday. For many centuries, people have been performing rituals with the purpose of chasing away evil spirits at the start of spring.

Setsubun was accompanied by a number of rituals and traditions held at various levels to drive away the previous year’s bad fortunes and evil spirits for the year to come.

The new year was felt to be a time when the spirit world became close to the physical world, thus the need to perform mamemaki to drive away any wandering spirits that might happen too close to one’s home. Other customs during this time included religious dances, festivals, and bringing tools inside the house that might normally be left outside, to prevent the spirits from harming them. Rice cakes were also balanced on lintels and windowsills.

Because Setsubun is considered to be a day set apart from the rest of the year, a tradition of role reversal in appearance and dress was also practiced; such customs included girls wearing the hairstyles of older women and vice versa, wearing disguises, and cross-dressing. This custom is still practiced among geisha and their clients when entertaining on Setsubun.

Traveling entertainers (旅芸人, tabi geinin), who were normally shunned during the year because they were considered vagrants, were welcomed on Setsubun to perform morality plays. Their vagrancy worked to their advantage in these cases, as they were considered to take evil spirits with them.

The History

For many centuries, people have been performing rituals with the purpose of chasing away evil spirits at the start of spring. Although originally practiced as part of an individual household’s traditions for preparing for the first season of the new year, Setsubun is now mostly observed at various Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples and geisha communities.

Setsubun has its origins in tsuina, a Chinese custom introduced to Japan in the 8th century. It was quite different than how we see it today. According to the Japanese history book Shoku Nihongi, tsuina was first held in Japan in 706, and it was an event to ward off evil spirits held at the court on the last day of the year according to the lunar-solar calendar. At that time, tsuina was an event to drive away evil spirits that brought misfortune and disease by decorating each gate of the palace with clay figures of cows and children and using peach branches and walking sticks.

The custom of Setsubun as we know it today began in the Muromachi period (1336–1573). Every household of the aristocracy and samurai class threw beans from their houses into the open air. The [[Ainōshō]] a dictionary compiled during the Muromachi period, states that the practice of bean-throwing during Setsubun originated from a legend in the 10th century, during the reign of Emperor Uda, that a monk on Mt. Kurama escaped misfortune by blinding oni with roasted beans. The Japanese word for bean, 豆, is pronounced mame, which can be written as ‘devil’s eye’ (魔目), and some believe that the pronunciation is similar to that of mametsu (魔滅), meaning ‘to destroy the devil’, which is why people began throwing beans during Setsubun.

Around the 13th century, it became a custom to drive away evil spirits by the strong smell of burning dried sardine heads, the smoke of burning wood and the noise of drums. While these customs are not popular anymore, a few people still decorate their house entrances with fish heads and holy tree leaves in order to deter evil spirits from entering.

How to celebrate today

In modern days, the most commonly performed setsubun ritual is the throwing of roasted beans around one’s house and at temples and shrines across the country.

In the ritual roasted soybeans, known as fukumame (“fortune beans”) are either thrown out of the front door, or at a member of the family wearing a demon or ogre mask while shouting “Devils out! Fortune in!”, before slamming the door shut. The beans are thought to purify the home by driving out the evil spirits that bring misfortune and bad health with them. 

Afterwards you should pick up and eat the number of beans, which corresponds to your age.

The beans are thought to symbolically purify the home by driving away the evil spirits that bring misfortune and bad health with them. Then, as part of bringing luck in, it is customary to eat roasted soybeans, one for each year of one’s life (kazoedoshi), plus one more for bringing good luck for the year.

The custom of mamemaki first appeared in the Muromachi period,and is usually performed by either a man of the household born in the corresponding zodiac year for the new year (toshiotoko (年男)), or else the male head of the household.

Another widespread custom is the eating of Eho-maki sushi rolls. One is supposed to eat the roll without talking, while facing the lucky direction of the year.

Some festivals you can be apart of around Japan

As all traditional festivals, setsubun is celebrated in many variations throughout the country.

One place you can go to take part in Setsubun is Heian Jingū (Heian Shrine).

Heian Jingū’s Setsubun-sai starts with priests holding a sacred Shinto ritual at the inner sanctuary, leaving offerings to the gods on the altar, reading aloud prayers, and performing purifications. Than people representing warriors, onmyōji diviners, and the demon-quelling oni called Hōsōshi participate in the Daina no Gi, an exorcism once performed at the Imperial Palace in the Heian period. Men wearing fearsome ogre masks burst into the shrine and “terrorize” the assembled people from the courtyard, making their way to the main hall veranda where the oni leader does a victorious dance. However, shrine parishioners appear to banish the oni with lucky beans in a tradition called mamemaki (bean throwing), chasing them back out the shrine gates shouting “oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi” (“bad luck out, good luck in”). The people who came to see the ritual then gather around the main hall in the hopes of catching some of the packets of lucky beans thrown out into the crowd by priests, parishioners, and geiko and maiko, before the day wraps up with an ōhitaki shinji fire ritual.

Sources/ images:

https://images.app.goo.gl/ADpnzASWqibawXud9

https://images.app.goo.gl/HekdeU6tzbAGewtQ8

https://images.app.goo.gl/CHfwczjxbbsoH67t9

https://images.app.goo.gl/CHfwczjxbbsoH67t9

https://images.app.goo.gl/QiubEDRz3ty4GFDk8

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Imbolc; Midwinter

First, What is Imbolc?

Imbolc is a sabbat on the Wiccan Wheel of the Year but is originally an ancient Celtic holiday celebrating the first signs of Spring. The word Imbolc is believed to mean either “ewe’s milk” or “in the belly”, which obviously refers to the birth of baby lambs around this time in Ireland and Scotland. In modern times, most of us don’t understand the harshness of Winter that our ancestors endured. At this time, they were coming out of a period of brutal weather and their food stores were declining. So when the babies were born and the milk starting flowing, it was a good day. It meant they’d have more food to last the rest of the Winter season. nourishment, survival, purification and protection a big themes for imbolc.

In addition to celebrating rebirth, life, and replenishment, the Celtic goddess Brigid is honored on Imbolc. Another name for Imbolc is Brigid’s Day or Saint Brigid’s Day, as her saintly counterpart is also honored on this day. Imbolc is celebrated annually on February 1st in the Northern Hemisphere and August 1st in the Southern Hemisphere. There are many traditions and practices sacred to this day including making Brigid’s crosses, feasting on Imbolc foods, and making magic.

Brigid the Irish goddess of Imbolc; who is she?

Brigid is also known as Brigit or Bríg.

  • The Bright One
  • Fiery Arrow
  • The Powerful One
  • The High One
  • Great Mother Goddess of Ireland
  • Lady of the Sacred Flame
  • Eternal Flame of Life
  • Flame of Inspiration
  • The Mistress of the Mantle

She is the Irish Goddess of fertility and spring.

A Goddess in Irish tradition, Brigid is one of the most well-known. Pagans know her as Great Mother Goddess of Ireland, and Christians as a Saint Brigid. With this energy, Brigid brings the remembrance of our Oneness and is an awesome affirmation of the Eternal Essence of the Divine Feminine.

Brigid is considered a Triple Goddess, yet many references distinguish Brigit differently than the traditional Triple Goddess aspects of Maiden, Mother and Crone. Rather Brigid is frequently referenced having three sister selves with three distinct roles, Lady of Healing Waters, Goddess of the Sacred Flame and Goddess of the Fertile Earth.

According to famous witch and writer Laurie Cabot, “Brigid is honored in her maiden aspect, but she is a pregnant maiden, pregnant with the young seed of the Sun. At Imbolc, also called the Festival of Lights, Brigid wears a radiant crown of candles. She is wondrous healer, Protector, and Patron of Creative Inspiration. Until her light is fully born again at Beltane, Brigid ensures that the seed is nurtured inside her womb and that the home fires continue to burn through the final days and nights of Winter.”

She is associated with many things; Poetry, Healing, Midwinter/Imbolc, Flames/fire, Fertility, and Motherhood.

Imbolc Magical and Spiritual Themes

Every season and every pagan holiday has certain concepts and magical themes. Which means, depending on your tradition and needs, you can weave one or more of these themes into your personal celebrations. On Imbolc, also called Brigid’s Day, we see the following magical rituals and spells

  • Purification
  • Protection
  • Love
  • Fire and Water
  • Awakening
  • Rebirth
  • Honoring the goddess Brigid and Saint Brigid
  • Prosperity
  • Healing

Imbolc Correspondences

Colors-White: represents the Snow and milk
Green: represents the newly emerging earth and the green of Brigid’s mantle
Pink: symbolizes the female reproductive system
Orange and red: represent Brigid’s sacred fire
Pastel Spring colors

Food and decorations-acorn, bears, deer, Brigids cross, evergreens, grains, dairy, milk

crystals- amethyst, moonstone, ruby, garnet, bloodstone, onyx, turquoise,

Herbs/ flowers- basil. bay leaves, chamomile, jasmine, rosemary, lavendar

Spell workings-
Make a Brigid Cross
Create an Imbolc Altar
Give an offering of milk to the earth
honor Brigid
charge new tools for the year
Reflect on goals set during Yule
Have a bonfire
Light a candle on Imbolc eve to meet Brigid in the liminal space
Take a cleansing and purifying bath or shower

Divination-fire scrying

Scrying by Candleflame

Since Imbolc is a holiday that honors Brigid and her sacred fire, why not try your eye at fire scrying? If you have the ability to have a bonfire, then go for it! If not, a simple candle will do the trick. But keep in mind, a roaring fire outside will have different results from a small flame inside. You could even try both. This form of scrying is as simple as watching the flames and allowing pictures to form. This can be literally in the fire OR images that flash into your mind.

How do I celebrate and honor this sacred day?

Imbolc, also called St. Brigid’s Day, is an ancient Celtic holiday celebrated annually on February 1st. It’s a time when Winter starts to fade and the first signs of Spring pop up to remind us life will blossom again soon. But how do we celebrate Imbolc in our own modern way? Below you will find out some ways you can do this in your own life and practice.

Imbolc wishing ritual

You can use either a box or a Jar

Take the vessel and decorate it with Imbolc and spring correspondences.

Than take a sheet of paper (green if you can) And write out all your wishes for the coming year and/or season. You can also add rosemary and/or bay leaves into the box.

Than take the paper and energetically seal it within your vessel while saying

“ As the sun begin its rebirth I gave my thanks back to mother earth. Embracing change, with the light of hope the seeds of the future I continue to sow.”

Than Take the vessel and add it to your altar or leave it in a place you can see it often and come back to and charge yourself with its energy

Imbolc Spell jar

I love, love, love spell jars! They have so much power and energy packed into such a small space. You get to decide the energy and intention that is sealed off in there for you to be able to come back to whenever you need to recharge with it.

Some things to make sure when you create this spell jar, make sure wash and cleanse the jar before you use it. You can also charge it under the moon and at your altar prior to using it. Before you add each item to the jar make sure to you have created a sacred space, and set your intention energetically.

Once you add the items you can say any incantation, intention, manifestation, or spell while energetically sealing the jar. You can also as a bonus seal it with wax on top and/or sigils. For a more detailed look at how to create spell jars and the simple beauty of their power look at for a new blog post coming soon.

Imbolc Shadow work

Every single holiday and celebration brings it’s own special energy with it and with that comes specific shadow work themes and prompts to work with while in the sacred liminal space of that specific sacred day.

What is shadow work? In case you don’t know.

Shadow work is necessary if you wish to grow spiritually and personally. It will help you better understand yourself, your traumas, and the old wounds you are carrying. Not to mention, help you better understand other people.

The idea of shadow work is to bring your dark sides out into the light and learn to accept and love them. There are different exercises and activities to help explore those aspects of yourself, but you must first acknowledge your shadow.

Everyone has a shadow self. The shadow gets developed in our childhood from our ego while adapting to social norms. We learn to change and adapt our behavior in a way that is acceptable in society. But along the way, we also bury an authentic part of ourselves, our shadow side.

If you want to learn more about this topic check out my FREE youtube class With divination academy and study guide linked here; https://youtu.be/lhPItS33eu4?si=UbdnoUDghlmy5bbz, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dkXzYdb6HAbfJCgkfcdaR0cifj12D5A0/view?usp=sharing

Imbolic spell using Brigid’s fire of creativity

What You’ll Need:
White candle (tealight or spell size is best)
Lighter
Carnelian: small chunk or pendant
How to Cast the Spell:
Gather your supplies. Set the mood with music, incense, etc.
Set your carnelian chunk or pendant close to the candle.
Get into a relaxed state, light the candle and say, “candlelight, fire bright, burst through the darkness and stagnancy inside of me. I ask Brigid to lend me her fire of inspiration and creativity.”
Close your eyes and repeat the prayer two more times. Visualize a small flame in your heart growing bigger and brighter. This is the fire of passion and creative ingenuity. Let it continue to grow in your mind’s eye as the candle burns down.
When the candle is done burning, pick up the carnelian stone and carry it on you. Wear it daily and know that the fire of creativity is inside of that stone. Lending its energy to you.
Now CREATE. Whatever that means to you: writing, arts and crafts, a new project at work, music, etc. etc.

However, you choose to celebrate this sacred day whether it’s honoring Brigid, pouring milk back into the earth, fire scrying, and so much more may this blessing be with you!

May the life stirring
underground stir new
dreams to life within you.
May the flames of inspiration and passion
be ignited in your soul this Imbolc/ Midwinter