Candlemas, on Feb 2, celebrates the stirring of life and light after the long, cold, winter’s dark. Another name for the festival is Imbolc, a Celtic word that refers to Mother Earth’s womb and sheep’s milk. In Pagan tradition, fresh milk is poured onto the ground as a tribute to Mother Earth and to ritually request fertility for the coming season. Imbolc  was a great holy day honoring Brigid, the Goddess of fire, inspiration, poetry, smithcraft, and healing. For this reason, you can also start, bless and inspire new projects at Candlemas and do the new moon seed ritual. When the ground hog comes out of his hole after his winter’s hibernation, he looks around for sunlight; we, too, emerge from our own kind of hibernation and look for light. If we see our shadow however, perhaps we should examine and confront what is holding us back.

 Myrrh is a Goddess plant of the moon’s sphere, sacred to Isis. The exotic substance of myrrh possesses a rich bitter scent and has been used in magic and religion for more than 4,000 years. Burned as an incense myrrh purifies the aura, lifts the vibration and creates peace. Myrrh is also included in healing incense and sachets, and its smoked is used to consecrate, purify and bless objects such as amulets, talismans, charms, and magical tools. Rarely burned alone, myrrh is usually burned in conjunction with frankincense or other resins because it increases the power of any incense to which it is added. Inhale the fragrance of myrrh essential oil or crushed resin to awaken your awareness of spirituality and your ability to visualize. This is an excellent tool to use prior to or during religious rites. The resultant expanded awareness also calms fears and halts questions regarding the future. Myrrh also enhances meditation and contemplation. Myrrh oil, resin and incense are available at Angel Light Books and Gifts.
Mention this newsletter special and receive a free stick of myrrh incense.

The birthstone for the month of February is amethyst. February is the birth month for Aquarius and Pisces. The astrological stone for Aquarius is aquamarine mentioned in January’s newsletter and for Pisces it is amethyst. Pisces is the sign for spirituality, mysticism and psychic ability. The visionary of the zodiac, they are also the artists, poets and dreamers. Amethyst is an excellent stone to deepen one’s meditation and enhance one’s psychic ability. Its iridescent purple color opens up the higher channels and connects one to the spiritual realm. Amethyst is also known as the stone of sobriety. In Ancient Greece wine goblets were made out of amethyst because it was thought to guard against drunkenness. Pisces are renown for using chemical substance to reach an altered state as a form of escapism. Amethyst is an excellent stone to attain a divine state in a natural way without the abuse of drugs or alcohol. It counters addictive behavior and thought patterns by building a cocoon of light around one’s aura, creating a powerful resonant field that helps one remain clear and centered while staying open to spiritual direction and intuitive information. Mention this newsletter and receive a free tumbled amethyst with the purchase of $10.00 or more. For Aquarians born in February receive a free aquamarine and for Pisces receive a free tumbled amethyst compliments of Angel Light Books and Gifts.

Flower Essences are subtle liquids extracts, generally taken in oral form, which are used to address profound issues of emotional well-being, soul development and mind-body health. Used in holistic healing practices for more than 70 years, flower essences can be safely utilized by adults, children, animals and even plants. Heather is for people who are caught up with themselves, are poor listeners and do not like to be alone. They fear loneliness, and because of this will tell anyone they meet about their troubles, in an effort to keep an audience. Because they like the sound of their own voice they will constantly bring the conversation back to their own problems, ailments, worries…..  They can be tiring and draining people. Taking three drops of Heather three times a day helps us to look after ourselves without being obsessed with our needs, making it possible to experience the wider love and companionable nurturing that comes from consideration and sharing with other people. Heather can be given to animals that hate to be left alone, who suffer from separation anxiety. These animals tend to be quite vocal and may whine and cry a lot if left alone. Putting three drops of Heather in their drinking water will help them become more relaxed with themselves and actually learn to enjoy spending time alone. Heather flower essence as well as 60 other essences are available for $9.95 at Angel Light Books and Gifts.