Candle Magick

With the approach of Imbloc you may want to have yourself a candle ritual. Imbloc is also commonly referred to as Candlemas. This is one of our greater Sabbats. A candle ritual can be as simplistic or complicated as you make it. I would suggest that you take a purification bath prior to the commencement of your ritual. Consecrate your candle. Cleansing and consecration of your candle is a very important step and should not be omitted. Dress your candle. By that I mean anoint it with your favorite imbolc oil. To make imbloc oil use 1/8 base oil with 3 drops ginger; 2 drops Clove; 1 drop Rosemary and 1 drop Cypress. Remember your first birthday when you were told to close your eyes and make a wish. The principle of candle magick remains the same.

If Only In My Minds Eye I could See !

By
Father Witch

A life of sacrifice-
forever to belong,
It is this father’s only destiny.
This place that he calls paradise,
with roads of precious gold.
If only in my minds eye, I could see.
This place that he calls heaven.
This enchanting, mystic land,
where he shall dwell throughout eternity.
To live his life of holiness.
To bear his crosses no more.
To be as he was always meant to be.
Yes, now that life has rid him
of all his worldly goods.
His nomad soul shall finally be set free.
To walk into his paradise
Where living bears no pain.
If only in my minds eye, I could see…

… the realism of such a reality.

The Yule Tree

Pagan families would bring a live tree into the home so the wood spirits would have a place to keep warm during the cold winter months. Bells were hung in the limbs so you could tell when a spirit was present.

To consecrate your tree sprinkle it with salted water, passing the smoke of incense (bayberry, pine, spruce, spice, ceder or cinnamon through the brances, and while walking around the tree with a lighted candle saying:

"By fire and water, air and earth, I consecrate you tree of rebirth."

Then decorate your tree and enjoy your Yuletime.

Midwinter Gingerbread

A Yule treat, this spicy-sweet bread is alway on my table. This is what you will need to make some of your own.

1/2 stick butter.
1/2 cup molasses.
1 large free-range egg.
1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour.
2 reasppons cinnamon.
2 teaspoons ginger.
1/4 teaspoon cloves.
1/4 teasppon salt.
1 teasppon baking soda
1/2 cup boiling water.
1/2 cup orange marmalade or good apricot jam.
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (opional)

Preheat over to 350 degrees.

In a small sausepan, gently melt the butter with the molasses and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the egg and brown sugar and beat well. Pour in the melted butter and molasses mixture and beat with an electric mixer to blend well. Then, (the fun part), by hand, stir in the flour, spices and salt, just enough to blend.
Add the baking soda to the boiling water and stir well. Pour the soda water into the batter and gently mix. Add the marmalade and pecans, again , stirring just until mixed.

Pour the gingerbread batter into a lightly greased 8 x 8 inch or 9 x 9 inch pan. Bake for about 30 minutes. The gingerbread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. Let the pan cool for 10 minutes, then insert a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the bread. Gently invert, placing onto a plate.

Serve simply as squares dusted with powdered sugar or topped with a spoonful of shipped cream. ENJOY!

LITHA

May this first day of summer be warm and filled with love for you. May your Litha be blessed.

LISTEN

Listen to your inner soul.
Listen to your heart.
Know that you and I, my friend,
are not so far apart.
Reach out and take my hand.
Know that I am near.
Listen to your inner soul
and tell me what you hear.
Close your eyes and listen
to the sounds that can’t be heard.
Open your mind and understand-
every single word.
Listen to your inner soul.
Can you hear your own heart beat?
The bells of friendship ring out loud
and will not accept defeat!

Sweet Dream Pillows

Make your own sweet dream pillows. At Litha, or Midsummer, you will find an abundance of lavender. Making your lavender pillow will be your own level of creativity. It's as with any spell you cast, you must prepare and you must put your true energies into your sweet dream pillow. Should you have no idea how to make a pillow you can check out:

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Pillow

When you stuff your pillow throw in a handful of dried lavender. As you sew your pillow up you can offer this blessing:

When at night I go to sleep,
sweet dreams will come to me.
Lavender scent bring peaceful rest.
As I will so it shall be.

Litha Garlands

One of the customs of Litha is to place garlands of St. John Wort over doors and windows and a sprig in your car for protection. This is to honor all of the goddesses of love.

The Flicker of My Flame.
By
Father Witch

I sing upon a silent stage
in a voice that can not be heard.
The flicker of my candles flame
is my sacred word..
I dance within my circle,
known by a name unknown.
In the silence of solitude-
a single love has grown.
I sing upon this stage of light
with a vision for a voice.
The flicker of my candles flame
has given me my choice.
I dance within my circle
to an ever changing moon.
The music of my Goddess-
Mother Nature’s tune.
I stand silent on this stage called life
watching my circle grow.
The flicker of my candles flame
is the direction I shall go.
I dance within my circle.
Shall you dance with me.
You are my forever friend
As I will, so mote it be!

Wiccan Cold and Flu Tea Recipe

When you are feeling a cold or flu approaching, here is an excellent recipe for a witchly, wonderful tea!!

Ingredients:
1 oz Blackberry leaves

1 oz Elder flowers

1 oz Linden flowers

1 oz Peppermint leaves

Pour 1 cup boiling water over 2 tbs mixture. Cover & steep 10 minutes; strain.

FRESH BROCCOLI SOUP IN BREAD BOWLS

This is a wonderful Midsummer dish for Litha. Enjoy! FW

Round sour dough bread loaves, halved

1/2 pound Broccoli, fresh
1/4 cup Onion, chopped
1/4 cup Margarine
1/2 cup Flour
3 cups Water
4 teaspoons Chicken Bouillon granules
2 cups Milk
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded

Steam broccoli in small amount of salted water for 10 minutes or until crisp-tender; coarsely chop. In large saucepan, sauté onion in margarine until tender but not brown. Blend in flour. Add water, chicken bouillon, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook and stir until mixture slightly thickens. Add chopped broccoli. Bring to boiling and stir in shredded cheese until melted. Serve soup in individual hollowed out bread loaf halves. Leftover soup freezes well.

Litha

As we continue around the wheel to Litha, the Goddess is pregnant with the God. This is midsummer and will be around June 21rst. The God is at the peak of his strength and this will be a time to celebrate the abundances of our earth.