Volume 19 Issue 2
Imbolc 2022

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 2022

Holy Days
Wheel of the Year: Celebrating Imbolc with the Goddess Brigid, Maeve Moonbird
Theia, daughter of the earth and sky, Theia

Southerly Sisters
Lammas and Mabon, Ajna DreamsAwake

Ritual Work
Imbolc, M)0(rrigan
Pathworking ‐ Cave of Truth, M)0(rrigan
Ostara Celebration, Lynda Kostini
Imbolc Ritual ‐ Crossing the Threshold, M)0(rrigan

Thou Art Goddess
Connecting To Goddess Brigid For Creative Passion And Inspiration, Maeve Moonbird

Sacred Sites
Pokrovka Cemeteries, Ajna DreamsAwake

OWM Awareness
OWM Happenings, Ajna DreamsAwake

The Bardic Soul: Poetry and Song for the Spirit
Imbolc is Here, Peace Whitehorse
Ostara is Upon Us Now, Peace Whitehorse
In the Fairy Meadow, Crystal Spiritweaver

Recipes Fit for a Goddess
Irish Cream Truffles, Dancing River

Holy Days

Wheel Of The Year: Celebrating Imbolc With The Goddess Brigid

February 1^st to 2^nd 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 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 on Imbolc in the US, which is also a day of weather prediction for the last 6 weeks of winter. Imbolc is also a great day for any other type of divination. 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 include 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.
*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.

Have a bright, blessed Imbolc.

https://thecreativepriestesspath.com/wheel-of-the-year-celebrating-imbolc/

Maeve MoonBird is an HP of Order of the White Moon. She is a visual artist who enjoys exploring where creativity and her pagan spirituality meet. Maeve is passionate about sharing the Goddess and spirituality with OWM Sisters.

Theia, daughter of the earth and sky

As we celebrated the return of the light at Yule, and we look towards celebrating its continued ascent at Imbolc and Ostara, it is a good season to introduce one of the lesser‐known Titan goddesses, Theia, daughter of Gaia, patroness of sight and light and prophecy.

The name Theia is derived from the Greek words thea "sight" and theiazô "prophesy". The name literally translates to "goddess" ⁽¹⁾. Theia is also called "Euryphaessa", the "wide‐shining". Her parents are Gaia and the sky god Uranus, and Her consort is Her brother, Hyperion, a Titan god of the sun. Her children, Selene, Helios, and Eos, are the deities of the moon, sun, and dawn, respectively. The references to Her date back to classical antiquity, the period of cultural history between the 8^th century BCE and the 6^th century ACE.

Theia is a goddess of light and sight. The ancient Greeks believed that the eyes transmitted an invisible light, which allows us to see. She is often portrayed in art with light coming out of her eyes or cupped in Her hands. Not only is She credited with physical sight, but She is also linked with spiritual sight and prophecy, being an oracular goddess who had a shrine at Ikhnai in Phthiotis⁽²⁾.She is also considered the Goddess who endowed metals and gems with light and value.⁽³⁾ It is possible that later, Theia was conflated with mother‐of‐the‐sun figures like Phoebe and Leto, but also to more universal mother figures like Rhea and Cybele ⁽⁴⁾.

Theia is generally considered a kind and beautiful mother goddess, whose glory clearly shows in the children She bore, yet she is a powerful goddess in Her own right. Because of the areas of patronage of Her children, She is regarded as the deity from which all light proceeded ⁽⁵⁾. Her link with second sight shows the spiritual power she has. How many of us have described our journey to where we are today as finally being able to see? This is the reason I chose Her name as my magickal name ‐ because after looking for the path for so long, I was finally able to see the Goddess.

Theia is an excellent Goddess to ask for aid when performing any divination, or for health issues related to the eyes. Her Sabbats would seem to be particularly Imbolc and Ostara, the "dawn" of the spring and the increase of the sun. Because Theia is a lesser‐known Goddess, and not a lot is known about how She was worshipped, you will need to explore and trust your instincts when working with Her. Some ideas to honor Her are to use correspondences of the sun or light in general. You can also invoke Her at times when the light is at its most colorful and vibrant, such as dusk and dawn ‐ the liminal spaces where the powers of Selene and Helios (and at dawn, Eos) meet. Theia would also be a goddess to reach out to when you need new sight on a situation. She grants the gift of sight on many levels.

"All praise to fair Theia, O far‐shining goddess,
Daughter of heaven and great‐hearted earth,
Companion of watchful and wary Hyperion,
Mother of Eos who greets each days breaking,
Of wise sun‐crowned Helios and dark‐haired Selene.

Yours is the might that grants god its glitter,
That lends its light to each precious gem
O Theia, granter of vision and foresight
Mistress of the bright blue heavens,
O Theia, O Goddess, I call to you.
I honor you, good and gracious Theia,
I offer you my praise and seek your blessing"⁽⁶⁾

Image courtesy of https://weblimc.org/page/monument/2071289 (friezes of the altar of Pergamon)

References:

"Theia", https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theia#cite_note-2
"Theia", https://www.theoi.com/Titan/TitanisTheia.html
"Meet Theia, the Greek goddess of light", https://gsiexchange.com/meet-theia-the-greek-goddess-of-light/
"Theia", https://mythology.net/greek/greek-gods/theia/
https://www.theoi.com/Titan/TitanisTheia.html
Authored by Hearthstone, https://greekpagan.com/tag/theia

Theia is a level I student in the Order of the White Moon. She enjoys studying and writing about Goddess spirituality. More of her writing can be found at http://www.bookofshadows.org

http://www.bookofshadows.org

Southerly Sisters

OWM is a global organization, with Sisters in countries around the world, including the Southern Hemisphere. The Wheel of the Year is reversed for our Southerly Sisters. To ensure we remain inclusive, we would like to share some information about the Holy Days that pertain specifically to them.

Lammas and Mabon

Lammas is the first of the Harvest festivals. Our ancestors celebrated the crops and would burn an effigy of the Grain God to ensure the continuing cycle of death and rebirth in the Spring. The God was a willing sacrifice, giving up His life so that His people may live. We can honour this tradition by celebrating the abundance of the Earth and all She has to offer, sharing our bounty with others in Her name, and make our own sacrifices for the greater good of our communities.

Sacrifice is something that we do willingly. We can look at our metaphorical garden, the seeds we planted, the ways we nurtured our dreams, prioritizing what needed nourishment and what needed to be thinned out. We pulled the weeds, removing some things in order for others to prosper and grow. We did a lot of hard work to arrive at this point. We can celebrate our successful harvest as we acknowledge the sacrifices we made. We can look honestly at the sacrifices that may still be required, letting go of the attitudes, behaviours, or beliefs that may still be hindering us. This is but the first of the harvests, there remains time to work on our goals and reap the benefits in the coming months.

Mabon is a celebration of the Second Harvest on the Wheel of the Year. The spirit of the God that was sacrificed at the First Harvest is now journeying to the Underworld. As the God withdraws from the land, the life force of the mourning Goddess follows him, creating a portal which can facilitate our own transition into the Underworld.

At Mabon, we say farewell to the power of the sun, and give thanks for the warmth and the light it has provided. This is also a time of rebalancing after intensive work, an opportunity to rest after our labour. We honour our hard work and celebrate all that we have brought into manifestation in the past few months.

Think on the things you wanted to accomplish or enjoy but did not have the opportunity to do so this Summer. Consider the reasons why it didn't happen. Perhaps you were too busy, too tired, too overwhelmed, or the timing wasn't right. Feel the disappointment, mourn the loss, then allow those emotions to lie fallow. Let them break down into compost which will feed the seeds of future dreams and goals. Who knows what next year will bring? But it is never too early to begin planning next year's dreams.

Ritual Work

Imbolc

I remember when I took this photo. It was Imbolc 2007 in a large forest just behind our home in Munich. It's a mobile shot ‐ not to compare with the quality nowadays… but the essence of this day is captured here clearly. It felt magical. Everything was possible in this moment. In the magic of this picture, I see the following ritual. If you have such a forest or park that you like and know, you may want to go there earlier to collect some bark, leaves or resin.

Candle Ritual

1 black, 1 white/red candle
incense burner and coal tab
ink and paper or parchment
pot (to keep burning paper and ashes)

1^st part of the Ritual

Arrange your altar or a small table with the things above.
Feel free to elaborate and add a statue of the Goddess or whatever you deem suitable.
Cast a circle if you feel and invite the Goddess to your support, guidance or protection.
Close your eyes and let the time since Samhain pass before your inner eye.

What in your life do you feel you no longer need or want? This can be a person, your own behavior/pattern that triggers feelings you find out are not good for you. Write these things down and banish them to the paper. Write one piece for each.

Now light the black candle
Take up each paper separately and light it in the flame of the black candle, drop it in the pot and let it burn ‐ watch it turns to ashes.
Once you have burned down all that is negative and hindering, feel how light you are now, now the burden is taken from you.

2^nd part of the Ritual

Light up the white/red candle
Ignite the coal

Close your eyes and look inside yourself and 'remember'. What do you want to attract in your life? What do you want to welcome on your path? Hold these things/people/situations clearly before your inner eye, feel them with all your senses (taste, scent, sound…)

With each 'pictured wish' that you visualize add some resin or bark on the coal and with this scent, let the wish take space within you ‐ repeat.
When you have completed, sit in this wonderful atmosphere of a fresh new start and let the spirit of this moment memorize in you.

Give thanks to the Goddess and open the circle.

Dispose of the ashes in a running water ‐ if there is no water then pour onto the ground ‐ in a park or forest away from your house.

Light the white/red candle in your full moon rituals or whenever you feel it is the right thing to do 😊

You can light another white/red candle on this one to continue.

After the ritual do something new, something you have not done before. Be creative!

Pathworking ‐ Cave of Truth

Some notes beforehand:

*If you like, you can record the meditation for yourself and play it if that is easier for you.
*Use a place where you feel secure and switch off or mute all that could interrupt you during the work. If you have family, you may put a note on the door of the room you are going to stay for the time, asking not to be disturbed.
*If you have a scent you like very much ‐ incense of any kind, oil, sticks, use it to make yourself as comfortable as possible.
*If you are experienced in journeying with the drum, I encourage you to use this technique in this working.
*There are things that are visualised but also things that are not defined and left open, so you may have messages coming to you. For example, the runes are not predefined. I experienced the Mannaz rune as being very powerful in helping to face fear. I felt the Mannaz rune on my back behind my shoulders, and sensed a supportive energy.

The meditation we are going to do is to strengthen us and to help us to become, and stay, pure and strong. We will face our fears, and our self, and what of all this is real and what is illusion. This work is not a one‐time meeting; it is something I would recommend incorporating into regular practice.

The Cave of Strength

Find a comfortable position. You may sit on a chair or lay down ‐ as you feel comfortable. Close your eyes and breathe calmly in and out. You now leave the room and the house you are in and step outside. You are standing on a meadow and as you look around you see the distant trees of a forest. You enjoy being here and want to explore this place, especially the forest, which is drawing your interest. As you come closer, you can see how huge these trees are. Beauty and strength emanate from them, and it is as if they guard you as you approach the forest. There is a path leading into the forest and you follow it. After a while, you see the path is leading to a small hill in the middle of the forest. You go up and are curious about what you may find up there.

When you reach the top, you see the beautiful forest from a different Perspective, but when you take a closer look to the hilltop, you see that there is some sort of an entrance. Stairs leading into the ground, broad stairs leading down, in the form of a spiral, and they invite you to explore what is down there. Stones surround the circle and you feel the power of this place as you take the first step. It is a positive power, it is strengthening you and encouraging. Confident you are going down, slowly, step by step. You touch the walls and feel the cool and soft ground, almost like velvet. You can smell the forest ground, it is so calming, and you take a deep breath.

When you reach the end of the stairs a hall opens up, a cave. You enter it and suddenly you understand that this is the cave of strength and truth. You know what to do… You stand now. You feel ready to call your deepest fears. One after the other you visualise them, give them a shape so you can face them, look at them as they try to scare and threaten you, see how they change shape the closer you look at them until you see that they are mere illusions, trying to scare you. You see how they cannot escape the power of the exposing light that emanates from you ‐ and dissolve as what they are, illusions.

Now you visualise your ego, and do the same. Make the light coming from within you shine on your ego and see how the illusions fall apart and how only the truth remains, and you feel clear and free. The darkness of the room no longer feels threatening. You enjoy and appreciate the calming dark and sit down. As your eyes become used to the darkness you can see that you are in the middle of the cave. It is round and there are runes on the walls. As you stand up you feel the clarity, the power of the runes, how they strengthen your spine and your solar plexus, how the clear energy permeates you, and fills you with strength.

You thank the power of this place and return to the stairs. You know that you will come back here, and that you are welcome any time you feel like. When you reach the threshold, you straighten your spine, take a deep breath and soak the air filling up your lungs with the energy of this place.

Then you slowly step up and ascend towards the stone circle. You feel changed, strong, refreshed. Caressing the earth of the walls, and the roots of the trees and plants in it, you feel how much you love all that surrounds you, how you are one with all. As you reach the last step and stand on the hill, you look down at the beautiful forest. You no longer feel like a stranger or visitor, you feel part of this place and all that surrounds you. With this feeling, you go back to the clearing.

As you walk, you notice some plants that you have not seen in a long time, and now, here they are. Animals come close and walk with you until you come to the meadow. You know that they are with you wherever you are, just like the power of the runes and the place you had been to. With this feeling you turn away from the meadow and see your house, your room, and become aware of yourself. You feel the climate of the room you are in, with its smell, its noise… When you are ready, open your eyes and feel the clarity and peace that is within you and the strength that comes with it.

M)0(rrigan is a Priestess of Morrigan, and a practitioner of Shamanism, Runes, Tarot and Usui Reiki. She is is a Level III Adept in the Sacred Three Goddess School

Ostara Celebration

The background of the story is that the listener has been walking the Wheel of the Year. The guided meditation facilitator reads the story, asking the listeners to close their eyes, and really embed themselves in the story. At the end of the meditation, each listener should know what gift has come to them from the Goddess.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

You get up and stretch, and take the trail heading east. The darkness mingled with the blue shadowy light of predawn. After some time the dawn seems nearer ‐ a faint line of red appearing over the horizon. You find yourself in a meadow, a meadow where the brown grass is faintly tinged with frost. The trees stand stark and leafless against the growing reddish tinge. You now can see your breath. You notice some large rocks, and walk to them. There appears to be a cleft in the rock, and a staircase leading into the earth under the rocks. You peer into this cleft curiously, and smell cold earth.

Then, inexplicably, a warm breeze wafts against your face. You see light moving on the walls of the rock. You stand back, and feel warmth pour out of the gap in the rocks. First warmth, then the delicious smells of flowers. Where the warm air touches the earth you see a faint tinge of green, the swelling green in the grasses. Out of the hole now fly butterflies, dragon flies, bees, small birds. They circle the trees, and the trees bud and burst forth. The light gets stronger, and the Maiden, clothed in yellow‐gold steps lightly out, and laughs out loud. At her laugh the sun bursts over the horizon, and it is day. The rosy light highlights her coppery hair. You look around and see animals gathering, deer, rabbits, more birds. The Maiden sees you and calls to you "Oh I am glad you are here. Thank you for being here to welcome Kore back, and witness my return to the earth!" She walks out a bit into the meadow, and you see that narcissus, daffodils, and jonquils spring up where she steps. She raises her arms and salutes the east, and then slowly spins in a circle. As she dances, the air becomes more and more delicious, the grass greener, the trees begin to blossom.

You stand entranced. Kore walks toward you, and where she steps, the grass turns green and healthy. The Spring Goddess smiles at you shyly. She says "Oh, you know, I brought presents. Help me get them out." You follow her back to the rock cleft, and help her haul out an enormous sack. She opens the sack just a smidge, and says to you "I know there is a present in here to you from me, I put it in myself. Close your eyes and stick your hand in and grab!" You do, pull out your arm, and then look in wonder at what you have in your hand. You stammer "Lady Kore…" but she is walking away, toward a rise, then she turns and waves at you. You hear music in the distance, drums and pipes, and then a great crowd of people comes over the rise. They shout, "She returns! She returns! Kore! Kore!"

You hold the gift, murmur your gratitude, and turn to head south.

‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ Before you move on the trail, write down what the Goddess gifted you.

Lynda Kostini is a Level II Initiate in Dark Moon's Heart School

Imbolc Ritual ‐ Crossing the Threshold

Imbolc marks a threshold from Winter to Spring and so I designed this ritual to consciously cross a threshold. Our purpose is an initiation, this means to begin a conscious connection or relationship.

With this ritual you may want to begin your Year and a Day to prepare for your initiation into the craft, or initiate if you already completed your trial phase. Or maybe you have decided to change your current spiritual path or practice. Perhaps you just want to renew a vow.

Spiritual or mundane reasons ‐ a ritual is a suitable way to begin something new or different (quit smoking, unhealthy lifestyle or partner) ‐ it is a statement and acknowledgement on the outside that supports you and your choice within.

As we begin something new we leave the old behind ‐ be aware of what you want no more in your life. Now, it is as vital that you know where you are going to, i.e. how this 'new' is looking, feeling, tasting. So, therefore, this ritual consists of several steps.

Ritual Bath

Pouch made of gauze or roughly woven tissue to hold the herbs but not the aromas
Rosemary (dried or fresh plant ‐ no powder)
Mugwort (dried or fresh plant ‐ no powder or oil)
Oatmilk (if you have no milk you may use oat flakes and add them to the herbs in the pouch)
Sea salt
Tea candles (preferably white)

Altar

Cloth (white)
Taper candles (golden, green, and red)
‐‐ all colors can be substituted by white ‐ in case you don't have colored candles, you can use one white candle
Item representing the intent (figurine or picture)
Ribbon
Cauldron or other fire safe cup
Acacia Senegal wood (if not available you can use benzoin or gum Arabic)
Gemstones (clear quartz crystal, black obsidian, sunstone or yellow tourmaline)
Tarot Deck

First, make sure you will have a quiet space and time ‐ it is sufficient if you tell the people living with you that you don't want to be disturbed from … to …
It ismportant is that you will feel safe and free to do as you like.
If you do the ritual indoors, prepare the things you need for the Altar set up. Once you enter this room from your ritual bath/washing, you will not be leaving this room again until after the ritual is finished.

Ritual Bath

The ritual begins when you go the bathroom 😉
Light the candles to create a special atmosphere ‐ this is not your usual bath, it is the first part of your new life.
Fill the pouch with the herbs, close it and put it in the water.
The size of the pouch and the amount of herbs is your choice. It is important that you feel good!
If you do not have a tub or cannot take a bath, you may wash yourself with the infused water from a sink.
Let the pouch soak in the warm water so the etheric oils sealed in the herbs can be released.
Add the sea salt and the oat milk.
When you lie in the tub or wash yourself, feel how this water clears and cleanses, protects and enhances you on all levels.

Stay as long as you need to feel totally prepared for the next step.

Altar Setup and Ritual

Enter the ritual space
Light the incense, smudge yourself and the space and put it back on the altar.
Cast a circle around yourself and the altar. Cast it big enough so you can move comfortably within.

Sit or kneel down, take the candles up, one after the other, and put them in their holders.
The golden one represents you, the red one represents the fire of divine strength, also the Goddess Brigid, that supports you and fuels you on your path, the green one represents the hope that supports you and encourages you at all times.
Place them close to each other and loosely bind them together with the ribbon. Tie it around the lower part of the candles so it cannot catch fire when you burn them.

Take the Tarot Cards and fetch the Star ‐ it is a symbol of protection and support.

If you want to engage with a certain deity now, call her and invite her to be with you.
State your intent clear and respectful, ask for support and guidance.
Choose your own words, feel what you say matches with your emotions.
Spend as long as you feel necessary but still comfortable for you.

When you make your commitment burn parts of the acacia wood and keep the rest.

Give thanks and dismiss all you have called.
Extinguish the candles
Open the circle but don't leave it immediately.

Visualise the threshold where you cast the circle.
Visualise and feel the 'new' behind that line.
When you are ready jump out of the circle into your new life.
Now make sure you ground well with proper food and drink.

The Tarot Deck that was with you in the ritual will be a good guide for you to use.

The Gemstones are supporting you to balance your energy.
‐ Clear crystal quartz helps you to ground and clear your energy when its unbalanced.
‐ Black obsidian supports you to not be directed by fears, and helps you to overcome blockages or trauma, it enhances spiritual and emotional strength.
‐ Sunstone balances your psyche, it helps you to see and work things in life from a bright merry strong center.
‐ Yellow tourmaline brings luck and trust in yourself and your own abilities, and herewith supports your good judgement.
‐ Crystal quartz is a good enhancer for all other gemstones ‐ so keeping them together is not a problem.
‐ Acacia Senegal wood can be used together with the yellow tourmaline as a supporter and lucky charm.

M)0(rrigan is a Priestess of Morrigan, and a practitioner of Shamanism, Runes, Tarot and Usui Reiki. She is is a Level III Adept in the Sacred Three Goddess School

Thou Art Goddess

Connecting To Goddess Brigid For Creative Passion And Inspiration

Brigid is a Celtic Triple Fire Goddess connected to the pagan sabbat Imbolc February 1^st to 2^nd. This is the cross‐quarter day between Yule (Winter Solstice) and Ostara (Spring Equinox). Brigid is a Goddess to call on for creative passion and inspiration, as she is connected to smithcraft, arts, crafts, and poetry. Brigid is often portrayed as a fiery, red‐haired Goddess cloaked in her green spring mantle. She is in the form of maiden, mother, and crone.

On Imbolc, and during the months of February and March, are a great time to work with Brigid, as the last 6 weeks of winter lead up to the Spring Equinox, Ostara. The days grow lighter and longer, and snowdrops and crocuses bring the beginning of spring beauty to the landscape. Still there is cold and snow on the ground in the Northern Hemisphere. There is quiet time to be more internal at home working on creative projects.

Create an altar to Brigid and light a candle to this fire Goddess asking her daily to guide you to express and explore your artistic passions and inspire you in your creativity. Colors related to Brigid are red for fire, white for snow, and green for spring. Symbols connected to her are a Brigid's cross, Brigid doll in her bed, lambs and ewes, dairy cows, serpent, swans, blackberries, crocuses, snowdrops, shamrocks, eternal flame, sacred wells, smithcraft anvil and hammer, the hearth, books of poetry, cauldron, and chalices. Any of these can be used on your altar to Brigid.

Ways to work with Goddess Brigid and your creativity:
*Draw or paint Brigid and place your art on your altar for her blessings of inspiration and creative passion.
*Write a poem in honor Brigid you can read as an offering to her.
*Take a trance journey with Brigid and create an art piece or poem from your experience.
*Sew a costume representing Brigid's spring mantle.
*Craft a Brigid's cross or a Brigid doll and bed for your altar.
*Make a flower crown in celebration of spring to come.
*Ritualize your creative time, lighting a candle and ask Brigid to be with you as you paint, draw, craft, sew, or write.
*Get crafty making handmade candles.
*Ask Brigid to show you in your dreams what creative work to focus on right now and how to keep inspired. Write down anything you remember when you awake.
*During morning coffee or tea, light a candle, and write in your journal asking Brigid for guidance in your creative work. Write in your journal whatever her response to you is. You can do this as a regular practice to connect with Brigid.

https://thecreativepriestesspath.com/blog/

May Brigid bless you with creative passion and inspiration.

Sacred Sites

Pokrovka Cemeteries

The Pokrovka Cemeteries are a series of grave mounds dating from the 6^th‐2^nd centuries BCE. The site is named for Pokrovka, a small Russian village located 55Km from the Kazakhstan border. Nomadic tribes likely camped at Pokrovka during the spring and summer months, but there is no evidence of permanent settlements. Thirteen cemeteries have been discovered at Pokrovka, containing more than fifty burial mounds, also known as kurgans, and include artifacts from the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Medieval Period. The earliest peoples who dwelled on the Kazak Steppes included Sauromatians, Scythians, and the Sarmatians. The Sarmatians were believed to be the descendants of the Amazons and Scythians.

What makes this site unique is the large number of female skeletons buried here. Many contain weapons ‐ arrowheads, daggers, spears, swords, and armor, evoking images of Amazon warriors. Dr. Jeannine Davis‐Kimball, the preeminent scholar on Pokrovka, is an archaeologist who has excavated and written extensively about the women buried here. Davis‐Kimball states that the kurgans are not proof of matriarchal culture, but she theorizes that Sarmatian women held a place of power in the tribe. Many of the graves contain animal bones, beads, shells, bronze and gold jewelry, and pottery, suggesting that the women buried here were of high status. Davis‐Kimball believes the women buried here may also have practiced divination and healing. She classifies the burial mounds into three categories, based on grave goods discovered in the tombs. The most common graves were for woman of the hearth and held functional household items such as spindles and looms, those of warrior women included weapons, harnesses, and horse bones. Those of priestesses had amulets, mirrors and altars. There are also what appears to be a class of Warrior Priestess, containing both weapons and altars. These last are the rarest and indicate women of the highest status.

Little is known about the nomadic tribes. But we can surmise that they worshipped a Mother Goddess, based on the writings of Herodotus. He states that the Scythians worshipped Tabiti, "…whom they reverence beyond all the rest…". Tabiti is a Primogenitor Goddess, the Great Mother who created the world. With the arrival of the Sarmatians, Tabiti became a virgin Goddess of the hearth, associated with the Greek Hestia, or the Roman Vesta. Some scholars theorize that when the nomads built permanent settlements, Tabiti moved into a little hut in a Russian forest, where she eventually emerged as Baba Yaga.

Several of the skeletons at Pokrovka are bow‐legged, suggesting long years in the saddle, or bear wounds, likely received in battle. They were known as Oiropata ‐ "killers of men" by the Scythians. According to Herodotus, the warriors of Sarmatia were descendants of the Amazons and the Scythians. However, it is far more likely that these women warriors were in fact the inspiration for the mythical Amazons. Women of the Steppes still hunt on horseback, they remain fiercely independent, a living legacy of their warrior ancestors.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarmatians
https://www.labrys.net.br/labrys22/archeo/jeannine_daviskimball.htm
http://linguafranca.mirror.theinfo.org/9712/nosborne.html

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.

OWM Awareness

White Moon Happenings

As we enter the third year of the pandemic, it is more vital than ever to be embraced by a supportive and loving circle of Sisters. The meaningful relationships we cultivate during these difficult times is what continues to sustain us and inspire us. One of the key components of Priestessing is acknowledging the mental and emotional toll, owning our personal experiences, and being able to express them without blaming or shaming. There is so much that is beyond our control, but what we can do is share our stories, honour and respect where each of us is at, listen without judgment, and continue to love each other. This is Sisterhood. This is OWM. I am so very grateful to be a part of this amazing group of Goddess Women.

Love and Blessings
HP Ajna DreamsAwake

We are, of course, delighted to welcome our new students in Sacred Three, Moonlit Path, Peace Grove School, Pyramid of Light, 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.

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May the Peaceful, Compassionate and Healing Presence of the Goddess be with you now and always.

The Bardic Soul: Poetry and Song for the Spirit

Imbolc is Here

Honor the Maiden and honor the Bride,
Imbolc is here this eventide!
Bless the tool and bless the seed,
Open the bottle and pour the mead.
Crocus from the earth break forth,
Yet snow still coming from the North.
Now in the middle are we here
Of the dark half of the Wheel of the Year.
Place Brighid in her floral bed,
With a gemstone on her head.
Wait to see, will Winter end?
What will the groundhog now portend?
Drag the plow from door to door,
Beg for pennies, candy and more.
Also known as Candlemas,
Get ready to greet the spring at last!
Do nought of picking or cutting of plants,
But sing the songs and chant the chants!
Decorate the harrow and plow,
Pour Water of Life upon it now.
Break a furrow newly turned,
And leave an offering freshly earned.
From the Earth the snowdrops bloom!
Light a candle in every room
To welcome back the warm, bright Sun,
Brighid's fire for everyone!

Ostara Is Upon Us Now

Ostara is upon us now,
To the Maiden do we bow.
Equal dark and equal light,
Equinox, to our delight!

Decorate the colored eggs,
Of Winter left is just the dregs.
Persephone can now return,
The Equinox bale‐fires burn.

Demeter will no longer mourn,
Her daughter now has been reborn
From Hades' bower within the Earth,
Spring has come to field and firth.

Bunnies hop about the land,
Calf and kitten, foal and lamb.
Flowers bloom and garlands hung ‐
Bless the Maiden, Spring has sprung!

Sun‐like roll and hot cross bun,
Feasting, merriment and much fun.
Ostara is upon us now,
To the Maiden do we bow.

Peace Whitehorse is the founder of Peace Grove School of the Goddess and facilitator and High Priestess of the Peace Grove Coven. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and her Shetland sheepdogs, and is active in Sheltie Rescue.

In the Fairy Meadow

Poem and Music by Crystal Spiritweaver

Here in the meadow find a tree.
Absorb its calming energy.
'Tis where the Fairies dance and play,
And this could be your lucky day!

Against the tree you rest your back,
Releasing everything you lack.
In balance now from Crown to Root,
You just might hear a Fairy flute!

Emotions buried out of sight…
You let them fly into the Light.
The sun and flowers clear your mind
And show you what you came to find.

You sit and wait in harmony;
You listen… listen… carefully…
You softly… softly hear the sound
Of Fairies dancing all around!

They bring a message just for you,
And in your heart, you know it's true.
You take with you the Fairy Song
To give you hope and keep you strong.

You thank the firm and faithful tree
For offering its harmony.
From trees and Fairies you have learned;
It's time now for your safe return.

Each dawning brings another day
To hear the Fairies dance and play.
The gentle magic they impart
You carry with you‐‐in your heart.

Click here to download or listen to the poem and music: https://crystalspiritweavermusic.files.wordpress.com/2022/01/in_the_fairy_meadow.mp3

Crystal Spiritweaver is a student of Sacred Three Goddess School. She especially loves connecting with Goddess, Nature, and the Elements through sound healing, music, and poetry.

Recipes Fit for a Goddess

Irish Cream Truffles

Ingredients

½ C. Bailey's Irish Cream
12‐oz bag of semi‐sweet chocolate chips
½ C. heavy cream
Four egg yolks
2 Tbs butter (use real butter, not margarine)
Cocoa powder

Directions

In a heavy saucepan over low heat, combine the Bailey's and chocolate chips. Maintain over very low heat so your chocolate doesn't scorch, and stir until the chips have melted. Add heavy cream and egg yolks. Blend until smooth. Stir in butter, whisking until thick. Remove from heat, and chill overnight until firm. Once the mixture has firmed up, use a spoon to scoop it out and roll into 1" balls.

Roll each ball in the cocoa powder until coated. Depending on the size of the balls ‐ and how much of the dough you eat during prep ‐ you can get a few dozen truffles out of this. If you like, instead of rolling in cocoa, use powdered sugar, colored sprinkles, flavored coffee powder or chopped nuts. To make a great gift, roll up a cone of heavy parchment paper, drop some truffles inside, and tie with a ribbon.

Dancing River has been committed to her spiritual path for over 15 years. She's in her 3rd year of studying with The Order. She's currently studying with the Dark Moon's Heart School.

The articles featured in Seasons of the Moon are written and/or submitted by members of the Order of the White Moon and are their own intellectual property. Please feel free to share this publication but do give credit where credit is due and link back to the source.

Thank you for reading, we hope that you have enjoyed it just as much as we have enjoyed presenting it to you.

Many blessings to you and yours,
Seasons of The Moon Staff

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Volume 19 Issue 2 Imbolc 2022