This particular Imbolc is extra special.. because the currently retrograding planet Venus – symbol of the Goddess – has become stationary..and is about to go direct.. on the eve of Imbolc! It’s a case of ..(for once) the Heavenly objects following the earthly festivals that humans have created..! It is perfect for doing a spot of magic!!
31st of January has always been special – it’s Imbolc – one of the 8 pagan festivals ! Pagans consider it a time when the Goddess – who has been withdrawn and in magical dreaming time during winter.. in some deep caverns under ground..returns to the surface.. The sprouting of Snowdrops ..first plant to do so after snow..symbolises the first sign of life returning to the land.
Spring & Autumn equinoxes, and Summer/ Winter Solstices are celebrated on fixed points.. when the Sun reaches certain points.. So those 4 festivals are governed by the stellar objects.. but Imbolc, Beltane, Lammas & Samhain are thus far arbitrarily celebrated..on a human based calendar dates..(31st January, 1st May, 31st July & 31st October).. except..this time, Venus direct date happens to coincide with Imbolc..which has to do with the Goddess returning.. (well, a planet going direct..is astrologically akin to energies of that planet positively enhancing all of us!)
Bit on the astrology – Venus rules Libra & Taurus…so these sun-signs are going to feel a big difference in the coming weeks..(if they have been feeling hard done by for the past month or so). And as Venus goes direct in Capricorn, that sihn also stands to feel a positive shift..!
But it bodes well for all of us!! (Or I will not be writing this good news!) 🙂
So .. what can you do…spiritually ..and magically at Imbolc?
What you have always done at Imbolc.. celebrate the return of the Goddess.. for this time..it really is!
And if you have been having a tough time of life lately.. you are now best placed to do some highly positive sympathetic magic.. !
Traditionally, at Imbolc, the virgin Goddess Bride (Bridget) brings with her 3 gifts of the flame., spark of inspiration, spark of healing and spark of smithcraft.! Knot magic is often used..
Here’s what I suggest.. do some magic.. for any or all of those areas in your life.. creativity, romance, healing.. Do magic for wealth, if that’s what you seek, for beauty to enter your life, for love that makes your soul sing to come in.. The energies are perfect for it.. Do magic with candles.. or knots! Or even images!!
I warn you though.. the time leading upto it may be overshadowed by that other stressful aspect – intense – obsessive- the pluto-opposition to Jupiter . That may make your heart and mind wander astray ..and push you into focusing on other primal or animalistic quests of power and such.. (sex even!) Battle those urges.. for if you give into those, you miss a golden opportunity..to seek the blessings of Bride..the Goddess with the Golden hair!
Bright Blessings of Imbolc
-Mani Navasothy
(Wiccan High Priest, London)
my links
Wicca & Witchcraft website – for articles, videos, courses & rituals
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QuantumPhoenix 
i have many enemies and jealous people in business. I do not consider them as my enemies but still they keep working behind the screen. I need more power to destroy them and hence looking for the right deity to help me like an angel of protection, wealth and love. Could you suggest any goddess and right rituals please …
Hi Deepak, I would not go as far as to suggest `destroying enemies’ – but having the protection and power of our gods & goddesses will certainly be good for our own families, business, communities and so on.. ! I am a firm believer in the idea that our own innocence and pure of heart gives us a big amount of natural protection… but if others are actively working some sort of magic or spells to affect your business etc ..then yes, it will be good for you to seek some equally magical help in creating some `active’ protection.. I am currently writing a book on some easy steps for people to do this.. But it won;t be published for a few more months.. best wishes. mani