March Full Moon

Actually called "The Wind Moon" Now is the time to be realistic when making life decisions.

Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.

The earth awakens as the bonds of winter loosen. This windy month blows away the staleness of winter and with it we cast away the things we need to remove from our lives. Holding on to things that no longer belong in our lives can keep us from moving forward. Just as our homes need a spring-cleaning, so, too, do our emotional and spiritual lives.


The Witches Ladder

A witch's ladder is one of those things we sometimes hear about but rarely see, perhaps especially in the United States. Its purpose is similar to that of a rosary - it's basically a tool for meditation and ritual, or it may be imbued as a charm and used to bless or hex. Depending on the intentions of the Creator. Different colors are used as symbols for one's intent, as well as tokens (Runes, Bells, Feathers, Beads, Crystals, Buttons, Shells, etc.), as well as a varying number of knots.

At its heart though the Witches Ladder is Knot Magick and as such It may be used as a counting tool, because in some spell workings there is a need to repeat the working a particular number of times. You can use the ladder to keep track of your count, running the feathers, shells or beads along as you do so.

Once completed the ladder should be hung from the branch of a tree.

March New Moon

On the Celtic Tree Calendar this is the Ash Moon an excellent for making Talismans..

Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.

The Ash moon rolls in at the end of Winter.  In the Norse eddas, Yggdrasil, the world tree, was an Ash. The spear of Odin was made from the branch of this tree. This is one of three trees sacred to the Druids (Ash, Oak and Thorn), and this is a good month to do magic that focuses on the inner self. Associated with ocean rituals, magical potency, prophetic dreams and spiritual journeys, the Ash can be used for making magical (and mundane) tools -- these are said to be more productive than tools made from other wood. If you place Ash berries in a cradle, it protects the child from being taken away as a changeling by mischievous Fae. The Celts referred to this month as Nuin.

As the New Moon is its Dark phase preparing for growth so as an act of healing you are drawing into yourself, like taking Vitamins to insure future well being. Do workings related to improving yourself.

Five trees stood guard over Ireland, in mythology, and three were Ash. The Ash is often found growing near holy wells and sacred springs. Interestingly, it was also believed that crops that grew in the shadow of an Ash tree would be of an inferior quality.

Early in the season this is a great time to find those bits of old growth you may be able to utilize as a tool or talisman.


Protections

Words have power and by default so does each character, the Ogham for Ash is in itself a Protection.

You can also draw a single Ogham letter on a slip of paper and put it in a magick amulet or talisman.

Healing

The buds of the ash grow in a spiral formation symbolic of regeneration, healing, and rebirth. Therefore, an ash wand can be an important healing tool. To make a wand, search in spring until you find an “even ash,” or an ash tree with an even number of branches on each side. Cut a branch approximately twenty-four inches long, and say:

“Sacred ash, healing tree, give this magic wand to me.” 

Then pass the branch through a candle flame, sprinkle with water, and touch it to the earth, saying:

“Through fire, air, water, and earth, I consecrate this wand in the names of the Lord and Lady. Blessed be.”

Use the wand to channel power in healing spells and rites.  

Ostara

At Ostara, the Vernal Equinox, the light is equal to the darkness

March 21st, Ostara may have represented many complex, interrelated beliefs to our ancestors. The sun, or Maiden Goddess, was reborn from its winter banishment to thaw the earth, making it ready for the plow, or handfastings at Beltane. People felt reborn as well, escaping from close, snow-bound confinement into the new warmth. The Gods and Goddesses of fertility were active once again in the land, causing new growth everywhere. Ostara is the brightest and most joyful ceremony of the year. It is the time in which we celebrate the renewed presence of the Gods and Goddesses among us, and their marriages which ensure the fertility of the land.

Title the page, you can write it in English or Witches Alphabet. Spelling either Ostara or Ēostre can also be used. Whichever you prefer.

To start this page, draw an Egg or Flower.

We are not writing a Ritual, some things should be taught and not written down. But if you choose you can record a ritual after the rest.

For detailed information read here.

First and Foremost it is a feast and celebration


Make notes on your Altar, herbs you use. Deities.Incense recipe or Anointing oil.

For me the strongest connections to Ostara are Buttercups, Crocus, and sweets. But that won't be the same for everyone. Put some thought into it. Here is another post that is a great reference.

February Full Moon

Actually called "The Ice Moon" The time of growth and looking ahead towards the future.

Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.

The growing light gives us hope, but there are still hard days of winter ahead. Even with the icy grip still upon the world, you feel the life-force awakening and know that your life must begin to quicken. Many things can unfold this year, but which way should you go? This is the time of the “seer” within. This month is touched by the rowan and ash. The Rowan brings magic and the protection of Brigid. As the Goddess who governs crossroads, Brigid can see all possible paths for the traveler.


The Seers Moon

Fill a cauldron or a large iron pot full of fresh water. Add Buttercup and Marigold petals (Calendula). Light incense of Rowan Berries, Wormwood and Thyme. Stir the pot gently three times (deosil)  then float three red strings on the waters surface while saying:

"Into the threads of time I cast my thoughts
One to become the Veil..
To catch a glimpse of what has been...
Another to conjure the seeming
Bring into my mind what will be...
And Lastly for that which will never be..
Gods of the Silver Oracle Light
In this iron pond I part the veil
Know me...
Show me, show me..."