Labyrinth - The Premiere Issue
A Mystical Journal from The Bell and Raven
Issue 1 | February 9, 2024
February: Finding Our Path
Welcome to Labyrinth, the official journal for The Bell and Raven community!
In each edition of Labyrinth, you can look forward to a variety of insights and tools: from unwrapping the current planetary energy and how it may affect us, to simple tips for magical practices, to traditions and recipes that tie into each season’s sacred magick.
Whether you are just starting out on your spiritual journey or are a more seasoned practitioner, we hope the content within Labyrinth will help to energize you as you progress along your metaphysical path.
For those who wish for an even deeper dive and a more personal approach along their journey of metaphysical discovery and spiritual exploration, we encourage you to check out the article in this issue about Sacred Pathways , our exclusive circle for individuals who are looking to connect with a community of supportive and nurturing like-minded individuals.
As always, be sure to check out our upcoming events at The Bell and Raven to help strengthen your connection to your own unique magick.
Magickal Practices: February’s Tip
Cleansing Ritual for Unblocking Your Energy and Forward Momentum
Materials Needed:
A white candle
A small dish of white salt (preferably sea salt)
Steps:
Preparation: Find a quiet space and sit comfortably. Take deep, cleansing breaths, envisioning any tension leaving your body and mind with each exhale.
Candle Lighting: Light the white candle, focusing on its pure, cleansing energy. Imagine it illuminating your space and dispelling any negativity.
Salt Cleansing: Take a small pinch of salt and rub it between your fingers. Close your eyes and visualize the salt absorbing any negative energy within you.
Self-Cleansing: Gently sweep your salted fingers through the air from your head down to your feet, visualizing the salt cleansing your energy field.
Intentions: Set a positive intention for the month of February, such as love, growth, or renewal. Speak it aloud or in your mind. Visualize becoming the embodiment of this intention.
Closing: Extinguish the candle, thanking it for its cleansing energy.
This simple but meaningful ritual allows you to refresh your energy and align with the “out with the old” energy that February nurtures.
February's Spiritual Triad: Crystals, Herbs, and Deities
February brings us closer to the cusp of winter's end and the promise of spring's renewal. Let’s explore several crystals, herbs, and deities associated with February, along with methods to harness their energies as we prepare for the rebirth of the spring season.
Crystals for February
Clear Quartz: Clear quartz is a versatile crystal that amplifies the energies of other stones. It also symbolizes clarity and purity, making it ideal for the cleansing and renewal associated with this time of year.
Amethyst: Known as the "stone of spiritual growth," amethyst is a powerful crystal for enhancing intuition and psychic abilities. It is also known as the ultimate healing stone, aiding in calming us during times of mental, physical, or emotional upheaval. It resonates strongly with the energies of February, promoting healing, inner peace, clarity, and connection with higher realms. Meditating with amethyst can help you tap into your inner wisdom during the introspective winter months.
Bloodstone: Bloodstone is known for its grounding and revitalizing properties. In magickal practices, it can be used to boost self-esteem, enhance vitality, and promote inner strength. Bloodstone can also help release emotional blockages and encourage positive transformation, which aligns with the spirit of February as we begin the transition from winter to spring.
Herbs for February
Rosemary: Rosemary is an herb with strong protective and purifying qualities. It is often used to dispel negative energies and invite blessings into your home. Its fragrant aroma can uplift your spirit and enhance your clarity.
Lavender: Lavender is associated with peace, tranquility, and healing. Burning lavender incense, taking a lavender-infused bath, or using lavender essential oil can help you create a peaceful and sacred space. It also aids in promoting restful sleep and sweet dreams.
Chamomile: Chamomile is known for its calming and soothing properties. It is perfect for rituals focused on self-care, relaxation, and inner reflection. A cup of chamomile tea can help you attune to the gentle, inward energies of this season and promote a sense of inner peace. It is also believed to help invite prosperity and creative energies into our lives.
Deities for February:
· Brigid:
Tradition: Celtic Paganism (particularly in the Celtic lands of Ireland and Scotland).
Association with February: Brigid is closely associated with the festival of Imbolc, which marks the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox and celebrates the increasing light and the first signs of spring. Brigid is honored as the goddess of fire, inspiration, healing, and fertility. She represents the returning warmth and the growth of the earth.
Why: Brigid's connection to February aligns with her role as a guardian of the hearth and the protector of the home. She is also revered as a goddess of creativity, poetry, and craftsmanship, making her a perfect deity to call upon during this time of new beginnings and inspiration.
Skadi (Skaði):
Tradition: Norse Paganism (particularly within the Norse/Germanic traditions).
Association with February: Skadi is a Norse goddess associated with winter, mountains, and hunting. She is often depicted as a frost giantess and is believed to bring the cold and snowy aspects of winter. February is still firmly within the winter season in many parts of the world, and Skadi's influence over the harsh and snowy conditions can be invoked during this time.
Why: Skadi's connection to winter makes her a fitting deity to honor during February when the cold and wintry landscapes dominate. She can be called upon for strength, endurance, and resilience during the final stretch of winter.
Eir:
Tradition: Norse Paganism (particularly in the Viking and Germanic traditions).
Association with February: While Norse mythology does not have a specific deity associated with February, Eir, a Norse goddess of healing and medicine, can be invoked during this month. February can be a time when colds and illnesses are prevalent, and Eir's expertise in healing makes her a relevant deity to seek assistance from during times of sickness.
Why: Eir is a compassionate and skilled healer in Norse mythology, known for her ability to mend wounds and alleviate suffering. Her presence can bring comfort and aid to those in need of healing, making her a valuable deity to connect with during the winter months.
Raven’s Recipe Corner
Our February recipe is Braided Brigid's Bread. This bread, shaped into a braid, symbolizes the Celtic goddess Brigid, known for her association with home, hearth, and craftsmanship, and often depicted with beautiful, braided hair. The process of making bread from scratch and the act of braiding it can be a meditative and spiritual activity, as well as a way to pay homage to Brigid, thanking her for tending to the seeds that are beginning to stir within Mother Earth.
Moreover, bread as a staple food represents nourishment and the return of abundance as spring approaches, aligning well with the themes of renewal, preparation for new beginnings, and the nurturing of potential. Enjoying this bread is a way to connect with the cycles of nature and the ancient traditions associated with this time of the year.
Braided Brigid's Sweet Bread
Ingredients
2 tbsp yeast
1 cup water
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup canola oil
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour*
1 egg, well-beaten with 1 tbsp water
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp sugar-in-the-raw (course natural turbinado sugar)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Add yeast; let stand for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add the oil, egg, salt, and gradually add enough flour to form a soft dough.* Knead for 5 minutes.
3. Form dough into a smooth ball. Keeping the dough in the bowl, spray with non-stick spray and cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place for 15-20 minutes.
4. Punch down dough. Knead for 1 minute, then divide the dough into 3 same sized portions.
5. Roll each out into long strands and set them up on the counter, side by side.
6. Braid the three strands of dough together and then pinch together each end and tuck the ends under the loaf. Carefully place the loaf on the parchment paper lined baking sheet.
7. Stir the honey into the beaten egg/water mixture. Brush the loaf thoroughly with this mixture, and then sprinkle with the coarse natural sugar.
8. Let the loaf sit while the oven is preheating to 350 degrees F, or about 10 minutes.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until outside is golden brown and internal temperature of loaf registers 195-200 degrees F. Let cool. Enjoy!
*Note: You may not need the entire quantity of flour specified. Do not add flour all at once – the amount of flour needed for any bread recipe can depend on quite a few variables. Aim for a soft dough that’s not too sticky and not overly dry/floury. The key is to add the flour a bit at a time. The consistency of the dough will also change a bit after kneading.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Rising Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: One braided loaf
Celestial Insights for February: Here Comes the Momentum!
After a teetering and somewhat scattered January, it’s now time to act! All those messages of self-doubt with which our conscious minds try to bombard us are now going to take a back seat to the driving force of authentic, empowered, innovative Aquarian energy. Then, as Aquarius relinquishes its stronghold to the ethereal, dreamy qualities of Pisces later in the month, we’ll be perfectly poised to harness the power of forward momentum while attuning to our grandest dreams.
February 9: New Moon in Aquarius
This new moon encourages you to explore new ideas, embrace cutting-edge concepts, and seek unconventional solutions to problems. It's an excellent time for brainstorming, planning, and launching innovative projects. The time is also perfect to connect with like-minded individuals who share your social or humanitarian values, collaborating on group projects, or supporting causes you are passionate about. While setting intentions during this new moon, however, it's essential to strike a balance between logic and emotions. Focus on aligning your goals with your authentic self.
February 10: Lunar New Year, Year of the Dragon
In Chinese astrology, the year 2024 marks the Year of the Dragon, which brings with it the powers of magic, creativity, courage, inspiration, and good fortune. On this Lunar New Year, it’s time to tap into that powerful dragon energy: Don’t be afraid to dream those BIG dreams and charge fearlessly toward them!
February 13: Mars Conjunct Pluto in Aquarius
Beware of power struggles around this time. Dynamics may feel in flux and may stir feelings of resentment toward those in positions of power around us. Remember: Strength in numbers. Rather than trying to buck the system, try to work together toward a mutually desirable outcome.
February 18: Sun Enters Pisces
“To sleep, perchance, to dream…” This quote from Hamlet could be Pisces’ motto! The sun in Pisces brings a time when we may feel drawn to dreams, intuition, and spiritual connection. This is an auspicious time for tuning into your inner voice, journaling your dreams, and making sure you are tapping into the messages that Universe is sending you. You may be tempted toward escapism but try to stay grounded – use this time to surrender to the Divine, trusting that Universe has your back.
February 19: Chiron Conjunct North Node of Destiny in Aries
Chiron signifies our deep wounds (sometimes past-life wounds). Its connection to the North Node of Destiny while in forward-moving, fiery Aries can help nurture us to take action toward healing our wounds through the service of helping others. This brings an energy of universal healing to us all.
February 23: Full Snow Moon in Virgo
This full moon in Virgo urges us to stay focused on our goals and to remember that even baby steps are moving us forward. It’s important for us to balance the leftover, “rose-colored” Aquarian energy that still lingers with checklists and measurable action. Don’t get complacent – keep pressing forward toward your dreams, even if you encounter a few minor detours. Feelings of anxiety and overwhelm may rear their heads during this time, but overall, if we remember to stay grounded (think meditation, self-care rituals, walks in nature, breathwork), our determination will win out.
A Special Invitation to the Community of Sacred Pathways
Since the birth of The Bell and Raven over two years ago, we have witnessed among our patrons not only a profound thirst for metaphysical knowledge and desire to deepen their own spiritual journey but also an intrinsic need for meaningful connection and fellowship among like-minded seekers. To that end, we are so pleased to invite you to explore and join Sacred Pathways; a space for individuals to connect, grown, learn, and feel supported upon their own journeys – whether you are just starting out on your metaphysical path or are farther along on your soul’s course.
We offer three membership tiers within Sacred Pathways, depending on the depth of involvement and benefits you are seeking. Each tier provides an invaluable blend of mystical learning and soulful connections, whether you reside in Connecticut or across the globe. Here you’ll find not just a group of metaphysical explorers, but a community of souls intertwined in the quest for spiritual growth and discovery.
We hope you will share in the beauty of tapping into your own unique intrinsic gifts and embracing your soul’s mission by joining us at Sacred Pathways.
To learn more or to join the Sacred Pathways community and enjoy all of the monthly and ongoing benefits that it has to offer, please visit our Sacred Pathways page here.
What’s That We Hear? The Bell and Raven PODCAST is Coming Soon!
Just on the horizon, we are so excited to announce a new way to journey into the realms of the metaphysical and mystical: our very own podcast!
Throughout this podcast, we’ll delve into a universe of subjects such as astrology, energy healing, divination in its many forms, dream analysis, working with crystals, spiritual exploration, and so much more. (If you’ve ever had a conversation with us in our shop, you have an idea of how much we love to discuss these topics!)
Through our podcast, you can expect more engaging discussions, transformative insights, and open-minded exploration. Whether you are deeply immersed in metaphysical practices or just beginning to explore these realms, we hope you will tune in for enlightenment, education, meaningful discourse, and, of course, a healthy dose of humor thrown in as well.
Stay tuned for our official release date (coming soon!) and let The Bell and Raven Podcast continue to awaken the depths of your curiosity and wonder.
Available soon wherever you get your podcasts.
Announcing Our Sacred Ceremony Offerings
Embarking on a spiritual journey entails acknowledging the profound significance of life's milestones and transitions. Our new offering of Sacred Ceremonies aims to provide individuals with a reverent space to honor these pivotal moments in their lives. Whether it's the binding of two souls in a handfasting ceremony, the celebration of reaching mid-life with a crowning ceremony, or the release of past ties through cord-cutting rituals, each ceremony is crafted to infuse these moments with respect and intention.
Honoring these rites of passage is vital for nurturing spiritual growth and fostering a deeper connection to oneself and the universe around us. These ceremonies provide a framework for reflection, gratitude, and transformation, guiding individuals through transitions with grace and purpose. By marking these milestones, we acknowledge the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of all beings. Through our Sacred Ceremonies, we create sacred spaces where individuals can honor their past, embrace their present, and envision their future with clarity and reverence.
For more information on the various types of ceremonies we offer or to request a consultation, please visit our Sacred Ceremonies page here.
Mystical Places: Brocéliande
Nestled in the heart of Brittany, France, the mystical forest of Brocéliande stands as a timeless realm where history and mythology intertwine. This enchanting woodland, rich with ancient trees and whispered legends, has forged a profound metaphysical connection over the centuries. Eternally linked to Arthurian lore, Brocéliande houses the Fountain of Barenton and the enigmatic Tomb of Merlin, entrancing all who venture within. Beyond mere folklore, Brocéliande exudes a tangible spiritual energy, encouraging introspection, meditation, and divine exploration.
For generations, seekers of wisdom have been drawn to this mystical haven, sharing stories of heightened awareness and an inexplicable bond with nature. The forest's ancient groves and secluded corners pulse with an esoteric force and almost electric energy. In Brocéliande, innumerable metaphysical possibilities unfold, offering a unique fusion of history, mythology, and spiritual energy. Whether you are entranced by the legends of King Arthur or drawn to the mystical ambiance of ancient groves, this sacred forest is a treasure where past and present converge in an enchanting, ethereal embrace.
“We are not alone. Infinity in the sky, eternity on our shoulders, faith on the path and trust on our back. There is no turning back. Walk forward and stay true to your path.”
― Ulonda Faye
