Imbolc Altar

Okay, its very late but I only just relocated the usb cable for my camera.

February's Full Moon

Full Snow Moon

Other Names: Hunger moon, Little Famine moon, Bony moon, Ice moon, Budding moon, Wind moon, Storm moon,

Generally named the snow moon because the month of February was when the heaviest snowfalls occurred.  Other names reflect the difficulty of hunting and finding food sources during the harsh winter months.  Each name has a specific cultural/geographical significance and sometimes it is hard to get a true feel for the season following a calendar name that doesn’t match so I know some people who name their own moons and others that don’t name them at all.  Personally, living here in California I’m leaning towards the Chinese Budding moon name as its definitely turning into spring here, no snow to be found :)

When working with the moon this month why not take the time to harness her energies to help promote your own self love.  Acknowledge yourself for who you are, see your perceived flaws as part of what makes you perfectly you.  Embrace the promise of warmth to come by shedding a little warmth on your own soul and self.

Child Within

I don’t know about anyone else but I often find myself awed by children.  It may sound a little strange but I sit and watch how children play and interact and I am in awe but also saddened that so many of us seem to have lost as we’ve gotten older. 

The mind of a child is an extraordinary thing the ability to really ‘see’ the world around us, to connect to levels we no longer seem able to as adults.  To feel completely uninhibited by societal constraints and ingrained perceptions.  You see young children happily play with each other no matter physical appearance – they are accepting, they live for the joy of play and the connection with another.  I have a niece who has several physical handicaps (she was born 15weeks premature) and she has gone to the park and had children unknown to her previously embrace her unconditionally into their play.  They help her despite the fact that she can’t really walk, they only see another free spirit, they don’t see the physical shell.

This kind of perception is something we lose in our adult life and it is something that I think draws us to a spiritual path.  Many pagan traditions emphasize a universal interconnectedness that many long for as adults.  These traditions offer us a chance to embrace a path that helps us to reconnect with this mental state we held as children. 

To cast aside the social restraints on behavior and thought patterning that we have grown up with is difficult, it is something that I strive towards every day but it is of vital importance to truly embracing our spiritual path.  Until we can let go, embrace our spiritual selves, connect with inner child, we will struggle to truly grasp the world.

So dance, sing at the top of your longs, paint, color in, skip down the street, embrace others as fellow spiritual beings and cast off the shackles of societies expectations.

Daily Draw - Mon Jan 30th, 2012

Seeing a theme in my draws lately...had this one a few times... am I not getting the message?  maybe.

A gentle reminder I believe that I need to carry through with my plans, keep working at it and the results will come.  Remember to take the time to grow, to nurture it and to allow it to happen.  It won't happen by magic :)

Daily Draw - Sunday Jan 29th, 2012

Seems a theme in my life right now, and strangely apt for today's events.

A process of casting off the old, things that tie you down, emotions that are binding you right now and aren't good for you.  Walk through the fire and wear your life lessons, Kali is here to help.

Daily Draw - Friday Jan 27th, 2012

Its a little late I know but here it is.  I had a very important question in mind when I drew this card and it gave me all the answer I needed.

Sea Storm - Calm amidst the Chaos

While there may be chaos and turmoil around you - you can get through it.  Trust your gut.   Close your eyes and open yourself to your intuition and you will know what path to follow.  The answer you seek is within you, you need to just connect to it.

B is for Bloodstone

In an effort to get to know crystals better I thought I’d take this opportunity to explore Bloodstone, which I very much like but know nothing about.

Names: Bloodstone or Heliotrope

Color: Green stone with red spots.  Can also come with brown or multicolored spots.

Birthstone: Traditionally the birthstone of Pisces.

Myths: Said to be formed of the blood of Christ dripping onto the earth.  Called Heliotrope by the Greeks and was thought to bring change.

Healing Properties: Used for all circulation and helps remove energy blocks.  Used in the alignment of all the centers of the body.  Good to have several pieces in the home to increase the flow of life energy

Meaning:  Stone of courage.  Believed to have a calming effect on fears and anger.

Chakra: Primary – Root Chakra.  Secondary – Heart, Sacral, Solar Plexus

Numerical Vibration: 4 and 6