| From the Heart Tis the time of waxing light gleaming in the Winter Air thawing snows of innocence nudging me with silent prayer Inspiration stirs within quickening that magic spark bringing rhymes of poetry spilling over from my heart Rising flames of spiral heat pushing pods of deep desire channel inner promises with sacred vows I do aspire... To myself I shall be true on this path I will remain, taking steps with visions clear drawing courage as I change Trusting promptings of the soul dancing toward my destiny praising inner wisdom source that echoes ancient mysteries... Singing songs to Mother Earth respecting creatures living free vowing silent gratitude while basking in prosperity Candles flicker in the dark altars drape with flowing lace rolling sheets of salty rain glide on panes that mirror my face... spoken promise binds me now sealing fate with blessings be as your daughter seeking grace Goddess, I belong to thee by Mama Silverwitch Candlemas, 1998 |
Candlemas Feast of the Sacred Flame Candlemas, is a mid-winter Holy Day celebrated on February 1 or 2, in the fixed Air sign of Aquarius, sign of the water bearer & humanitarian. It is also called Imbolc, meaning fire in the belly and growing inner light. This holy day celebrates the Mystery of Quickening, of waking, of deep desires stirring within that will soon spark actions of meaning & purpose in our lives. Candlemas mirrors a time of inspiration, when the harshness of winter begins to thaw, melt & merge with warmer energies of waxing solar light. On the sacred wheel of life... this feast day corresponds to us as toddlers, still nursing on mothers breast, gaining nourishment, building strength. On deeper levels, it represents fanning the fragile flame of the life force born at the Winter Solstice, when the magical spiraling kundalini begins to rise up our spines and bring new fire & vitality to our minds & bodies. At Candlemas, Winter turns toward Spring... so it reflects a time of freshness, baptism, cleansing, washing away winter's decay... when the sting of winter retreats from its reign and dormancy is replaced with a solemn affirmation of things to come. Days now lengthen as hope and desire grows in our hearts for the warmth of life... a perfect time for vows, promises and commitments. Candlemas, also called Feast of the Flickering Flame or Returning Light, celebrates the triple Goddess of Maiden, Mother & Crone in Dianic Traditions. It's also called Brigid's Day, to honor the Irish Goddess of Muse & Poetry; Since it mirrors a time of inner knowing... a time of self-recognition... we also celebrate Avatars such as Aradia, daughter of Diana or White Buffalo Calf Woman, native teacher of the sacred pipe... for these goddesses, along with many others, carried sacred knowledge to the people to alleviate oppression & awaken all to the true power & magic within. In our Circle, this is the time of dedication, initiation or ordination, when we share our inspirations, vows or promises of self-love, when we express the deepest desires of our heart. It is also a time of recognition, a time when we take our vows to the Goddess & ourselves... voice our commitments to the Coven... or commit ourselves to a path of love & service in the presence of our sisters. Candlemas marks the age of reason in ones life, when we recognize ourselves as spiritual beings going through a human experience or as unique individuals who carry a certain genetic knowledge, wisdom, power & magic within us... therefore, our rituals and ceremonies center around ourselves & what is desired to bring joy, happiness, fulfillment, prosperity & purpose to our lives. Candlemas is a time of purification, when the harshness of winter is being dispelled and replaced with meaning, confirmation and new dedication; when sisters claim magical names that mirror their true spiritual essence. This is also a time when new sisters are officially welcomed into the Circle, when we share our vows & commitments with one another... when we express our true desires to walk in the sacred ways of the Goddess... to follow a path of healing, recovering, reclaiming, service to others; to honor our sisters as ourselves & commit to our beloved Sisterhood. May this sacred time bring you the grace of self love & divine recognition! Blessed Be In her service... Mama J. Silverwitch |
