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[Title]: The Elements: Water

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🌊 Introduction 🌊

Water, one of the most versatile and commonplace elements, holds varying degrees of significance across various spiritual, mystical, and esoteric practices. Often associated with purification, reflection, and the subconscious, water's symbolic and practical applications are manifold. By understanding water's multifaceted nature, practitioners can harness its power more effectively, enriching their spiritual and magical practices. Most correspondences in this article are informed by non-colonial practices (Wicca, ‘Ceremonial Magick’, etc.) unless otherwise stated. I may also include some of my personal correspondences.

⛈️ Correspondences ☔️

Direction:

Water is typically associated with the west, symbolizing the end of the day and the sun’s descent. This direction represents introspection, reflection, and the subconscious. The west embodies the emotional and intuitive aspects of life, encouraging deep contemplation and the exploration of inner wisdom. I, personally, associate water with the North.

Season:

The season linked to water is typically winter or spring. Winter symbolizes a period of rest, reflection, and inner growth. This time encourages stillness and introspection, mirroring the quiet, dormant phase in nature's cycle where life slows down and renews itself. While spring is associated with fertility, renewal, and abundance. This time encourages a desire for new experiences and adventures and feelings of hope and optimism.

Time of day:

The time of day associated with water is twilight, the period between sunset and night. This liminal time embodies mystery and the blending of day and night, mirroring the fluid and transitional nature of water. Twilight invites introspection, relaxation, and the exploration of dreams and intuition.

Astrological sign:

Water corresponds to the astrological signs of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. These signs are known for their emotional depth, sensitivity, and intuition. Cancer nurtures and protects, Scorpio transforms and heals, and Pisces dreams and connects to the spiritual, all embodying the fluid and adaptive qualities of water.

Planets:

The planets associated with water are the Moon and Neptune. The Moon governs emotions, intuition, and cycles, reflecting water’s nurturing and reflective nature. Neptune symbolizes dreams, illusions, and the subconscious, emphasizing water’s connection to the unseen and the mystical aspects of existence.

Tarot:

In the Tarot, water is linked to the suit of Cups. This suit deals with emotions, relationships, and intuition. Cups cards explore the depth of human feelings, creativity, and the subconscious, resonating with water’s ability to flow, adapt, and reflect the inner world of emotions and dreams. This is based on the Rider Waite style of deck, which stems from colonial practices (Golden Dawn).

Elementals:

The elemental spirits of water are undines, also known as water nymphs or mermaids. These beings are said to inhabit and preside over bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. Undines represent the fluid, emotional, and transformative nature of water, embodying its nurturing and purifying qualities.

Colors:

The colors associated with water are blue and silver. Blue represents calmness, depth, and tranquility, reflecting water’s soothing and introspective qualities. Silver symbolizes the reflective and mystical aspects of water, akin to the moonlight dancing on the surface of a lake, highlighting water’s connection to the subconscious and intuition.

Crystals:

Crystals linked to water include aquamarine, moonstone, and amethyst. Aquamarine embodies clarity and calming energy, akin to the serene ocean. Moonstone enhances intuition and emotional balance, reflecting the lunar connection. Amethyst promotes spiritual awareness and inner peace, resonating with water’s introspective and purifying nature.

Herbs:

Herbs associated with water include chamomile, aloe vera, and lemon balm. Chamomile soothes and calms, mirroring water’s nurturing aspect. Aloe vera heals and hydrates, reflecting water’s restorative qualities. Lemon balm uplifts and comforts, embodying water’s ability to cleanse and rejuvenate the spirit and emotions. While not necessarily an herb, I often associate water with copal resin, as its smoke is not only cleansing but also transitionary.

Trees:

Willow, birch, and elder are trees linked to water. The willow, with its affinity for moist environments, symbolizes intuition and emotional resilience. Birch represents renewal and purification, reflecting water’s cleansing nature. Elder is associated with protection and healing, resonating with water’s nurturing and transformative properties.

Animals:

Water-associated animals include crabs, fish, frogs, and swans. Crabs are associated with the moon and tides, symbolizing cycles, protection, and emotions. Fish are directly linked to water and are symbols of fluidity, adaptability, and the flow of emotions. Frogs represent transformation and renewal, akin to water’s purifying qualities. Swans embody grace and beauty, mirroring water’s serene and reflective nature.

Deities:

Deities linked to water include Poseidon, Yemaya, and Tlaloc. Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, embodies the power and depth of the ocean. Yemaya, the Yoruba goddess, represents nurturing and protection. Tlaloc, the Aztec rain god, embodies water’s life-giving and sustaining qualities.

Mythical creatures:

Mythical creatures associated with water include mermaids, kelpies, and nixies. Mermaids embody the mysterious and seductive qualities of water. Kelpies, water spirits from Scottish folklore, symbolize transformation and the untamed nature of water. Nixies, Germanic water sprites, reflect the enchanting and elusive aspects of water.

Metals:

Silver and mercury are metals linked to water. Silver represents the reflective and mystical qualities of water, akin to moonlight on water’s surface. Mercury, with its liquid form, symbolizes adaptability and fluidity, reflecting water’s ability to change states and flow effortlessly through different environments.

Symbols:

Symbols associated with water include the crescent moon, waves, and the chalice. The crescent moon reflects water’s connection to the lunar cycles and emotions. Waves symbolize water’s dynamic and ever-changing nature. The chalice represents the receptive and nurturing qualities of water, embodying emotional and spiritual nourishment.

Body parts:

Body parts linked to water include the kidneys, bladder, and reproductive organs. The kidneys and bladder regulate fluid balance and purification in the body, reflecting water’s cleansing nature. The reproductive organs symbolize creation and nurturing, mirroring water’s life-giving and sustaining properties.

Senses:

The sense associated with water is taste. Taste connects to the element of water through the experience of savoring and appreciating flavors. This sense reflects water’s ability to blend and enhance, bringing out the essence of what it touches, much like the way water interacts with and transforms other elements. This association also stems from the idea of tasting sweet waters (fresh water), or the quenching of thirst.

Emotions:

Emotions linked to water include empathy, intuition, and sorrow. Water’s fluid nature symbolizes the flow and depth of human feelings, encouraging emotional expression and connection. This element fosters understanding and sensitivity, promoting healing and the nurturing of relationships through emotional attunement and care. Water, especially deep bodies like oceans, lakes, and rivers, is frequently associated with deep sorrows.

Personality traits:

Personality traits associated with water include sensitivity, adaptability, and intuition. Individuals influenced by water are often empathetic and attuned to their emotions and the feelings of others. They possess a deep sense of intuition and adaptability, able to navigate life’s changes with grace and emotional intelligence.

Musical notes and instruments:

The musical notes and instruments linked to water include the note D and instruments like the harp, piano, and flute. The note D resonates with water’s calming and soothing qualities. The harp and piano evoke flowing melodies, while the flute’s airy tones reflect water’s fluid and gentle nature. (Based on western scales)

Incense and essential oils:

Incense and essential oils associated with water include sandalwood, jasmine, and eucalyptus. Sandalwood promotes relaxation and grounding, mirroring water’s calming effect. Jasmine enhances intuition and emotional balance, reflecting water’s nurturing qualities. Eucalyptus purifies and refreshes, embodying water’s cleansing and revitalizing nature. Sandalwood: Avoid during pregnancy; may cause skin irritation. Jasmine: Use sparingly during pregnancy; can be a strong allergen. Eucalyptus: Not for children under 10; avoid ingesting; can cause respiratory issues if overused.

Tarot spreads:

The "Celtic Cross" tarot spread is often associated with water due to its comprehensive exploration of emotional and subconscious themes. This spread delves deeply into the querent's current situation, challenges, subconscious influences, and potential outcomes, reflecting the fluid and intuitive nature of water. This is based on the Rider Waite style of deck, which stems from colonial practices (Golden Dawn).

Runes:

Runes associated with water include Laguz and Perthro. Laguz represents the flow of water, intuition, and the subconscious, emphasizing fluidity and adaptability. Perthro symbolizes mystery, chance, and hidden knowledge, reflecting water’s connection to the unknown and the depths of the human psyche.

Ceremonies:

Ceremonies linked to water include purification rites, blessing rituals, and emotional healing practices. These ceremonies often involve the use of water to cleanse and renew, symbolizing emotional release and spiritual rebirth. They encourage introspection, forgiveness, and the restoration of emotional balance and harmony. Specifically, full moon ceremonies are most connected with elemental water, though these tend to be ceremonies reserved for women and effeminate practitioners traditionally.

🌦️🌤️☀️

It is crucial to acknowledge that while correspondences for water have been widely explored and established, there exist individual variations in these associations. The significance and personal resonance of specific correspondences may vary from person to person, influenced by cultural backgrounds, personal experiences, and spiritual beliefs. It is essential to embrace and honor these variations, allowing individuals to connect with the correspondences that align most authentically with their own spiritual practices and intentions. It is perfectly acceptable to create your own correspondences. There is no need to rigidly conform to preexisting ones unless working within a specific cultural context.

🫧 Common Practices 🌕

💧 Baptism

History and Background:

Baptism is a sacrament in Christianity, symbolizing purification and initiation into the faith. Its origins can be traced back to Jewish ritual washing and purification practices, such as the mikvah, which involved immersion in water to achieve spiritual cleanliness. John the Baptist, a prominent figure in the New Testament, is credited with popularizing baptism as a means of repentance and preparation for the coming of the Messiah. Jesus himself was baptized by John, setting a precedent for his followers.

Practice:

In baptism, water serves as the primary element of purification and transformation. The ritual can be performed in several ways: full immersion, where the person is completely submerged in water; affusion, where water is poured over the head; or aspersion, where water is sprinkled on the individual. The specific method often depends on the denomination and local customs.

During the ceremony, the officiant typically recites a blessing and the Trinitarian formula, "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." The act of baptism signifies the washing away of sin, spiritual rebirth, and the individual's entry into the Christian community. In many traditions, it is also seen as a covenant with God and a commitment to live according to Christian teachings.

💧 Lustration

History and Background:

Lustration, derived from the Latin word "lustratio," meaning purification, was a significant ritual in ancient Greek and Roman religious practices. It aimed to cleanse individuals, communities, or objects of any impurities, especially before engaging in important religious or civic activities. Lustration ceremonies were often performed before sacrifices, military campaigns, or significant state functions to ensure divine favor and protection.

Practice:

The lustration ritual typically involved washing with water, but could also include the sprinkling of water mixed with other purifying substances such as salt, herbs, or ashes. In some instances, entire communities participated in the ritual, where they were sprinkled with water by priests or religious officials.

Water in lustration symbolizes physical and spiritual cleanliness, renewal, and the removal of any negative influences. The practice underscores the belief in the transformative power of water to sanctify and protect, ensuring that those who underwent lustration were pure and fit to participate in sacred or significant activities.

💧 Ablution

History and Background:

Ablution, from the Latin "ablutio" meaning "a washing away," is a ritual purification found in various religious traditions, with a prominent role in Islam. In Islam, ablution is divided into two types: wudu, a minor purification required before prayers, and ghusl, a major purification for more significant states of impurity.

Practice:

Wudu involves washing the hands, mouth, nostrils, face, arms, head, and feet with water in a specific order. It is performed before the five daily prayers to ensure that the worshiper is in a state of physical and spiritual purity. The steps are methodical and include intentions and supplications, emphasizing mindfulness and the sacredness of the act.

Ghusl is a full-body ritual washing required in cases of major impurities, such as after sexual activity, menstruation, or childbirth. It involves washing the entire body thoroughly with water, symbolizing a complete purification and renewal.

In both wudu and ghusl, water is central to the process, representing purification, cleanliness, and the removal of impurities. These practices highlight the importance of water in maintaining spiritual hygiene and readiness for worship.

💧 Yemaya Festival*

History and Background:

The Yemaya Festival is celebrated in various Afro-Caribbean religions, such as Santeria*, Candomblé*, and Yoruba traditional religion*. Yemaya, also known as Yemoja, is the Orisha of the sea, motherhood, and fertility. She is revered as the mother of all Orishas and is often depicted as a nurturing and protective figure, embodying the life-giving and sustaining qualities of water.

Practice:

The Yemaya Festival typically involves ceremonies and rituals performed by the sea or other bodies of water. Devotees offer gifts such as fruits, flowers, jewelry, and food to Yemaya, often placing these offerings in the water as a gesture of respect and gratitude. Rituals may include singing, dancing, drumming, and chanting to honor Yemaya and seek her blessings.

Water is integral to the festival, symbolizing Yemaya's domain and her connection to life, fertility, and protection. Participants often wade into the water to release their offerings and prayers, seeking Yemaya’s guidance, healing, and support. The festival is a communal celebration, emphasizing unity, reverence for nature, and the nurturing aspects of the divine feminine.

💧 Scrying

History and Background:

Scrying is an ancient divination practice that involves gazing into a reflective surface to receive visions or insights. It has been used across various cultures, including Mexica, ancient Egypt, Greece, and among the Celtic Druids. The practice is based on the belief that reflective surfaces can act as portals to the subconscious mind or to spiritual entities, allowing the practitioner to access hidden knowledge or guidance.

Practice:

Water scrying, or hydromancy, involves using a bowl or other container filled with water as the reflective surface. The practitioner often works in a dimly lit or candle-lit environment to enhance the reflective properties of the water. They may also add a few drops of oil or use colored water to aid in the visualization process.

The practitioner focuses on the water’s surface, entering a meditative state to quiet the mind and open themselves to receiving images, symbols, or messages. Water's fluid and reflective nature makes it an ideal medium for scrying, as it can help reveal the flow of subconscious thoughts and emotions, providing clarity and insight into various aspects of life.

💧 Moon Water

History and Background:

Moon water is a concept rooted in various European pagan and witchcraft traditions (Mostly ceremonial magic and folk magic of northwest Europe). It involves collecting and charging water with the energy of the moon, particularly during the full moon when its power is believed to be at its peak. This practice is based on the idea that the moon’s energy can enhance the water’s properties, making it a potent tool for various magical and spiritual purposes.

Practice:

To create moon water, practitioners place a container of water, usually in glass or ceramic, outside or on a windowsill where it can be exposed to moonlight overnight. Some may add crystals, herbs, or salt to the water to amplify its energy. The practitioner often performs a ritual or speaks an intention while setting the water out, aligning their purpose with the moon’s energy.

Once charged, moon water can be used in various ways, such as in cleansing baths, anointing objects, watering plants, or as an ingredient in spells and rituals. The water is believed to carry the moon’s attributes, such as intuition, emotional balance, and feminine energy, making it a versatile and powerful tool for personal and spiritual growth.

🚰 Common Magical Uses 🚿

Most, if not all, of these practices are based on colonial practices such as Christianity, Wicca, and ‘Ceremonial Magick’.

💧 Purification and Cleansing

Cleansing Baths:

Water can be infused with herbs, salts, and essential oils to create a cleansing bath. Practitioners immerse themselves in this water to wash away negative energies, stress, and spiritual impurities. The bath can be accompanied by meditation, visualization, and affirmations to enhance the cleansing effect.

Sprinkling and Spraying:

Water can be blessed or charged and then sprinkled or sprayed around a space, object, or person to purify and protect. This method is often used to cleanse ritual tools, altar spaces, or homes.

Washing Rituals:

Water is used to wash hands, feet, or the face in preparation for spell work or rituals. This act signifies the removal of mundane concerns and impurities, creating a state of spiritual readiness.

💧 Charging and Empowering

Moon Water:

Water left out under the light of the full moon absorbs lunar energy and can be used in various spells and rituals. Moon water can be drunk, sprinkled around the home, added to baths, or used to anoint objects to imbue them with the moon's intuitive and emotional balancing properties.

Sun Water:

Similarly, water charged under the sun’s rays is infused with solar energy, representing vitality, strength, and clarity. Sun water can be used to empower spells, enhance personal energy, and promote positivity and confidence.

💧 Healing and Emotional Work

Healing Baths:

Water can be combined with specific herbs and crystals known for their healing properties. Practitioners soak in these baths to promote physical healing, emotional balance, and spiritual rejuvenation. Visualization of healing energy permeating the body and aura is often part of this practice.

Tear Magic:

In some traditions, tears are collected during moments of intense emotion and used in spells to capture and harness the energy of those emotions. Tears can be added to water used in rituals, symbolizing the release and transformation of emotional energy.

💧 Protection and Banishing

Saltwater Protection:

Water mixed with salt (often sea salt) is a common protective and purifying agent. Saltwater can be used to cleanse spaces, create protective barriers, or be sprinkled around the perimeter of a home to ward off negative energies and entities.

Banishing Rituals:

In banishing spells, water is used to symbolically wash away unwanted influences or entities. This can involve pouring water over an object representing the issue or person to be banished or using water to douse symbols or sigils of the unwanted energy.

💧 Connection to Spirits and Deities

Offering Water:

Water is often offered to spirits, ancestors, or deities in rituals and ceremonies. It can be placed on altars in bowls or cups, symbolizing purity and a connection to the divine or .

Ritual Libations:

Pouring water onto the ground as a libation is a way to honor and connect with earth spirits, deities, or ancestors. This practice is found in many cultures and is used to show respect and ask for blessings or assistance.

💧 Elemental Magic

Representing the Element of Water:

In rituals involving the four classical elements (earth, air, fire, water), a bowl of water is often placed on the altar to represent the water element. This helps to balance the energies within the ritual space and invoke the qualities of water, such as intuition, emotion, and healing.

💧 Spell Components and Ingredients

Water-Based Inks and Dyes:

Water can be used to create inks and dyes for writing spells, drawing sigils, or creating magical art. These inks can be infused with herbs, oils, and other ingredients to enhance their magical properties.

Potion Making:

Water serves as the base for many potions in spell work. Herbs, crystals, and other magical ingredients are steeped or brewed in water to create potions for various purposes, such as love, protection, healing, or prosperity.

💧 Weather Magic

Rain Spells:

Water is central to weather magic, particularly spells for invoking rain. Practitioners may use water rituals, dances, or chants to appeal to rain deities or spirits, asking for precipitation to nourish the land and support agricultural efforts.

💧 Symbolic Representation

Symbolic Actions:

In spells that require symbolic actions, water can be used to represent emotions, transitions, or transformations. For example, a spell to release emotional pain might involve writing the pain on a piece of paper and dissolving it in water, symbolizing the washing away of the hurt.

🌧️ Common Misconceptions 🌧️

Water, as a fundamental element in witchcraft, carries a wealth of symbolism and practical uses. However, there are several misconceptions surrounding its use in magical practices. Here are some of the most common ones:

⚡️ Misconception 1:

Water Has Uniform Magical Properties

Reality:

Not all water is the same in magical practices. The source and condition of the water can influence its properties and effectiveness in spell work. For example, rainwater, river water, ocean water, and spring water each carry distinct energies and should be chosen according to the specific needs of a spell. Since water is a common solvent, anything put into solution with water will affect the whole’s energetic properties and therefore its most effective applications.

⚡️ Misconception 2:

Water Spells Are Only for Emotional and Intuitive Magic

Reality:

While water is closely associated with emotions and intuition, its magical applications extend beyond these realms. Water can be used for a variety of purposes, including protection, healing, fertility, and abundance. For example, water can be used in protection spells by creating barriers, in healing spells by creating soothing potions or baths, and in fertility rituals by invoking its life-giving properties.

⚡️ Misconception 3:

Moon Water Is a Cure-All

Reality:

Moon water, while powerful, is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The effectiveness of moon water depends on the lunar phase and the practitioner's intention. Full moon water is excellent for general empowerment and completion, while new moon water is better suited for new beginnings and setting intentions. Additionally, specific astrological aspects of the moon can influence the water's properties, such as a moon in Scorpio for transformation or a moon in Pisces for spiritual insight.

⚡️ Misconception 4:

Water Alone Is Enough for Cleansing

Reality:

While water is a powerful cleansing agent, it often works best in conjunction with other elements or tools. Adding salt, herbs, or essential oils can enhance its purifying properties. Combining water with other practices like visualization, chanting, or the use of sacred symbols can amplify the cleansing effect, making the ritual more comprehensive and effective.

🌊 Properties of Water 🌊

To gain a comprehensive understanding of water in the context of witchcraft, it is essential to explore its properties across various categories. These categories include energetic properties, physical properties, philosophical properties, and chemical properties.

✨ Energetic Properties ⛈️

From an energetic standpoint, water has seven inherent properties:

Inductive: Pulls outside energy into itself

Direct Current: Sends a quanta of energy from point to point directly

Holds Charge: Retains some degree of the intact energy it reacts with, without utilizing it all to form energetic compounds

Repulsive: Repels (Dependent) energies within a variable set distance away from itself

Negenthropic: Always returns to its Natural Energetic State without influence

Sinusoidal: Contains and releases natural and consistent energy fluctuations

Refractive: Splits reactionary energies into 2+ quanta of the reactionary energy's subcomponents

From an energetic standpoint, water exhibits seven distinct properties that underscore its unique role in energy work. Firstly, inductive properties enable water to attract and assimilate external energies, making it a conduit for absorbing and integrating ambient influences. As a direct current conductor, water channels energy from one point to another efficiently, facilitating a smooth flow of quanta through its structure. Additionally, water's ability to hold charge means it retains some of the energies it interacts with, preserving them in a partially unaltered form rather than fully converting them into new energetic compounds. Water also demonstrates a repulsive quality, where it can push away or repulse energies that fall outside a variable proximity, thus managing its energetic environment by creating a buffer zone. The negenthropic nature of water ensures it continuously seeks and returns to its inherent natural state, regardless of external influences or disruptions. Its sinusoidal property reflects a rhythm of consistent energy fluctuations, as water naturally oscillates between states of absorption and release, maintaining a dynamic equilibrium. Lastly, water's refractive ability allows it to split and disperse incoming energies into multiple quanta, breaking them down into subcomponents and facilitating a more complex interaction with its surroundings. These properties collectively highlight water's versatile role in energy dynamics, making it a powerful tool in various energetic and spiritual practices.

🧊 Physical Properties

State and Phase Transitions:

States: Water exists in three states: solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (water vapor).

Melting Point: 0°C (32°F) at standard atmospheric pressure.

Boiling Point: 100°C (212°F) at standard atmospheric pressure.

Sublimation Point: Under certain conditions, ice can directly transition to vapor without becoming liquid.

Density:

Liquid Water: Approximately 1 g/cm³ at 4°C, where it is densest.

Ice: Approximately 0.917 g/cm³, less dense than liquid water, causing ice to float.

Water Vapor: Much less dense than liquid water or ice.

Viscosity:

Water has low viscosity, allowing it to flow easily. The viscosity decreases as temperature increases.

Surface Tension:

Water has a high surface tension due to hydrogen bonding, making it cohesive and allowing it to form droplets.

Specific Heat Capacity:

Water has a high specific heat capacity (4.186 J/g°C), meaning it can absorb and store a large amount of heat energy with only a slight increase in temperature. This property helps moderate Earth's climate and maintain stable temperatures in organisms.

Heat of Vaporization:

Water has a high heat of vaporization (40.65 kJ/mol at 100°C), requiring significant energy to convert from liquid to gas, which plays a role in cooling mechanisms like sweating and transpiration in plants.

Thermal Conductivity:

Water has moderate thermal conductivity, enabling efficient heat transfer in biological systems and environments.

Electrical Conductivity:

Pure water has low electrical conductivity, but it increases with the presence of dissolved ions (electrolytes).

🧽 Chemical Properties

Molecular Structure:

Water is a polar molecule with a bent shape, having an angle of approximately 104.5° between the hydrogen atoms and the oxygen atom. The oxygen atom has a partial negative charge, while the hydrogen atoms have partial positive charges, leading to hydrogen bonding.

Hydrogen Bonding:

Water molecules form hydrogen bonds with each other, leading to its high cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension. These bonds also contribute to water's high boiling and melting points relative to other small molecules.

Solvent Properties:

Water is often called the "universal solvent" because it can dissolve many substances. Its polarity allows it to interact with and dissolve ionic compounds (salts) and polar molecules (sugars, alcohols).

pH and Ionization:

Pure water has a neutral pH of 7 at 25°C, resulting from the auto-ionization process where water molecules dissociate into hydrogen ions (H⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻):

The concentration of H⁺ and OH⁻ ions in pure water is 0.0000001 mol/L each.

Reactivity:

Water participates in various chemical reactions, including hydrolysis, where it breaks down compounds, and hydration, where it adds to substances.

It can act as both an acid and a base (amphoteric), making it versatile in chemical reactions:

Redox Properties:

Water is involved in redox reactions, serving as a medium for electron transfer. In biological systems, water is crucial in processes like photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

❄️ Unique Anomalies

Density Anomaly:

Unlike most substances, water's solid form (ice) is less dense than its liquid form due to the structure of hydrogen bonds, which create a lattice that holds water molecules farther apart in ice than in liquid water.

Maximum Density at 4°C:

Water reaches its maximum density at 4°C, which is critical for aquatic life. This property causes lakes and ponds to stratify, with denser water sinking and less dense water (either warmer or ice) remaining on top, insulating the aquatic life during winter.

High Surface Tension and Capillarity:

Water’s high surface tension allows for capillary action, essential for the movement of water in plants (from roots to leaves) and soil moisture dynamics.

🧿 Metaphysical Properties

Water has long been a symbol of philosophical and metaphysical concepts across various traditions. Its properties and characteristics often embody deeper truths about existence, consciousness, and the natural world. Here are some key philosophical and metaphysical properties of water:

Fluidity and Adaptability

Water’s ability to flow and adapt to any container highlights the concept of fluidity and adaptability. Philosophically, this represents the idea of embracing change and being flexible in the face of life's transformations. Water’s adaptability signifies a deep understanding of the need to be open and responsive to the dynamic nature of existence.

Cyclical Nature

Water follows a natural cycle—evaporation, condensation, precipitation—which symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and existence. This cyclical pattern reflects the interconnectedness of all things and the continuous process of renewal and transformation. Philosophically, it illustrates the concept of eternal return and the perpetuity of life’s rhythms.

Purification and Cleansing

Water is widely regarded as a purifying force. Metaphysically, it represents the cleansing of the self, both physically and spiritually. This property embodies the idea of purification as a necessary process for spiritual growth, personal renewal, and the release of negative or stagnant energies.

Reflective and Intuitive Qualities

The reflective surface of water symbolizes self-reflection and introspection. Philosophically, it represents the ability to see beyond the surface and gain deeper insight into oneself and the nature of reality. Water’s reflective nature also ties into intuition, as it reflects the deeper, often unseen, aspects of consciousness.

Emotional Depth

Water is often associated with the depths of emotion and the subconscious mind. Metaphysically, this association signifies the profound and often hidden layers of human experience. Water’s capacity to hold and move through emotional states underscores the importance of exploring and understanding the depth of one’s feelings.

Connection and Interconnection

Water connects all forms of life, from the smallest microorganisms to the largest ecosystems. This universal connection reflects the interconnectedness of all beings and phenomena. Philosophically, it underscores the concept that all entities are part of a larger whole, sharing a common source and mutual influence.

Transience and Impermanence

Water’s ever-changing state—liquid, solid, and gas—illustrates the principle of impermanence. This property philosophically embodies the idea that all things are in a constant state of flux, and permanence is an illusion. Water’s ability to change forms highlights the transient nature of reality and existence.

Sacredness and Life-Giving Force

In many traditions, water is considered sacred and a vital source of life. This reverence reflects its fundamental role in sustaining life and its symbolic connection to spiritual nourishment and vitality. Philosophically, water’s sacredness represents the divine essence present in the natural world and the importance of honoring and respecting life’s fundamental resources.

Symbol of Unity

Water’s ability to merge seamlessly with other bodies of water represents unity and oneness. Philosophically, this property signifies the dissolution of boundaries and the merging of individual identities into a collective whole. It embodies the concept of unity within diversity and the idea that all things are ultimately interconnected.

Ethereal and Transcendent Qualities

Water’s ability to evaporate and become vapor suggests a transcendent quality, moving beyond the material and physical state. This ethereal aspect symbolizes the potential for spiritual ascension and the movement towards higher states of consciousness. It reflects the idea of transcending physical limitations and reaching a higher, more spiritual plane.

⚗️ Classical Alchemical Properties

In Classical Alchemy, water is viewed not just as a physical substance but as a key element with profound symbolic and practical significance. Alchemical traditions, which combine elements of philosophy, spirituality, and early natural science, attribute various properties to water based on its role in the processes of transformation and purification. Here are some of the classical alchemical properties of water:

Solvent and Dissolver

Water is often referred to as the "universal solvent" in alchemy. This property highlights water's ability to dissolve and break down other substances, making it essential for the extraction and purification of ingredients. In alchemical practices, water's solvent nature is crucial for processes such as dissolution, which is a key step in the preparation of alchemical mixtures and the extraction of essences from minerals and plants.

Purification and Cleansing

Water is symbolic of purification in alchemical traditions. It is used to cleanse both physical materials and the alchemist's own mind and spirit. In alchemical operations, water is employed to wash away impurities and prepare substances for further transformation. This aligns with the broader metaphysical view of water as a purifying force, essential for achieving purity and perfection in the alchemical work.

Cooling and Condensing

In alchemical processes, water is associated with cooling and condensing. It is used to regulate temperature and facilitate the condensation of vapors into liquid form. This property is integral to processes such as distillation and the condensation of alchemical substances, where maintaining the right temperature is crucial for the successful transformation of materials.

Fluidity and Movement

Water’s inherent fluidity and capacity to flow represent the principle of movement and change in alchemy. This property reflects the dynamic nature of transformation, where water is seen as a medium through which substances move and change states. The fluidity of water symbolizes the constant flux and adaptability required in the alchemical work.

Binding and Combining

Water’s ability to bind and combine different substances is another important alchemical property. It is used to mix and integrate various elements, facilitating their combination into new compounds. This property underscores water's role in creating harmonious mixtures and achieving synthesis in alchemical processes.

Cyclic and Recursive Nature

Water’s natural cycle—evaporation, condensation, precipitation—mirrors the cyclical nature of alchemical transformations. This property represents the recurring cycles of dissolution and reconstitution that are central to the alchemical work. The cyclical nature of water highlights the repetitive process of refining and perfecting substances through successive stages.

Catalytic Role

Water acts as a catalyst in many alchemical reactions. It can facilitate chemical changes and enhance the effects of other substances, making it a crucial component in achieving desired transformations. The catalytic role of water underscores its importance in accelerating and directing alchemical processes.

Temperature Regulation

In alchemy, water is used to regulate temperature during various operations. It helps maintain the appropriate conditions for reactions, such as cooling heated substances or moderating the temperature of distillations. This property is vital for controlling the environment in which alchemical processes occur.

Embodying the Principle of Mercurial Fluidity

Water represents the mercurial (or quicksilver) aspect of alchemy, embodying the principle of fluidity and the ability to change form. This property aligns with the concept of mercury as a fluid, transformative substance in alchemical traditions, reflecting the dynamic and mutable nature of water in both physical and symbolic contexts.

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#classical elements #witchcraft #beginner witch #witchcraft resources #witchcraft guide #witchcraft basics #water #elemental water #informational post #gsw

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lunar-bat · 1 year ago

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Witchcraft 101: Wicca & The Wheel of The Year

Paganism - An umbrella term for many nature-based and polytheistic spiritual traditions. Note that not all pagans practice witchcraft. Wicca - A pagan, nature-based religious movement. Wicca blends aspects of witchcraft, nature veneration, and ceremonial magic. It places a strong emphasis on honoring nature and follows a duotheistic belief system often known as the Triple Goddess and Horned God. Wheel of The Year The wheel reflects the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth in the natural world and is central to the rituals, spells, and celebrations of many pagan and witchcraft traditions. The Wheel of the Year is divided into eight significant points, which correspond to the Sabbats or festivals:

Samhain (October 31st): Also known as All Hollow's Eve, marks the beginning of the Wheel of the Year and is associated with the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter. Samhain is a time for honoring ancestors, reflecting on mortality, and recognizing the thinning of the veil between the physical and spirit worlds. Samhain is a time to acknowledge the cyclical nature of life and death and to connect with the spiritual realm. Yule (Winter Solstice, typically around December 21st): Marks the rebirth of the sun, with a focus on light, hope, and renewal during the darkest time of the year. Yule customs include lighting candles or a Yule log, feasting, gift-giving, and spending time with loved ones. It's a significant part of the Wheel of the Year, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and the changing seasons. Imbolc (February 1st): Marks the early signs of spring and the gradual return of light and warmth. Imbolc is associated with the Celtic goddess Brigid and is a time for purification, cleaning, and preparing for the coming season's growth. It's often celebrated with rituals, candle lighting, and dedication to Brigid. Imbolc highlights the theme of renewal and the awakening of life after the winter months. Ostara (Spring Equinox, typically around March 21st): Marks the arrival of spring, where day and night are in balance. Ostara is a time for celebrating fertility, new beginnings, and the growth of life. It is often associated with themes of rebirth, renewal, and the awakening of nature. Common customs include egg decorating, planting seeds, and celebrating the return of warmth and longer days. Beltane (May 1st): Celebration of fertility, love, and the union of the goddess and god. Beltane is often observed with rituals, bonfires, Maypole dancing, and other festivities that emphasize the vitality and growth of life in the natural world. Midsummer (Summer Solstice, typically around June 21st): Also known as Litha, marks the longest day of the year when the sun is at its peak. Midsummer is a time for harnessing the sun's energy, celebrating the abundance of nature, and enjoying outdoor festivities. Common customs include lighting bonfires, dancing, and gathering herbs and flowers for magical and medicinal purposes. Lughnasadh (August 1st): Also known as Lammas, marks the first harvest of the year and is associated with the Celtic god Lugh. Lughnasadh is a festival dedicated to expressing gratitude for the Earth's bountiful harvest and agricultural abundance. Traditional practices during this time involve crafting corn dollies, enjoying meals made from freshly harvested crops, and engaging in various games and competitions. Mabon (Autumn Equinox, typically around September 21st): Marks the second harvest and a time of balance when day and night are equal. Mabon is a festival for reflecting on gratitude, giving thanks for the fruits of the Earth, and preparing for the darker months ahead. Common customs include feasting on seasonal foods, making offerings to the land, and creating altars with symbols of the season.

#divination #witchcraft #witchblr #grimoire #magick #baby witch #witchery #witchcraft 101 #spirituality #broom closet #fyp #sabbaths #paganism #paganblr #wicca

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enchantedwitchling · 9 months ago

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Embracing the First Signs of Spring: A Witch's Guide to Imbolc.

🌸🔥🕯️

As the chill of winter begins to recede and the first signs of spring emerge, we celebrate Imbolc, also known as Brigid’s Day. This sacred festival marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the stirring of new life. Let’s explore the essence of Imbolc, how witches honor this festival, and discover rituals, spells, and traditions to celebrate the awakening of the Earth.

What is Imbolc?

Imbolc, celebrated on February 1st or 2nd, is a time of purification, light, and rebirth. It honors the goddess Brigid, who is associated with fire, healing, poetry, and fertility. Imbolc signifies the first stirrings of spring, as the Earth begins to awaken from its winter slumber.

How Do Witches Celebrate Imbolc?

Witches celebrate Imbolc by lighting candles, performing purification rituals, and welcoming the returning light. It’s a time to set intentions, cleanse the home, and prepare for the new growth of spring.

Rituals and Spells for Imbolc:

🕯️ Candle Lighting Ceremony: Light candles throughout your home to honour the returning light. As you light each candle, set intentions for the coming months.

🌿 Brigid’s Cross: Craft a Brigid’s Cross from reeds, wheat, or straw. Hang it in your home for protection and blessings throughout the year.

🔥 Fire Rituals: Perform fire rituals to invoke the energy of Brigid. Safely light a fire in your hearth or a fireproof bowl, focusing on purification and renewal.

💧 Cleansing Bath: Take a ritual bath with herbs like rosemary, lavender, and thyme to cleanse your body and spirit. Visualize releasing old energies and welcoming new beginnings.

🌱 Planting Seeds: Plant seeds indoors to symbolize new growth. As you plant, focus on the intentions you wish to cultivate in the coming months.

Imbolc and Sacred Symbols

🔥 Fire and Light: Central symbols of Imbolc, representing purification, inspiration, and the returning light. Incorporate candles, lanterns, and fires into your celebrations.

🌸 Snowdrops and Early Blooms: Symbolizing hope and the first signs of spring. Use these flowers to decorate your altar or home.

🕯️ Brigid’s Cross: A powerful symbol of protection and blessings. Craft one to honor the goddess and invite her blessings into your home.

🌿 Milk and Dairy: Traditionally associated with Imbolc, representing nourishment and fertility. Include dairy products in your Imbolc feast or offerings.

Other Imbolc Traditions

🧹 Spring Cleaning: Cleanse your home of stagnant winter energy. Open windows, sweep out old dust, and cleanse your space with smoke or essential oils.

🎨 Creative Expression: Honor Brigid, the goddess of creativity, by engaging in artistic activities like writing, painting, or crafting.

🥣 Feasting: Share a meal with loved ones, featuring dairy products, seeds, and early spring greens. Celebrate the abundance and nourishment of the Earth.

Imbolc is a time to honor the stirring of life within the Earth and within ourselves. It’s a celebration of light, hope, and new beginnings. Whether through rituals, spells, or simply appreciating the subtle signs of spring, Imbolc offers a moment to connect deeply with the cycles of nature and the promise of renewal. As we celebrate Imbolc, may the light of Brigid guide you, may your intentions flourish, and may the awakening Earth inspire your spirit.

🌸🔥🕯️

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thewitcheslibrary · 10 months ago

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Elements of energy work

Earth-

It signifies stability, material items, and finances, and it regulates tangible objects such as our bodies, homes, cars, personal belongings, and sense of touch.

Earth traits include groundedness, manifestation, resourcefulness, safety, growth and growing things, health, financial issues, solidity, and a connection to nature and the world around us.

Altar tools to represent-

herbs

ceramics

pentacle

Tarot representation-

pentacles

Time-

midnight

winter

Plants and herbs-

Dark dry woody roots,

ground veg,

grains

Crystals-

Hematite

smokey quartz

jasper

black tourmaline

Tigers eye

petrified wood

Agate

jet

Planets and zodiacs associated with-

Saturn

venus

Taurus

capricorn

virgo

Magick uses-

Prosperity

manifesting

grounding

abundance

health

Protection

herbalism

elementals/fae (not recommended to work with unless you know what you're doing)

Kitchen magick

Geomancy

runes

Bone divination

Air-

Air signifies communication, intellect, and everything related to the mind, including imagination, thoughts, memories, and knowledge. Air regulates gaseous stuff, including the atmosphere, winds, weather, and the sense of smell.

Air attributes include our inner dialect of thoughts, the interchange of ideas in interpersonal communication, and the clarity with which we communicate.

Altar tools for air-

Athame

smoke

bells

feathers

tarot for air-

swords

Crystals to represent air-

Clear quartz

labradorite

flourite

calcite

selenite

kyanite

Iolite

apophyllite

Time associated with air-

Spring time

dawn

Plants and herbs-

anything warm and moist

anything with aerials

Planets and Zodiac signs-

Mercury

Uranus

Gemini

Libra

Aquarius

Magick uses-

Astrology

divination

Astral travel

communication

purification

focus

travel

visualisation

channeling

breathwork

smoking (smoke cleansing)

Fire-

Fire symbolises activity, creativity, passion, and vigour. It oversees physical energy and everything associated to it, including heat, light, electricity, motion, sight, and energetic impulses.

Leadership, personal power, will, adventure, inspiration, and the ability to complete tasks are all examples of fire attributes. The element of fire promotes ambition and brilliance.

Altar tools-

dagger/athame

candles

tarot associations-

wands

crystal associations-

Lava rock

citrine

bloodstone

fire opal

ruby

fire agate

carnelian

sunstone

obsidian

garnet

time-

midday

summer

Plants and herbs-

anything hot

thorny

stingy

stimulating

Planets and zodiacs-

mars

sun

jupiter

Aries

leo

Sagittarius

Magick uses-

transformation

will

power/force

masculinity

energy building

evocation

protection

strength

creativity

sex magick

water-

Water symbolises our emotional nature, intuition, fertility, and sense of taste. It is also tied to our relationships and interactions with others. Water regulates all liquid stuff and everything connected to bodies of water.

Water attributes include emotional equilibrium, empathy, gut instincts, and psychic skills.

Altar tools-

shells

chalice

mirrors

tarot-

cups

time-

dusk

autumn

Plants and herbs-

anything cooling

anything moist

any plants you find growing near water

Crystals-

moonstone

turquoise

rose quartz

chalcedony

amazonite

aquamarine

lapis lazuli

kunzite

Planets and zodiac-

moon

neptune

pluto

cancer

Scorpio

Pisces

Magick uses:

mediumship

hydromancy

water scrying

relationships

femininity

healing

lunar magic

dream work

subconscious

tea ceremonies

love

alchemy

Spirit-

Because spirit is not tangible, its correspondences differ from those of the physical components. Planets, tools, and other objects may be associated with it by various systems, although these associations are significantly less standardised than those of the other four elements. The element of spirit has various names. The most popular are spirit, ether or aether, and quintessence, which is Latin for "fifth element."

There is no universal symbol for spirit, however circles are prevalent. Eight-spoked wheels and spirals are also used to symbolise spirit. Spirit connects the physical and spiritual realms. In cosmological conceptions, the spirit is the intermediary substance between the physical and heavenly realms. Within the microcosm, the spirit serves as the link between the body and the soul.

Invoke your god or goddess. This can be accomplished by looking into their correspondences and making sacrifices or burning suitable incense, for example. If you discover a chant you enjoy, you may utilise it as well, or focus on this god, welcoming the message they wish to convey to you.

Practice divination! This is one of the most effective techniques to connect with the spiritual dimension. It allows you to bypass your conscious mind, which sometimes prevents us from receiving subconscious instructions. Whether you use tarot, a pendulum, or runes, calling on spirit or a specific god can help you connect with this element while performing divination.

Keep a dream notebook. We frequently receive messages in our sleep that we quickly forget unless we write them down. When we sleep, our conscious mind is not functioning, leaving us more receptive to receiving messages from Spirit. To interpret the dreams, become familiar with common symbolism and interpret them instinctively.

Draw, paint, or colour a mandala. This is a style of meditation derived from the Buddhist and Hindu practices of Tantra. Mandalas became popular in the New Age movement after Carl Jung presented them as a tool to examine the subconscious, and they can now be found almost anywhere, including adult colouring books.

#pagan witch #witch #witchblr #witchcraft #witchcore #energy #energy work

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hyakinthou-naos · 6 months ago

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Hyakíntha Ritual: The Pénthos

1. Ceremonial Garments

As we mourn the passing of our patron's consort, Prince Hyacinthus, we adorn ourselves in simple clothes of dark colors. We wear no jewelry, we partake in no adornments, we allow our grief to permeate the air. He who was all beauty, all light, and all focus of Our Lord Apollo's affections. He was all good, all kindness, all love. We bind our hair and don our veils as we proceed to Temple.

2. Khernips & Purification

We reach the steps and ramps of The Temple's entrance, it's wide white doors opened wide for our precession.

The entrance chamber holds a bowl of water where flaming leaves of bay and laurel have been extinguished. The water is cool as we wash our hands in the lustral water, cleansing ourselves before we enter The Temple's center.

3. Gathering at the Altar

We proceed into The Temple's center; there is music playing softly as we enter. The altar is positioned in the center of the room, behind which stands the Steward - dressed in black. Chairs and pillows for seating are arranged in a semi-circle in front of the altar, upon each is a hyacinth flower in full bloom.

We take our seats

4. Opening Prayer & Deity Invocation

As we settle into our chosen seats, the music fades away. The Steward stands behind the altar and lights the center candle, and speaks:

Hestia, great goddess of the ancients - Daughter of the Titans Cronus and Rhea - She who is honored before all others. O great goddess, we ask that you accept this flame as an offering to you. Hestia, goddess of hearth and home Lead our way, and light our path.

The Steward then moves to light the second candle, as well as the ceremonial incense. The wick ignites and sweetly scented smoke begins to fill the room. They raise their arms to the heavens, and speak:

Lord Apollo, wonderous god of music and poetry Son of Lord Zeus and Lady Lêta Lover of Hyacinthus, for whom we mourn O bright and shining Lord, we ask that you accept these offerings - flame and incense. We pray that they will ease your heart. We call upon you today, great god of prophecy and healing, to bare witness to our ritual - as we honor your fallen love. The great Prince Hyacinthus of Sparta, for whom these flowers honor. May Hermes carry these words from our lips, to your ears, on mighty Mount Olympus. Du et des, we give so you may give.

5. Hymns & Music

As the Steward concludes their prayer, they open a book sat behind the altar - Metamorphese by Ovid. The pages turn as the Steward opens to Book 10 - and begins to read:

You also, Hyacinthus, would have been set in the sky! if Phoebus had been given time which the cruel fates denied for you. But in a way you are immortal too. Though you have died. Always when warm spring drives winter out, and Aries (the Ram) succeeds to Pisces (watery Fish), you rise

and blossom on the green turf. And the love my father had for you was deeper than he felt for others. Delphi center of the world, had no presiding guardian, while the God frequented the Eurotas and the land of Sparta, never fortified with walls. His zither and his bow no longer fill

his eager mind and now without a thought of dignity, he carried nets and held the dogs in leash, and did not hesitate to go with Hyacinthus on the rough, steep mountain ridges; and by all of such associations, his love was increased. Now Titan was about midway, betwixt

the coming and the banished night, and stood at equal distance from those two extremes. Then, when the youth and Phoebus were well stripped, and gleaming with rich olive oil, they tried a friendly contest with the discus. First Phoebus, well-poised, sent it awhirl through air, and cleft the clouds beyond with its broad weight;

from which at length it fell down to the earth, a certain evidence of strength and skill. Heedless of danger Hyacinthus rushed for eager glory of the game, resolved to get the discus. But it bounded back from off the hard earth, and struck full against your face, O Hyacinthus! Deadly pale

the God's face went — as pallid as the boy's. With care he lifted the sad huddled form. The kind god tries to warm you back to life, and next endeavors to attend your wound, and stay your parting soul with healing herbs. His skill is no advantage, for the wound is past all art of cure. As if someone,

when in a garden, breaks off violets, poppies, or lilies hung from golden stems, then drooping they must hang their withered heads, and gaze down towards the earth beneath them; so, the dying boy's face droops, and his bent neck, a burden to itself, falls back upon his shoulder: “You are fallen in your prime

defrauded of your youth, O Hyacinthus!” Moaned Apollo. “I can see in your sad wound my own guilt, and you are my cause of grief and self-reproach. My own hand gave you death unmerited — I only can be charged with your destruction.—What have I done wrong? Can it be called a fault to play with you?

Should loving you be called a fault? And oh, that I might now give up my life for you! Or die with you! But since our destinies prevent us you shall always be with me, and you shall dwell upon my care-filled lips. The lyre struck by my hand, and my true songs will always celebrate you. A new flower

you shall arise, with markings on your petals, close imitation of my constant moans: and there shall come another to be linked with this new flower, a valiant hero shall be known by the same marks upon its petals.” And while Phoebus, Apollo, sang these words with his truth-telling lips, behold the blood

of Hyacinthus, which had poured out on the ground beside him and there stained the grass, was changed from blood; and in its place a flower, more beautiful than Tyrian dye, sprang up. It almost seemed a lily, were it not that one was purple and the other white. But Phoebus was not satisfied with this.

For it was he who worked the miracle of his sad words inscribed on flower leaves. These letters AI, AI, are inscribed on them. And Sparta certainly is proud to honor Hyacinthus as her son; and his loved fame endures; and every year they celebrate his solemn festival.

The Steward finishes his reading, placing the book back from whence it came, and arranges for the music to begin. Before starting the music, the Steward speaks:

I invite you all to listen to this music, and think of Prince Hyacinthus. Think of all the queer lovers who were taken from this world too soon. Think of all the queer lovers who cannot speak their truth aloud. Think of all the queer lovers, through which we can see Apollo and Hyacinthus. The Gods are with us, they are within us, if only we are to search for them. We are not separate from divinity, for we are all made from divinity.

Music begins to play, and the Steward beats his chest to rhythm of the song.

6. Libations

As the music concludes, the Steward places a large ceremonial bowl in the center of the participants. The Steward then returns with glasses filled with liquid, giving one to each of those in attendance. The Steward stands in front of the altar and speaks:

In honor and reverence of the ancient ways, we hold before us a libation of honey, water, and wine. As we pour these libations, we offer them to Prince Hyacinthus. He who was the lover of our Lord, he whose beauty was unrivaled, he who was taken far too soon.

We all pour our libations into the center bowl, the liquids flow together - some splashing onto the floor and our feet - and another song begins.

7. Divination

[Ritual attendees/participants are encouraged to engage in their own personal divination with Lord Apollo at this time.]

8. Closing Prayers

As the song finishes, the Steward returns to be behind the altar. They take a moment to pause, before speaking:

Hermes Psychopomp, guide of lost souls, we call to thee Guide the soul of Hyacinthus to the realms of Hades, where Queen Persephone reigns. Mighty Pluto, King of the Underworld, we call to thee Receive this soul with kindness and grant him peace in your domain. May his journey to the underworld be swift and gentle. Just Rhadamanthys, Fair Minos, and Honorable Aiakos - judges of the departed souls, we call to thee May Hyacinthus find rest in the Elysian Fields, may he know peace in the land of the dead, may he suffer no longer. O great gods of the underworld, we ask that you accept Hyacinthus, and that he may they find eternal rest and honor within your kingdom.

The Steward raises his arms to the heavens, and once again speaks:

Apollo Aegletus Shining Lord We Feel You In The Rising Sun Apollo Proupsius Foreseeing Lord We Trust Our Future Within Your Hands Apollo Musagetes Lord Of The Muses We Hear Your Voice In Song And Hymn Apollo Acesius Lord Of Healing We Trust In You To See Tomorrow Golden God We Sing Your Praise We Honor You And Speak Your Name Golden God We Beg Your Ear Be With Us And Keep Us Near Du Et Des

The Steward lowers his arms and extinguishes the second candle, before speaking for a final time:

Hestia, first -

They blow out the center candle.

- and last

And with that, the ritual is concluded.

#Hyakíntha Ritual: The Pénthos #Hyakíntha #Hyakintha #Hyakintha Ritual #The Temple of Hyacinthus #Lord Hyacinthus #Hyacinthus #Lord Apollo #Apollo #Textpost #HelPol #Hellenic Polytheism

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brookstonalmanac · 9 days ago

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Holidays 1.24

Holidays

BCPB (Black & Can’t Play Basketball) Awareness Day

Big Garden Bird Watch (UK)

Bull Day (French Republic)

Colorist Appreciation Day

Day of the Foreign Intelligence Service (Ukraine)

Economic Liberation Day (Togo)

Fiesta de Ekeko (Bolivia)

Foreign Intelligence Service Day (Ukraine)

Global Belly Laugh Day (at 1:24 pm local time)

Gold Rush Day (California)

Healthcare Continuing EducationProfessionals Day

Heart to Heart Day

International ALGS (Alagille Syndrome) Awareness Day

Internal Combustion Engine Day

International Day of Education

International Day of the Endangered Lawyer

International Mobile Phone Recycling Day

International Women’s Sport Day

Juan Pablo Duarte Day (Dominican Republic)

"Just Do It" Day

Macintosh Computer Day

Microwave Oven Day

Minimoog Day

Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day

National ALGS Awareness Day

National Compliment Day

National Girl Child Day (India)

National Heroes Day (Cayman Islands)

National Readathon Day

Paul Pitcher Day (UK)

Social Sipping and Nibbling Rehearsal Day

Square Dance Day [also 11.29]

Talk Like a Grizzled Prospector Day

Tax Ruled Unconstitutional Day

Tricknology Day

TV Game Show Day

World Day for African and Afro-descendant Culture

Zaevion Dobson Day (Tennessee)

Food & Drink Celebrations

Beer Can Day (a.k.a. Beer Can Appreciation Day)

Eskimo Pie Day

National Hot Cereal Day

National Lobster Thermidor Day

National Peanut Butter Day

Nature Celebrations

Change a Pet's Life Day

Saffron Crocus (The Beauty of Moderation; Korean Birth Flowers)

Independence, Flag & Related Days

Fundamental Orders (A Frame of Gov’t; Connecticut; 1639)

Uttar Pradesh Day (India)

Washington, D.C. (Federal District Proclaimed; 1791)

Ziua Micii Unirii (Unification Day of the Romanian Principalities; Romania; 1859)

4th Friday in January

Comfort Food Friday [Every Friday]

Five For Friday [Every Friday]

Flapjack Friday [4th Friday of Each Month]

Flashback Friday [Every Friday]

Flirtatious Friday [4th Friday of Each Month]

Friday Finds [Every Friday]

National Activity Professionals Day [4th Friday]

Newman Day (a.k.a. Newman's Day, 24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case. Coincidence? I think not.) [Bates College] (Friday nearest 1.26) [also 3.30 & 4.24]

Preschool Health and Fitness Day [Last Friday]

Stout & Chowder Festival (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) [Last Friday]

TGIF (Thank God It's Friday) [Every Friday]

Thorrablot (a.k.a. Þorrablót; Midwinter Festival; Pagan Iceland) [Friday after 1.19]

Weekly Holidays beginning January 24 (3rd Full Week of January)

Baltimore Restaurant Week (Baltimore, Maryland) [thru 2.2]

Data Privacy Week (thru 1.28)

Festivals Beginning January 24, 2025

Ann Arbor Folk Festival (Ann Arbor, Michigan) [thru 1.25]

Aukland Folk Festival (Aukland,New Zealand) [thru 1.26]

Fan Expo Portland (Portland, Oregon) [thru 1.26]

Foggy Longbritches Folk Festival (Brooksville, Florida) [thru 1.26]

First Taste Oregon (Salem, Oregon) [thru 1.25]

Göteborg Film Festival (Gothenburg, Sweden) [thru 2.2]

GWA (Georgia Watermelon Ass’n) Annual Meeting & Conference (Braselton, Georgia) [thru 1.26]

HIPPOLOGICA (Berlin, Germany) [thru 1.26]

Lakeland Pigfest (Lakeland, Florida) [thru 1.25]

Naples Seafood & Music Festival (Naples, Florida)

Naples Winter Wine Festival (Naples, Florida)

Pacific Poultry Breeders Association Winter Show (Lodi, California) [thru 1.26]

Feast Days

Alacitas (Aymara Indian Pot-Bellied God of Property; Everyday Wicca)

Babylas of Antioch (Christian; Martyr)

Blessing of the Candle of the Happy Women Pagan Purification Ceremony; Hungary)

Cadoc Day (Wales)

Cat Sacrifice Day (Aix-En Province, France)

Ekeko Festival (God of Abundance; Bolivia) [Lasts 3 Weeks]

Exuperantius of Cingoli (Christian; Saint)

The Fairy-Four Paganalia (Shamanism)

Feast of Our Lady of Peace (Roman Catholic)

Feast of Seed-Time (Feati Sementini; Ancient Rome)

Felician of Foligno (Christian; Martyr)

Francis de Sales (Christian; Saint) [Journalists, Editors, Writers]

Invent a God Day (Pastafarian)

John Belushi (Hedonism; Saint)

Jools Holland (Humanism)

Klaatu Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Macedonius of Syria (Christian; Saint)

Paganalia: Gaea’s Day (Celebration of the Country Farmer; Pagan)

Pendulum Dowsing to Find Lost Things (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

The Pendragon Legend, by Antal Szerb (Novel; 1934)

Pratulin Martyrs (Greek Catholic Church)

Sailing of Bast (Ancient Egypt)

Sementivae begins (Ancient Roman festival honoring Ceres (Goddess of Agriculture) and Tellus (Mother Earth)

Solomon (Positivist; Saint)

Stanley the Mouse (Muppetism)

Suranus of Umbria (Christian; Saint)

Timothy, disciple of St. Paul (Christian; Martyr)

Twrch Trwyth Day (Boar hunted by King Arthur; Celtic Book of Days)

Lunar Calendar Holidays

Chinese: Month 12 (Ding-Chou), Day 25 (Gui-Si)

Day Pillar: Water Snake

12-Day Officers/12 Gods: Stable Day (定 Ding) [Auspicious]

Holidays:

None Today

Secular Saints Days

Vicki Baum (Literature)

John Belushi (Entertainment)

Konstantin Bogaevsky (Art)

Cassandre (Art)

William Congreve (Literature)

Pierre de Beaumarchais (Literature)

Neil Diamond (Music)

Mahmoud Farshchian (Art)

Jools Holland (Music)

Machio Kaku (Music)

C.L. Moore (Literature)

Robert Motherwell (Art)

Aaron Neville (Music)

Mary Lou Retton (Sports)

John Romita Sr. (Art)

Kristen Schaal (Entertainment)

Ester Šimerová-Martinčeková (Art)

Vasily Surikov (Art)

Sharon Tate (Entertainment)

Gillis van Coninxloo (Art)

Edith Wharton (Literature)

Warren Zevon (Music)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Shakku (赤口 Japan) [Bad luck all day, except at noon.]

Premieres

Absent Minded Willie (Gaumont Kartoon Komics Cartoon; 1917)

Alice Foils the Pirates (Ub Iwerks Disney Cartoon; 1927)

Amerika, by Franz Kafka (Novel; 1927)

By the Beautiful Sea (Fleischer Screen Songs Cartoon; 1931)

Championship of the Universe Race (Auto/Airplane Race; 1914)

Chicago (Film; 2003)

Clement Lorimer, by Angus Reach (Novel; 1848)

The Courier (Film; 2020)

Danse Macabre, by Camille Saint-Saëns (Tone Poem; 1874)

Evil Ways, by Santana (Song; 19870)

Façade, by Eidth Sitwell (Poem; 1922)

Farewell My Ugly or Knots to You (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S1, Ep. 18; 1960)

Felix Flirts with Fate (Felix the Cat Cartoon; 1926)

Fierce Creatures (Film; 1997)

Go Ask Alice, by Beatrice Sparks (Novel; 1971)

Grand Hotel, by Vicki Baum (Novel; 1929)

The Grapes of Wrath (Film; 1940)

Hairless Hector (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1941)

Heir Restorer (Casper Paramount Cartoon; 1958)

A Hollywood Detour (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1942)

Ideas on the Aesthetics of Music, by Christian Friedrich Daniel Schubert (Essays; 1787)

Jirel of Joiry, by C.L. Moore (Novel; 1934)

Jules et Jim (Film; 1978)

Kings of the Wild Frontier, by Adam & The Ants (Album; 1981)

The Köln Concert, recorded by Keith Jarrett (Live Album; 1975)

The Little Brown Jug (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1926)

Mickey’s Toontown (Disneyland Attraction; 1993)

Mouse-Placed Kitten (WB MM Cartoon; 1959)

Musica-Lulu (Little Lulu; 1947)

My Chauffeur (Film; 1986)

The 19th Hole Club, featuring Al Falfa (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1936)

Noah’s Outing, featuring Al Falfa (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1932)

No Other One (Fleischer Screen Songs Cartoon; 1936)

The Oompahs (Jolly Frolics UPA Cartoon; 1952)

Pluto’s Playmate (Pluto Disney Cartoon; 1941)

A Real Bug’s Life (Documentary TV Series; 2024)

The Rude Intruder (Chilly Willy Cartoon; 1972)

Setting Free the Bears, by John Irving (Novel; 1968)

Shift: Third Shift — Pact, by Hugh Howey (Novel; 2013)

Skid Row, by Skid Row (Album; 1989)

Snake in the Gracias (Tijuana Toads Cartoon; 1971)

Teddy Bear, recorded by Elvis Presley (Song; 1957)

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (Film; 1948)

21, by Adele (Album; 2011)

Two for the Ripsaw or Goodbye Mr. Chips (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S1, Ep. 17; 1960)

Waco (TV Mini-Series; 2018)

The Will to Meaning: Foundations and Applications of Logotherapy, by Viktor E. Frankl (Philosophy Book; 1969)

The Yellow Kid (Comic Strip; 1897) [1st Newspaper Comic Strip]

Today’s Name Days

Franz, Thurid, Vera (Austria)

Bogoslav, Felicijan, Franjo (Croatia)

Milena (Czech Republic)

Timotheus (Denmark)

Naima, Naimi (Estonia)

Senja (Finland)

François (France)

Bernd, Franz, Thurid, Vera (Germany)

Filon, Polyxene, Polyxeni, Xene, Xeni, Zosimas (Greece)

Timót (Hungary)

Francesco (Italy)

Eglons, Krišs, Ksenija (Latvia)

Artūras, Felicija, Gaivilė, Mažvydas, Šarūnas, Vilgaudas (Lithuania)

Jarl, Joar (Norway)

Chwalibóg, Felicja, Mirogniew, Rafaela, Rafał, Tymoteusz (Poland)

Xenia (Romania)

Timotej (Slovakia)

Francisco, Paz, Xenia (Spain)

Erika (Sweden)

Roxanna, Roxoliana (Ukraine)

Oral, Orel, Tim, Timmy, Timon, Timothy, Vera, Verena (USA)

National Name Days:

National Matthew Day

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 24 of 2025; 341 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 5 of Week 4 of 2025

Celtic Tree Calendar:

Druid Tree Calendar: Elm (Jan 12-24) [Day 13 of 13]

Graves Calendar: Luis (Rowan) [Day 4 of 28]

Chinese: Month 12 (Ding-Chou), Day 25 (Gui-Si)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Coptic: 16 Tubah 1741

Hebrew: 24 Teveth 5785

Islamic: 24 Rajab 1446

J Cal: 24 White; Threesday [24 of 30]

Julian: 11 January 2025

Moon: 24%: Waning Crescent

Positivist: 24 Moses (1st Month) [Solomon]

Runic Half Month: Elhaz (Elk) [Day 3 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 35 of 90)

Week: 3rd Full Week of January

Zodiac:

Tropical (Typical) Zodiac: Aquarius (Day 5 of 30)

Sidereal Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 10 of 29)

Schmidt Zodiac: Sagittarius (Day 24 of 25)

IAU Boundaries (Current) Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 5 of 28)

IAU Boundaries (1977) Zodiac: Capricornus (Day 6 of 28)

#Holidays

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voraciouskingdom · 10 months ago

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As the world emerges from the chill of winter, the pagan calendar turns its wheel towards Beltane, the ancient Celtic festival of fertility and fire. Falling approximately halfway between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice, Beltane marks the peak of spring's vibrant renewal.

With its name derived from the Celtic word "Bel-tene" meaning "bright fire," Beltane has been celebrated for millennia as a time to honor the life-giving forces of nature. In the old Celtic lands, this was the season when cattle were driven out to pasture, and rituals were performed to bless and protect the herds.

At the heart of Beltane lie the sacred fires, beacons that would burn brightly through the night. These bonfires, kindled from the nine sacred woods, were potent symbols of purification and abundant fertility. Revelers would ritually pass through the smoke, celebrating the regenerative powers of the flames.

Fertility rites were key observances, led by the May Queen and her masculine counterpart. Couples would traditionally join in the ancient rites of hand-fasting, temporarily binding themselves to one another. The potent symbols of the May Pole and ceremonial dances reaffirmed the sacred union of the Goddess and God.

As an agrarian festival, Beltane marked a pivotal point for planting and crop fertility. Seeds were ritually blessed and sown, while prayers and offerings were made to ensure a bountiful harvest. The first fruits of spring were gathered and enjoyed in joyous feasting.

Flowers of bright colors and sweet scents were woven into garlands and crowns. The magical trees of hawthorn, rowan and oak were decorated to honor the returning abundance. These emblems of Beltane captured nature's luxuriant blossoming.

In our modern era, the traditions of Beltane endure as a celebration of passion, vitality, and nature's lush fecundity. Bonfires are still lit, Maypoles erected, and flower garlands woven. Within this joyous occasion beats the eternal rhythm of the earth's renewal each spring.

Beltane reminds us to revel in nature's sensual awakening. It is a time to kindle our own creative spark, to embrace the fertile forces within, and let our spirit burn as brightly as the sacred fires. Let the flames dance as we rejoice in the verdant splendor of spring.

🔥❤️‍🔥🔥

#pagan #wicca #magick #witchcraft #Beltane

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attractive-curves3 · 4 months ago

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大寒禊行 - 玉前神社, 一宮, 長生, 千葉 Winter purification ceremony - Tamasaki Shrine, Ichinomiya, Chōsei, Chiba

#大寒禊行 #玉前神社 #Winter purification ceremony #Tamasaki Shrine

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conjuremanj · 1 year ago

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Pinecones In Hoodoo + A Pinecone Fertility Charm.

This is a Original piece of digital art by me. A statue of a woman holding a pinecone charm.

First I just wanted to give a little history of pinecones.

Pinecone In History. In Mexico there is a god called “Chicomecoatl” sometimes depicted with an offering of pine cones in one hand, and an evergreen tree in the other. In Hindu their are deities that are often depicted holding a pine cone. The Egyptian Staff of Osiris from (1224 BC) depicts two spiraling snakes rising up to meet at a pine cone. In Ancient Assyrian there is a carvings from (713-716 BC) depicting winged people holding pine cones.

Celts, used pine cones for fertility charm. . Romans used them for the goddess of love Venus. But there are to many others to add to this post.😁

In Rome, the pope wears a pine cone carved into the holy staff that's used in religious ceremonies. There's a huge gargantuan bronze pine cone statue at the Vatican in Rome. 👇

All of these depictions of pine cone are symbols of spiritualty; and let's not forget durning the Winter Solstice (Christmas) people have pinecones on their altars.

Pinecone Purification,Cleansing & Banishing: Burning the tree's pine needles or using pine oil can the strong fresh scent. in the south it's been used to increase your energy when you're feeling stuck in life, it purify the spirit & clear the mine & heal the body.

The energy of Pine smoke can also be used rituals or ceremonies to help release negative energy.

Making Pinecone Incense Sticks: You can easily make your own pine incense stick by tie pine needles. BUT LET the sticks dry for about two weeks before use. (If you can't find pine cones or needles you can buy the Incense or the Pine Oil)

Left Male & Right Female

Now that you have a little idea on pine cones in hoodoo it's one of the most effective charms to used if you are trying to conceive.

How To Tell Which Is Which? To start pinecones comes in male and female. The Male pine cones do not make the hard-shell it is soft and spongy and it's shell closer together. The Female pine cones is the had shell and it's shell is further apart.

Hoodoo Fertility Charm: Get yourself a female pinecone. Drizzle the cone with some Honey.

Next add some hair from the head of the (female) and the (male's) head of the couple who is trying to conceive. Now place the hair in the honey on the pinecone.

Last get a small white plate and a make X in salt from one end to the plate to the other, place the cone in the middle of the plate.

READ PRAYER. Lord, I'm asking you for a child. Your word says you will give us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4), and this is my greatest desire. I want to be a parent. I want to raise a child to love and serve you all of his/her life.

Place the plate under your bed and have sex, more the once if you want.🥰 ❤️ afterwards take that pinecone and bury it in your yard.

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steliosagapitos · 2 years ago

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Blessed Bealtaine/Beltane To All )O(

~ “Beltane is an ancient Celtic festival that marks the beginning of summer. It is one of the major festivals in the wheel of the year and is a sacred day and night of union between the Goddess and the God. Beltane in English, Bealtaine in Irish, Calan Mai or Calan Haf in Welsh, Bealltainn in Scottish Gaelic, and in Manx Gaelic Boaltinn or Boaldyn. It is one of the four seasonal festivals; along with Samhain, Imbolc and Lughnasadh. This is a time of year when the veil between the worlds are thin and people would light bonfires on May Eve/Walpurgus nacht (April 30th) to ward of mischievous spirits, and to represent purification, tending the fire until dawn breaks. Historically in rural communities, cattle were driven between two bonfires to protect them from disease and evil spirits. It was also considered to be lucky to leap over the bonfire. The Maypole is a tradition that still exists today where people will dance around the maypole weaving ribbons (and magic) while they go. In Edinburgh, Calton Hill, there is a Beltane Fire Festival on May Eve every year with music, dance, fireplay, drumming, and immersive theatre that heralds the Goddess and God and the start of summer. It is a visually spectacular event that attracts thousands of visitors and is not to be missed. There are celebrations throughout England; Thornborough Henge, near Ripon in North Yorkshire hosts a weekend festival of camping, stalls, a Beltane fire, with the main Beltane Ceremony observed on the closest Sunday to May 1st. Drummers, dancers and a mummer’s play are part of the festivities, with Handfastings performed by the local Druid by appointment in advance. Family friendly, pet friendly this is a celebration for all. Hastings, Sussex, celebrate the Jack in the Green festival over the May day bank holiday weekend which hosts live bands, dancing, social events and family fun. The main event is a procession through the streets of old Hastings town on Bank Holiday Monday. The procession is filled with unique characters such as drummers, mummers, Morris dancers, giants and the beloved Green Man. Glastonbury, Somerset, also hosts a variety of celebrations. There is a gathering to witness the Sunrise at Glastonbury Tor, followed by a procession in the town of Green Men, Morris dancers, Druids, Witches, and other Pagans, Dragons, and Maypoles. There are a number of artisan shops on the high street that sell Pagan wares, not forgetting the fantastic Artist Linda Ravenscroft who has a gallery and studio at the Market Place. Throughout Wales, there are parades, fetes, Morris dancing, music and singing of Carolau Mai, or May carols, the crowning of the May Queen and May King, and dancing round the Maypole which is very much an essential part of Welsh culture. It would be fashioned out of birch wood and painted bright colours, adorned with ribbons and hoisted into the air and dancing would commence.The drinking of beers and elderberry and rhubarb wines were supplemented by metheglin, a variant of mead laced with spices. The drink had its origin in folk medicines, and traces its etymology through a combining of the Welsh words meddyg (meaning healing or medicine) and llyn (liquor). ‘May Day’ in Wales was also associated with festivities on the village green, or – to be more Welsh about it – the ‘twmpath chwarae’. Literally the ‘tump for playing’ was a place where people could gather in the evenings, long before television, for dancing or for sports. On Calan Mai, musicians would play while traditional dances were performed. One popular theatrical entertainment was the traditional ‘mock battle’ between two men dressed to represent Summer and Winter. ‘Winter’ would arrive carrying a stick of blackthorn decorated with pieces of wool to represent snow. He would inevitably be defeated by his garlanded opponent, willow wand tied with ribbons. At the end of the fight, a May King and Queen were crowned and the serious business of eating, drinking and cavorting would continue long into the evening.In Ireland, Bealtaine is celebrated at the Hill of Uisneach. The Bealtaine Festival was revived on the Hill of Uisneach in 2009 and today’s' festival remains much as it was in ancient times, a chance to meet old friends and make new ones. A family-friendly event that welcomes all the different tribes to celebrate the beginning of summer at the sacred centre of Ireland. In 2017, the ceremonial fire was lit by the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins; making him the first Irish Head of State to do so since the last High King, nearly a thousand years ago. It is gathering where heritage, art, culture, music, fire-dancing, talks, workshops, wellbeing, yoga, story-telling, children's fun and food is enjoyed and celebrated before the great Bealtaine Fire is lit at sundown. Mayday celebrations vary from town to town, region to region but all have the same theme – the celebration of the start of Summer. With the arrival of the annual of the April Lyrids meteor shower (April 16th – 25th) and the first Swallows and Bats sighted here on the Ards Peninsula this week – Summer is here ! What are the Bealtaine/Beltane/Mayday celebrations happening near you ? Get in touch as we would love to find out. However you choose to celebrate, have a magical weekend. Love and bright blessings to all.” ~

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zerogate · 2 years ago

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You may recall that my initial training in Shingon meditation occurred during one hundred days of continuous practice in isolation, in the dead of winter, and in total silence. I went in one person—a scattered, wimpy, would-be scholar—and came out quite a different person. Not enlightened, but incomparably more focused and courageous. As far as I’m aware, I was the first Westerner to ever complete the Shingon basic training. By the end of that, I thought I was pretty hot stuff. My best friend at the time was a monk of the Tendai school who had studied on Mount Hiei, near Kyoto, the old capital of Japan. When I completed my one-hundred-day training, he suggested that I go meet his teacher on Mount Hiei. It turned out that his teacher was one of a small group of extraordinary ascetics sometimes referred to as the “marathon monks” of Mount Hiei.

Recall that I thought I was pretty tough because I had done one hundred days in isolation. By way of contrast, marathon monks commit to twelve years in isolation! During those twelve years, they must undertake several seemingly impossible ordeals. For example, they have to walk down the mountain, go into the city of Kyoto, visit every major shrine and temple in the city, chant the appropriate mantra in front of it, and then climb back up the mountain. This cycle takes over twenty hours, and they must do it for one hundred days in succession, once each year for twelve years. That leaves a few hours to sleep, and the rest of the time, they are hiking and chanting mantras for over three months.

It is almost an inconceivable ordeal, but I’ve seen it done with a smile on the face. Why? Because in each moment, they are tangibly aware that this austerity is doing something for them; they can actually feel the purification happening despite the intensity. Eventually, this taste of purification gets so strong and delicious that it eclipses the pain.

Twice during this twelve-year period, they have to do a special ceremony in which they essentially sit for nine days without eating, sleeping, or taking liquids! You might think this is a legend, or perhaps even a pious fraud, but it is a public event. In fact, it is sometimes televised live on Japanese network TV. The master I talked to said that the first two days of the nine-day sit were pretty rough, but after that, it wasn’t so bad. The momentum of impermanence and purification just took over, and the time went fairly quickly. He told me, however, that afterward it took him a full month to recover his normal sleeping cycle.

-- Shinzen Young, The Science of Enlightenment

#quotes

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thelanternsglow · 38 minutes ago

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✨🕯️Candlemas;Pagan Roots Beneath the Flames🕯️✨

Candlemas: A Festival of Fire, Fertility, and the First Stirring of Spring 🕯️🌱

February 2nd—Candlemas. On the surface, it’s a Christian feast day, all about the blessing of candles and marking the end of the Christmas season. But if you peel back the layers, you’ll find roots tangled deep in the soil of ancient Britain, where the festival wasn’t about candles in churches, but about firelight, fertility, and the return of the sun.

Imbolc: The Festival Beneath Candlemas 🌿🔥

Before it was Candlemas, this time of year was celebrated as Imbolc, an ancient Celtic festival. The name likely comes from the Old Irish i mbolg, meaning “in the belly”—referring to pregnant ewes and the hidden life growing beneath the cold earth. It’s a festival of transition, sitting between the dark of winter and the promise of spring.

Across Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and parts of England, people watched for the first signs:

• Ewes beginning to lactate, marking the start of lambing season—a vital sign of life and survival.

• Snowdrops (Candlemas Bells) pushing through the frost, small but fierce reminders that winter won’t last forever.

• The sun climbing higher, days stretching just a little longer, bringing the warmth needed for seeds sleeping beneath the soil.

At the heart of Imbolc was the goddess Brigid—goddess of fire, fertility, healing, poetry, and smithcraft. She wasn’t just worshipped; she was woven into daily life. Fires burned in her honour, homes were blessed with Brigid’s crosses made of rushes, and people visited sacred wells to leave offerings for health and prosperity.

Anglo-Saxon Traditions: Ewemeolc and Earth Magic ��

When the Anglo-Saxons settled in Britain, they brought their own customs, blending with the older Celtic practices. They called this time Ewemeolc—literally “ewe’s milk”—highlighting how important sheep and the lambing season were for survival.

Farmers carried out rituals to “wake the land” after its winter sleep:

• Ploughing ceremonies, where the first furrow was cut with offerings of bread, milk, and honey buried in the soil to bless the harvest.

• Boundary walks around fields, chanting blessings and pouring out ale or milk as offerings to the spirits of the land.

• Charm spells whispered for fertility, not just for crops but for animals and people too.

Roman Influence: Purification and Light Festivals 🏛️🔥

When the Romans arrived in Britain, they introduced festivals like Lupercalia and Februa. These were all about purification, fertility, and the renewal of life, fitting neatly alongside the older local traditions.

• Februa involved cleansing rituals with fire and water, giving us the name for the month of February.

• Lupercalia was a wild, fiery celebration tied to fertility, with processions, offerings, and symbolic rites to chase away the darkness of winter.

Christian Adaptation: The Birth of Candlemas ⛪✨

By the time Christianity spread across Britain, the old festivals were too deeply rooted to erase. So, the Church did what it often did: rebranded them.

Imbolc became Candlemas, marking the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the Purification of the Virgin Mary. But many pagan customs survived under the surface:

• Candles blessed in churches mirrored the old fire festivals that honoured the returning sun.

• Processions with candlelight echoed ancient rituals to drive away winter’s darkness.

• The figure of Brigid was transformed into Saint Brigid, with her sacred flame still burning in Kildare, Ireland—now tended by nuns instead of priestesses.

Folk Traditions That Lingered in Britain 🇬🇧

Even as Christian practices took hold, folk customs held strong in rural Britain:

• Weather lore thrived:

“If Candlemas Day be fair and bright,

Winter will have another flight.

If Candlemas brings cloud and rain,

Winter’s gone and won’t come again.”

People believed that a sunny Candlemas meant more winter to come, while cloudy skies promised an early spring.

• In Scotland and Cornwall, people tied clooties (strips of cloth) to sacred trees near wells, asking for healing—a practice with roots in Brigid’s water blessings.

• Morris dancing around Candlemas was more than entertainment; it was tied to fertility rites, waking up the land with rhythm and movement.

How to Celebrate Candlemas (with a Bit of Old Magic) ✨🕯️

You don’t need to be in an ancient stone circle to tap into the spirit of Candlemas. Here’s how to honour it today:

• Light a candle at sunset—a simple flame to welcome the returning light. As you do, set an intention: What do you want to grow as the days get longer?

• Make a Brigid’s cross from straw or rushes. Hang it above your door for protection, just like people did for centuries across Britain.

• Bless some water (maybe from a local spring if you’ve got one nearby) and sprinkle it around your home for purification.

• Write a poem or say a prayer—Brigid is the goddess of inspiration, after all.

• Take a quiet walk and look for signs of spring: snowdrops, new buds, or even just the feel of the changing light.

Candlemas isn’t just a date on the calendar. It’s a shift in the earth’s breath, the quiet moment when winter starts to loosen its grip and the promise of spring stirs beneath the soil.

So, light a candle. Whisper to the old gods if you like. Or just stand outside, feel the cold air, and know that the light is returning.

Follow The Lantern’s

Glow

#Candlemas #Imbolc #FolkTraditions #WheelOfTheYear #Brigid #PaganRoots #BritishFolklore #SeasonalMagic

#candlemass #paganism #brigid #imbolc #2025 #wheel of the year #witchcraft #spring

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brookston · 2 days ago

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Holidays 1.31

Holidays

Africa Day of Peace & Reconciliation

Apollo 14 Day

Appreciate Your Social Security Check Day

Backwards Day

Bob Ferguson Day

Brexit Day (UK)

Child Labor Day

Dicing for Maid's Money Day (Surrey, UK)

Eve of Brigantia (Ireland)

Explorer I Day

Final Fantasy VIII Day (Japan)

Feast of Great Typos

Green Hornet Day

Hell Is Freezing Over Day

Hug an Economist Day

Inspire Your Heart With Art Day

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Men & Boys

International Day of the Magicians

International Omphalocele Awareness Day

International Street Children’s Day

Jackie Robinson Day

Me-Dam-Me-Phi (Assam, India)

National Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools

National Bug Busting Day (UK)

National Gorilla Suit Day (Don Martin, in Mad Magazine)

National Music Therapy Day (Mexico)

National Pick on Lindsay Day

National Punk Day

Pal-O-Ween (from “Kevin Can F**k Himself”) [Every 31st]

Phlegm - Green, Moldy - Gray, and Gazzard* Day (Goblins; Shamanism) [*Gazzard. A color unknown in the human world and one which, quite honestly, you wouldn't want to know]

Play An Old Game You Haven't Played In Years Night

Saint Brigid’s Eve (Ireland)

Scotch Tape Day

Street Children's Day (Austria)

St. Veronus' Day (patron saint of Lembeek & Belgian brewers)

Thermos Bottle Day

Train Hijacking Day

Twist Off Cap Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Brandy Alexander Day

Day of Russian Vodka

Eat Brussels Sprouts Day

National Hot Chocolate Day

World Vegan Chocolate Day

Nature Celebrations

Broccoli Day (French Republic)

International Zebra Day

Rabbit Rabbit Day [Last Day of Every Month]

Spring Crocus (Joy of Youth; Korean Birth Flowers)

Independence, Flag & Related Days

Ladoland (Declared; 2016) [unrecognized]

Nauru (from Australia, 1968)

Varladia (Declared; 2022) [unrecognized]

New Year’s Days

Año Nuevo en Tupiza (Tupiza New Year; Indigenous Bolivia)

Chinese New Year; Day 3 (Sin Jyu Yat; China, Malaysia)

Tet Holiday (Vietnam)

Third Day of the Lunar New Year (Hong Kong, Macau)

5th & Last Friday in January

Big Garden Birdwatch begins (UK) [Last Friday thru Sunday]

Comfort Food Friday [Every Friday]

Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day [Last Friday]

EITC Awareness Day [Last Friday]

Finally Friday [Last Friday of Each Month]

Five For Friday [Every Friday]

Flashback Friday [Every Friday]

Flatbread Friday [Last Friday of Each Month]

Friday Finds [Every Friday]

Fry Day (Pastafarian; Fritism) [Every Friday]

Great Mental Health Day (London) [Last Friday]

International Fun at Work [Last Friday]

National Big Wig Day [Last Friday]

National Have Fun at Work Day (a.k.a. Fun At Work Day) [Last Friday]

National Preschool Fitness Day [Last Friday]

RNLI SOS Day (UK) [Last Friday]

Stout & Chowder Festival (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) [Last Friday]

TGIF (Thank God It's Friday) [Every Friday]

Weekly Holidays beginning January 31 (Last Week of January)

None Known

Festivals Beginning January 31, 2025

Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Tenerife, Spain) [thru 3.9]

Englewood Seafood & Music Festival (Englewood, Florida) [thru 2.2]

Fajr International Film Festival (Tehran, Iran) [thru 2.4]

Gourd Festival (Casa Grande, Arizona) [thru 2.2]

Gulf Coast Watermelon Association Annual Convention (Biloxi, Mississippi) [thru 2.1]

Mar-Del Watermelon Convention (Cambridge, Maryland) [thru 2.2]

Meltdown Winter Ice Festival (Richmond, Indiana) [thru 2.1]

Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society Conference (Nebraska City, Nebraska) [thru 2.1]

SIKKA Art Fair (Dubai, UAE) [thru 2.9]

Six Nations Rugby Championship (thru 3.15)

Triangle Wine & Food Experience (Raleigh, North Carolina) [thru 2.1]

Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival (Scottsdale, Arizona) [thru 2.2]

Winterlude [Bal de Neige] (Gatineau, Canada) [thru 2.17]

Feast Days

Adamnan of Coldingham (Christian; Saint)

Amartithi (Meher Baba Remembrance Day; India)

Anacreon (Positivist; Saint)

Banyu Pinaruh (Water Purification Ceremony; Bali)

Celebration of the Triple Goddess (Goddess of the Moon and the Seasons; Old European Lunar New Year) [Thru 2.3]

Cyrus and John (Christian; Martyrs)

Day of Hecate (Goddess of Crossroads; Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Dicing for Maid’s Money (Guildford, UK)

Disablot (Norse celebration of new beginnings)

Disfest (Sacrifice Honoring the Disir, all female relatives from forever)

Domitius (Domice) of Amiens (Christian; Saint)

Eusebius (Christian; Martyr)

Feast of Isis (Ancient Egypt)

Feast of Sarasvati (Ancient Indian Goddess of Education; Nepal; Everyday Wicca)

Festival of Transmission Errors

Festival to Kuan Yin (Goddess of Compassion (Buddhism; China)

Francis Xavier Bianchi (Christian; Saint)

Geminianus (Christian; Saint)

Honey Badger Avoidance Day (Pastafarian)

Imbolc Eve (Celtic Book of Days)

Imbolc Eve: Day of the Bean Sidhe (Pagan)

John Bosco (Christian; Saint)

Julius of Novara (Christian; Saint)

Ludovica (Christian; Blessed)

Máedóc of Ferns (a.k.a. Maidoc, Mogue, Aidan, Aiden; Christian; Saint)

Marcella (Christian; Saint)

Mary the Gorilla (Muppetism)

Max Pechstein (Artology)

Me-Dam-Me-Phi (Ahom Veneration of the Dead; Assam, India)

Narcissus Flower Festival (Ancient Hawai’i)

Navajo Sing (Preparation Festival for Coming Agricultural Season) [Through 2.8]

Nicetas of Novgorod (Christian; Saint)

Norman Mailer (Writerism)

Peter or Pedro Nolasco (Christian; Saint)

Rodolphe Töpffer (Artology)

Samuel Shoemaker (Episcopal Church (USA))

Seapion (Christian; Saint)

Theodore Kaczinski Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Tysul (Christian; Saint)

Ulphia (Christian; Virgin)

Valkyries’ Day (Norse)

Veronus (Christian; Saint) [Lembeek & Belgian brewers]

Wilgils (Christian; Saint)

Lunar Calendar Holidays

Chinese: Month 1 (Wu-Yin), Day 3 (Geng-Zi)

Day Pillar: Metal Rat

12-Day Officers/12 Gods: Close Day (閉 Bi) [Inauspicious]

Holidays: Spring Festival Golden Week

Secular Saints Days

Ernie Banks (Sports)

Carol Channing (Entertainment)

Minnie Driver (Entertainment)

Philip Glass (Music)

Zane Grey (Literature)

Don Hutson (Sports)

Ben Jonson (Literature)

Terry Kath (Music)

Richard Henry Lee (Politics)

Laura Lippman (Literature)

Alan Lomax (Music)

Norman Mailer (Literature)

Gerald McDermott (Art)

Grant Morrison (Literature)

Charlie Musselwhite (Music)

Kenzaburō Ōe (Literature)

John O’Hara (Literature)

Betty Parsons (Art)

Suzanne Pleshette (Entertainment)

Jackie Robinson (Music)

Nolan Ryan (Music)

Franz Schubert (Music)

Rodolphe Töpffer (Art)

Jessica Walter (Entertainment)

Ken Wilber (Philosophy)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Prime Number Day: 31 [11 of 72]

Sakimake (先負 Japan) [Bad luck in the morning, good luck in the afternoon.]

Premieres

Ali Baba (ComicColor Cartoon; 1936)

All My Children (TV Soap Opera; 1949)

Aloha Hooey (WB MM Cartoon; 1942)

Along Came Fido (Hot Dog Bray Cartoon; 1927)

The Animal Fair (Aesop’s Sound Fable Cartoon; 1931)

The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (TV Film; 1974)

Barney’s Hungry Cousin, featuring Barney Bear (MGM Cartoon; 1953)

The Bear and the Bean, featuring Barney Bear (MGM Cartoon; 1948)

Being and Time, by Martin Heidegger (Philosophy Book; 1927)

Bellerophon, by Jean-Baptiste Lully (Opera; 1679)

Betty Boop and the Little King (Betty Boop Cartoon; 1936)

Black Sunday, by Thomas Harris (Novel; 1975)

Cheerful Little Pierful or Bomb Voyage (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S1, Ep. 19; 1960)

Down and Out in Beverly Hills (Film; 1986)

Family Guy (Animated TV Series; 1999)

Gia (Film; 1998)

The Green Hornet (Radio Series; 1936)

Judge’s Crossword Puzzles #1 (Pioneer Films Cartoon; 1925)

The June Bride (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1926)

Key & Peele (TV Series; 2012)

The Lone Ranger (Radio Series; 1933)

McDougal’s Rest Farm (Terrytoons Heckle & Heckle Cartoon; 1947)

A Mouse Divided (WB MM Cartoon; 19353

Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Film; 1941)

Mr. Nobody Holme, He Buys a Jitney (Heart-Vitagraph News Pictorial Cartoon; 1916)

Murphy’s Romance (Film; 1986)

Mystery Girl, by Roy Orbison (Album; 1989)

Never Again (Gaumont Cartoon Comics Cartoon; 1917)

The Owl and the Pussycat (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1939)

Pagan Moon (WB MM Cartoon; 1932)

A Perfect Day for Bananafish, by J.D. Salinger (Short Story; 1948)

Ragnarok (TV Series; 2020)

Rough and Tumbleweed (Inspector Willoughby Cartoon; 1961)

The Saint on the Spanish Main, by Leslie Charteris (Short Stories 1955) [Saint #31]

Sara Smile, by Hall & Oates (Song; 1976)

Sharps and Flats (Krazy Kat Cartoon; 1927)

The Soup Song, featuring Flip the Frog (Ub Iwerks MGM Cartoon; 1931)

The Spiderwick Chronicles (Film; 2008)

Station to Station, by David Bowie (Album; 1976)

Summer Squash or He’s Too Flat for Me (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S1, Ep. 20; 1960)

Sydney Bulletin (Weekly Magazine; Australia; 1880)

Teddy, by J.D. Salinger (Short Story; 1953)

These Are My Children (TV Soap Opera; 1949) [1st TV Soap Opera]

Thoughts In Solitude, by Thomas Merton (Spiritual Book; 1956)

The Village Smitty, featuring Flip the Frog (Ub Iwerks MGM Cartoon; 1931)

Who’s Who in the Zoo (WB LT Cartoon; 1942)

The Witness for the Prosecution, by Agatha Christie (Short Story; 1948)

The Wonder Years (TV Series; 1988)

Today’s Name Days

Johannes, Marcella (Austria)

Ivan, Julije, Vanja (Croatia)

Marika (Czech Republic)

Vigilius (Denmark)

Meeland, Meelik, Meelis, Meelit, Meelitu, Meelo, Meelu (Estonia)

Alli (Finland)

Marcelle (France)

Johannes, Marcella, Rudbert (Germany)

Evdoxia, Kyros (Greece)

Gerda, Marcella (Hungary)

Geminiano, Giovanni (Italy)

Dekla, Jalna, Tekla, Tikla, Violeta (Latvia)

Astra, Budvilė, Marcelė, Skirmantas (Lithuania)

Idun, Ivar (Norway)

Cyrus, Euzebiusz, Jan, Ksawery, Ludwik, Marceli, Marcelin, Marcelina, Piotr, Spycigniew, Wirgiliusz (Poland)

Chir, Ioan (Romania)

Ksenia (Russia)

Emil (Slovakia)

Juan, Marcela (Spain)

Ivar, Joar (Sweden)

Cyrus, Kira, Kyra, Lona, Loni, Lonnie, Scarlett, Zane (USA)

Today’s National Name Days

National Seth Day

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 31 of 2025; 334 days remaining in the year

ISO Week: Day 5 of Week 5 of 2025

Celtic Tree Calendar: Luis (Rowan) [Day 11 of 28]

Chinese: Month 1 (Wu-Yin), Day 3 (Geng-Zi)

Chinese Year of the: Snake 4723 (until February 17, 2026) [Ding-Chou]

Coptic: 23 Tubah 1741

Druid Tree Calendar: Cypress (Jan 25-Feb 3) [Day 7 of 10]

Hebrew: 2 Shevat 5785

Islamic: 1 Sha’ban 1446

Julian: 18 January 2025

Moon: 6%: Waxing Crescent

Positivist: 3 Homer (2nd Month) [Anacreon)

Runic Half Month: Elhaz (Elk) [Day 10 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 42 of 90)

Sun Calendar: 1 Gray; Oneday [1 of 30]

Week: 4th & Last Week of January

Zodiac:

Tropical (Typical) Zodiac: Aquarius (Day 12 of 30)

Sidereal Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 17 of 29)

Schmidt Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 6 of 27)

IAU Boundaries (Current) Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 12 of 28)

IAU Boundaries (1977) Zodiac: Capricornus (Day 13 of 28)

Calendar Changes

Gray (Month 2 of 12; Sun Calendar)

Shaʿbān [شَعْبَان] (Islamic Calendar) [Month 8 of 12] (Scattered)

#calendar #Holidays

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