This is a really good anointing oil to have. It's tough to read here in the picture so I've posted it below:

• 1 airtight 2 oz. jar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 tablespoon rosemary
• 10 drops myrrh oil
• Light colored olive oil - used to completely fill the jar

Mix well in an airtight two-ounce jar. Turn jar over daily for at least 10 days before using. Rub the oil on the candle before burning.

Interesting Point: I was raised Catholic and every February 3rd we would go have our throats blessed - using anointed candles. Known as the feast day for Saint Blaise; two candles are blessed, held slightly open, and pressed against the throat as a blessing is said. Saint Blaise's protection of those with throat troubles apparently comes from a legend that a boy was brought to him who had a fishbone stuck in his throat. The boy was about to die when Saint Blaise healed him.

There are so many similarities between Sabbats and 'holy days' - it's so interesting!

Imbolc is the time when things stir beneath the surface. It is the time of infinite possibilities for the new cycle of life and creativity; when energies are still gathering in the astral, preparing to manifest.

This Sabbat reveres Brigid, the traditional patroness of healing, poetry and smithcraft. As a solar deity Her attributes are light, inspiration and all skills associated with fire. Although She might not be identified with the physical Sun, She is certainly the benefactress of inner healing and vital energy. Brigid is also the Goddess of physicians and healing, divination and prophecy. One of Her most ancient names is Breo-saighead meaning fiery arrow, and within that name is the attribute of punishment and divine justice.

Decorate your altar in red and white; use red and white candles and roses. Write a poem. Place some earth in a small planter pot  and add seeds to it. Let each seed represent something you wish to manifest. Honor nature and these seedlings.

Take a glass bowl filled with clean water and a few small, clear crystals. Name each crystal for something in your life that needs to be healed and drop them into the bowl. As eash healing occurs, remove that crystal.When the bowl is empty, pour away the water.

This month's Full Moon comes Saturday, January 30th. January's Moon is commonly known as the Cold Moon or Wolf Moon. Fierce northern air howls down to strip the heat from the world.

January is the peak of Winter (for the northern hemisphere) and the nights are long and dark. The weather is harsh and cold.

This will be biggest full moon of 2010 and it'll appear with a bright sidekick: Mars will cozy up just to the left of the super size moon! The last time the Moon was this close was in December 2008. The Moon will appear 30 percent brighter and 14 percent larger than any other full moon this year, because our cosmic neighbor will actually be closer to Earth than usual.

Even though Imbolc is just around the corner and we should soon see signs of Spring, January is still one of the harshest months, but once we get through January, it should be smooth sailing! (I hope!)


Correspondences:

• Colors: Black and white, silver
• Gemstones: Hematite
• Trees: Birch, Hazel
• Gods: Inanna, Freyja
• Herbs: Thistle, nuts and seeds, marjoram
• Element:Air

Use this time wisely by working with it's quiet, introspective energy. Work on magic related to protection, both physical and spiritual. Use this time to develop your inner self, and advance spiritually, becoming closer to the higher aspects of your deities.

I'm pretty excited Imbolc will soon be here. For me it means we're suddenly so much closer to Spring, even though the air is cold and there is still snow on the ground in some places. I love to keep an eye out for those subtle hints of new life.

Imbolc represents the awakening of the Goddess after a long winter and her young maiden self looking out upon the land. With signs such as leaves budding on some trees and bushes it's evident the land is starting the cycle of awakening those who've slumbered well during the cold harsh winter.

I'm not sure what I am going to do for Imbolc this year. I was invited to the 4th Annual Imbolc Gathering Expo hosted by the Reading Pagans and Witches but CJ works on the weekends which usually leaves me without a car. So I may just do something here with the Witchlets.

More on the history on Imbolc coming up :]

Candle magick is the type of magick I use a lot. The dancing flame always helps me to focus and channel my energy.


Here are some basic candle magic colors and meanings:

• Red: A red candle represents the element of fire; used in spells to maintain health, increase strength, promote passion, or employ defensive magic.

• Pink: Pink candles are most commonly used in rituals to promote self-love. They are also perfect to use for spells relating to weddings and emotional unions. The color symbolizes relaxation, love, and friendship.

• Orange: An orange candle is used to attract specific influences or objects when casting a candle magic spell. It promotes energy.

• Yellow: A yellow candles represents the element of air; used for spells which are intended to heighten visualization abilities. Yellow is also the color of intelligence, confidence, and eloquence.

• Green: Green is the color of money and prosperity but at the same time this candle color can also be used in spells for fertility, healing, growth, or abundance.

• Blue: A blue candle represents the element of water; used in spells to affect sleep or to awaken the psychic mind.

• Purple: Purple candles enhance spiritual activities and increase magical powers. In combination with blue candles, they can be used in healing rituals.

• White: White is the color of protection and purification. Linked with the moon, white candles contain all colors and are used for positive purposes.

• Black: Black candles absorb negativity. Black is the representative of outer space. Black candles are often associated with evil magic, but this is not true. Black candles can be used for positive rituals such as those to absorb illness or stop bad habits.

• Brown: Brown candles are burned in combination with other candles when spells invoke animals. For this reason, people interested in candle magic spells and colors often keep several brown candles on hand.

Source: candles.lovetoknow.com

Thank you all for the nice comments regarding Boots :] Things have settled down here - Boots and Gary get along famously! Gary still hangs out in Olivia's room, it's his favorite place:

I am still waiting to hear from Gloria regarding Miss. Puss - I hope she got a home!

Olivia and I took Miss. Puss back to Gloria yesterday. Seems every Saturday at our local Pet Smart there are adoptions going on. Taking her back was tough, she went in the cage 'Boots' was in and he went in the carrier. Seeing her huddled in the corner of a cage was heartbreaking.

While I was filling out paperwork for Boots, an older couple came over to me and asked me questions about Miss. Puss - they saw me bring her in. I told them all the wonderful things about her and did add she needs to be the only cat. Their cat had recently died and they had no other pets! They seemed really interested in her and asked to hold her. I really hope they took her home!

So now we have Boots:

I hate the name but that is the name he was given at the shelter and the Witchlets love the name. I was thinking Figaro, like in Pinocchio:

Boots is a 7 month old neutered male and he and Gary get along famously. There has been no hiding by either cat, no hissing, growling, bullying or marking territory. The downside? Boots was either on my head or on my face all.night.long. and if it wasn't me, it was CJ he smothered.

The Witchlets call Gary 'Gary the Snail' (SpongeBob) and now they call Boots 'Boots the Monkey' (Dora)