Labyrinth - March 2024
A Mystical Journal from The Bell and Raven
Issue 2 | March 19, 2024
Blessed Ostara - Happy Spring!
Welcome to the second issue of Labyrinth, our metaphysical journal from The Bell and Raven, arriving just in time to coincide with the first day of spring and the celebration of Ostara (spring equinox, in the northern hemisphere). As Mother Earth awakens from her winter slumber, we, too, emerge from hibernation and our spirits stir with renewed energy and vitality.
Within this issue, you'll find a variety of resources and lore to honor the spring season and to tap into the creative energy that comes with it.
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 Sacred Pathways , our exclusive circle for individuals who are looking to connect with a community of supportive and nurturing like-minded individuals.
And now… Pour a cup of tea, light a candle, and join us in embracing the sunny days of spring and in welcoming new beginnings.
Blessings and happy reading!
Magickal Practices: March’s Tip
“More than just a cup of coffee…”
Elevate your morning coffee routine into a purposeful ritual by stirring it three times while repeating the following empowering mantra. With each swirl of your teaspoon, affirm to yourself, "I attract positivity, embrace productivity, and welcome abundance today."
Envision the energy of your coffee radiating with these intentions. Sip mindfully, savoring the rich flavor and carrying the charged affirmations into a day filled with positivity, productivity, and abundance.
Spring's Spiritual Triad: Crystals, Herbs, and Deities
As spring unfurls its vibrant energy, it heralds a time of spiritual and magickal renewal. Healing crystals provide channels through which to welcome abundance and vitality. Fragrant herbs guide us through the gentle transition of the seasons, while corresponding deities embody themes of growth and creativity. Together, these elements invite us to synchronize with the rhythms of Mother Earth, clearing the pathway toward new beginnings.
Crystals:
Green Aventurine: Like the vibrant greenery that begins to unfold before our eyes, green aventurine embodies the essence of spring. This crystal symbolizes prosperity, growth, and opportunity, encouraging us to grasp onto new beginnings and manifest abundance.
Citrine: Known as a powerful stone of prosperity and happiness, citrine resonates beautifully with the energies of spring. Its sunny energy uplifts the spirit and inspires creativity, making it an ideal companion for starting new projects and setting intentions for success.
Aquamarine: With its serene blue hues, this crystal symbolizes clarity, purification, and emotional healing, modeling for us how to navigate the currents of change with grace and compassion, mirroring the thaw of winter into the bloom of spring.
Herbs:
Lemon Balm: A fragrant herb with a lemony aroma, lemon balm symbolizes freshness and vitality. In addition to its uplifting properties, lemon balm is a known protector of our energy fields, making it a fitting counterpart as we encounter energetic shifts with the change of seasons.
Thyme: With its earthy aroma and calming properties, thyme serves as a gentle guide through the transition into spring. Known for its ability to promote courage and inner strength, thyme gives us a friendly push toward new opportunities that await us as the wheel turns.
Mint: With its invigorating aroma and revitalizing properties, mint serves as a refreshing channel of clarity and open-mindedness. As we come out of the cloudy mindset of winter, mint can aid in clearing away the metaphorical cobwebs (and literal cobwebs – it tends to deter our arachnid friends) so that we can see and move more clearly along our spiritual path.
Deities:
Eostre (Ostara):
Tradition: Germanic/Anglo-Saxon paganism
Association with Spring: Eostre is linked with the renewal of life and fertility, symbolizing the arrival of springtime. Her name is etymologically connected to the word "east," representing the direction of sunrise and the dawn of a new season.
Why Call Upon Her: Eostre's energy embodies themes of rebirth, growth, and abundance. Calling upon her at this time of year can channel feelings of renewal, optimism, and healthy new beginnings.
Persephone:
Tradition: Greek mythology
Association with Spring: Persephone's story of being abducted by Hades and her subsequent return from the underworld is symbolic of the cycle of death and rebirth. Her return to the surface world heralds the arrival of spring and the resurgence of life.
Why Call Upon Her: Persephone's energy represents the transformative power of renewal and reawakening. Invoking her at springtime can help in embracing change, personal growth, and the emergence of new opportunities.
Flora:
Tradition: Roman (though believed to have roots in Greek mythology)
Association with Spring: Flora's reign over flowers and blossoms aligns her with the rejuvenation of nature during springtime. Her presence signifies the awakening of dormant life and the colorful burst of flora after winter.
Why Call Upon Her: Invoking Flora's energy can inspire creativity, strength, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. As spring begins to bloom around us, calling upon Flora can help cultivate a sense of joy, gratitude, and harmony with nature.
Raven’s Craft Corner
Our craft in this issue is Eggshell Seedling Starters. Springtime in nature guides us toward renewal and growth, and crafting these eggshell seed starters is a delightful form of plant magick. These miniature vessels symbolize the potential and promise of new life, offering a tangible representation of the cycle of rebirth that defines the season. With each tenderly planted seed, we sow the seeds of our intentions, cultivating a sense of harmony, growth, and abundance in our lives and our surroundings. Enjoy your springtime gardening!
Springtime Eggshell Seedling Starters
Materials needed:
Whole eggshells (cleaned and emptied as per instructions below)
Potting soil
Seeds of your choice (herbs, flowers, or vegetables)
Small spoon or scoop
Tray or egg carton
Water
Optional: Paints, markers, or natural dyes for decorating eggshells
Instructions:
Prepare the Eggshells:
With a small spoon, carefully crack eggs near the top to create a small opening. Empty the contents of the egg into a bowl, then rinse the shells thoroughly with water. Allow them to dry completely.
Decorate the Eggshells (Optional):
If desired, use paints, markers, or natural dyes to decorate the eggshells. You can create symbols, sigils, or write an intention you wish to manifest. Allow the decorations to dry completely before proceeding.
Fill the Eggshells with Soil:
Once the eggshells are dry and decorated (if desired), fill each eggshell about two-thirds full with potting soil. You can use a small spoon or scoop to carefully fill them without making a mess.
Plant Seeds:
Choose the seeds you'd like to plant and place a few into each eggshell filled with soil. Make sure to follow the planting instructions for the specific seeds you're using, regarding depth and spacing.
Water the Seeds:
After planting the seeds, lightly water the soil in each eggshell to provide moisture for germination. Be careful not to overwater, as the eggshells have limited drainage. Place the eggshells on a tray or in an egg carton to catch any excess water.
Provide Proper Care:
Place the eggshell seed starters in a sunny spot, such as a windowsill, where they can receive adequate sunlight for germination and growth. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and monitor the progress of your seeds as they sprout and grow. (Follow instructions on your seed packet for more specific instructions on sunlight vs. shade, etc.)
Transplant Seedlings (Optional):
Once the seedlings have grown large enough and the weather is suitable, you can transplant them into larger containers or directly into your garden to continue their growth.
Celestial Insights for March into April: Expect the Unexpected
March 19: Sun Enters Aries
Happy new astrological year! The first sign of the zodiac, Aries, brings a powerful forward momentum and lights the fire to propel us toward our dreams. This new chapter is imbued with passion, vigor, and not only “can-do” energy, but “must-do” energy! It is a time to pick yourself up, wipe the sleep from your eyes, and truly look ahead at your path. Unsure of what lies ahead for you? Lean forward into the support and guidance that universe is offering you. Trust that with that first step forward, the path that is meant for you will begin to show you the way. All you need to do is take that first step – the time is now!
March 25: Libra Full Moon Lunar Eclipse
Full moons are a time of heightened EVERYTHING – and an eclipse, in essence, puts the full moon on steroids. It can be a time of wild unpredictability, so it’s not the time to set new intentions. Instead, this powerful occurrence marks a time of culmination – the ending of old ways and patterns in order to make room for brighter opportunities and relationships. The radiance of this full moon will also illuminate whatever has been blocking you from moving forward. Don’t shy away from what you discover here; instead, harness this new information and use it in your favor to help shed what is restraining you. Then leave it – with compassion and gratitude – in your past.
April 3: Venus conjunct Neptune in Pisces
Venus with Neptune forms a light-hearted, rose-colored pairing, which means it’s a great time to dream, to imagine, to connect with spirit, and to work on creative projects. This is a particularly favorable time for writers (calling all journal-ers!) and artists. What this is not the time for is making financial decisions or entering into business contracts. Save that for the end of April and throughout the month of May when both Venus and Mars will be in the signs they respectively rule - Taurus and Aries – making it a much more auspicious period for serious money matters.
April 8: Aries New Moon Solar Eclipse
This celestial event marks a significant turning point, especially in matters of individuality and independence. You may feel that things are beyond your control but rest assured that whatever transpires today will serve as the springboard for a new (and much better) beginning for you. Hold on to the reins and ride the waves. You’ll soon be able to look back at this time with relief that Universe brought you to where you are meant to be.
Exciting News: The Bell and Raven Academy of Magick Announces 2024 Summer Program for Adults!
Brand new this year, our Academy of Magick will hold not only a youth summer camp for ages 11 – 15 but also a separate, intensive summer program for adults! This one-week program is geared toward adults who have a keen interest in deepening their connection to magickal practices and expanding their understanding of a variety of metaphysical topics. No prior experience is required; just a thirst for metaphysical knowledge and an open mind!
The program will run from August 5 to August 9, meeting Monday through Friday from 6pm - 9pm. Each evening will incorporate a variety of metaphysical lessons, magical crafts & practices, and introspective journaling as well as group discussions. Participants will engage in activities on topics such as divination, crystal and plant magick, creating sacred spaces, spiritual self-care, the wheel of the year, deity work, astrology, energy healing, and more.
Registration for our adult summer program opens on April 1st. Spaces are very limited – early registration is encouraged. For more information, visit our Academy of Magick page here!
Mystical Places: Fairy Glen (Isle of Skye, Scotland)
Fairy Glen, nestled in the picturesque Isle of Skye in Scotland, is steeped in mystical legends and folklore that have captivated locals and visitors alike for centuries. According to legend, the glen is said to be inhabited by fairies, who are believed to dwell within the lush greenery and rolling hills. The fae folk are said to be mischievous yet benevolent, often playing tricks on unsuspecting travelers or granting wishes to those who are pure of heart.
One of the most famous features of Fairy Glen is the spiraling mound known as the Fairy Castle, which is said to be the residence of the Fairy Queen. It is believed that those who climb to the top of the Fairy Castle may be granted a wish by the Fairy Queen herself, though only those who approach with respect and humility are said to have their wishes fulfilled. Many visitors to Fairy Glen leave offerings such as flowers or coins in the hope of garnering favor from the fae.
The inimitable beauty of Fairy Glen, with its verdant landscape and ethereal atmosphere, has inspired countless tales and poems throughout the ages. Locals often recount stories of encounters with the fairies, who are said to emerge from the glen under the light of the full moon to dance and frolic among the ancient stone circles that dot the landscape. For believers and skeptics alike, the enchanting allure of Fairy Glen continues to draw visitors seeking a glimpse into the magical realm of folklore and legend.
Spring Refresh (and Restock) at The Bell and Raven!
Spring is officially here and our beloved little shop has bloomed anew with treasures!
Stop in to see the array of brand new crystals, books, and tarot/oracle decks, along with an assortment of other magical wares that have just arrived. We invite you to come in, tune out the “real world” for a bit, tune in to your hopes, your dreams, and your authentic self, and explore our fresh new offerings - ensuring that you snag your favorites before they vanish into the ether.
And don’t forget: We offer one-on-one intuitive readings every weekend (and some weekdays), workshops and craft nights, and of course the one-and-only Spell Jar Bar, where we guide you to set intentions and help them take flight. (Visit these links to view upcoming readings and events! If you don’t see a reader listed on a date you have in mind, email us here and we’ll work to coordinate a session for you!)
We are here to support you and we can’t wait to see you!
“It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart.”
― Rainer Maria Rilke
