Imbolc is the ancient Celtic festival that honors the goddess Brigid that takes place between the first and second day of February. This holiday is known by many names such as Brigid’s Day and Oimelc. Oimlec means milk of ewes since it is also the traditional lambing season in the old world, animals have either given birth to the first offspring of the year are soon to give birth.  Imbolc is the second Sabbat of the Wiccan year and it celebrates the coming end of winter. After Imbolc we start seeing the first signs of spring, days are becoming longer and the sun shines bright again.  Imbolc is a time of new beginnings and of purification, which is perfectly symbolized by the transition from winter to spring.

     There are many different ways you can celebrate Imbolc. Some people focus on the Celtic goddess Brigid, as a deity of fire and fertility. Celtic Fire Goddess, Brigid, is a patron of smithcraft, healing, midwifery, and poetry. Others focus their rituals more towards the cycles of the season, and nature.

Imbolc Candle lighting ritual

     One of many names for Imbolc is Candlemas. Hundreds of years ago it was believed that our ancestors relied upon the sun as their only source of light, candles represent the sun and the guiding path. This ritual is often used as a way to call back the lights, and it is practiced today with the seven candles ritual. One candle represents the thin line between good and evil, some of them stand for the cleansing that fire brings, and the rest of them symbolize the light that comes with the end of winter.
     To perform this ritual you will need seven candles, in red and white colors, something to light your candles with, a large bowl or cauldron that can hold the candles, and or salt to fill the bottom of the bowl or whatever you choose using. Pour the sand or salt into the bowl or cauldron. Place the seven candles into the sand so they don’t fall. Once you light the first candle you should say:

 “Although it is now dark, I come seeking light. In the chill of winter, I come seeking life.”

Then light the second candle and say:

“I call upon fire that melts the snow and warms the hearth. I call upon fire that brings the light and makes new life. I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.”

Light the third candle and say:

“This light is a boundary, between positive and negative. That which is outside, shall stay without. That which is inside, shall stay within.”

After lighting the fourth candle repeat the same as for the second candle:

“I call upon fire that melts the snow and warms the hearth. I call upon fire that brings the light and makes new life. I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.”

Light the fifth candle and say:

“Like fire, light and love will always grow. Like fire, wisdom and inspiration will always grow.”

After sixth candle you should repeat:

“I call upon fire that melts the snow and warms the hearth. I call upon fire that brings the light and makes new life. I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.”

And finally after lighting the last candle, imagine all the flames coming as one, a union, and say:

“Fire of the hearth, blaze of the sun, cover me in your shining light. I am awash in your glow, and tonight I am made pure.”

     This ritual perfectly represents Imbolc, the time of healing and purification. It can help you deal with your problems in a healthy way and start fresh in the spring. That would be the whole point of Imbolc, throwing out the old and breathing in the new just like the snow melts allowing plants to bloom so shall you.
     If you are not really up to do the seven candles ritual, an easier way is to just light up all your house lights. That will symbolize the sun and fire of Imbolc.

 

Searching for Signs of Spring

      The first thing that comes to mind is the groundhog coming out of his cave to greet spring, but this can be a lot of things. You can go for a walk and find a flower that started to bloom or a leaf that started growing. Watch for the birds that started returning like little beacons of hope that spring is coming!

Amethyst, this crystal is one of the best-known in the world. Its energetic power transmitted through its violet rays is known from ancient times, where even the Greeks possessed knowledge of its vibration and immortalized it in one of their legends of the gods.

The Amethyst is a member of the quartz family, which possesses a pale to intense purple coloring and brings in itself the energy of protection, spirituality and healing, for being extremely powerful about when it comes to vitality and spiritual elevation.

Its name comes from the Greek language, where the people believed since ancient times that this crystal was able to protect them from various kinds of sorcery, nostalgia, evil thoughts, drunkenness, any kind of penetration of these energies into the spirit and relief of frustrated passions, using the amethyst stone also serves to turn evil thoughts into optimism, and is very efficient in order to ward off false friendships.

The History of Amethyst

In the mythical Greek culture, it is said that the Amethyst originated from a maiden, who had the same name. The god Bacchus (god of feast and wine) in a day of fury for having been thwarted, decided to murder the first person who passed by and would release his tigers to devour that person.

Unfortunately, Amethyst, a pure mortal, had left her home to go to the temple of the goddess Diana to worship her. By releasing his tigers on the young woman, the young woman herself called for the help of the goddess Diana, she attended her by turning her into a white crystal. At this moment Bacchus realized the injustice he had committed, and then, as proof of his repentance, poured wine on the stone, making it have a violet hue.

It is believed that amethyst can be used as an amulet to protect against intoxication. The amethyst was also considered an amulet for the protection of soldiers and to help hunters capture wild beasts.

The Use of Amethyst

Because of this legend, the stone got known to combat addiction, especially alcoholism. During the 15th century amethyst became widely used to nourish wisdom and block negative thoughts.

It is a suitable stone to relieve mental tensions, to remove negative vibrations from our own mind and to allow humility to be always present in our decisions, which will benefit us with harmony.Therefore, these factors make it an excellent stone for meditation, because it assists in the search of the essence of the questions and in the purity of the conclusion of the answers.

Places in the world where amethyst is found: Brazil, Madagascar, Namibia, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, USA.

As chakra, it represents our third eye, it is a low cost stone and very easy to be found.

Being a cristal with great calming forces, it has the ability to leave the heart and nerves calmer which also improves the ability of those who are in your presence. It is extremely beneficial for people who have headaches, migraines and who are under a lot of stress pressure in any area of life.

Amethyst is a crystal that has a lot of contact with our mental states, so it is used in the front and crown chakra by people who suffer from nightmares. If placed under the pillow will cause a calm sleep.

This violet colored crystal is popularly used by connoisseurs of crystallotherapy for counteracting vicious behaviors and thought patterns. Amethyst brings mental clarity to the physical body which protects it against any other addiction that has a very violent effect on our moods. It also helps balance the nervous system and the brain, can be used to eliminate ringing in the ears, emotional imbalances, and is very powerful when used to increase blood oxygenation.

To release tension, you should hold an amethyst in your left hand (or right hand if you are a canhorus) and quietly let the soothing and soothing energies and vibrations envelop your being.

An amethyst in contact with the skin helps to avoid states of emotional disturbance. Amethyst helps unlock fears and increases hope, brings excitement to the spirit, and amplifies higher thoughts and spiritual reality in our lives.

How to take care of it

Cleaning should be done when buying it and once you feel that it is already charged with negative energies, you will have to dip it for a few hours in a container with water and coarse salt;

Do not forget that the stone needs to be loaded after cleaning, to perform this task, leave it in the morning sun, before 10am for only 5 minutes.

Signs related to Amethyst

Amethyst is the birthstone associated with January and February, and is associated with the signs Pisces, Aries, Capricorn, Aquarius (especially the purple and violet varieties) and Sagittarius. It is a symbol of heavenly understanding, pioneering thought, and action in philosophy, religion, and spiritual and material planes.

Amethyst is a well-known crystal used in many cultures and its energetic power benefits us by maintaining our balance, clearing us of negative energies, selfish thoughts and giving us good vibes so that we can use wisdom prudently and humility.

   Today's article is about the German band Faun, and their unique style that mixes modern music with old, medieval, Celtic and Nordic folk.

     Faun is a German band from Gräfelfing, Munich, which mixes pagan folk music with medieval music. It was formed in 1998 by Oliver Pade, Birgit Muggenthaler, Elisabeth Pawelke and Fiona Rüggeberg.

     Faun was formed in Germany in 1998 and since then has had some changes in his members. Of the six musicians who currently make up the band, only two are present from the start: Oliver S. Tyr and Fiona Rüggeberg. Rüdiger Maul and Niel Mitra entered 2004, Stephan Groth in 2012 and Katja Moslehner in 2013. Most members play more than one instrument, bringing a great diversity to the sound of the band.

     Since the formation, 9 studio albums have been released and the band has been nominated three times for Echo, which is the biggest musical award in Germany. In their tours, the band has done different types of performance: from acoustic concerts in theaters for sitting people, to big concerts at festivals, with big drums and lights shows (the kind they'll most probably do).

     The most difficult part about talking about Faun is defining the style, first, because the the band's style has changed a lot over time and also because they are reluctant to fit into a label given the great melting pot of influences I mentioned in the first paragraph of text. A classification often attributed to them is Pagan Folk. I'll tell you a bit about it, but first of all, talking about Faun is an opportunity for an interesting reflection on the folk music scene itself:

Folk Music 

   Folk music is one that has some relation to the tradition of a particular culture, such as when using traditional instruments or speaking of legends, fables and customs of a people. It is true that interest in European folk music has always expressed interest here in Portugal, which is not surprising given the great influence of various European peoples in shaping our culture.

     Folk metal (a mixture of folk music and heavy metal) has somehow paved the way for European folk music, and the medieval events that emerged in the last 10 years (more or less) ended up constituting an audience both for folk metal bands and for more traditional folk music bands, so that today folk music, folk metal (and some other strands of the metal as well) in medieval events it almost confusing due to the awesome variety!

     Faun is one of the most recognized names in folk music in Europe. In fact, many bands admire Faun as one of their influences. The idea of Faun having so many tours was something almost unimaginable ten years ago, but today it is possible thanks to this public that was formed.

Faun's Pagan Folk style

In an interview, Oliver, the band leader, said:

"We still haven't decided what to call our style. Sometimes we call pagan folk, sometimes folk Celtic, Scandinavian, Nordic, or just call it medieval music. We mix all these influences into our shows and CDs. "

     The band's own name comes from the Faun creature, present in Greco-Roman mythology. According to the band, the figure of the Faun, as called by the Romans, or Satyr, as called by the Greeks, is often described as a forest spirit, which serves to denote the connection of musicians with nature.

     Their songs range from melancholic ballads to lively songs for dancing. Their instruments include Celtic harp, Swedish nyckelharpa, hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, cittern, flutes and many others.

     If you don't already know then, you're being introduced to one of the best celtic and pagan folk bands nowadays.

     Omnia is a Bohemian Pagan folk band with influence in the pagan culture of the netherlands. One of the many bands we'll cover in Alter-native!

     Omnia is a Celtic music band influenced by the pagan culture of European people, including references to Dutch, Irish, Belgian and Persian music. Mixed with the folk and the singing tale of the troubadours, their music is a real sound and visual spectacle, for the characterization of the members and even more for the instrumental. A journey that transcends space-time.

     Founded in 1996 by Steve Sic Evans-van der Harten, Jennifer Evans-van der Harten, Daphyd Crow Sens and Rob Raido van Barschot. The instrumentation is made from various percussion instruments, such as celtic harp, flute, hang drum, guitar, among others. The creation of the lyrics is developed from tales and stories, with themes that involve nature and the stars. With influences in songs of pagan rituals, they sing in several languages like English, Irish, Finnish, Breton, German, Latin and even Hindu.

     Omnia has recorded ten records since its foundation! The group has also traveled the world touring and in several music festivals we'll cover in our EVENTS section, among them the most famous and most frequented by the group is the Castlefest.

Check out the videos below for some wicked sound by Omnia and stay tuned that soon we will publish more bands!

Want to know more about the band Omnia? Follow them through their social networks:

Facebook

Youtube

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Hello, beautiful one!

Hope you have had a wonderful Yuletide and New Year. And I wish your 2016 is filled with peace, happiness, health, love and prosperity!

     January is the month of the Full Wolf Moon.
 It first appeared when wolves howled in hunger outside the villages. It is also known as the Old Moon.
     To some Native American tribes, this was the Snow Moon, but most applied that name to the next full Moon, in February.

It will be on January, 23rd

Moon Folklore:

It is said that a bright first Moon promises rain and a bountiful harvest.

Here's the spell I'll be casting on this full moon and a great suggestion!

Do you struggle with anxiety, impatience, a little bit of stress growing in you? Do you find yourself too often easily losing your nerve with people and life situations?

If so, try this spell to help you increase your patience and relieve all of those unhealthy bad stuff out of you.

      I find this one a big tool dealing with all of that, plus telling my social anxiety to shut up!

What better way to bless this year?

You will need: 

-A cup or bowl filled with water;
-A blue candle;
-Essential oil – lavender, palmarosa or jasmine.

1.  Cast your circle and light the candle. 

2.  Take ten deep breaths while gazing at the candle flame.  For each in-breath, imagine that you are inhaling the peaceful blue colour of the candle as it was smoke, and for each out-breath, imagine all your frustrations leaving your body. 

3.  Now take the bowl of water, and put three drops of your chosen essential oil in it.  Dip your fingers in the water, stirring slightly, and recite the following:

Blessed waters cool my spirit, 

Fill me with your soothing peace.

Like the river I shall flow Patiently,

with joy and ease Now 

4.  Blow out the candle and close your circle. 

If you like, you can keep a bowl of water with the essential oil in it on your altar – if you feel impatient again, inhale the scent of the essential oil while repeating the incantation.

Hope you found this useful!

Hugs and Kisses!

Reny

Good Morning Sweeties! 

Mondays are awesome!

 This weekend I finally had some time and finished all of the changes I said I would be making on the previous post. Will make a Guest Blogging page too!

      I have some artsy projects on my mind, but will update you on that when I hopefully start working on them ;)

Geez! Sometimes it gets hard enough to make time for all the things on my daily goals list, I need to work on my time-management skills!

Now lets get into it!

       Being today December 21st, 2015 and the day of the Winter Solstice and the start of a very special time of the yearly life cycle, I wanted to take the time to just search and learn a little more about it!
       Knowing the Wheel of Time phases and how it can help us understand the influence of the Gods and Mother Earth in our spiritual path is something every Pagan should make an effort!
       

YULE (Winter Solstice)

Also called: Yule, Yuletide, Jul, Saturnalia, Christmas, solar/secular New Year;

Dates: Around December 21;

Colors: Red, green, white;

Tools/Symbols: Mistletoe, evergreen wreath, lights, gifts, holly, Yule log, Yule tree;

Energy: Regeneration & renewal;

Goddesses: Great Mother, Isis, Mary, Tonazin, Lucina, Bona Dea;

Gods: Sun Child, Horus, Jesus, Mithras, Santa/Odin, Saturn, Holly King;

Rituals: Personal renewal, world peace, honoring family & friends;

Customs: Wreaths, lights, gift-giving, singing, feasting, resolutions.

      December may be marked by Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, but for pagans it’s the time to celebrate Yule. The holiday marks the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere (Sunday, Dec. 21, this year) and celebrates the rebirth of the sun and beginning of winter. It is one of the oldest winter celebrations known.

      The celebration of the Winter Solstice, as often as not referred to as Yule, is common to almost every culture. For this reason, although the Christian Church has long since adopted it as the birth date of Jesus, it has retained more of the ancient Pagan tradition then any other holiday or festival. In early times, December 25th (the date now recognized as Christmas) was commemorated as the Birth of the Sun God.

Christmas is an adaptation of the Pagan Winter solstice or Yule.

Whatever Jesus was, he was definitely not born in December.

      Yule is deeply rooted in the cycle of the year, it is the seed time of year, the longest night and the shortest day, where the Goddess once again becomes the Great Mother and gives birth to the new Sun King. In a poetic sense it is on this the longest night of the winter, 'the dark night of our souls', that there springs the new spark of hope, the Sacred Fire, the Light of the World, the Coel Coeth.

       For all it's inputs and influences, Yule is still an important time of the year to pagans around the world. In the most direct terms it is still a festival that honors the cycle of nature and the Wheel of the Year. It is not just about the rebirth of the God figure in pagan lore.

       For Celtic pagans, Yule is the time when the Sun God Lugh is reborn in human form to rejoin his beloved wife Eriu. She is described as a hag, who transformed into a beautiful Goddess by the marriage and personifies the land of Ireland in her every feature and character. She becomes known in legend as the "Sovereignty of Ireland". Yule is also the celebration of the cycle of life through Eriu and all her incarnations as the Maiden, Mother and Crone Goddess.

Thank you so much for reading!

Hope you have a blessed Yule!  

Hugs and Kisses!

Reny

References/Sources:
1. www.circlesanctuary.org/index.php/celebrating-the-seasons/celebrating-the-seasons
2. www.ibtimes.com/winter-solstice-2014-3-things-know-about-pagan-yule-celebrations-1763756
3. www.cyberwitch.com/Wychwood/Temple/yule.htm

4. www.thewhitegoddess.co.uk/the_wheel_of_the_year/yule_-_winter_solstice.asp

Hey there, my sweet little princes and princesses! :D

A few weeks ago a precious friend of mine sent me a beautiful amethyst pendant, first of many in my inventory, indeed!

  I'm already starting to get affectionate with it and feeling it's special proprieties changing my life!

       When I'm not wearing it or meditating with it, I can still feel it cleansing the air of  any negative energies. ^-^

       Amethyst has been known as one the most highly prized forms of quartz. It is the presence of manganese in quartz that produces the purple color, and iron content varies the coloration. 

=Mythology=

"Bacchus", by Anna Dorothea Therbusch

 Bacchus, the god of wine, declared in a rage, that the first person he passes would be eaten by tigers. This turns out to be a beautiful maiden named Amethyst. The goddess Diana quickly turned Amethyst into a white stone to save her from the tigers. Regretting his anger, Bacchus poured red wine over the stone as an offering to Diana, so turning the stone purple. Amethyst has long been associated with relieving hangovers, or curing drunkenness, probably as a result of its wine-like color and the Bacchus tale.

=Healing properties of Amethyst=

      Amethyst is a gemstone often worn by healers, as it has the power to focus energy. A healer will usually wear several pieces of jewelry with amethysts set in silver, especially an amethyst necklace. The person to be healed will have an Amethyst to hold while the healing is being done. The healer will place another piece of Amethyst on the area of the body in need of healing, the heart or lungs usually.

      Amethyst as been also used for problems in the blood and in breathing problems.

Amethyst crystal clusters are used to keep the air and life force in the home clean and positive.

Me and my Amethyst Pendant ^-^

Earth teach me stillness

as the grasses are stilled with light.

Earth teach me suffering

as old stones suffer with memory.

Earth teach me humility

as blossoms are humble with beginning.

Earth teach me caring

as the mother who secures her young.

Earth teach me courage

as the tree which stands alone.

Earth teach me limitation

as the ant which crawls on the ground.

Earth teach me freedom

as the eagle which soars in the sky.

Earth teach me resignation 

as the leaves which die in the fall.

Earth teach me regeneration

as the seed which rises in the spring.

Earth teach me to forget myself

as melted snow forgets its life.

Earth teach me to remember kindness

as dry fields weep in the rain...