DIY Candle Wheel

Imbolc marks the first of the fire festivals with candles being the central focus of sympathetic magic performed during this time. An old Imbolc tradition is the candle wheel, which can be either worn or used as a decorations on altars, tables, or windows. I created mine to be placed on the coffee table in our library/living room.

Supplies:

14 inch green foam wreath

8 white taper candles

Brown vase filler (straw)

Greenery*

White Flowers*

LED fairy lights*

Scissors

Floral Wire

First, line up your candles around your wreath. I placed one at the top, bottom, left, and right then added candles in between. After you have spaced them, push the candles into the foam to mark the ring you will cut out.

Next, cut out the candle holes using your scissors or a knife. You will need them to be at least a half an inch deep. After you have a rough hole, push your candles into the holes and press hard, making sure not to wiggle the candle. This will create a snug, flat candle holder in the foam wreath. Remove the candles.

After I cut my candle holder holes, I wrapped the wreath is the brown straw vase filler. You can find this in the wreath and moss section of Michael's. I did not glue mine down, but if you have spray glue, I highly recommend using it to ensure the straw does not fall off. If you are using the fairy lights, wrap them around your wreath next. However, the 32 inch long strand I bought was not big enough to wrap around the wreath, so I am going to return them. Next, wrap your greenery of choice around the wreath and place flowers throughout. You will see I didn't use my ferns or flowers. After adding the one greenery with white flowers, I felt my wreath was perfect. Make it your own.

Next, you will want to wrap your wreath in floral wire. I stuck the first end into the foam wreath and tightly wrapped the floral wire around, making sure to secure the straw and greenery. I wrapped the lose end of wire around itself to secure it.

To finish your wreath, heat the bottom of each candle until it begins to drip. Quickly place the candles in their holders. Heating the bottom will cause the candles to stick to the wreath, ensuring they won't topple over or fall out while moving the wreath. However, it is not so secure that you can't easily remove them to replace candles or store the wreath.

I placed a bowl in the center as an offering dish. As you can see it has my initials on the bottom. My boss gave the dish to me as a Yule gift, and I thought it would make a great offering bowl.

And there you have it! A gorgeous, one of a kind candle wreath for your Imbolc celebrations! Good luck creating your own. I would love to see your candle wreaths!

CAUTION: This is highly flammable. Do NOT allow the candles to burn all the way down. Do NOT leave unattended.

Magical and Medicinal Uses of Angelica

Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Powers: Exorcism, Healing, Protection, Visions
Magical Uses and History: Angelica, which derives its name from 'archangel', was once considered a cure-all by European healers, which is likely due to its natural ability to stimulate the digestive system, improve circulation, and lessen respiratory problems. From the fifteenth century, there are records indicating that people wore or carried angelica in posies to protect against the plague. One legend tells that an angel appeared to a monk in a dream to tell him that angelica would protect against and cure the plague. Its name may also derive from the fact that angelica blooms on May 8th which was traditionally celebrated as the Feast of the Apparition of St Michael. Due to its association with St Michael, people would weave necklaces for their children to ward off demons, witches, and enchanters. In Livonia and parts of East Prussia and Pomerania, peasants march into the town during early summer carrying angelica flowers chanting an incantation that has sense lost meaning. It is believed this is the remnants of a pagan festival celebrated during this time. As such, growing angelica around your home will protect you and those within from harm, witchcraft, ghosts, and other unwanted entities. You can also sprinkle it in the four corners of your home or around the perimeter to ward off evil while bathing in an infusion of angelica will remove not only curses but unwanted spells as well. Angelica can also be used in healing spells and magic, or to communicate and connect with angels.

In the Americas, angelica root was often carried to increase luck, especially in gambling, so carry it on your person whenever you seek a new endeavor or take a risk. The smoke is also said to cause visions which makes angelica perfect for spirit communication, hedge riding, and divination.

Angelica can be used in a number of spells including:
     Divination
     Healing Spells
     Protection Magic

     Luck Spells
    
Medicinal Uses: The roots and seeds of angelica are used to treat a variety of ailments, especially those regarding poor digestion, weak circulation, and respiratory problems. It also aids in recovery from chronic illness. Despite its bitter taste, it stimulates stomach activity to increase appetite and digestion, soothe cramping, and elevate gas. It also eases respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, chest congestion, and cough. Due to its warming nature, it is great for improving circulation and soothing fibromyalgia. The leaves can be used in a compress to soothe inflammation in the chest. It pairs well with chamomile.

Preparation and Dosage: Angelica is to be taken internally or applied externally. For a decoction, combine a teaspoon of dried roots in one cup of water and bring to a boil. Allow to simmer for two minutes before removing from heat and allowing to cool for 15 minutes. Take one cup up to three times a day. For a tincture, take 2-5 milliliters up to three times a day.

Want to print a copy of this for your Book of Shadows? Click below for your free copy!

Look What I Got!

Look what came in the mail today! I am very excited to start reading this, although I probably won't be able to start it for another week. It's still pretty to look at though, don't you think?

Have you gotten any new books lately, pagan or otherwise? Also, if you have any literary suggestions, please feel free to comment. I am ALWAYS looking for good books!

Imbolc Correspondences

Last year I posted about the history and lore of Imbolc. To add to the ever-growing list of correspondences, I have put together a list of correspondences for Imbolc.

Symbolism: rebirth, purity, new life, light, new beginnings, warmth, growth, renewal, rejuvenation

Symbols: candles, daffodils, lanterns, acorns, fire, Brigid's cross, acorns, brooms, corn dolls, sun wheels

Colors: white, silver, pale yellow, red, pink, orange, lavender, light green

Food and Drink: bread, cake, milk, spiced wine, cheese, yogurt, herbal teas, fish, white meat, honey cake, muffins

Herbs: angelica, basil, bay, blackberry, chamomile, rosemary, heather, rowan, dill, myrrh, willow

Deities: Cernunnos, Eros, Osiris, Pan, Athena, Bast, Blaize, Brigid, Ceres, Cerridwen, Venus, Gaia, Demeter, Hestia, Vesta, Cupid

Crystals and Gemstones: amethyst, bloodstone, ruby, turquoise, garnet, onyx

Animals: groundhog, bear, ewe, lamb, stag, robin, owl, dragons, phoenix

Magic: This is the time of awakening as the Wheel turns toward spring. Out with the old and in with the new. Cleansing magic, home blessings, divination, initiation rituals, fertility magic, and self-discovery rituals are perfect for this Sabbat.  Rid your home of stale energy left over from the cold winter. Light candles and hold a bonfire to call forth the Sun and honor the Earth. Search for signs foretelling of spring (think Groundhog's Day).

Please note this is not a complete list but a brief overview of symbols, colors, herbs, deities, and the like. If I have missed something that you feel should make the list, please feel free to contact me via the comments or through email.