Color of the day: Pink Incense of the day: Thyme Incense of the day: Thyme This spell comes from Germany, where Pagans burned effigies of Old Man Winter in bonfires built on the edge of town to drive out the cold. It was believed that if winter was driven out of the village, this would put an end to the killing frosts for the year. If you're a gardener and are anxious to start your April planting, you can fashion a winter effigy from raffia. Decorate him with old pine cones, dead weeds, and other such symbols of the fading winter. Light a green candle next to your fire, saying: Old Man Winter's reign is dead, to Lady Spring we're duly led. The Wheel of Years has turned again; storm, ice, and frost be burned again. Blessed be. Throw your effigy into the fire and watch him be consumed by the flames. |