Happy Imbolc!

For the rest of the world, it is known as Groundhog's Day. Here is what Wikipedia says about Groundhog's Day, http://bit.ly/38byQa

For Wiccans and most pagans, today is Imbolc. Here is a lovely ritual you can do as a solitary, http://bit.ly/dqM3a8 And here is a page about Imbolc lore, http://bit.ly/bWdv95 The goddess Brighid is generally honored today.

Today, when the sun is up, I'm going to do my own Imbolc ritual. It's such a lovely day, that I'm going to take a walk too. I don't know if it's because of my 20 minute exercise this morning (yay me!), but today has such a great energy, that anything seems possible! Do something you normally wouldn't today, that's been weighing on your mind lately. Lift that weight from your chest, to feel the great energy that today brings.

I've been thinking about creating a writing business. I would offer different things, such as how to write essays, group tutoring, writing workshops, and maybe even a group writing magazine. I'm also thinking about how I can do these things. Most likely I will have to have a few internships under my belt, some writing published, as well as some teaching experience. I also want to be a literary agent, I think that would be very cool. It's sad, not many students when they get into college know how to write an essay! And then they get stumped and have to go into remedial writing, which doesn't teach much either. I want to be able to help fill that gap. At this point, I have a blogging internship, which will help my writing portfolio.

Speaking of, I should begin writing for my internship today, and do some chores! Keep busy busy busy! As always, Blessed Be and have a wonderful Imbolc.

Ritual Formation

Wiccan rituals each have common elements. If you choose to incorporate all of the elements together, is your choice. Sometimes we are limited by time and/or space, to decide on which elements to use for your ritual. But, if you are new, I highly recommend performing a full ritual for at least 6 or so months, to get the full benefit of the energy that you are invoking, and to truly practice during your Year and a Day. Here's a great website explaining Wiccan ritual, http://bit.ly/ezbde2

Rituals are the heart of Wiccan religion. These are the way that we connect with the All--the Goddess, the God, and the universe. The energies that are invoked are meant to widen our perspective, to use our physical bodies in ways that you've never dreamed. For your first ritual, I want you to feel absolutely everything. I want you to "feel" the wall of your circle that you have created with your own energy. To feel energy, rub your hands together to create friction, then pull them apart maybe 5 or 6". In your mind's eye, "see" electric charges between your hands. Do your hands tingle? Are they warmer? Pick up an object. What do you "see" and "feel"? If you get images, you are seeing that object's story. Everything is energy. You are learning to commune with that energy.

1. Create your circle

2. Call the Goddess and the God

3. Call the quarters

4. Cakes & Ale (optional)

5. Planned Ritual (ie. spellwork; divination; Full moon/new moon ritual; bless ritual tools; Sabbat, basically anything that you have planned for your ritual)

6. Say farewell to the Goddess, the God, and the Elements

7. Open your circle

8. Ground & center

Maybe in the future I will write what to say during the different parts of ritual, but there are plenty of websites for ideas. Word to the wise: sometimes witches can be very private with their wording on certain spells and rituals. Even if you are in contact with a witch to give you advice, if you keep on asking for spells or rituals too often without offering ideas, they may not want to help you much longer. Witches love an independent person that can do research on their own, as well as have a creative mind to come up with their own rituals in time. I think in the near future I will put down my favorite websites that I frequent that I have found gave me the best ideas. In the comments below, let me know what you might like to know, or if there is anything that you are confused about. I will respond!

And as always, Blessed Be!