Celebrating Candlemas

 At the beginning of the year, we begin to connect to the powerful new life that is stirring in our spirit, awakening in the depths of the earth, and channel this light energy into an upsurge of personal power. This is the time of year to crystallize your desires into a single flame. Animals begin to come out of hibernation and ewes begin lactating; light is returning. This is a time to recognize our individual gifts and feed our talents with supportive action. The pagan and witches’ holiday of Candlemas is celebrated on February 1 and 2 helps us connect to the powerful new life awakening in the depths of the earth and thus also represents the rebirth and upsurge of personal power. Now you can plant seeds of inspiration, acknowledge the returning light, invoke patience, find virtue in perseverance, and inspire others.

Candlemas, Brigid’s Day, or Imbolc honors Brigid, the Goddess of fire, inspiration, and wells, when from the dark of a winter’s night, the first seeds of light and inspiration are planted.  Her name means “Bright One.” She is the bride, Patroness Saint of Ireland, guardian of poetry, smith crafting, and healing. You can feel the Magick in your daily when you put intentionality into everyday tasks. Each time I light our wood burning stove, I recite the Brigid prayer. You may choose to say the prayer when lighting a candle or even the stove when making dinner.

BRIGID PRAYER
May Brigid bless this house wherein you dwell.
Bless every fireside, wall, and door.
Bless every heart that beats beneath its roof.
Bless every hand that toils to bring it joy.
Bless every foot that walks its portal through.
May Brigid bless this house that shelters you.

Artwork by Courtney Davis

You can prepare yourself for Candlemas by eating eggs, seeds, nuts and dairy - in whatever way suits your body's highest well-being. In other words, find substitutes that carry the same message of "seedling" a "fresh idea" for any food allergies. Drink herbal healing teas. Eat flame-broiled food. This intake of seasonal food, especially those that are symbolic to the holy day, represents another way to feel into the Wheel of the Year. Adorn an altar with candles, incense, seeds, nuts, vessels containing water, snowflakes, or herbal teas. Herbs and other plants for this sabbat include angelica, basil, bay, cinnamon, frankincense, myrrh, nettle orris root, rosemary, rowan, and saffron. Other traditions for this holy day include making Brigid's crosses and Brídeógs, visiting holy wells, divination, spring cleaning.

During the month of January, consider one wish in its entirety - meaning be very clear and consider any loop holes. Affirm that this desire is already here, beginning with “I now have…” Light a candle as often as possible - beeswax candles carry the perfect warming scent. Stare at the flame and continue to feel into the one desire that you want to manifest.
Which seed will your nurture to its fullest potential?

You can attune yourself to each of the eight pagan holidays through action. After all, we live in a corporeal, physical state as the hands and feet of the Gods and Goddesses, who represent the different aspects of the Divine Source.

 As Candlemas, also known as the Quickening, is the first planting holiday of the calendar year, try planting your favorite plant ally from seeds. Place the seeds in your mouth for nine minutes while focusing your thoughts on your connection with the plant. The concept that your saliva will activate the seed’s growth was popularized by the book Anastasia. Bury the seed in the dirt and ask for Brigid’s guidance for its protection, growth, and medicine. 

Try this recipe from The Wicca Cookbook for Brigid’s Seeded Hummus

Ingredients

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

3 cloves of garlic, minced

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons plain yogurt

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

Salt, parsley and paprika

In a 6-8-inch skillet over medium heat, stir the sesame seeds until golden about 5 minutes. In a blender or food processor, combine the sesame seeds, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, yogurt, cumin, ground cayenne paper, and garbanzo beans. Whirl until smooth, scraping the sides often. Season with salt and garnish with parsley and sprinkling of paprika. Hummus can be stored up to one month in the refrigerator.

Candlemas is a perfect example of the Threefold Law: Whatever You Do Comes Back to You Three Times Three Times Three. You hold the paintbrushes to the canvas of your life. Whatever you sow, you reap; whatever you put out in the Universe comes back to you. Our prayers, actions, and gratitude cycle back around every time. When you are outside and something catches your eye, pay attention to what you were thinking or feeling in the moment that nature or the cosmos gave you it’s best answer and constant support. Give thanks as a magickal act of keeping energy flowing through you, outward and back again.