And now here is a nice little excerpt for Candlemas
from The Witches' Almanac
Candlemas Custom
At nightfall on Candlemas Eve (February 1) an ancient tradition is observed by witches. Every candle in the covenstead glows with living fire to encourage the swift return of the sun and the spring season. The holiday has a deeper significance too, for it is the prelude to an interval of purification. This is the time of year to eliminate from one's life all that encumbers --- from old clothes to worn-out dreams. Just as candles illuminate the darkness, a witch seeks to penetrate the hidden recesses of the mind and heart in order to greet the coming season with a clear horizon in view. Alchemists described the climactic day of an experiment, when baser metals were to be transmuted into gold, as "a day of projection". Candlemas marks for us a period of projection, from February 2 to March 21, during which a personal transformation takes place.
Mundane matters such as settling debts, returning borrowed items, and catching up on correspondence are attended to during early February. A systematic clearing out of drawers, cabinets and closets eliminates unnecessary articles which accumulate over a year's time. Appraise all your possessions to determine what should be discarded or passed on. This stage of Candlemas Custom subtly increases the power of decision and prepares us to examine the quality of our individual lives.
(The above Candlemas Custom is quoted direct from The Witches' Almanac, page 36,
Spring 1993 to Spring 1994 edition,
prepared and edited by Elizabeth Pepper and John Wilcock,
Published by Pentacle Press, 1993.)
Next I will list several recipes appropriate
for the Imbolc turn in the Wheel of the Year.
I have gathered these from various places, noted on each...
Basic Dessert Crepes
Dessert crepes are delectable, light and tender, and despite their bad press as a fussy food, they are simple to prepare. If you can make ordinary breakfast pancakes, you can make crepes. But they do need to be prepared in a heavy iron pan. Special crepe pans differ from skillets only in that the sides are lower and more slanty; if you don't have a special crepe pan, any small, heavy skillet will do. 7/8 cup Flour
1 tablespoon Sugar
3 Eggs
2 tablespoons Cognac
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1/8 teaspoon Salt
About 1 1/2 cups Milk
Sift dry ingredients and add eggs one at a time, mixing well, until there are no lumps; a mixer at low speed does this well. Add melted butter and flavorings. Gradually stir in milk and mix until batter is consistency of light cream. Let batter rest 1 or 2 hours. Heat a heavy 6-inch pan well and butter it. Pour in about 1 1/2 tablespoons batter and tip the pan so that it covers the entire bottom. Pour any excess batter back into the bowl. Cook crepe until it shakes loose from bottom of pan. Turn with fingers or spatula and brown lightly on reverse side. (Crepes may be kept for several days in the refrigerator or for a month in the freezer.)
You may simply squeeze fresh orange juice over the crepe, add a sprinkle of sugar and roll it up. Or for a more elaborate treat:
Crepes Suzette
Cream 1 cup butter with 1 cup confectioner's sugar. Add the grated rind of 3 oranges, the juice of 1 1/2 oranges, and 5 tablespoons Grand Mariner or other brandy. Melt over low heat in a skillet or chafing dish. Fold crepes in quarters and add a few at a time to the pan. Heat very slowly, spooning the sauce over them until well saturated. Remove to a heatproof platter and keep warm until all are done. Pour the sauce in the pan over the crepes, add 1/4 cup warm brandy, ignite and serve.
(The above Basic Dessert Crepes and Crepes Suzette are quoted directly
from The Witches' Almanac, page 38, Spring 1995 to Spring 1996 edition,
prepared and edited by Elizabeth Pepper and John Wilcock,
Published by Pentacle Press, 1995.)
Imbolc Incense
by Scott Cunningham
3 parts Frankincense
2 parts Dragon's Blood
1/2 part Red Sandalwood
1 part Cinnamon
a few drops Red Wine
To this mixture add a pinch of the first flower (dry it first) that is available in your area at the time of Imbolc (February 1st). Burn during Wiccan ceremonies on Imbolc, or simply to attune with the symbolic rebirth of the Sun --- the fading of winter and the promise of Spring.
(The above recipe for Imbolc Incense is directly quoted from Scott Cunningham's book:
The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews, page 72,
Llewellyn Publications, 1992.)
Oil For Sabbat: See OILS
Candlemas Ritual Potpourri
by Gerina Dunwich
A small cauldron filled with homemade potpourri can be used as a fragrant altar decoration, burned (outdoors) as an offering to the old gods during or after a Sabbat celebration, or wrapped in decorative paper and ribbons and given to a Wiccan sister or brother as a Sabbat gift.
45 drops Myrrh Oil
1 cup Oak Moss
2 cups Dried Heather Flowers
2 cups Dried Wisteria
1 cup Dried Yellow Tulip Petals
1/2 cup Dried Basil
1/2 cup Dried and Chopped Bay Leaves
Mix the myrrh oil with the oak moss, and then add the remaining ingredients. Stir the potpourri well and then store in a tightly covered ceramic or glass container.
(The above recipe for Candlemas Ritual Potpourri is directly quoted from Gerina Dunwich's book:
The Wicca Spellbook: A Witch's Collection of Wiccan Spells, Potions and Recipes", page 161,
A Citadel Press Book, Carol Publishing Group, 1994/1995.)
Imbolc Oil - Put in soap or annoint candles
5 drops frankincense
5 drops rosemary
3 drops cinnamon
2 drops sandalwood
Add a piece of rowan and a small hematite, garnet, and clear quartz crystal. A spicy, sunny scent for awakening the earth.
Candlemas Crescent Cakes
by Gerina Dunwich
1 1/4 cups Flour
3/4 cup Sugar
1 cup Finely Ground Almonds
3 drops Almond Extract
1/2 cup Butter or Margarine, softened
1 tablespoon Honey
1 Egg Yolk
In a large mixing bowl, combine the first four ingredients. Add the butter, honey and egg yolk and mix together well. Cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and then chill for 1 1/2 to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
When ready, pinch off pieces of the dough (about the size of plums) and shape them into crescents.
Place the crescents on a well-greased cookie sheet and bake in a 325-degree preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes. (This recipe yields about one dozen Candlemas Crescent Cakes.)
(The above recipe for Candlemas Crescent Cakes is directly quoted from Gerina Dunwich's book:
The Wicca Spellbook: A Witch's Collection of Wiccan Spells, Potions and Recipes, page 166,
A Citadel Press Book, Carol Publishing Group, 1994/1995.)
Imbolc Salsa
by Scott Cunningham
2 very large, very ripe Tomatoes
1 small Onion
1 to 2 canned Seranno Chilies
1 tablespoon Cilantro (fresh Coriander leaves), finely chopped
Salt and Pepper to taste
A dash Sugar
Peel and finely chop the tomatoes. Finely chop the onion. Remove seeds from chili pepper(s) and finely chop. (WARNING: Two will make this quite hot.) Place the first four ingredients into a bowl, season to taste, and let sit, refrigerated, for several hours. Serve cold with tortilla chips. (Serve with chili [vegetarian or con carne], beans and rice.)
(The above Imbolc Salsa recipe by Scott Cunningham is quoted directly from
Llewellyn's 1993 Magical Almanac, pages 90-91,
Llewellyn Worldwide Publications, 1992.)
And finally, here are some words of advice, a rhyme, along with a few nice devotional incantations/poems
with proper credit given to each author...
Enjoy and May You Blessed Be!
Candlemas
by Rhiannon Cotter
Candlemas is a celebration of beginnings, initiations, saintings, and circle starting. Deep in the cold of Winter, thoughts of life begin to stir. Reflection has chosen the seeds of new works to be accomplished in the coming year. The Goddess reigns supreme as that internal reflection begins the transition to external actions. Now is the time when wants and needs are expressed. But beware, wishes expressed on Candlemas have a way of coming to past. Be sure you wish for what you truly want.
This is a nice little rhyme that ties Candlemas/Imbolc to Groundhog's Day...
"If Candlemas Day be fair and bright,
Winter will have another flight;
If on Candlemas Day be shower and rain,
Winter is gone, and will not come again."
Alternately...
"If the sun shines bright on Candlemas Day,
The half of the winter's not yet away."
**Author+Unknown**
Bright Poet Queen
by Cerderaff
Spirit of Earth, Spirit of Air, Water and Flame come to us as we share.
Bright Poet Queen, we seek your advice - Brigid return from the kingdom of ice.
The Imbolc flame burn higher and higher - Brigid our mother, the goddess of fire.
We drink the milk and light every light - Brigid please come to our home on this night!
Invocation to Brid, Celtic Triple Goddess
by Dettie Em Freefoot
Brid, I call you.
Oh, Bright One! I call you.
Goddess of Fire, Healing, and Inspiration, Hear my cry.
Help me stand strong like the Rowan, that I may become your Brigand and rise up against the darkness.
Oh, Bright Arrow! Guide my judgment, protect me in my wanderings.
I will remember always --- Brigantia.
Celtic Goddesses of Old
by J. Arachne
Brigid smiles upon the land "The Bright One" She is called The Sun and Fire are of Her, This Goddess from days of old.
A Banshee's cry is heard at night, telling who might die, Branwen graces us with love, and Rhiannon grants us joy. And Cerridwen the wise old sow, grants fertility.
Each Goddess of the Ancient Path, both Maiden and the Crone, grant wishes, love, and laughter still, the Ones from days of old.
The Imbolc Love Necklace Spell
by Silver RavenWolf
Ancient mystery, magic night
Cut pink rosebuds by fireside bright.
Thread of white, a needle sharp
Candle red to stay the dark.
Place all upon the altar stone
Consecrate from witches bones.
Cast a circle from outstretched hand
Call the quarters, make it grand.
Elements are good, and angels too
Universal love can be their cue.
Banish winter, out, out, out
Raise your staff, turn thrice about.
Throw Yule greens in the fire,
Dance to bring in Spring's desire.
Dress the dolly, corn she be
The harvest bride from last year's seed.
String the rose buds, one by one
Circle and tie when you are done.
Empower it now, hold it high
Ask the Gods to bring love nigh.
Raise your energy, bright and strong
Hum a tune of loving song.
Release your power, quickly please
Ground and center, feel at ease.
Dismiss your quarters, circle down
Open the space with a rapping sound.
In the morning, when the sun doth rise
Place the dolly under new day skies.
Leave her there, without the gown
To summon prosperity all year round.
When Autumn chill doth kiss your cheek
Return the doll to the ground or creek.
Save the necklace, keep it close
Give it to whom you love the most.
Kiss them once upon the lips
Tell them it's an Imbolc gift.
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