Brigid, Our Patron Goddess

 

 

Beloved Brigid, Celtic Fire Goddess

-A testimony

Brigid is the powerful Celtic Goddess of fire I will tell you how it is I came to know her by fire, twice!

It was Imbolc and our coven was meeting on Saturday evening to honor the chosen Goddess Frigga since the following day we were holding a separate Goddess Temple service to honor Brigid and the Sabbat. 

Since it was February and close to Valentines Day we chose Frigga instead of the first thought of Aphrodite or Venus as our symbol of Love.

We adorned the altar with red white and pink candles, cloth and figurines’.

We placed a picture of Frigga on the altar and then went into the other room to get our coven together.

While we were “checking in” with each other the smell of smoke was wafting through the rooms to us. We ran into the other room to find flames and smoke so thick you could not tell the ceiling form the floor.

We all pulled together and ran in and out of the room extinguishing the fire and trying to get the smoke outside

The fire was contained to just the altar table and the carpet under it. Everything was burned or melted on the table, everything but the piece of paper we had printed out the picture of Frigga on and set in the middle of the table! Yes, a plain piece of paper sat in the middle of the altar engulfed in flames and did not have a single mark on it.

After everyone was calm and the room was smoke free we sat and determined that Brigid did not like us honoring another Goddess on her day and she left the picture unharmed as her note to us. The room was cleansed by fire and the day will forever be known as Brigid’s day and none others.

The next day at our Sabbat service we had a fire roaring in the fireplace and many pictures were taken. When I was putting the pictures from the day online I noticed in the pictures of the hearth and fire there was an image! There is an unmistakable image of Brigid in the flames wearing a crown/veil and all!

She had come to be there with us that Imbolc day as we honored her properly. I had never felt so moved in my whole life and so sure that the Gods/Goddess’ are here with us everyday and that they are always with us when we call upon them.

I still have and will forever hold dear to my heart the photo of Frigga with a small splatter of candle wax as the only mark of the fire and the picture of Brigid in her Imbolc flames. Brigid holds a very special place in my heart now and forever.

 

 

Goddess Card July 9th

Goddess Sekhmet – Be Strong- You are stronger than you think you are and your strength assures a happy outcome. See yourself as strong and victorious. You are the embodiment of strength. Being strong means seeing yourself in the most favorable light you can imagine!

 

See the strength that is truly inside of you. Call on the Goddess Sekhmet to help you find and use your inner strength. Spend time today seeing the strength that you have inside. Realize that you are string independent and hold the power to make your life what you want it to be.

 

Light a white candle and ask Sekmet to come to you and show you the depth of your strength. Bring the inner light of peace to your core and see your strength surround you. Take the feeling and use it to take the steps along the path in your life to better yourself today!

 

May the love of the Goddess be with you!!!!

Goddess Card July 8th

Goddess Mawu - Mother Earth- You are called upon to help with environmentalism. There is no greater cause today than giving back to your mother, and rekindling a friendship with the soil, air and water. The earth is a life force that we need to respect and take care of.

 

Mother Earth is very important to our own existence. The planet provides us with so much, it is only right that we should protect her and give back. No matter how big or small your contribution to her, she will appreciate it and treat us with kindness in return. I think the Indians had it right, they respected the earth and all of the bounty that she gives. They understand just how precious mother earth is for us all!!  Send loving healing energy to her, recycle, plant trees and flowers, clean up the park. There are many ways we can love the place that we are so lucky to live on!! People don’t take the time to appreciate her beauty. Just look at the sunsets, clouds, rainbows, mountains, oceans, lakes, and all of her beautiful landscapes. Stop to actually look at the amazing snow that is falling to the ground each flake comes down in its on miraculous little patterns. Actually watch a flower open and or bloom. See the cycles of her seasons and truly marvel at her wonder.

 

Take the time to send her love today and thank her for all the things she has provided you in this life so far!

 

May the love of the Goddess be with you always!!!!!!!

Goddess Card July 7th

 

Goddess Abundantia – Prosperity- The universe is pouring its abundance out to you. Be open to receiving it! Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. You are very powerful. Abundantia is pouring her cornucopia of prosperity upon you now, so expect unforeseen windfalls and gifts.

 

Sit with a green candle, think of yourself and see the abundance come into your life. You already have it. Ask the Goddess Abundanita to come in. Dance with her, offer her something wonderful to drink and then do an abundance dance with her. Turn on music that makes your soul sing. Then keep a special place in your house dedicated to her. Fill that  corner or place with flowers, coins, crystals all as gifts for her help. See the prosperity come flying into your life. Thank Abundanita and dance with her often.

 

May the love of the Goddess be with you!!!!

Goddess Card July 6th

Goddess Sulis – Bodies of Water – Spend time near water, such as a lake, river, ocean, to recharge your batteries. Water’s creative effects are well known and documented. Since the entire human body is made up of mostly water , this makes sense. Water’s effects are amplified when you use it with your thoughts, prayers and magical intentions.

  

Water is very powerful. Don’t we all get really great thoughts or ideas when we are in the shower or tub? Of course we do!!! Water makes us relax and allow things to flow. So recharge your batteries today!!! Take a nice long hot shower or bath. Go sit by the lake in a nice warm coat or blanket. It is right in our back yards!!! How lucky are we!!!!

 

Come in to Goddess Blessed and buy your magical bath potions and salts. Kathy has some new magical bath  bomb fizzes, and she has a few of her own ritual bath salts she makes from scratch. We Just made Sea Witch Bath Salts!!!

May the love of the Goddess be with you!!!!!!

An Herbal Column By– Miss Jess

This time of year, we tend to get some sneezing and sniffling, not from a cold, but the dreaded allergies.  Yes, dear reader, allergy season has begun.  This year, try these remedies for whatever ails you.
First and foremost, be sure to have Echinacea on hand.  This herb helps produce white blood cells, and can help treat any number of infections.  Also take vitamin C and magnesium.  these two act as natural antihistamines, relieving symptoms of as allergic reaction.  I would recommend 500 mg twice daily, or you could make a tea of stinging nettle, an excellent source of Vitamin C.
Both yarrow and chamomile are strong anti-inflammatories.  A tea, drunk 3 times daily, can inhibit the body’s production of histamines. 
Yarrow and red clover, used in a compress form, help to sooth the flare up of eczema.  i also use this remedy for hives. 
Licorice contains a lot of glycyrrhizin, which acts similarly to the steroid cortisone.  Along with marshmallow, these act as expectorants and can help treat asthma and infections of the chest.
Lemon balm is a wonderful decongestant, is antimicrobial, and provides asthma relief.  Plus, it has a nice flavor, making it perfect for tea.  I make an immune boosting, allergy fighting tea from chamomile, Echinacea, lemon balm and mint.  simple, yet effective.
Hope these tips help you do battle with your seasonal ailments this year.

Paradise Emerald, Jewel Of Venus By: Aphrodite Lorelei

I am the royal gem of deep love, essence of dreams, heart balm of heavenly lush garden paradise of Empress Venus.

Aphrodite’s ecstasy of fertile aquamarine oceans.

Regal, glorious, I am the holy grail, and the jewel of King Solomon and the beloved of God Horus, “Prince of Emeralds”

I am the wealth of Moguls, the Golden Incas, Glory of Enchantment of ancient Egypt.

Temptress Goddess Taurus By : Aphrodite Lorelei

I am the beautiful sensuous Goddess Taurus, the heart of artistic beauty, ecstasy of love.

Heavenly luxurious, I am the Golden romantic Goddess Venus, sparkled of emeralds, pearls, liquid amber: the pearly gates of Aphrodite’s ruby dazzled heart of Paradise, Pasiphae’s cups of desire, The creamy ocean of full moon lapis bulls, siren empress radiance heavens.

I love you.

-Aphrodite

Goddess Card July 5th!

 

Goddess Oonagh – Easy Does It – There is no need to hurry or force things to happen, Everything is occurring in perfect timing. Long time relationships take time. this level of devotion comes from a place of deep loving and concern.   Reach out and take action so that loved ones know that you deeply care about them.

 

Everything has natural rhythms and cycles. We can’t always pick the pace of things. But we can be sure to let those we care about them that we truly do. As the old saying goes “Actions DO speak louder than words.”  I know that it means something when you say you care for someone, but it means soooo much more when you show them. Take your time and think of a way to truly let those you love know that you love them.

 

May the love of the Goddess be with you all today!!!!!

Goddess Card July 4th

Ishtar …… She’s been worshipped and invoked since ancient Babylonian times as the embodiment of Venus’s womanly energy.  Ishtar represents the Divine Feminine in all of her aspects, including nurturing, mothering, sensuality, fertility, healing, protection and wisdom.  

  

 As a multidimensional goddess, Ishtar doesn’t tire of helping the men and women who call upon her for assistance.so, the message for today (and I am struck yet again by the synchronicity of all of it) is:

“love yourself enough to say no to others’ demands on your time and energy.”

“a sincere desire to give of service is wonderful.  however, there’s a distinction between giving of yourself and giving up yourself.  if you feel tired, guilty, or resentful while helping others, then you’re not truly helping them, are you?……………..Step back and reassess the situation.  as you respect your own boundaries, others will begin to recognize and respect them within you. and within themselves as well……..

 

So for today since it is the 4th of July. I guess this card is telling us to not let things pressure us into things we do not want to do today. Enjoy your day and have fun. Be safe and don’t allow others who maybe be up for crazy fun impact your life in the wrong way today!! (so when that friend of yours is like hey lets drink some beer and shoot off some fire works maybe for today it is better to be like NO!)

Be safe and have a WONDERFUL 4th of July everyone!!!!!!!!!!

Blackened Tofu – By Miss Jess

Blackened Tofu
serves 4-6

2 1-lb blocks firm tofu             

 3/4 tsp ground white pepper salt                        

 3/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp sweet paprika                     

1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp onion powder                    

1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp garlic powder  

6 to 8 tbsp butter, melted
1/2 to 1 tsp cayenne (to taste)
Cut tofu into slabs, 1/2″ thick and set on paper towels to drain for at least 30 minutes.  Mix 2 1/2 tbsp slat and the spices and herbs in a bowl.  Brush each piece of tofu with melted butter, then dredge with the spice mixture, patting it firmly into tofu.
Heat a cast iron skillet on the stove or a covered gas grill until it’s white-hot, about 15minutes.  Pour i tsp butter onto each piece, then place, buttered side down on skillet or grill.  Wait two minutes, then turn over and repeat.  Remove to platter and finish cooking remaining pieces.

Serve with coleslaw