February Newsletter 2010

[Neamhain Riona]

February News Letter 2010





"In a glass
Of scryer's black
Visions of life
Bring full impact

Wells pour out
Your sacred flame
Prophetic words
In wisdom's name

The womb impregnated
With poetic rhyme
Birthed to life
In seasons time

Summoned
In your healing light
Be with me on
This moonstruck night "

 

[Neamhain Riona]

Feburary's Avatar Project of the Month

This is going to all be up to you. This months theme is Imbolc. There is no limitations, but one..... You must make it as what you think in your heart Imbolc is to you. Please have it up as soon as possible. It must be worn for two weeks. I will message you, when I have yours copied, so I can put it in the voting booth. Thank you!

 

[Neamhain Riona]

Imbolc Correspondences


Herbs:Angelica, Basil, Benzoin, Clover, Dill, Evergreens, Snowdrop, Bay, Heather, Myrrh, Rosemary, Willows, and the first flowers of the year.


Gemstones: Amethyst, Aquamarine, Turquoise, Garnet, and Onyx

Incense: Rosemary, Cinnamon, Wisteria, Frankincense, and Myrrh.

Color: White, Yellow, Pink, Light Blue, Light Green, Orange, Brown and Red


Altar Decorations: Besom (broom), Grain dollies, a sprig of evergreen, a bowl of snow, statues of the maiden aspect of the goddess, and Yellow Flowers.

Foods: Dairy(especially milk), Onions, Chives, Garlic, Spiced wines, Seeds, and Herbal Teas.

Gods and goddesses: Brighid, the Celtic goddess of healing, poetry and smith craft; Persephone, Demeter, Hagia, Sophia, Juno Februata, all virgin and maiden goddesses; all fire and flame gods, connected with the newborn Sun.

 

[Neamhain Riona]

A home blessing meditation for charging a room



* Sit Straight with palms on lap, take deep breaths, relax, and move into a mental space where you activate your intuitive senses,
* Imagine a cord of energy from your spine connecting you to the Earth, and channel energy from the Earth through it,
* Silently ask for divine protection, guidance, and blessing,
* Direct your psychic sensing outward, and feel lines of force coming out of your aura,
* Note where the strongest energy is (check out the floor,ceiling, directions, etc), Note spots that feel empty or dead, note places that feel full alive, focus on where you are sitting and how you feel at that particular spot,
* Imagine a sphere of light and love energy at your heart, feel it pulsing outward with every breath.
* Feel the radiance increase with every breath, feel your self as a star, continue to breathe deeply and send out the energy, letting it pulsate in the room,
* When ready, start making power sounds representing the love and light you are channeling; use it to amplify the light you are weaving; and fill the room with the energy,
* Then shift focus to sending a probe out into the room, and note the differences in the quality of energy and how you feel about it,
* Repeat if necessary,
* When done, feel the completeness of the work.

 

[Underworld Priestess]

Imbolc Ritual

Casting the Circle
(3x clockwise with athame and 1 time with sage)
Stepping from darkness into the light,
The coming spring we celebrate here tonight.
The earth is becoming renewed,
By the fire which burns within,
By my will, which stirs the elements,
Let nothing harmful in,
So mote it be.

Calling Quarters
East
Hail guardians of the watchtower of the East,
Breath of the ancestors,
I call upon thee and the element of Air
To join me in this sacred space.
Be welcome in my rite!
(light yellow candle and offer sunflower seeds).
Blessed Be!

South
Hail guardians of the watchtower of the South,
Will of the ancestors,
I call upon thee and the element of Fire.
To join me in this sacred space.
Be welcome in my rite!
(light red candle and offer sunflower seeds)
Blessed Be!

West
Hail guardians of the watchtower of the West,
Blood of the ancestors,
I call upon thee and the element of Water.
To join me in this sacred space.
Be welcome in my rite!
(light blue candle and offer sunflower seeds)
Blessed Be!

North
Hail guardians of the watchtower of the North,
Bone of the ancestors,
I call upon thee and the element of Earth.
To join me in this sacred space.
Be welcome in my rite!
(light green candle and offer sunflower seeds)
Blessed Be!

(Turn towards the altar)
Spirit of my ancestors,
I call thy name into the night!
Come, be welcome in this my rite.
Blessed Be.
(light white candle and offer sunflower seeds)

Calling the Goddess and God
Goddess
Great Mother we call on thee tonight
By the flame that burneth bright,
O Great Mother!
I call thy name into the night!
O Great Mother!
Behold your daughter, strong and true
In thy honor, if it is thy will
Be welcome in my rite!
(light silver candle and offer sunflower seeds)
Blessed Be

God
Great Father I call on thee tonight,
By the flame that burneth bright,
O Horned One!
We call thy name into the night,
O Horned One!
Behold your daughter, strong and true
In thy honor, if it is thy will
Be welcome in my rite!
(light gold candle and offer sunflower seeds)
Blessed Be.

Grant O Spirits, Thy Protection and in Protection, Strength
And in Strength, Understanding and in Understanding Knowledge
And in knowledge, the Knowledge of Justice
And in the Knowledge of Justice, the Love of It
And in the Love of it, the Love of all Existence
And in the Love of All Existences, the Love of Spirit and All Goodness.
(Light vanilla incense)

Fertility for the Mind Spell
(light a red candle and offer sunflower seeds)

Oh great, Lord and Lady,
I implore you to fill me with ripened fruit
That may bear me knowledge.
Fill my mind with power and light.

Blessing Cake and Ale
(offering poppy seed cakes and spiced wine)
We bless these cakes in the name of the Great Mother
Who provides sustenance that we may live
(said while one holds plate up in the air)
We bless this wine in the name of the Horned God
In honor of his essence which gave us life.
(said while holding glass in the air)

Farewell to the God and Goddess
Great Mother,
By the flame that burneth bright,
O Great Mother!
Thank your for being with me tonight
O Great Mother!
Behold your daughter, strong and true
May I retain your bounty and comfort.
(extinguish candle, offer sunflower seeds to the earth)
Farewell.

God
Great Father,
By the flame that burneth bright,
O Horned One!
Thank you for being with me tonight,
O Horned One!
Behold your daughter, strong and true
May I retain your strength and bravery
(extinguish candle and offer sunflower seeds to the earth)
Farewell

Farewell to the Quarters
North
Farewell guardians of the watchtower of the North
Bone of the ancestors,
I thank thee and the element of earth
For your blessing and protecting my circle.
(extinguish candle and offer sunflower seeds to the earth)
Farewell

West
Farewell guardians of the watchtower of the West
Blood of the ancestors,
I thank thee and the element of water
For your blessing and protecting my circle.
(extinguish candle and offer sunflower seeds to the earth)
Farewell

South
Farewell guardians of the watchtower of the South,
Will of the ancestors,
I thank thee and the element of fire
For your blessing and protecting my circle.
(extinguish candle and offer sunflower seeds to the earth)
Farewell

East
Farewell guardians of the watchtower of the East,
Breath of the ancestors,
I thank thee and the element of air
For your blessing and protecting my circle.
(extinguish candle and offer sunflower seeds to the earth)
Farewell

Opening the Circle
3x with athame wider shins
May the circle be open but never broken
May the Goddess and God be ever in our hearts
Merry meet and merry part
And merry meet again.

[colordarkred]  

[wicked_faery]

February Recipes

Cream Of Broccoli Soup

Ingredients:
* 2 tablespoons margarine
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 stalk celery, chopped
* 3 cups chicken broth
* 8 cups broccoli florets
* 3 tablespoons margarine
* 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 2 cups milk
* ground black pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in medium sized stock pot, and saute onion and celery until tender.
2. Add broccoli and broth, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Puree soup and return to heat.
3. In small saucepan, over medium-heat melt 3 tablespoons butter, stir in flour and add milk. Stir until thick and bubbly, and add to soup. Season with pepper and serve.

Bresse Chicken Fricassee with Garlic Cloves and Foie Gras

Ingredients for 4 servings:
- 1 Bresse Chicken, 2 kg / 4 1/2 lb.
Aromatic garnish
- 2 carrots
- 2 onions
- 2 cloves of Garlic,
- unpeeled
- 2 peeled shallots
- Thyme and bay leaf
- 1 clove
Sauce and finishing
- 1 glass dry white wine or consommé
- 12 cloves of new garlic, unpeeled
- 4 tbsp. heavy cream
- 100 g (3 1/2 oz.) foie gras or chicken liver mousse or purée
- 120 g (4 oz.) butter
- 1 glass of water
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- A splash of vinegar

Method:
1. Singe, clean and cut the chicken up into 8 pieces (drumsticks, thighs, breasts and wings); chop the carcass into thirds.
2. Melt a little butter in a large cast iron casserole or Dutch oven (with a lid) and sauté all the chicken pieces with the aromatic garnish. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cover the casserole and place into a hot (300° C / 500° F) oven; do not let the chicken colour too much or dry out. After about 15 minutes, add the white wine or consommé (or preferably a mixture of both). Add the 12 unpeeled garlic cloves and finish cooking. Check the thighs for doneness by pricking them with a knife point; the juice should show no sign of blood.
4. Place the chicken pieces onto a serving platter and keep warm.
5. Peel the garlic cloves, ensuring they are well cooked. Place them with the chicken to keep warm.

Sauce and presentation:
1. If necessary, lightly degrease the cooking juices.
2. Add a little water and cream, and reduce the liquid slightly with the aromatic vegetables and chicken carcass; strain and blend in two or three spoonfuls of the softened foie gras mousse.
3. Whisk briskly until the sauce just returns to the boil.
4. Correct the seasoning and strain the sauce over the chicken and garlic.
5. Serve immediately with seasonal vegetables or potato pancakes.

Beef Stew

Ingredients:
* 2 pounds stew beef
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 2 cups water
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 clove garlic, peeled
* 1 or 2 bay leaves
* 1 medium onion, sliced
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* Dash ground allspice or ground cloves
* 3 large carrots, sliced
* 3 ribs celery, chopped
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Directions:
Brown meat in hot oil. Add water, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, bay leaves, onion, salt, sugar, pepper, paprika, and allspice. Cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours. Remove bay leaves and garlic clove. Add carrots and celery. Cover and cook 30 to 40 minutes longer. To thicken gravy, remove 2 cups hot liquid. Using a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup water and cornstarch until smooth. Mix with a little hot liquid and return mixture to pot. Stir and cook until bubbly.


Butter Pound Cake


Ingredients:
* 1 cup butter
* 6 eggs
* 3 cups white sugar
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 pint heavy whipping cream
* 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
* 2 teaspoons lemon extract

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour one 9 or 10 inch tube pan.
2. With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time and mix well.
3. Introduce the flour, one cup at a time while adding cream a little at a time until all flour and cream is mixed in well.
4. Add the vanilla and lemon flavoring and blend well. Pour batter into prepared pan.
5. Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 1-1/2 hours or until center springs back from small amount of pressure. Immediately turn out on cake rack to cool.

 

[Neamhain Riona]

Imbolc Project: Making butter


Imbolc has always been closely associated with cows, butter, milk & cheese. It is traditional to leave bread and fresh butter on your windowsill or just outside the door for the goddess Brigid on the eve of Imbolc. (and don’t forget to leave a bit of hay or grass for the fairy cow that travels with her!) I’ll bet it would particularly please the goddess if you made the butter for her yourself. It’s not difficult to do:

Set a carton of heavy whipping cream out at room temperature for about 12 to 20 hours. You want it to get sour because that will make your butter taste better.

Then, pour the room temperature cream into a jar til it’s about half full. Put the lid on nice and tight. Play some music and dance around the house shaking the jar in time to the music. (You don’t want to shake it too fast) It would be nice to have a friend or a brother or sister help you because it’s going to take about 20 to 30 minutes for the butter to form.

You’ll see little pellets of solid butter develop and separate from the milky part. When it seems like no more are forming, drain off the buttermilk part (you can use that to make buttermilk pancakes or biscuits). Use a spatula or flat wooden spoon to press the butter and work out any remaining buttermilk, then rinse it in cold water.

Now you add a bit of salt – just a pinch or two – and mix it in really good. Then put it in the refrigerator to cool and harden up a bit.

 

[Underworld Priestess]

Full Moon Ritual

The Full Moon takes places in Pisces so here is a Full Moon ritual dedicated to Pisces. Pisces is the sign of intuition, emotions, imagination, adaptability and romance.

Imaginative and sensitive
Compassionate and kind
Selfless and unworldly
Intuitive and sympathetic
This is the Pisces sign

Calling Quarters
East
Hail guardians of the watchtower of the East,
Breath of the ancestors,
I call upon thee and the element of Air
To join me in this sacred space.
Be welcome in my rite!
(light yellow candle).
Blessed Be!

South
Hail guardians of the watchtower of the South,
Will of the ancestors,
I call upon thee and the element of Fire.
To join me in this sacred space.
Be welcome in my rite!
(light red candle)
Blessed Be!

West
Hail guardians of the watchtower of the West,
Blood of the ancestors,
I call upon thee and the element of Water.
To join me in this sacred space.
Be welcome in my rite!
(light blue candle)
Blessed Be!

North
Hail guardians of the watchtower of the North,
Bone of the ancestors,
I call upon thee and the element of Earth.
To join me in this sacred space.
Be welcome in my rite!
(light green candle)
Blessed Be!

(Turn towards the altar)
Spirit of my ancestors,
I call thy name into the night!
Come, be welcome in this my rite.
Blessed Be.
(light white candle)

Calling the Goddess and God
Goddess
Great Mother we call on thee tonight
By the flame that burneth bright,
O Great Mother!
I call thy name into the night!
O Great Mother!
Behold your daughter, strong and true
In thy honor, if it is thy will
Be welcome in my rite!
(light silver candle)
Blessed Be


God
Great Father I call on thee tonight,
By the flame that burneth bright,
O Horned One!
We call thy name into the night,
O Horned One!
Behold your daughter, strong and true
In thy honor, if it is thy will
Be welcome in my rite!
(light gold candle)
Blessed Be.

Grant O Spirits, Thy Protection and in Protection, Strength
And in Strength, Understanding and in Understanding Knowledge
And in knowledge, the Knowledge of Justice
And in the Knowledge of Justice, the Love of It
And in the Love of it, the Love of all Existence
And in the Love of All Existences, the Love of Spirit and All Goodness.
(Light vanilla incense)

Spell for Intuition
(light a green or blue or turquoise candle - just some color that can represent the ocean) (Offer willow or figs if they are available if not cakes will do).

Pisces eyes open wide,
Offering glimpses of what is deep inside,
Intuition I seek from you,
To see what you do,
Waves that turn in the sea,
Give what you will to me.

Afterwards, let the candle burn out and put offering outside with some water.


Blessing Cake and Ale
(offering cakes and wine)
We bless these cakes in the name of the Great Mother
Who provides sustenance that we may live
(said while one holds plate up in the air)
We bless this wine in the name of the Horned God
In honor of his essence which gave us life.
(said while holding glass in the air)

Farewell to the God and Goddess
Great Mother,
By the flame that burneth bright,
O Great Mother!
Thank your for being with me tonight
O Great Mother!
Behold your daughter, strong and true
May I retain your bounty and comfort.
(extinguish candle)
Farewell.

God
Great Father,
By the flame that burneth bright,
O Horned One!
Thank you for being with me tonight,
O Horned One!
Behold your daughter, strong and true
May I retain your strength and bravery
(extinguish candle)
Farewell

Farewell to the Quarters
North
Farewell guardians of the watchtower of the North
Bone of the ancestors,
I thank thee and the element of earth
For your blessing and protecting my circle.
(extinguish candle)
Farewell

West
Farewell guardians of the watchtower of the West
Blood of the ancestors,
I thank thee and the element of water
For your blessing and protecting my circle.
(extinguish candle)
Farewell

South
Farewell guardians of the watchtower of the South,
Will of the ancestors,
I thank thee and the element of fire
For your blessing and protecting my circle.
(extinguish candle)
Farewell

East
Farewell guardians of the watchtower of the East,
Breath of the ancestors,
I thank thee and the element of air
For your blessing and protecting my circle.
(extinguish candle)
Farewell

Opening the Circle
3x with athame wider shins
May the circle be open but never broken
May the Goddess and God be ever in our hearts
Merry meet and merry part
And merry meet again.

 

[Neamhain Riona]

Please let me know what you wish to see updated and or new things you wish to see posted. We will try to get them up as soon as possible. Without you telling us what you would like to see, we can't do much updating. Please let us know as soon as possible.

Thank you

 

[Underworld Priestess]

The Zodiac
Aquarius
(January 20=- February 18 )

Duality: Masculine
Element: Air
Quality: Fixed
Ruling Planet: Uranus
Symbol: The Water Bearer
Dominant Keyword: I KNOW
Polarity (Opposite): Leo
Part of the Body Rules by Aquarius: the circulatory system, shins and ankles. Aquarius natives are prone to ankle sprians and breaks; varicose veins; and the hardening of the arteries.
Lucky Day: Wednesday
Lucky Numbers: 1 and 7
Magic Birthstone: Amethyst (brings faithfulness in love and bestows the gift of prescience).
Special Color: Electric blue; the clear color of the sky
Cities: Stockholm,, Moscow, Buenos Aires, Salzburg
Countries: Russia, Sweden, Ethiopia
Flower: Orchid
Trees: Fruit Trees
Metal: Uranium
Animals Ruled: Large birds
Danger: Aquarians are innovative, unconventional, and sometimes eccentric, and are therefore often targets for attack by narrow-minded people. They also have a tendency to get into unusual situations and take up with oddball individuals.

Most likeable trait: Friendliness

Aquarius: is the eleventh sign of the zodiac and the sign of the future, of the visionalry and some say of astrology itself.
Aquarians: are unorthodox, original people who refuse to follow the crowd.
Most marked characteristic: intellectual independence.
Uranus creates a personality that is liberal, progressive, yet fixed in opinion. Your inflexibility shows up when otheres least expect it.
People born under this sign live most intensely in their minds. They are seekers of knowledge, rational, open-minded, gifted with breadth of vision. They can be objective in judgment, because they don't let emotion get in the way.
They are people oriented and outgoing.
In relationships: they tend to be aloof and do not get deeply involved.
Aquarians are among the kindest people in the world. Easygoing, reasonable, slow to take offense, never meanhearted, live and let live. Honest, helpful, altuistic and never boring.

From the pages of: The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need. by Joanna Martine Woolfolk

 

[Underworld Priestess]

The Zodiac
Pisces
(February 20 - March

 

[Underworld Priestess]

NEW MOON RITUAL
Finding Light in the Darkness

The winter months can seem long and spring far away, here is a ritual to help you find the light in the darkness.


Casting the Circle
(3x clockwise with athame and 1 time with sage)
Here tonight the circle’s cast
Joining future, present, past
Truth and love shall light the way
Evil ones be kept at bay
Harm non and rule of three
By our intent, So Mote It Be!

Calling Quarters
East
Hail to the guardian of the watchtower of the East
Keeper of the element of Air
Please bless and protect this circle with your mighty winds.
(light yellow candle and pumpkin seeds)
Hail and Welcome!

South
Hail to the guardian of the watchtower of the South
Keeper of the element of Fire.
Please bless and protect this circle with your searing flames.
(light red candle and offer pumpkin seeds)
Hail and Welcome!

West
Hail to the guardian of the watchtower of the West
Keeper of the element of water.
Please bless and protect this circle with you cleansing waves.
(light blue candle and pumpkin seeds)
Hail and Welcome!

North
Hail to the guardian of the watchtower of the North,
Keeper of the element of earth.
Please bless and protect this circle with your timeless stones.
(light green candle and pumpkin seeds)
Hail and Welcome!

Calling the Goddess and God
Goddess
Great Mother we call on thee tonight
To bless our circle with thy light
Behold your daughters, strong and true
Bring beauty and love to the work we do.
In thy honor, if it is thy will
See our spells become fulfilled.
(light silver candle and offer pumpkin seeds)
Hail and Welcome

God
Great Father we call on thee tonight
To bless our circle with thy might
Behold your daughters, strong and true
Bring honor and pride to the work we do
In thy honor, if it is thy will
See our spells become fulfilled.
(light gold candle and offer pumpkin seeds)
Hail and Welcome
　
Light in the Darkness Spell
(Light a yellow candle - to symbolize the sun)
Say three times:

Stepping from darkness into the light,
May I find the fire that burns within tonight.

Visualize the sun that is connected to you through the flame of the candle. Visualize the flame in your mind, feeling the warmth flow into you and go to the center of your body. Feel it glow within you readying you for spring and bringing the light to you from within the confines of winters darkness. Lifting your mood.
When you have finished gradually release the light, watching the flame dim down.
Let the candle extinguish on its own.

Blessing Cake and Ale
We bless these cakes in the name of the Great Mother
Who provides sustenance that we may live
(said while one holds plate up in the air)
We bless this ale in the name of the Horned God
In honor of his essence which gave us life.
(said while holding glass in the air)
Eat and drink saving some for the Gods.
Farewell to the God and Goddess
God
Great Father and Fierce Protector
Thank you for being with us tonight
May we retain your strength and bravery
(extinguish candle, throw herb on fire)
Farewell
Goddess
Great Mother and Wise Lady
Thank you for being with us tonight
May we retain your bounty and comfort.
(extinguish candle, throw herb on fire)
Farewell
Farewell to the Quarters
North
Farewell to the guardian of the watchtower of the North
Keeper of the element of earth.
Thank you for blessing and protecting our circle.
(extinguish candle and throw herb on fire)
Farewell
West
Farewell to the guardian of the watchtower of the West
Keeper of the element of Water.
Thank you for blessing and protecting our circle.
(extinguish candle and throw herb on the fire)
Farewell
South
Farewell to the guardian of the watchtower of the South
Keeper of the element of fire.
Thank you for blessing and protecting our circle.
(extinguish candle, and throw herb on fire)
Farewell
East
Farewell to the guardian of the watchtower of the East
Keeper of the element of air.
Thank you for blessing and protecting our circle.
(extinguish candle and throw herb on fire)
Farewell
Opening the Circle
3x with athame widdershins
May the circle be open but never broken
May the Goddess and God be ever in our hears
Merry meet and merry part
And merry meet again.

 

[Neamhain Riona]

Amber


With an energy like liquid sunshine, amber is the fossilized resin of pine trees. Amber is said to enhance the beauty of the wearer. The ancient Norse called this stone Freya's tears, after that passionate goddess of earth and fire. It is used to tap into the power of the Sun, and is good for success, abundance, healing, vitality and joy. A powerful stone for manifestation, Amber is also used for healing of the physical body. It carries a negative electrical energy charge and therefore is good to draw power and energy into its bearer.

In combination, amber and jet, represent polarities of power. Light and dark, Sun and Moon, masculine and feminine, kinetic/active and magnetic/receptive. Jet and amber combined, is one of the traditional sacred stones of the High Priest/ess. This gemstone combination worn around the base of the throat is one of the classic ritual adornments of modern Priestesses. Primitive versions of the Amber/Jet theme were said to be worn by the clergy of the Wise Ones in pre-Christian Europe. See also Jet.

 

[Neamhain Riona]

Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) Also called Church steeples, cocklebur, stickwort, sticklewort
Gender: Masculine, Planet: Jupiter, Element: Air

Protection, Sleep. Agrimony is best known for its sleep-inducing qualities, therefore it is excellent in dream pillows, especially mixed with mugwort. Enhances magickal healing. A wash or oil increases effectiveness of all forms of ritual healing, psychic healing, or distance healing. Anoint hands with oil to cleanse auras. Creates a barrier against negative energies. Use if you feel to be under psychic attack. A counter-magick herb, it not only breaks hexes, but sends them back to the hexer.