Moonrise Herbs Blog — #pagan

As we stretch our way toward midwinter...the point in the Wheel of the Year that marks a time of renewal for many cultures and (here in the Northern Hemisphere) we feel the first fertile stirrings of growth within the earth.   The pagan sabbat Imbolc (pronounced EE-MOLG, meaning "in the belly") is, like so many other festivals from nature-based spirituality: a rejoicing in the return light/sun/flame that is so dear to us as a human species.  It is also a time to celebrate this first emergence of the green things, the animal young, and the coming abundance of nature after a long, cold winter....

The Solstice is nearly upon us and it's the perfect time to create your own Yule Log!  This ancient pagan European tradition that combines representations of the God and Goddess and the celebration and return of the Sun....and they are so easy to make! In the Celtic tradition, they would use a log of oak as a representation of the Horned God but feel free to use the type of wood that speaks to you! Here are a few of the traditional correspondences from Earth Witchery: Ash -- brings protection, prosperity, and health Aspen -- invokes understanding of the grand design Birch -- signifies new beginnings...