Volume 22 Issue 2
Imbolc 2025
Seasons of the Moon is a quarterly online magazine published by students and members of The Order of The White Moon, an eclectic international order of women dedicated to The Goddess. The Order provides personal empowerment and priestess training, and operates local groups. All contributions are original material submitted by our students and members. (We do not accept outside contributions.) Please direct comments and questions to the Ezine Editor.
Imbolc 2025
Contents
- Holy Days
Celebrating Imbolc With The Goddess Brigid, Maeve MoonBird
Celebrating Ostara Spring Equinox: Renewal, Rebirth, Fertility, And Balance , Maeve MoonBird - Goddess Work
Prayer to Leucothea, Moonwater Ashwood - Ritual Work
Eclectic Menarche Celebration Ritual, Moonwater Ashwood
Ritual for Justice, M)0(rrigan
Wishing Ritual & Celebration, Lady Zephyr - Witchy Writings
Sacred Geometry, Peace Whitehorse - Sacred Sites
Temple of Al Lat, Ajna DreamsAwake - Holistic Living
The Broom Closet, Peace Whitehorse
- OWM Awareness
OWM Happenings, Ajna DreamsAwake - The Bardic Soul: Poetry and Song for the Spirit
Goddess Blessings, Mystic Amazon
Ostara, Lady Zephyr
A Cry to the Moon, Mystic Amazon
Snow Day, Peace Whitehorse
Summerland Banquet, Jess Avelino Flores
Imbolc is Here, Peace Whitehorse
Ostara Is Upon Us Now, Peace Whitehorse
- Recipes Fit for a Goddess
Lemon~Poppyseed Cake, Lady Zephyr
Mooncakes, Ajna DreamsAwake
Cafe de Olla, Jess Avelino Flores
- Reviews
Crystal Ball Pocket Oracle, Ajna DreamsAwake
The Feminist Tarot , Rosemary Katybee - Just For Fun
Orange Rind Luminaries , Jayme
- Cedar/Sage incense (purification and protection)
Red and white flowers - Sweet‐grass oil
- Sea shell with salt water for blessing
- White candle (childhood)
- Red candle (moon blood)
- Black candle (banishing negativity)
- White candle
- Red candle
- Green candle
- Sage incense
- Blue body paint
- 1 Red Candle
- 1 White Candle
- Incense ‐ amber, rose, mugwort
- Tarot deck
- Moon cakes
- Fragrant Oils
- A Mirror for self‐blessing
- Statues for your altar
- Silver dollar for prosperity
- Wand
- 1¾ cups self‐rising flour
- ¾ cup milk
- ⅔ cup sugar
- ¼ cup canola oil
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 tbsp grated lemon peel
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Powdered sugar
- ½ Cup salted butter, at room temperature
- ⅓ Cup Confectioners' Sugar
- 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 Tsp Almond Extract
- ⅛ Tsp Salt
- ¾ Cup All‐purpose Flour, sifted
- 2 Tbsp All‐purpose Flour, sifted
- ½ Cup Almonds, finely chopped
- *Top with Confectioners' Sugar and sliced almonds
- 8 Tbs Ground Coffee
- 1 Cone Piloncillo (Unrefined Cane Sugar, or substitute with 1 cup brown sugar)
- 6 Star Anise
- 12 Balls of Allspice
- 12 Cloves
- 2 Cinnamon sticks, crumbled
- 1 orange peel
- Gender ~ Masculine
- Planet ~ The Sun
- Element ~ Fire
- 1 large Navel Orange
- 2 colored tea‐light candles (yellow/red)
- Sand, soil or crushed shells
- Cut the orange into 2 equal halves & scoop/eat pulp.
- Dehydrate orange halves with lowest oven settings or dehydrator and fill with sand/soil.
- Add a small tea light in the sand/soil & secure with sand on all sides.
- Discard any moldy orange halves and refresh/recreate as needed.
Click Here to download a PDF version.
© Jayme
Jayme is a Level III Adept in Moonflower Ministry. She identifies as a HedgeWitch and is primarily fascinated by Divination, Green Witchery and Energy Work of various kinds
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Holy Days
Celebrating Imbolc With The Goddess Brigid
February 1st is the pagan sabbat Imbolc. This is a cross quarter day on the Wheel of the Year, marking the halfway point between Winter Solstice ~ Yule and Spring Equinox ~ Ostara. This sabbat celebrates longer days of sunlight and the beginning promise of Spring to come after the long, cold, dark slumber of winter. Crocuses and Snowdrop flowers first start to appear in the snow covered grass.
Imbolc means "in the belly", representing sheep being pregnant at this time. This is a sabbat of fertility as well.
Imbolc celebrates rebirth and renewal, as hope for spring is in the air.
Celtic Triple Goddess Brigid of healing, smithcraft, poetry, arts, crafts, inspiration, abundance, and fertility is associated with Imbolc. She is a Goddess connected to fire. Candles are burned to represent her and the sun returning with warmer days ahead. Brigid is said to spread her green mantle over the winter land awakening it for spring.
Colors associated with Brigid often used for Imbolc are red, white, and green.
Groundhog Day lands February 2nd
Bibliomancy, using a book of poetry, is a way to connect to Brigid. Ask her for a message and pick a line of poetry from a book on Imbolc.
Imbolc is also a time for purification and cleansing. Doing some early spring cleaning of your home, along with taking a cleansing bath are ways to connect to this sabbat. Cleanse your altar, re‐consecrate your tools, as well as crystals on this sabbat too. Visiting sacred water wells, rivers, and streams is also traditional to do on Imbolc.
On Imbolc any initiation ritual is powerful. If you are starting a new step on your spiritual path of study, or new life passage, conduct a self initiation ritual on this sabbat.
Food prepared for Imbolc traditionally includes dairy, especially sheep's milk, such as cheeses, butter, custard, cakes, and bread. Bannocks, an Irish oatcake made of unleavened oats, is popular to make, served with honey and butter. Pancakes and crepes, symbolizing the sun, can also be made. Add blackberries that are connected to Brigid for prosperity and protection. Colcannon, an Irish dish, made of mashed potatoes, cabbage, wild onion, herbs, and butter is also traditional for Imbolc.
You can offer some of your feast to Brigid for her blessings of fertility, abundance, good health, and creative inspiration this spring.
Light candles and reflect on renewal and rebirth on Imbolc. What is being renewed in your life? What seeds are you preparing to plant this spring? How will you spend these next 6 weeks before Ostara, the Spring Equinox?
On Imbolc Eve place a piece of cloth or scarf outside so Goddess Brigid can bless it for healing and protection for the year.
Creative activities for Imbolc include:
*Handmade candle making and candle magic.
Have a bright, blessed Imbolc.
© HP Maeve MoonBird
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The pagan sabbat Ostara is on March 20th, 2025 in the Northern Hemisphere. This sabbat celebrates the Spring Vernal Equinox. On this day there is equal day and night. Then the days will be waxing, growing longer with daylight, until the longest day of the year Midsummer sabbat, the Summer Solstice June 20th.
Ostara is named after the Germanic Spring Goddess Ostara or Eostre. She is often depicted as a maiden goddess and associated with the Spring Equinox. Other goddesses to work with on Ostara include Persephone. Freya, Brigid, Blodewedd, Dziewanna, Flora, Beiwe, Artio, Kore, Artemis, Diana, Maia, Lada, and Olwen. Any goddess related to spring renewal, fertility, and the sun are good to connect with on Ostara. The Green Man, Jack in the Green, of the British Isles is also a symbol of the blooming Spring season on Ostara.
Ostara represents the renewal, rebirth, and fertility of the Spring season. The winter snow is melting, flowers are in bloom and warmer, longer days are ahead. The earth is awakening. The day of the equinox also connects to energies of balance and hope.
Rabbits are mating this time of year and are a common animal associated with Ostara for fertility. Eggs, baby birds, honey bees, butterflies, and horses are also connected to this sabbat.
Ostara is a time to reflect on renewal, rebirth, fertility, and balance. It is also a great time for cleansing and purification of your home and self. Weather divination and flower magic can be done, as well as magic for home protection and fertility.
Ostara is also a time to renew your creative process and work on planting seeds of new creative projects.
Some creative ways to celebrate Ostara are:
*Boil eggs and decorate them for your Ostara altar or table. You can explore natural dye or use any paint, markers, or stickers you have. This can be a fun family craft activity as well.
May you have a blessed, bright Ostara, Spring Equinox.
© HP Maeve MoonBird
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Blessed Leucothea,
So mote it be!
© Moonwater Ashwood August 17, 2008
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Items needed
Ritual
Decorate the altar with the flowers. Have a purifying shower or bath, seeing the negativity wash off of you and down the drain. Purify the space. Braid red flowers into your hair. Anoint the candles with the sweet‐grass oil.
Cast the circle. Call the directions.
Light the white candle, saying "White Painted Woman, Beloved Goddess of transitional rites, I ask that you join me within this sacred space. Help me to celebrate the joys of the women's mysteries."
Pause to feel Her presence enter.
Light the red candle, saying "Blessed Isis, Beloved Mother, Goddess of fertility and self‐confidence, I ask that you join me within this sacred space. Help me to grow with increasing fertility, enjoying every step of the journey."
Pause to feel Her presence enter.
Light the black candle, saying "Blessed Niskai, Beloved Goddess of the changing seasons, I ask that you join me within this sacred space. Help me to respect the changing seasons of my body, leaving the negativity and shame I have felt in the past behind me."
Pause to feel Her presence enter.
Breathe in the strength of the Goddesses surrounding you and say:
"The innocence of youth is behind me.
Do a self‐blessing using the salt water in the shell, fully embracing your womanhood. Meditate. Send healing out to all women who need it.
Thank the Goddesses.
Thank the directions.
Open the circle.
© Moonwater Ashwood July, 2008
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Do we always reap what we sow? That may be true to some extent but every so often we just get into the energy of people without having done anything to deserve this.
In this ritual you are calling on the Maiden aspect of the Goddess, the Warrior that will help us, fight beside us in our battle.
Items needed
Preparation
Clear your aura ‐ take a ritual bath or smudge ‐ the feeling of purification that you have is important, how you arrive there is up to you.
Light the white candles, burn the incense and cast your circle.
Sit in the circle and meditate on the subject ‐ say:
Light the red candle
Summon the Goddess to help you, use your own words.
Light the green candle and visualize that your problem is solved, see yourself in the desired results, in the situation you are yearning for.
See how the Goddess stands beside you to get the justice win…
Give your thanks to the Goddess.
You may repeat this ritual until the situation has changed.
© M)0(rrigan Lammas 2019
M)0(rrigan is a Level III Adept in Sacred Three
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You will need
Ritual
Prepare your altar
Cast circle. Say:
"I invoke the Moon Goddess within me
Say the following Chant (repeat 3 times)
"May all the Goddesses bless us,
Each person takes a card from the Tarot deck, sharing it if they wish.
Ground. Share the mooncakes.
Do a self‐blessing, then open the Circle, saying:
"I thank Copper Woman for women's free will,
I thank each of them and bless and release them and ask
All those that have joined me may stay or go as they wish.
© Lady Zephyr July 17, 2008
HP Lady Zephyr passed away in August 26, 2008. She remains forever in our hearts.
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Geometry and numbers are sacred because they reveal the hidden order behind all of creation. They define the physical Universe.
Geometry is a Greek word that means "measurement of the Earth". At a Divine level, geometry distinguishes between the sacred and the mundane.
Not all geometry is sacred. When used to survey or to construct buildings, it is simply a mathematical tool. It becomes sacred when it becomes pleasing to Divinity. A temple's geometry would be sacred if it is constructed to certain sacred proportions and oriented in a specific direction.
The Greeks were the first to develop geometry. They considered it a pure abstract science akin to logic, based on underlying truths. Geometry provided an absolute truth that could be repeatedly proven with the simplest of tools ‐ a compass and a straight edge ruler.
They deduced that form and number were essential to the Universe. That creation proceeded from abstract forms ‐ things that could be appreciated intellectually but not be grasped by the five senses. The subtleties of numbers and geometry's absoluteness were part of the hidden structure behind all physical matter.
The Golden Ratio, also known as the Golden Mean, the Golden Section or the Divine Proportion, is a ratio that is found over and over again in the natural world. The ratio is 1.61803398875. This ratio can be used to divide a line or rectangle into two unequal parts so that the proportion of the two new parts is equal to the proportion of the larger part to the original. This ratio is involved in replication, and growth, in the natural world.
The pentagram, a five pointed star, has long been considered magickal. It is made up of five triangles attached to an upside down pentagon. If the sides of the triangles are a length of one unit, then the base of the triangles comes out to the value of the Golden Ratio. The pentagram is made up of five Golden Triangles touching each other around a pentagon. The pentagram is therefore sacred. But, of course, we always knew that!
This has been but an introduction to sacred geometry. If you are interested in learning more, I recommend the book, "Sacred Geometry: Deciphering the Code" by Stephen Skinner. That is the book I referred to in writing this.
Click on the link to follow Peace at Witchy Writings
© Peace Whitehorse July 1, 2020
Peace Whitehorse is the author of Witchy Writings. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and her Shetland sheepdogs, and is active in Sheltie Rescue.
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Palmyra, Pearl of the Desert, is located 130 miles northeast of Damascus. A lush oasis, replete with natural springs, it is a rare gem in the midst of harsh, arid deserts and unforgiving mountains. To the east lies the Euphrates River, which once allowed the flow of goods between Asia and the Roman Empire.
Palmyra, also known as Tadmor, was established in the 3rd millennium BCE. By the 1st century it had become an important city along the Silk Road. It was an important source of water for the caravans traveling through, and its wealth grew as a result. The Temple of Al Lat was one of many structures erected during this time of affluence.
The ruins of the Temple of Al Lat rise in the western part of the city. A temple to Al Lat has stood at this site since at least the 1st century BCE, and it is likely this area has been sacred to Her for millennia. Destroyed by early Christians, the entire Temple complex now consists only of doors, lintels and some fluted columns, as well as a statue of a lion, standing nearly 12 feet high, holding an Oryx (antelope indigenous to the area). The lion is a symbol of Al Lat as a Warrior Goddess, protecting Her people. The statue has been restored and can now be found at the entrance to the Palmyra Museum.
Once the caravan routes moved to the north at the end of the 3rd century, Syria was no longer part of the Silk Road. Palmyra declined into a market town and was occupied for a time by a Roman garrison. The Temple of Al Lat remained in use for another century, until its destruction by zealous Christians. It was not enough to destroy Her Temple, they also knocked the head off Her statue, obliterated the facial features, hacked the statue to pieces, scattering them across the temple floor.
Warrior Queen
One of the greatest rulers to come out of Palmyra was Queen Zenobia, who reigned during the 3rd century CE. She has been described as being more beautiful than Cleopatra, with a dark complexion, pearly white teeth, and bright black eyes. She was fluent in Greek, Egyptian, Aramaic and Latin, and was famous for hosting literary salons and surrounding herself with philosophers and poets.
She is thought to be a descendant of Queen Dido of Carthage, as well as Cleopatra, and Zenobia herself referred to Alexandria as her ancestral city. She also comes from a long line of Syrian and Assyrian royalty, including the infamous Queen of Sheba.
Zenobia was the second wife to King Odaenathus, a supporter of the Roman Emperors. She often campaigned with her husband against the enemies of Rome. She has been described as carrying herself like a man, riding, hunting and drinking with her army.
With the assassination of her husband and his first‐born son in 267 CE, power passed on to Zenobia, acting as regent for her own son. Some scholars suspect the ambitious queen may have had a hand in plotting their deaths.
By 269, Zenobia had expanded her empire, conquering Egypt, Anatolia, Syria, Palestine and Lebanon. Some surmise that her intention was to rule Rome itself. She controlled vital trade routes, cutting off grain supplies to Rome, issued her own coinage, and even took on the title Augusta.
These provocations led to the Roman Emperor Aurelian to declare war against her. In 274, she was captured by the banks of the Euphrates River and brought to Rome. She was paraded around the city in chains of gold. Her fate is uncertain after this, she may have died by suicide, illness, or beheading. Another theory suggests she was freed by the emperor and lived out her days in an elegant villa, becoming a prominent philosopher and socialite. Regardless of her fate, Zenobia almost certainly evokes images of Al Lat in Her role as Warrior Goddess.
Al Lat, "the Mother of the Gods", is known by many names: "Greatest of All", "My Lady", or simply, "The Goddess". Al Lat has been associated with Goddesses of other cultures including Astarte, Aphrodite, Ishtar, and Athena. She is the Earth Goddess who brings fertility and prosperity to the region, a Goddess of Mercy and Protection, of Oaths and Contracts. Her symbols include the crane, lions, the crescent moon, sheaves of wheat and frankincense.
Al Lat is a Triple Goddess, along with Al Uzza (Mighty One) and Manat (Old Woman). Al Uzza is the Goddess of the Morning Star, and women would climb to the roof tops to invoke Her name. Manat is the Goddess of Fate or Time, and of Death. She is often portrayed as an old woman with a cup. In Islam, the Imams are referred to as "Sons of the Old Woman".
Al Lat's main sanctuary is at Ta'if, East of Mecca. Oaths were sealed with the vow "By the salt, by the fire, and by Al‐Lat, who is the greatest of all!" In pre‐Islamic times, She was worshiped as a black stone nestled in a silver casing (which appears to be in the shape of a vulva). She was served by seven priestesses, and Her worshippers, in total nudity, would circle the sacred relic seven times, once for each of the seven planets. With the rise of Islam, the Goddesses become known as the Daughters of Allah.
The founder of Islam, the prophet Muhammad was born in the latter half of the 6th century. His people, the Quraysh, worshipped the Goddess and even Muhammad was reported to have made offerings to Al Uzza. Muhammad faced great difficulties as he attempted to convert his people to the new, monotheistic religion; they would not give up their Goddesses so easily. Muhammad placated his followers by allowing them to venerate the Daughters of Allah as intercessors of the God. An original passage in the Koran states:
Have ye seen Lat, and 'Uzza,
Once Islam became firmly entrenched in the Middle East, Muhammad retracted this inclusion of the Goddess in the Koran, accusing Satan of having put the offending words in his mouth. The last two lines of the above passage were expunged, and came to be known as the "Satanic Verses".
Despite the attempts of patriarchal religions to obliterate Goddess in the Middle East, She continues to play an active role in the lives of Her people. Al Lat and Al Uzza appear on top of almost every mosque and on the flags of several Muslim countries, as the Crescent (Al Lat) and the Star (Al Uzza).
An inscription on the lion statue at the Palmyra Museum reads "Al Lat to bless the one who does not spill blood against the temple". I now beseech the Goddess Al Lat that She forgive those who do.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zenobia
© Ajna DreamsAwake
Ajna DreamsAwake is a High Priestess and founder of Dark Moon's Heart School. Her personal journey of self‐discovery continues as she supports and guides women along their own healing paths.
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If you are a Witch, are you still in the broom closet? Being in the broom closet means you keep your witchy life hidden, either from everyone, or more likely, from a certain group or groups of people. Family, co workers, friends maybe.
There are many reasons to be in the broom closet. But mainly it is because you fear reprisal, or discrimination, or disapproval if you reveal all of who you are. Historically, witches have had to remain silent on pain of persecution, torture or death. The Inquisition and The Salem Witch Trials are just a couple of examples.
There is nothing to be ashamed of if you are in the broom closet. You need to do what you need to do to be safe and happy. Concealing who you are is not a "sin". In fact, in many cases it is absolutely necessary.
I am halfway out of the broom closet. To my family, who are mostly all fundamentalist evangelical Christians, I am out, believe it or not. Oh, they were not happy to find this out about me, but over the years they have accepted it. Some now even ask me for tarot readings or house blessings. Some are still convinced that I am definitely going to hell. I am also out to my friends.
My husband's side of the family is different. With the exception of his son and daughter, I have kept my witchiness from his family. They are a bit of a strange lot, and I fear were they to know that I am a witch, there would be serious nastiness. So in that arena, I keep silent.
His family and my family and friends almost never cross paths, so maintaining that dichotomy isn't as hard as you might think.
Being in the broom closet does not diminish your power as a witch. Your power comes from within you, and from Goddess, God and/or the Universe. Your power is yours, no matter who does or does not know.
It is totally up to you whether or not you stay in the broom closet, or come out partially or completely. There is nothing wrong with concealing this part of your life when you need to. Someday, when my husband's mother passes, I will come out to the rest of his family. Until then, my business is just that ‐ my business. And your business is your business.
Goddess bless and blessed be! The Gods know you, broom closet or not.
Click on the link to follow Peace at Witchy Writings
© Peace Whitehorse February 3, 2020
Peace Whitehorse is the author of Witchy Writings. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and her Shetland sheepdogs, and is active in Sheltie Rescue.
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OWM is proud to announce that Jess Avelino Flores has completed Level II of the White Moon studies and is now an Adept in the Order. Please enjoy her beautiful Final Project on Nuestra Señora de la Santísima Muerte
Our OWM Annual Gift Exchange was a huge success with participants gifting away their gently used items for other Sisters to enjoy.
We are always delighted to welcome our new students in Sacred Three,
Moonlit Path, Moonflower Ministry, Goddess Rising,
and Dark Moon's Heart from all over the world! We are always happy when sisters find their way to OWM!
More About OWM
If you're not an OWM student and you'd like to learn more about the Order of the White Moon, the schools offering Traditional White Moon Studies, or browse the Goddess Gallery, we welcome you to learn about us!
For those who are not currently Sisters of the Order but would like to feel supported, we encourage you to visit OWM's website and submit a Prayer Request. This Public Outreach program is one of the ways that OWM gives back to the community. We offer prayers, distance healing, and loving support to members of public.
You can connect with OWM on social media for regular updates on Seasons of the Moon, the Weekly Tarot Zodiac and other OWM public outreach programs. Our Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/orderwhitemoon.
May the Peaceful, Compassionate, and Healing Presence of the Goddess be with you now and always.
HP Ajna DreamsAwake
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Goddess blessings for you,
She cradles you in Her arms,
She reminds you that you are Her child
© Mystic Amazon (Beth Johnson) May 15, 2005
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Spring is emerging
© Lady Zephyr January 20, 2009
HP Lady Zephyr passed away in August 26, 2008. She remains forever in our hearts.
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Her grieving sighs mingled with the north wind
As she cried from her broken heart,
Of an slender woman with a large bow.
Suddenly, she looked up and smiled at her
And she went down to join her and walk with her.
© Mystic Amazon (Beth Johnson) April 7, 2006
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Snow is coming down outside,
The white stuff gently falling down,
Heavy snow or just a dusting,
Sitting in my nice warm chair
Again the stove it's time to feed.
© Peace Whitehorse October 4, 2021
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the branches meet
there's a giant table under an old tree
i don't believe in a heaven or a hell
© Jess Avelino Flores
Jess Avelino Flores is a Level III Adept in Moonflower Ministry
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Honor the Maiden and honor the Bride,
Crocus from the earth break forth,
Place Brighid in her floral bed,
Drag the plow from door to door,
Do nought of picking or cutting of plants,
Break a furrow newly turned,
To welcome back the warm, bright Sun,
© Peace Whitehorse December, 2013
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Ostara is upon us now,
Decorate the colored eggs,
Demeter will no longer mourn,
Bunnies hop about the land,
Sun‐like roll and hot cross bun,
© Peace Whitehorse December, 2013
Peace Whitehorse is the author of Witchy Writings. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and her Shetland sheepdogs, and is active in Sheltie Rescue.
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Ingredients
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°
Mix flour, sugar and poppyseeds together, then blend in the rest of the ingredients, except for the powdered sugar.
Pour into a greased 9x9x2 pan.
Bake for 35‐40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
Cool on rack. Then sprinkle powdered sugar on top.
© Lady Zephyr March 27, 2010
HP Lady Zephyr passed away in April, 2015. She remains forever in our hearts.
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Ingredients
Directions
Preheat oven to 325°
Beat butter and sugar in a bowl using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Shape into crescents and place about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
Bake 13‐15 minutes, until edges are golden brown.
Roll cookies in sifted confectioners' sugar and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
Enjoy Mooncakes as part of your ritual feast.
© Ajna DreamsAwake
Ajna DreamsAwake is a High Priestess and founder of Dark Moon's Heart School. Her personal journey of self‐discovery continues as she supports and guides women along their own healing paths.
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This is a great recipe for the winter and cold when you are feeling unmotivated and need a boost. The herbs are elemental Fire‐based, and also aid in divination and manifestation.
Ingredients
Directions
Boil until sugar is dissolved, and coffee is the desired strength.
© Jess Avelino Flores
Jess Avelino Flores is a Level III Adept in Moonflower Ministry
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Sometimes you just need a quickie one‐off answer to a question. This 13‐card deck is the perfect solution. At 1.5" by 2", the deck is easily portable and discreet. A small fold out provides a brief interpretation of each card. As the author states "it is a teeny‐tiny pocketful of magic that you can take with you wherever you go."
The cards provide clear, simple, and straightforward answers to questions. Simply shuffle the cards as you ask a YES/NO question. When you feel ready, pull a card. Many of the cards are self‐explanatory, while other cards may require you to dig deeper into your psyche to find the answer.
Athene Noctua is the artist and creator of several oracle and tarot card decks, including The Unfolding Path Tarot and The Witch's Familiar Runic Oracle. She "works to create divination tools that open a channel of communication between us and the Divine".
© Ajna DreamsAwake
Ajna DreamsAwake is a High Priestess and founder of Dark Moon's Heart School. Her personal journey of self‐discovery continues as she supports and guides women along their own healing paths.
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A Brief Review of The Feminist Tarot Deck: A Deck for Everywoman Everywhere
If you are part of OWM, or have been involved in Goddess studies for some time, you will know that our favored deck is the beautiful Motherpeace Deck, of feminist and Herstorical renown. I'd like to share with you my thoughts on a different sort of feminist deck, called The Feminist Tarot deck, by Bridget Owens. While I love my Motherpeace deck and what it represents, I couldn't resist the images on this modern deck.
The deck, as well as some images, can be found here: Bridget Owens
I don't recall how I found this deck; it may have been a simple internet search, but I was glad I did. The deck itself was initiated as a Kickstarter campaign. I was much too late on the scene to contribute, but I was able to purchase a copy from the online store.
The author, Bridget Owens, specifies that her deck was one borne out of necessity ‐ "I searched for a deck which depicted the world without filtering it through a patriarchal lens of traditional gender roles in which women are relegated to figures of fertility, motherhood, and gentle femininity. One which didn't resort to depicting women only as goddesses and queens. One which didn't focus on famous or powerful women without reflecting the experiences of everyday women… And I couldn't find one… So I drew it myself."
The images on the cards are somewhat soft in color and tone, because they were drawn by hand and colored by hand (presumably with color pencil or crayon?) before being printed. They feature females/femmes in a variety of situations ‐ some idealized, most of them practical. For example, in looking at the High Priestess, it features a scholarly‐looking woman in a library, with a crescent moon behind her. The Knight of Swords, a card I drew this week, features a woman at a speaker's podium. Upright, the card expresses enthusiasm for the fight. Reversed, it means rebellion against rules. Another example ‐ the Seven of Cups, has a woman gazing at a fancy ball dress below a wall border with seven chalices. Upright, it means in search of your true desire. Reversed, it means the fantasies overwhelm. Four of Pentacles features a woman clipping newspaper coupons. Upright ‐ abundant profits saved; Reversed ‐ no reward without risk.
The images on the cards are somewhat soft in color and tone, because they were drawn by hand and colored by hand (presumably with color pencil or crayon?) before being printed. They feature females/femmes in a variety of situations ‐ some idealized, most of them practical. For example, in looking at the High Priestess, it features a scholarly‐looking woman in a library, with a crescent moon behind her. The Knight of Swords, a card I drew this week, features a woman at a speaker's podium. Upright, the card expresses enthusiasm for the fight. Reversed, it means rebellion against rules. Another example ‐ the Seven of Cups has a woman gazing at a fancy ball dress below a wall border with seven chalices. Upright, it means in search of your true desire. Reversed, it means the fantasies overwhelm. Four of Pentacles features a woman clipping newspaper coupons. Upright ‐ abundant profits saved; Reversed ‐ no reward without risk.
Depending on the suit, the cards have associated colors. Major Arcana have a purple frame; Cups have a blue frame, Swords have a gold frame, Wands have a red frame, and Pentacles have a green frame. All five colors are included on the back of the cards, which includes the words The Feminist Tarot (the website doesn't appear to show the most current design for the card backs). Court cards include Page, Knight, Matriarch, and Monarch.
It took me a bit to warm up to this deck, but that could have been the timing in my life last year when I kept drawing an annoying series of fives no matter what deck I used, so I set this one aside for a bit. I recently started using it again, but not for any readings other than a one‐card‐a‐day pull. When using this deck, I am drawn into everyday situations based on the images of the cards, and find that they really connect with me, especially when I am in a more pragmatic and less mystical mood. I find myself spending time studying the images and putting myself into the card's 'story', which helps unfold the meaning. The author of the cards states that the images help women realize they can do and be all things; I would agree with this. When I am using this deck, I really feel more empowered and connected with my Self.
Ms. Owens apparently offers other items in her online store that include astrological affirmations, and I plan to check those out soon. In the meantime, I'm going to continue working with this deck, and, if you are in the mood to consider getting a hand‐illustrated deck that speaks to Everywoman, I'd recommend this one.
© Rosemary Katybee
Rosemary Katybee is a Level I Student in the Goddess Rising School
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Where did they come from?
What is it? / How is it used?
Correspondences:
Ingredients:
Construction:
*Creating a Brigid's cross of straw or raffia.
*Craft a Brigid doll of straw, raffia, or fabric. Place her in a bed near your altar or fireplace for her to bless you and your home.
*Write a poem in honor of Imbolc and Brigid.
*Create a drawing or painting on Imbolc asking Brigid for creative inspiration.
*Enjoy creating a celebratory meal with food symbolizing the hope for spring's renewal and returning sunlight.
*Paint or draw flowers, crocuses and snowdrops connecting to early budding energy of springtime.
HP Maeve MoonBird is the founder of Moonlit Path Goddess School
Celebrating Ostara Spring Equinox: Renewal, Rebirth, Fertility, And Balance
*Explore egg magic. Boil an egg and think of your intentions and wishes for the Spring. Once boiled, write and/or draw anything to represent your Spring intentions and wishes. You can bury this egg outside symbolically as a planted spring seed, or place on your Ostara altar.
*Paint, draw, craft or write about the Ostara sabbat. Light a candle and allow any images or thoughts that come to you be part of your creative process.
*Write your Spring intentions and wishes on a candle and burn this on Ostara. Colors for Spring are green, yellow, pink, sky blue, and lilac. You can choose any candle this color.
*Collect local wildflowers on a nature walk and press them in a book. Learn about each flower's meaning and magical associations.
*Create a flower crown to wear on Ostara.
*Bake hot cross buns with the cross symbolizing the four seasons, directions, elements, and moon phases.
*Create a delicious, celebratory meal for Ostara. Foods associated with Ostara are salads filled with spring greens, eggs, lemons, honey, chocolate, and any local seasonal fruits and vegetables.
*Create a costume or dress up in a way that celebrates the Spring Equinox.
*Journey with a Spring animal such as rabbit, baby birds, horses, butterflies, and honey bees. Create a piece of art and writing that represents this journey.
*Write in your journal reflecting on the aspects of balance, renewal, rebirth, and fertility on Ostara.
HP Maeve MoonBird is the founder of Moonlit Path Goddess School
Goddess Work
Mother of the centaurs,
Milk‐white Goddess of the Greeks,
I ask that you aid me in
Restoring balance to my life,
That my physical being and
Spiritual being may both
Flourish in harmony to the
Highest good of all concerned.
(Jennifer Runham‐Stark)
HP Moonwater passed away in February, 2020. She was a prolific writer and we are honoured to share her work What is remembered lives on
Ritual Work
Eclectic Menarche Celebration Ritual
The negativity and shame of the past
Are behind me, banished forever.
I am a vessel of the fertility of
The Goddess, overflowing with bounty.
I an encompassed by joy.
I am the ripening wheat in the field.
I am the apple tree laden with fruit.
Glowing with womanhood, for all to see.
I bleed, yet I do not die; such is the Mystery!
(Jennifer Runham‐Stark)
HP Moonwater passed away in February, 2020. She was a prolific writer and we are honoured to share her work What is remembered lives on
I am open and receiving
(This is about you getting a clear picture and feeling about the matter.)
Paint your body blue ‐ like the warriors of the Picts did. Feel the strength and power within.
Tell Her the problem that you are facing aloud and ask Her for support and guidance.
Thank the Elements for being with you.
Extinguish the lights, feel the new strength…
Light candles and purify by using incense smoke or sprinkling of water.
by inviting these goddesses…
Earth ‐ Copper Woman,
Air ‐ Lilith,
Fire ‐ Erzulie,
Water ‐ Kuan Yin,
Spirit ‐ Selene…
to join me within my Circle."
And those who have entered this Circle
Receive whatever wishes and desires
That they have asked for.
The Earth, The Air, The Fire,
The Water, The Spirit;
Return tonight full of power, full of life,
Granting each and all their heart's delight…"
Make music with drums or songs to raise energy, then send it into the ether.
Lilith for her reproductive freedom to all women,
Erzulie for women's power and passion,
Kuan Yin for her self‐healing and self‐love,
and Selene for women's rights everywhere.
that they be with us in our daily lives. Blessed Be.
The Circle is open but unbroken.
So mote it be!"
Witchy Writings
Sacred Sites
And another, the third, Manat?
These are the exalted cranes
Whose intercession is to be hoped for.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Al-Lat
Holistic Living
OWM Awareness
Blessed Be
The Bardic Soul: Poetry and Song for the Spirit
The peace and hope that She brings.
She reaches across any time and space,
And Her love never falters or changes.
Her hand in blessing is laid upon your head.
When you are feeling alone and despairing,
Or needful of unconditional love
And She is always with you.
Rejoice! For Her love that is stronger
Than the worlds of Spirit or Mankind.
Late beloved OWM Sister, HP Mystic Amazon, died February 18, 2021. Mystic Amazon's poetry and rituals keep her memory alive in our hearts.
As I sit here on my back porch
Sipping my favorite coffee
The bare trees
Timid at first… tiny leaves
With each days warmth
The Sun coaxing them out
Buttercups are blooming
Scattered across the yard
Grass turning green yet again
Tempting me to walk barefoot
Across That lovely carpet
Ostara is here
Colored eggs
Time for rejoicing in the rebirth
I do so love the cycle of Spring
In an eerie song, as she stared at the Moon Mother
From her perch on a branch high in a tree.
No one knew where she was,
She valued her privacy and mourned alone.
Moonbeams surrounded her with their light,
And she felt that the Goddess cared about her grief
And was helping to heal her wounds.
Then she saw in the distance, the shimmering figure
She wore a golden diadem in her piled‐up hair,
Laced‐up sandals, and a short white chiton.
There were hounds leaping up beside her excitedly
And she was obviously at the hunt.
As she did, Melanie felt a sudden exhilaration
And a feeling that the woman was more than human.
Could she be? Could it be Artemis, the Moon Goddess?
The goddess motioned to her to come down from the Tree,
She told the goddess all about her life and false lover
And as she did, the grief fell away from her
And she was running free with Artemis and her hounds
Feeling close to nature, and the celebration of life.
Late beloved OWM Sister, HP Mystic Amazon, died February 18, 2021. Mystic Amazon's poetry and rituals keep her memory alive in our hearts.
I'm snuggled with the dogs inside.
The woodstove has it warm and nice.
As yet there isn't any ice.
Soon wonderland be all around.
White and glistening in the grove
Like a silver treasure trove.
In my shovel I'll be trusting.
Snow blower for the large amounts
Is just the thing now when it counts.
Watching it come down out there.
A sleeping dog upon my lap,
The snow comes on without a gap.
Lots of wood, got all we need.
Safe and warm inside our home!
Let it snow, yes, let it come!
a canopy of swords clashing above my head
if i don't blink time stands still
everything is possible
my sight grows blurry as the ages speed by
i revert to an old legend
chasing my fate at the speed of the wind
late to the banquet
people are gathered around
waiting to see you again
the ones who couldn't be there in person
who watch from afar in spirit
the ancient ones who took up your cause
when your blood failed you
before you breathed your last
but i believe there is a banquet where we meet again
at sunset on an ancient isle
much like Avalon in my prayers
that moment between autumn and winter
where everything is possible
before the wind and rain sets in
and the sky grows dark
Imbolc is here this eventide!
Bless the tool and bless the seed,
Open the bottle and pour the mead.
Yet snow still coming from the North.
Now in the middle are we here
Of the dark half of the Wheel of the Year.
With a gemstone on her head.
Wait to see, will Winter end?
What will the groundhog now portend?
Beg for pennies, candy and more.
Also known as Candlemas,
Get ready to greet the spring at last!
But sing the songs and chant the chants!
Decorate the harrow and plow,
Pour Water of Life upon it now.
And leave an offering freshly earned.
From the Earth the snowdrops bloom!
Light a candle in every room
Brighid's fire for everyone!
To the Maiden do we bow.
Equal dark and equal light,
Equinox, to our delight!
Of Winter left is just the dregs.
Persephone can now return,
The Equinox bale‐fires burn.
Her daughter now has been reborn
From Hades' bower within the Earth,
Spring has come to field and firth.
Calf and kitten, foal and lamb.
Flowers bloom and garlands hung
Bless the Maiden, Spring has sprung!
Feasting, merriment and much fun.
Ostara is upon us now,
To the Maiden do we bow.
Recipes Fit for a Goddess
Add vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt.
Gradually stir ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons flour, add almonds, and mix until dough is just combined.
Cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pour through a fine mesh strainer into cups.
Reviews
Crystal Ball Pocket Oracle by Athene Noctua
Just for Fun
Luminaries originate from 16th century Mexico in the form of small bonfires used to light the way between villages and churches.
Luminaries are small lanterns. They can be made of any material with fire safety in mind and can be used on The Altar to manifest intentions by infusing 'Sun' energy with the activation of Fire.