Mean Earraigh - Vernal Equinox

And frosts are slain and flowers begotten, 

And in green underworld and cover 
blossom by blossom the spring begins. 

~Algernon Charles Swinburne

Méan Earraigh marks the spring (or vernal) equinox, when night and day are of equal length and spring officially begins. Birds begin their nesting and egg-laying, and eggs--symbolic of rebirth, fertility, and immortality--are tossed into fresh furrows or eaten by ploughmen. They are also carried by those engaged in spring planting....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Pagan Calendar, and can be found in its entirety here:  Méan Earraigh - Vernal Equinox

Isis Psychic Power Powder

To tap into the essence of the Mistress of Magick, blend powdered orris root, sweet flag (calamus) and ground myrrh. Add the herbs to a base of rice flour or powder and sprinkle on yourself for added psychic power.

More Psychic Power and other Magickal formulas can be found on my new website, The Magickal Apothecary.

The Cycle of Nature

"In the cycle of nature there is no such thing as victory or defeat: there is only movement. The winter struggles to reign supreme, but, in the end, is obliged to accept spring’s victory, which brings with it flowers and happiness. The summer would like to make its warm days last for ever, because it believes that warmth is good for the earth, but, finally, it has to accept the arrival of autumn, which will allow the earth to rest. The gazelle eats the grass and is devoured by the lion. It isn't a matter of who is the strongest, but God’s way of showing us the cycle of death and resurrection....

... I am so sorry, but this post has  been moved to my new website, Widdershins, and can be found in its entirety here: The Cycle of Nature.

Damballah's Day

Other names: Damballah Weddo, Da, Papa Damballa, Obatala
Holiday: March 17 (St. Patrick's Day)

Once upon a time, there was only Damballah. He lay beneath Earth, a great snake, cushioning and protecting it from falling into the watery abyss below. Although he lay still for a long time, eventually he had to move. His movements raised mountains and created valleys. Stars were shaken up into the sky. Sacred waters were released, forming oceans, rivers, springs and streams. The first rain began to fall, and Aido-Hwedo, in the guise of the first rainbow, appeared. Damballah and Aido-Hwedo fell in love...

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been divided and moved. It can be found at my new website, Pagan Calendar with a short explanation of Damballah's Day, and also on The Powers That Be for a more in depth look at the Great Snake: Damballah

Have A Bloody Ceasar

In Canada, the Ides of March (March 15)  is celebrated with the drinking of Bloody Caesars. Here's a recipe:

• 6 oz. Clamato Juice
• 1–1½ oz. Vodka
• 2 Dashes hot sauce...

... I'm so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been combined with more information on the Ides of March, and has been moved to my new website, Pagan Calendar, it be found in its entirety here: Ides of March

The Ides Of March

The Ides of March is the name of the 15th day of March in the Roman calendar.

The word Ides comes from the Latin word "idus", a word that was used widely in the Roman calendar indicating the approximate day that was the middle of the month. The term ides was used for the 15th day of the months of March, May, July, and October, and the 13th day of the other months. The Ides of March was a festive day dedicated to the god Mars and a military parade was usually held....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Pagan Calendar, and can be found in its entirety here: The Ides of March

Ritual to Ward Off Poverty

To do this ritual, you will need a green taper candle, mint or honeysuckle oil, and some play money. Choose the largest denomination of play money you can get.

Two days before the Full Moon (March 27 in 2013), take the green candle to your altar or spiritual workplace. Carve several dollar signs into the candle, thinking of a more prosperous life as you do so. Anoint the candle with the essential oil by rubbing it from the wick down to the end. Place it in a fireproof holder and set it in the middle of your altar. Light the candle....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Book of Shadows, and can be found in its entirety here: Ritual To Ward Off Poverty

Feast of Purification

Today date marks the Balinese feast of purification , the time of the year when the lord of hell cleans out his underworld lair, and all manner of demons and evil spirits are left to roam Bali free . During this time....when evil is afoot......the natives go to elaborate lengths to purify both their individual homes as well as the island . No corner or stone is left untouched as rites of purification and spells for protection are recounted .

If you'd like to honor this tradition, here is a simple house cleansing ritual from The Real Witches' Year:

You will need a broom, some sea water, or rain water with some sea salt dissolved in it, and an Asperger (optional). Open all the windows and doors in your house and starting from the center sweep the whole house....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Pagan Calendar, and can be found in its entirety here: Feast of Purification

New Moon Wart Cure

To get rid of wards, take a slice of apple. 

While looking at the New Moon, 

rub the flesh side of the apple against your wart and say:

What I see is growing

What I rub is going.

Bury the piece of apple or throw it away. As it rots, the wart will disappear.

Find more remedies and cures at my new website, Folk Medicine Remedies and Cures

Classic Krasnye Blini

Blins or blini were symbolically considered by early Slavic peoples in pre-Christian times as a symbol of the sun, due to their round form. They were traditionally prepared at the end of winter to honor the rebirth of the new sun. This tradition was adopted by the Orthodox church (Shrovetide, Butter Week, or Maslenitsa) and is carried on to the present day. Blini were also served at wakes to commemorate the recently deceased.

Traditional Russian blini are made with yeasted batter, which is left to rise and then diluted with cold or boiling water or milk. When diluted with boiling water, they are referred to as zavarniye blini. The blini are then baked in a traditional Russian oven. The process of cooking blini is still referred to as baking in Russian, even though these days they are almost universally pan-fried, like pancakes....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Pagan Calendar, and can be found in its entirety here: Classic Krasnye Blini.