The Breasts of Saint Agatha

These baked “breasts” are one of many different versions of pastries made in honor of St. Agatha, the patron saint for breast cancer. St. Agatha was tortured and martyred in 251 A.D. In addition to many other tortures, her were breasts cut off. In Catania, Sicily, and other places around the world, her feast day is celebrated with masses in her honor, large processions and symbolic foods, such as le minni di Sant’Agata  (breasts of St. Agatha) or le minni di virgini  (breasts of the virgin).

Traditionally, the breasts of Saint Agatha pastries consist of a delicate outer layer of pasta frolla (shortbread dough) in the shape of a breast, stuffed with custard, zuccata, chopped almond or pistachio, covered with pink icing and topped with a half candied cherry; another version is filled with ricotta and covered with white icing and topped with a chocolate chip.

Personally, I prefer an unfrosted version (shown above) as it looks more realistic. My daughter and I actually made these, and they were delicious! We couldn't decide which filling was better, so I've included both recipes....

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

Saint Agatha's Day

Themes: Health; Well-Being; Protection
Symbols: Any Health-related Items
Presiding Goddess: Saint Agatha

About Agatha: Saint Agatha was a third century Italian martyr who now presides over matters of health and protects homes from fire damage. Many nurses and healers turn to her for assistance in their work. While this saint was a historical persona (not simply a rewritten goddess figure), she certainly embodies the healthy guardian energies of the goddess....

... I am so sorry, but this post has been combined with another and moved to my new website, The Pagan Calendar. It can be found in its entirety here: Saint Agatha's Day

King Frost Day

The Celtic calendar denotes today (February 4) as King Frost Day. This old English festival is designed to fight the boredom of winter with a celebration asking for a quick arrival of spring.

In London, a fair was held to honor King Frost Day. People would gather at the river Thames, which was completely frozen over, to petition the King of the Frost to bring on Spring. This annual celebration understandably came to an abrupt end during...

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The Story of King Frost

A story by Andrew Lang from The Yellow Fairy Book

There was once upon a time a peasant-woman who had a daughter and a step-daughter. The daughter had her own way in everything, and whatever she did was right in her mother's eyes; but the poor step-daughter had a hard time. Let her do what she would, she was always blamed, and got small thanks for all the trouble she took; nothing was right, everything wrong; and yet, if the truth were known, the girl was worth her weight in gold--she was so unselfish and good-hearted.

But her step-mother did not like her, and the poor girl's days were spent in weeping; for it was impossible to live peacefully with the woman. The wicked shrew was determined to get rid of the girl by fair means or foul, and kept saying to her father: 'Send her away, old man; send her away--anywhere so that my eyes sha'n't be plagued any longer by the sight of her, or my ears tormented by the sound of her voice....

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

Planting Magical Beans

Here is a great idea for spell work involving beans. You will need three dried beans large enough to write on, and a fine point indelible marker. Write directly on each bean what it is that you want to grow, cultivate, and harvest in your life. This could be money, love, soul mate, happiness, peace, joy, confidence, etc. Each bean can have the same word (symbols are also fine) or you can write three different words on the same subject. For example: money, $$$ (dollar signs), paychecks....

... 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: Planting Magickal Beans

Magick Money Bean Bag

For this spell you will need to collect seven different types of money. For example: one of each of the following: penny, nickle, dime, quarter, fifty cent piece, dollar bill, and five dollar bill.

Next, collect seven different types of beans. For example: one each of the following: kidney bean, lima bean, black-eyed pea, garbanzo bean, soy bean, pinto bean, lentil....

... 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: Magick Money Bean Bag

Bean Throwing Day

Themes: Luck; Protection; Cycles; Happiness

Symbols: A Snowflake; Beans 

Color: White

Presiding Goddess: Shirata

About Shirata: This Japanese goddess embodies the first snow, where she glistens and shines with incomparable beauty until she freely and joyfully gives herself to spring's warmth and melts away...

... I am so sorry, but this post has been combined with another and moved to my new website, The Pagan Calendar. You can find it here: Setsubun 

Burning the Hom Strom

 The “L’Hom Strom” festival takes place on the first Saturday in February every year the small community of Scuol in canton Graubünden, (in Switzerland close to the borders of both Austria and Italy).  The "hom strom" is the famous "Straw Man of Scuol," a large dummy.that is set alight.

On the first Saturday in February, young men crack whips to assemble the population, and the youths of Scuol, then go from farm to farm collecting straw which has been hand-threshed and especially prepared for this purpose....

... I am so sorry, but this post has been moved to my new website, The Pagan Calendar, and can be found in its entirety here: Burning the Hom Strom

Imbolc Magicks Rituals and Lore

This page serves as a jumping off point for all the posts related to Imbolc here on Gypsy Magic. Because Imbolc is intimately associated with Candlemas and the Festival of Brigid, those links are listed here as well.

About Imbolc:

• The Story of Imbolc
• Traditions and Symbols of Imbolc
• Correspondences for Imbolc

Rituals and magicks for Imbolc:

• Activities for Imbolc
• A Spell for Imbolc
• Imbolg Eve
• Imbolg - A New Beginning
• Making Brigid's Bed
• Milk Magick
• Other Ways of Making Imbolc
• Simple Imbolc Celebration
• Weather Divinations for Imbolc

The Goddess Brigid and Candlemas:

• Brigid's Day
• Candlemas
• The Celtic Goddess Brighid
• The Goddess Brigid

Incense, Potpourri, etc::

• Candlemas Ritual Potpourri
• Imbolc Incense
• Imbolc Soap

Recipes:

• Crescent Cakes for Imbolc

For Imbolc magicks, lore, and rituals that may have posted after this one, visit this link: Imbolc.

How To Make Soy Candles At Home

 Here are two videos that teach you how to make your own soy candles at home. It's easy, environmentally sustainable and saves money. Makes a great gift or a wonderful addition to your home.