The human body is composed of various energy centers, also known as chakras, which are associated with different colors and aspects of our being. Understanding these energy sources can provide valuable insights into our overall well-being and help us achieve balance in our lives.
Crystals have long been used for their healing properties and can be a powerful tool in balancing and harmonizing the energy sources in our bodies. Each energy source, also known as a chakra, corresponds to different aspects of our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Root Energy Source
The first energy source is the root energy source, which is linked to the color red. It represents our sense of stability, security, and connection to the physical world. This energy center governs our basic survival needs and grounds us in the present moment. This energy source is located at the base of the spine, and crystals such as carnelian can be placed over this area to promote grounding and stability. Red carnelian is believed to enhance courage and motivation. An easy way to remember this is by utilizing the rainbow order of colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet) since these match up with the order of the energy sources in the body (sometimes clear or white is used alternatively to violet). Crystals that correspond with these colors are an easy way to link to energetic properties of the crystal with the body—so since red represents the root energy source in the body, it’s easy to remember that crystals like red carnelian or red jasper can help bring healing and balance.
Sacral Energy Source
The sacral energy source is associated with the color orange and relates to our creativity, passion, and emotional well-being. It influences our ability to experience pleasure, form healthy relationships, and embrace change. Located just below the navel, crystals like orange calcite, citrine, orange carnelian, or sunstone can be used to stimulate creativity and passion in the sacral energy source. These crystals are thought to help balance emotions and increase vitality.
Solar Plexus Energy Source
Moving up the body, we have the solar plexus energy source represented by the color yellow. This center is connected to our personal power, self-esteem, and confidence. It influences how we assert ourselves in the world and take control of our lives. The solar plexus energy source, found in the upper abdomen area, can benefit from crystals like citrine, yellow jade, yellow tiger’s eye, or golden quartz. These stones are said to boost self-confidence and personal power.
Heart Energy Source
The heart energy source corresponds to the color green. It represents love, compassion, forgiveness, and emotional balance. This center governs our ability to give and receive love unconditionally while fostering harmonious relationships with others. For the heart energy source located in the center of the chest, chrysoprase, green aventurine, and green calcite are popular choices. It is known as the stone of love and compassion, promoting emotional healing and harmony.
Throat Energy Source
Next is the throat energy source associated with light blue or turquoise. It relates to communication, self-expression, truthfulness, and authenticity. This center enables us to express ourselves clearly while listening attentively to others. The throat energy source corresponds to communication and self-expression. Crystals such as blue sodalite, blue lace agate, or lapis lazuli can be placed over this area to support clear communication and enhance self-confidence.
Third Eye Energy Source
Moving further up is the third eye energy source represented by indigo or deep blue. This center connects us to intuition, wisdom, inner guidance, and spiritual insight. It allows us to tap into higher consciousness and perceive beyond what meets the eye. This energy source is located between the eyebrows, lepidolite or amethyst crystals are often used. These stones are believed to enhance intuition and spiritual insight.
Crown Energy Source
Finally, we have the crown energy source at the top of the head symbolized by violet or white light. This center represents a spiritual connection with universal consciousness or higher power. It transcends individuality as it connects us with divine wisdom and cosmic awareness. Located at the top of our heads, clear quartz or amethyst can also be used to strengthen this energy source in the body. These crystals are associated with higher consciousness and spiritual connection.
Understanding these seven energy sources and their corresponding colors can help us identify areas of imbalance or blockages in our lives. By harmonizing and balancing these energy centers, we can enhance our overall well-being, emotional stability, and spiritual growth.
New to using crystals? Here are a few simple ways you can incorporate crystals into your daily life to bring about energetic balance, healing, and an overall sense of well-being. Crystals have long been used for their healing properties, and they can be a powerful tool for energy healing.
One popular method is to place crystals directly on the body. This allows the crystal’s energy to directly interact with your own energy field. For example, if you want to balance the root energy source in the body, you might feel drawn to place carnelian or red jasper directly on this part of the body while meditating or listening to healing sound frequencies. You can also wear crystal jewelry that promotes energy balance in the body.
For many people, they may intuitively choose a crystal either being drawn to it energetically or based on its appearance. Black crystals, such as obsidian or tourmaline, are often used to protect your energy and shield a person from negative energy. Clear crystals, such as quartz and selenite, can help neutralize, cleanse, and charge energy, including other crystals. Other colorful crystals may be chosen based on which energy sources in the body need balancing, strengthening, etc.
We have multiple crystal products available for sale! All of our crystals are ethically sourced and each order is sound-cleansed before it is shipped out to ensure that you receive your metaphysical tools in a neutral energetic state ready to be used in your practice. Shop here.
Recently, I was asked to put together a series of resources on crystals, and specifically within the energy work category, so this article is the beginning of many resources to come.
When we hear the word “crystals,” we usually think of pretty colored minerals. But those are not the only types of crystals. Graphite in pencils, table salt, and snow are crystals, too. What all crystals have in common, though, is an extremely well-organized molecular structure.
Believe it or not, we rely on crystals every single day of our lives. We use crystals to write, keep time, season our food, operate our phones and laptops, build our homes, and tons more. Throughout history, people have used crystals in ancient medicine and spiritual practices, believing they could balance the body’s energy centers or chakras, and they are also used in magickal ways to this day beyond their mundane uses.
Scientifically speaking, all matter, including crystals and the human body, is composed of atoms vibrating at specific frequencies. These vibrations, often referred to as Dominant Oscillatory Rates (DORs), determine the energetic signature of each entity. In the case of humans, our bodies consist of trillions of cells, each vibrating at its own unique frequency, collectively contributing to our overall vibrational state.
This intricate interplay of cellular vibrations represents the biological processes essential for life. In contrast, crystals exhibit a remarkable simplicity in their vibrational makeup, typically resonating at a single dominant frequency. This uniformity in DORs allows crystals to maintain a stable energetic signature, making them potent tools for harnessing and amplifying specific energies within their environment.
The molecules in a crystal are arranged in a fixed repeating pattern. Unlike humans, this structure makes crystal energy highly stable allowing them to easily maintain their DOR. When we bring crystals into our energy field the process of entrainment begins. Entrainment is when the rhythm of a more stable energy causes another to gradually synchronize with it. This is the Universe’s way of bringing energies into balance.
Crystals, with their stable molecular structures and precise vibrational frequencies, serve as incredible resonators and transducers of electromagnetic energies. But what exactly does that mean?
A resonator is like a tuning fork for energy. It vibrates at a specific frequency when energy is applied to it. This helps to amplify or enhance that energy. Imagine them as organized blocks vibrating in harmony, creating stability. When introduced to our energy field, they synchronize vibrations, a process called entrainment. This alignment mirrors the balance and harmony in nature.
A transducer is a device that converts one form of energy into another. In the case of electromagnetic energies, a transducer can take electromagnetic waves and convert them into another form of energy, such as sound or mechanical movement, or vice versa. Essentially, it’s like a translator between different types of energy.
Because of their stability, crystals are used in various everyday technologies, from timekeeping in watches to transmitting data via radio waves and powering solar panels. They’re essential as resonators and transducers of electromagnetic energies in numerous applications.
There are many ways to use crystals. Many people choose to carry them or wear them to keep the energetic frequency of the crystal near their energy field to embrace its metaphysical properties. Others may choose to meditate with them or use them in their home or sacred spaces to create a certain atmosphere that aligns with their intentions and craft. For example, someone who wants to embrace a greater degree of self-love or attract love into their life may choose to wear or work with rose quartz. Here are a few quick reference guides for crystals and some of their metaphysical benefits.
A lot of this comes down to personal preference. Like any spiritual or energetic practice, crystals are best used in a way that feels supportive and healing for you. Here are some ideas:
There are countless ways to cleanse your crystals (and none of them are “right” or “wrong” but the main piece of advice we have is checking if your crystals are water safe so they don’t deteriorate).
May you walk your path with wisdom and prudence. Blessed be on your journey of spiritual growth and healing.
Happy Litha (also known as the Summer Solstice) AND Strawberry Full Moon! What a beautiful junction of two powerful lunar events and at relatively the same time. What is Litha? What is the Strawberry Full Moon? And how can you celebrate or embrace the energy of the day?
Litha (Summer Solstice)
Litha, also known as the Summer Solstice, is one of the most significant celebrations in the Wheel of the Year for many witches, especially those who love working with solar energy in conjunction with lunar energy. The Summer Solstice marks the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and the peak of the sun’s power.
This sabbat is a time to honor Sun Deities, such as Ba’el, Apollo, or Ra in his full glory and celebrate the abundance of the Earth. It’s a time of fertility, growth, and renewal. Rituals and spellwork during Litha often focus on themes of prosperity, success, and personal empowerment.
Traditionally, many spiritual practitioners would gather herbs, flowers, and other plants at their peak potency for use in magic and medicine. Bonfires were lit to symbolize the sun’s power and provide a space for celebration and ritual. It’s also a time to give thanks for the bounty of the Earth and the coming harvest.
For modern witches, Litha is an opportunity to connect with the natural world, harness the sun’s energy, and set intentions for the coming months. It’s a powerful time for spellwork related to career, relationships, and personal growth.
Strawberry Full Moon
The Strawberry Full Moon occurs annually in June, and it is incredibly rare for it to land so perfectly timed with Litha—but here we are in 2024 with everything beautifully aligned!
The name for this full moon comes from it occurring at the peak of the strawberry harvesting season, which symbolizes fertility, abundance, and the ripening of intentions planted during the spring. That makes this particular lunar window of time one of celebration of the fruits of one’s labor, both literally and metaphorically.
Spiritually, the Strawberry Full Moon also encourages practitioners to reflect on their personal growth, nurture their goals, and express gratitude for the blessings flowing toward them. It’s an opportune moment to perform rituals focused on manifestation, self-love, and embracing the natural cycles of life.
So how will you celebrate these two lunar and solar events?
Recently, I was asked to put together a series of resources for grounding, especially during extreme weather that may prevent a person from walking barefoot outdoors (such as during times when there are storms, snow, etc.), so this article is the beginning of many resources to come.
Grounding keeps your energy rooted and connected to the appropriate surrounding sphere. Grounding physically means we are maintaining a connection with our body and the earth around us. Grounding emotionally means we are maintaining a connection with our feelings and the realm of emotions around us. Grounding spiritually means we are staying connected with our spiritual self and the realm of energy.
Grounding keeps us anchored in a way that can minimize the risks of having our heads too far in the clouds, so to speak. While it is important to remain open-minded throughout this process, it is also necessary that we move forward in a manner that is also logical and rational, which requires a degree of grounding. Just because we have an idea or thought pop into our head doesn’t make it true or reliable information. Grounding helps us process incoming information and navigate how to appropriately sort the information so that we can best observe and analyze it. If at any point during your routine or studies, you feel disconnected from your physical body or the surrounding world, disengaged from your emotional self or the realm of feelings, or out of touch with your spiritual self and the energies around you, it’s a good idea to ground.
Often, people ground their energy by walking barefoot in nature, but what happens when it isn’t safe to be barefoot outdoors? In places with snow, ice, and low temperatures, being barefoot outdoors isn’t really option. Same with places that experience extremely hot temperatures, detrimental storms or natural disasters, and more. So, what alternatives are there?
Grounding with earth during extreme weather
This is most people’s default understanding of grounding and often looks like walking barefoot in nature or sitting on the floor. Since spending time outdoors isn’t an option in extreme weather, alternatively, you can sit on the floor inside your home, use a grounding or earthing mat, or even ground your bed by connecting a copper wire to your bed frame and running it out the nearest window and into the ground with a metal stake.
Grounding with water during extreme weather
This can be done by bathing or showering and feeling the water all around you similar to how feeling the earth under your bare feet can ground you but while connecting with the element of water. If a bath or shower is unavailable, you can even run your hands and arms under a sink faucet.
Grounding with fire during extreme weather
This can be done through heat or warmth, or creative or artistic exercises. Spending time in a sauna or with a heated or warm fuzzy blanket can help ground you. Painting, drawing, coloring, journaling, or writing can be creative outlets that can ground you as well.
Grounding with air during extreme weather
This can be done through breathing exercises, listening to grounding frequencies, or meditating to balance the root and sacral chakras. Spending time focusing on your breath, expressing gratitude for the air you inhale and exhale, and allowing the sounds you hear to keep you grounded can make a tremendous difference.
Grounding with spirit during extreme weather
This can be done through visualization and meditation, such as envisioning your spirit sprouting roots like a tree and growing deeply into the earth beneath you regardless of whether or not you’re outside.
May you walk your path with wisdom and prudence. Blessed be on your journey of spiritual growth and healing.
One of the fundamentals of the Sacred Wisdom Society and the esoteric path is paganism. Here is a brief overview of what this means within esotericism.
Pagan is a word that gets a bad rap in most religious communities—and rightly so. Not because paganism is inherently bad but because it encourages people to ask questions, recognize the sacredness of life within themselves and others, step into their own power as an individual, and no longer be susceptible to herd mentalities. These things often elicit fear in religious leaders who build their livelihoods on controlling others through fear. When people no longer fear asking questions, no longer fear viewing others’ lives as equally sacred, no longer fear tapping into their own power, and no longer fear swimming upstream, it is nearly impossible to control them. For religious communities, that is a “bad” thing, not because it’s actually bad, but because it no longer benefits those who have been in control for far too long.
Paganism is a call to be free from the fear of human beings in order to live in unison with nature and the divine. Paganism may be defined as someone who is one with nature, and to us, that is about respect more than anything. For we are not worshiping the trees themselves, but rather recognizing the energy and spirit that flows through them as being sacred, just as we recognize the energy within ourselves and every other person we encounter.
Every individual who identifies as pagan is unique and their paths all look different. This is because paganism is not a religion that dictates what you do and when you do it but rather encourages you to find your own way of connecting with the sacredness of life and the divinity of our existence.
Some pagans may focus solely on nature, connecting with plants and trees. They may find peace and purpose through gardening or spending time outdoors. Others may focus on their connection with energy as a whole and how it moves through different people, animals, or plants. And others still may simply allow each day to bring about a newness with zero expectations and solely focus on going with the flow. There is no right or wrong way to be a pagan or practice paganism. Simply find freedom from the oppression of religion, and if claiming the title of “pagan” is still too problematic after having claimed other labels over your lifetime, then it’s okay to simply “be.”
Pagan practitioners often recognize the feminine face of divinity. With that being said, though, there are some Pagan paths, such as the cult of Odin or of Mithras, that offer exclusive allegiance to one male god but they do not deny the reality of other gods and goddesses, as monotheists do.
As promised, I do want to clarify what is meant by the word ‘cult’ as it has always meant the specialized veneration of one particular deity or pantheon and has only recently been extended to mean the worship of a deified or semi-divine human leader in a negative light in modern times. For example, the cult of Isis would be those who are devoted exclusively to her. In contrast, non-Pagan religions, such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, often but not always, abhor the very idea of female divinity. A closer look at the Christian bible, with a lot of recovery work on the translations and interpretations, reveals that the Holy Spirit figure of their religion was the feminine counterpart to the Father God figure. This is completely lost in modern patriarchal religion but is an erasure of the sacred feminine that can be traced back to the origins of the religion.
In the present day, the Pagan tradition manifests both as communities reclaiming their ancient sites and ceremonies, to put humankind back in harmony with the Earth, and as individuals pursuing a personal spiritual path alone or in a small group. To most modern Pagans in the West, the whole of life is to be affirmed joyfully and without shame, as long as other people are not harmed by one’s own tastes.
The wheel of the year is integral to pagan traditions, helping us to recognize and pay respect to the ever-changing cycles that make up natural life. It also speaks of times when the veil between this world and others is thinnest, providing opportunities for ritual work, connection with spiritual entities, and amplifying magical energy.
It is at the beginning of summer that we celebrate Beltane (also known as May Day). This holiday marks the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice and is traditionally celebrated on May 1st each year. During this celebration, people embrace the themes of cleansing and renewing energy.
The pronunciation of Beltane may vary depending on regional accents, but it is commonly pronounced as “BEL-tayn” or “BEL-tahn.” However you choose to say it, Beltane carries with it a sense of enchantment and ancient wisdom.
As we delve into the history of this sacred holiday, we discover its significance in pagan cultures as a time to honor the union between the Goddess/Divine Feminine and God/Divine Masculine. It symbolizes the balance between feminine and masculine energies and celebrates life’s eternal cycle.
During Beltane, rituals are performed to honor the union between the masculine and feminine energies within both nature and ourselves. It is a time to celebrate love, passion, and connection with others. Bonfires are lit to symbolize purification and transformation while dancing around them signifies joyous celebration.
As pagans embrace their spiritual path during Beltane, they also pay homage to ancient traditions that have been passed down through generations. This holiday serves as a reminder to connect with nature’s cycles and find harmony within ourselves.
Colors play a significant role in Beltane celebrations. The vibrant hues of green, representing growth and fertility, are often seen adorning altars and decorations. The warm tones of yellow and orange symbolize the sun’s strength and vitality during this season of rebirth. Herbs hold their own special significance during Beltane. Delicate blossoms like lilac, rose, and hawthorn are commonly used to honor this festive occasion. These fragrant herbs not only add beauty to rituals but also invoke feelings of love, passion, and abundance. At the heart of this ancient festival lies the god Ba’el (aka Bel, of the Canaanite Pantheon), a deity closely associated with Beltane’s vibrant energy and fertility.
So let us all celebrate Beltane: a time filled with magic, abundance, joy, and growth. Let us pay homage to the wheel of the year; let us listen closely to its ancient wisdom; let us embrace its power to connect us with something greater than ourselves. May our hearts be open and our minds keen as we move through each passing season – gaining insight into life’s mysteries along the way.
If you’re interested in embracing Beltane through ritual, consider what aligns with your practice, such as connecting with solar and fire energy through bonfires, grilling out, cooking or baking using ingredients that represent solar energy, performing a powerful fire ritual, or creating art using colors associated with the holiday.
No matter how we choose to honor Beltane, its transformative energy encourages us to appreciate the beauty of nature and all it brings into our lives. Take a moment to fully immerse yourself in the spirit of Beltane – use colorful decorations, burn herbs, or simply spend time outdoors to truly feel connected with all that this powerful season has to give. May you experience abundance, joy, and peace through your celebration of Beltane!
The wheel of the year is integral to pagan traditions, helping us to recognize and pay respect to the ever-changing cycles that make up natural life. It also speaks of times when the veil between this world and others is thinnest, providing opportunities for ritual work, connection with spiritual entities, and amplifying magical energy.
Ostara marks the Spring Equinox – the start of Spring – when winter wanes and new life begins to bloom anew with longer days, warmer temperatures, and emerging flowers. It’s seen as a time for new beginnings, a point of balance between light and dark, and death/dormancy giving way to new life. As such, Ostara is a particularly sacred event within the pagan Wheel of the Year. Many pagans observe it by honoring their deities, celebrating with friends or family, gardening, meditating on renewal and transformation, crafting art or objects associated with the season, and more. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the small miracles of life and express gratitude for nature’s beauty and bounty. Most importantly, Ostara reminds us that all living things have an inner spark that can be nurtured to create joy and abundance in our lives; may we embrace its spirit – rebirth, renewal, hope, transformation – bring light into our lives and make this world a better place.
The correct way to pronounce the pagan holiday Ostara is “Oh-star-ah”. The name is derived from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre, who was celebrated at the beginning of spring. Since this holiday marks a time for new beginnings, many celebrate by welcoming nature’s renewal with ritualistic activities such as decorating eggs, planting gardens, and gathering in circles for sabbats. Although some aspects may have changed over the years, the intent remains: to connect with nature during this special season.
The thinness of the veil at Ostara makes it an ideal time for spiritual activity. Many pagans believe that this shift in energy allows them to connect more easily with spiritual beings, leading to a deeper understanding of the divine. It is also believed that this shift in energy helps to open up pathways of communication, making it possible to receive messages from other realms.
The color of Ostara is usually green, symbolizing new life and growth. Some also associate it with yellow, signifying the warmth of the sun that comes with spring. White is often seen as a representation of the Maiden Goddess, who brings rebirth and new beginnings to our lives. Lastly, pink or violet represents fertility and abundance in all its forms – spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical.
All of the herbs used in Ostara celebrations have special meanings that can help bring peace, joy, fertility, and abundance into your life. Chamomile’s delicate white flowers symbolize harmony and serenity; it’s known to promote relaxation and restful sleep. Lavender conjures up a vision of freshness and purity; its calming fragrance evokes feelings of contentment. Marigold brings protection and vitality; its vibrant orange petals bring joy, warmth, and increased fertility. Sage (that is ethically sourced and appropriate for your culture/heritage) is the ultimate purifier; it’s used to rid a space of negative energy and restore balance. Rosemary encourages courage, strength, and clarity of thought; its pungent scent helps keep the mind focused on positive intentions. Finally, mint brings healing energy and a sense of renewal; it has been used for centuries to cleanse away physical and emotional ailments.
Ostara, though closely associated with the goddess Esotre because of its name, is also closely associated with Frigg and Freya (of the Norse pantheon), Persephone (of the Greek pantheon), and Cybele (of the Greek and/or Roman pantheon). Whether you understand these figures as actual personified beings, archetypal energies, or energies of mythology, their stories can be powerful to research and explore in conjunction with this point in the wheel of the year.
So let us all celebrate Ostara: a time filled with magic, abundance, joy, and growth. Let us pay homage to the wheel of the year; let us listen closely to its ancient wisdom; let us embrace its power to connect us with something greater than ourselves. May our hearts be open and our minds keen as we move through each passing season – gaining insight into life’s mysteries along the way.
If you’re interested in embracing Ostara through ritual, consider what aligns with your practice, such as connecting with fertility and earth energy through gardening, cooking, or baking using ingredients that represent joyous energy, creating art using colors associated with the holiday, or (my personal favorite) devoting time cleansing your home and decorating with fresh flowers, newly potted plants, or floral decor to your deity or spirit guide(s) of choice.
I love dedicating my energy to working with the energy of flowers and plants because it’s symbolic of the new life that’s blooming and unfolding at this point in the wheel of the year. Florals bring a joyous and spirited energy to the home that is a nice way to fill the newly cleansed space so things feel balanced and at peace. It’s also a great time to honor the power of the divine feminine while finding the balance between the sacred feminine and masculine energies flowing through all of us.
No matter how we choose to honor Ostara, its transformative energy encourages us to appreciate the beauty of nature and all it brings into our lives. Take a moment to fully immerse yourself in the spirit of Ostara – use colorful decorations, burn floral herbs, or simply spend time outdoors to truly feel connected with all that this powerful season has to give. May you experience abundance, joy, and peace through your celebration of Ostara!
The wheel of the year is integral to pagan traditions, helping us to recognize and pay respect to the ever-changing cycles that make up natural life. It also speaks of times when the veil between this world and others is thinnest, providing opportunities for ritual work, connection with spiritual entities, and amplifying magical energy.
For pagans, Imbolc is a time to celebrate renewal and hope. This period is seen as a liminal space between darkness and light; it’s the time when winter’s chill begins to soften, and nature slowly begins to stir again with new beginnings. It falls on the first day of February and is one of eight traditional Sabbats in the Wheel of the Year.
Imbolc is traditionally pronounced “im-bulk,” with a short emphasis on the second syllable. The festival, which marks the halfway point between winter and spring, is celebrated by many pagans around the world and honors the beginning of new growth and the return of light after the darkness of winter. Celebrations often involve feasting, bonfires, rituals, and other festivities. No matter how you pronounce it, Imbolc is a time to celebrate the changing of seasons. It’s a time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future with hope and optimism.
On this day, many pagans will cleanse their homes and hold rituals to honor Brigid – the goddess of fire, poetry, and healing. They will light candles to symbolize the return of the sun and may also give offerings to Brigid in the form of herbs or flowers. Additionally, they may spend time reflecting on personal growth goals for the year ahead. Whether you understand this figure as an actual personified being, historical saint, archetypal energy, or energy of mythology, her story can be powerful to research and explore in conjunction with this point in the wheel of the year.
Red and white are the traditional colors for Imbolc, symbolizing purity, strength, and courage. Red represents the life-giving energy of spring that is just around the corner, while white symbolizes new beginnings and purification of the spirit. Traditional Imbolc herbs can be used as an aid in this process. For example, purifying plants such as sage, myrrh, and frankincense are often used in smoke-cleansing rituals. Simultaneously, healing herbs such as rosemary, mint, and thyme can be used to bring positive energy back into the body. Finally, flowers like lavender and chamomile can be brewed into teas or burned as incense to promote relaxation and soothe a worried mind.
So let us all celebrate Imbolc: a time filled with magic, reflection, creativity, and growth. Let us pay homage to the wheel of the year; let us listen closely to its ancient wisdom; let us embrace its power to connect us with something greater than ourselves. May our hearts be open and our minds keen as we move through each passing season – gaining insight into life’s mysteries along the way.
If you’re interested in embracing Imbolc through ritual, consider what aligns with your practice, such as connecting with solar and fire energy through bonfires, cooking or baking using ingredients that represent solar energy or are made over an open flame (such as a cookout), performing a powerful fire ritual, creating art using colors associated with the holiday, or (my personal favorite) devoting time writing poetry with and for the goddess Brigid, or your deity or spirit guide(s) of choice.
I love dedicating my energy to writing poetry because it’s sacred to the goddess Brigid who is a powerful symbol of life, fertility, and creativity that aligns with the rebirth portion of the ever-rotating lifecycle and wheel of the year.
No matter how we choose to honor Imbolc, its transformative energy encourages us to appreciate the beauty of nature and all it brings into our lives. Take a moment to fully immerse yourself in the spirit of Imbolc – be creative, embrace the passion of fire energy through burning herbs or candles, or simply spend time outdoors to truly feel connected with all that this powerful season has to give. May you experience abundance, joy, and peace through your celebration of Imbolc!
The wheel of the year is integral to pagan traditions, helping us to recognize and pay respect to the ever-changing cycles that make up natural life. It also speaks of times when the veil between this world and others is thinnest, providing opportunities for ritual work, connection with spiritual entities, and amplifying magical energy.
It is at the peak of winter that we celebrate Yule. This holiday marks the longest night and shortest day of the year and is a time to pause and reflect on the darkness before we welcome in the light when springtime rolls around again after winter ends. The Pagan tradition of Yule signifies death and release in preparation for growth in the new year. It is a spiritual time to honor both endings and beginnings.
The connection between Yule and the new moon also creates an opportunity to release unwanted patterns or energies through ritual. It can be used as a time to embrace inner transformation via meditation or reflection while also allowing ourselves to rest within the dark cycle of life. As one ritual ends, another begins with this powerful lunar energy.
The word Yule is derived from the Old English word, ‘geōl’. This term was used to describe the midwinter festival that was celebrated in Scandinavia and Germany. It is believed that this word may have been related to a root meaning “wheel” or “turning around,” likely referring to this holiday being both the beginning and end of the Wheel of the Year. Over time, the name for this festival eventually changed into Yule. It is celebrated on the Winter Solstice, which falls in December, from the 21st to the 23rd every year.
The Yule season is a special time of year, and the veil between this world and the other realms is particularly thin during this period. Dreams seem more vivid, and it is easier to sense or see supernatural phenomena such as ancestors, spirits, and fae. To those with open eyes and hearts, it can be a magical opportunity to commune with the divine and gain insight into mysteries beyond our physical realm. If you are drawn to explore these energies further during yule-time, take some time for stillness and meditation.
Yule is a time to celebrate the release and reset of nature, and many ancient symbols are associated with this holiday. The traditional colors of Yule are rich and evocative, each one symbolizing something different. Red represents the burning flame that lights up the cold winter nights and brings warmth and comfort to those who gather around it. Green is a reminder of life in the darkest months, representing growth even when all appears still. White stands for purity and new beginnings, while gold celebrates prosperity and abundance. Yarrow, mistletoe, barberry, holly, ivy, and rosemary are just some of the many herbs associated with Yule. And goddesses such as Frigga or Odin (from the Norse pantheon), Astarte (from the Canaanite pantheon), and Gaia (from the Greek pantheon) can provide additional guidance during these celebrations. Whether you understand these figures as actual personified beings, archetypal energies, or energies of mythology, their stories can be powerful to research and explore in conjunction with this point in the wheel of the year.
So let us all celebrate Yule: a time filled with magic and healing. Let us pay homage to the wheel of the year; let us listen closely to its ancient wisdom; let us embrace its power to connect us with something greater than ourselves. May our hearts be open and our minds keen as we move through each passing season – gaining insight into life’s mysteries along the way.
If you’re interested in embracing Yule through ritual, consider what aligns with your practice, such as connecting with lunar energy through symbolism, cooking or baking using ingredients that represent the season, or (my personal favorite) devoting time to creating magical decor or wards to your deity or spirit guide(s) of choice.
I love dedicating my energy to telling cosmic stories of the divine through my ceramic village displays because hiding things in plain sight to me fits with the lunar and new moon energy of the Yule season as we prepare for the coming winter months that symbolize the rebirth portion of the ever-rotating lifecycle and wheel of the year and light growing amongst the darkness.
No matter how we choose to honor Yule, its transformative energy encourages us to appreciate the dark seasons of our lives. Take a moment to fully immerse yourself in the spirit of the winter solstice – use meaningful decorations, burn herbs, or simply spend time cozying up indoors with a cup of wassail to truly feel connected with all that this powerful season has to give. May you experience warmth, joy, and release through your celebration of Yule!
The wheel of the year is integral to pagan traditions, helping us to recognize and pay respect to the ever-changing cycles that make up natural life. It also speaks of times when the veil between this world and others is thinnest, providing opportunities for ritual work, connection with spiritual entities, and amplifying magical energy.
It is at the peak of summer – when the days are the longest and lightest – that we celebrate Litha (also known as Midsummer). This holiday marks the midsummer solstice, a time of great abundance and increased magical energy. During this period, the sun is in its highest position in the sky and its effects can be seen all around us: ripening crops; busy bees gathering nectar; birds chirping away in their nests. All this bounty speaks of joyousness and fertility, enabling us to embrace the spirit of Litha fully.
The correct pronunciation of the pagan holiday Litha is “lee-tha” but it is also modernly accepted to pronounce the pagan holiday as “lie-thuh.” The name Litha comes from a Germanic word meaning “June” and is celebrated on the Summer Solstice, which falls in June or around the 21st of June every year.
At Litha, the veil between our realm and the otherworld is particularly thin. This makes it an ideal time to perform magical workings, prayer, and meditations, and connect with the spiritual realm and sources of divine wisdom. As we step into this time of abundant light, we are also invited to open up to a deeper understanding of our own magic. We can use Litha as a portal for tapping into our intuitive knowledge and unlocking new layers of spiritual insight. Through ritual practice, meditation, divination, or any other form of connection with Spirit that resonates with us, we can commune with the energies of this powerful season and gain access to its transformative potential.
Litha is a time to celebrate the growth and abundance of nature, and many ancient symbols are associated with this holiday. Traditional Litha colors include yellow, representing the sun’s energy and power; green, for the growing crops; and blue, for the sky’s openness. Herbs such as chamomile, daisy, lavender, rosemary, and mugwort can be used to honor the season. And goddesses such as Frigga or Freya (from the Norse pantheon) and Astarte (from the Canaanite pantheon) can provide additional guidance during these celebrations. Whether you understand these figures as actual personified beings, archetypal energies, or energies of mythology, their stories can be powerful to research and explore in conjunction with this point in the wheel of the year.
So let us all celebrate Litha: a time filled with magic, abundance, joy, and growth. Let us pay homage to the wheel of the year; let us listen closely to its ancient wisdom; let us embrace its power to connect us with something greater than ourselves. May our hearts be open and our minds keen as we move through each passing season – gaining insight into life’s mysteries along the way.
If you’re interested in embracing Litha through ritual, consider what aligns with your practice, such as connecting with solar and earth energy through gardening, cooking or baking using ingredients that represent solar energy, performing a powerful fire ritual, creating art using colors associated with the holiday, or (my personal favorite) devoting time harvesting fresh berries and vegetables to your deity or spirit guide(s) of choice.
I love dedicating my energy to harvesting because it’s symbolic of the ripening crops that have been provided to us by the earth as we prepare for the coming winter months that symbolize the death portion of the ever-rotating lifecycle and wheel of the year.
No matter how we choose to honor Litha, its transformative energy encourages us to appreciate the beauty of nature and all it brings into our lives. Take a moment to fully immerse yourself in the spirit of the summer solstice — use colorful decorations, burn herbs, or simply spend time outdoors to truly feel connected with all that this powerful season has to give. May you experience abundance, joy, and peace through your celebration of Litha!
