Imbolc

As an apprentice witch, this is my first year going through and celebrating all the sabbats or holidays on the wheel of the year. I was familiar with some of them already. For example, Yule, which happens around Christmas was a pretty easy one to recognize. The word Yule is literally found in modern Christmas songs. Samhain, which is around Halloween, I was aware of as well because of Halloween and all the spooky associations with that holiday. However, Imbolc stumped me. I hadn't even heard of the holidays around it. The only thing that came to mind was Groundhog's Day, so I did my research and found out about this holiday. If you're a newbie witch like me, let me give you the low down on Imbolc.

Like the other sabbats, it has many names, because it is recognized in different parts of the world in some form or another. It's been called Brigantia, Oimelc, Feast of Torches, Feast of Pan, Brigid's Day, and many more, but for our sanity's sake, let's just stick with Imbolc. Imbolc means, "In the belly". This is the quickening of the year. The Mother has recovered from giving birth to the God at Yule and The Crone, who has been minding the newborn God, gives him back to The Mother. Basically it means the sun is coming back, the days are getting longer, and the Earth is becoming warm and habitable again. It's the light at the end of the tunnel after a long winter. Who wouldn't want to throw a little party?

Imbolc is a sabbat of purification and renewal after being shut in all winter and there are lots of ways to celebrate this time. You can do some spring cleaning. You can throw a big party while you burn your Christmas tree in your backyard. You can do a ritual of self-dedication or reaffirmation. You can even burn some white and pale blue candles on your altar. It's all up to you. I would highly suggest reading more about Imbolc or the various holidays associated with it to see what resonates with you. The two reference books I used for this blog post can be found in the shop: "Grimoire For The Green Witch" by Ann Moura and "Wicca: A Guide For The Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham. In the Grimoire, she has listed the various herbs, ritual items, altar decorations and food you can use for a ceremony. She also details a ceremony you can do, along with little activities associated with it. In Cunnigham's book, he describes more about what the holiday is about and he includes references to the type of rituals you can do at that time. Both books definitely give a lot of insight into the Wheel of the Year and its importance to the craft.

For those of you who don't wish to celebrate the holiday alone, please come and see us at ATL Craft on February 2nd. It is a donation based event and it is a potluck, so please feel free to bring something to share with the community. We'll have a ceremonial feet washing, and a small demonstration on making Brigid's Cross. Doors will be closed and locked by 7:30pm. Hope to see you there!

Where The Magically Minded Meet and Shop

I don't think there could be a more fitting tagline for our little witch shop on Edgewood. We are still relatively new to the area, but we have definitely made an impression, because this isn't just a shop. It's a meeting space, a classroom, and a safe place in an increasingly unsafe world. Unabashedly feminist and incredibly supportive of local artisans and women in business, you know any dollars spent here are going to support women and artists in the community. In our first year, we have already been included in Creative Loafing's "Best of Atlanta 2017".

ATL Craft is the manifestation of Haley Murphy (better known as WITCH MAMA) and Grant Henry of Sister Louisa's Church Murch. This is where the magically minded cannot only find supplies, but they can come in and ask questions and share their troubles without risk of being judged.  One of the first times I visited here, I literally came in, exchanged hellos and said, "I don't know why I'm here, but I felt like I needed to come." And Witch Mama accepted that without batting an eye. She even told me that I was not the first person to tell her that. Whether you're a seasoned witch, an energy worker, or just someone who thinks they're a little different and don't know why, this shop has a positive healing energy that is felt by all. It is a non-judgmental space and it lets people open up in ways they might not normally otherwise.

In the shop you can find your basic altar and ritual supplies, such as sage, palo santo, incense, cauldrons, feathers, and even locally made wands. There are also locally sourced crystals that can be worked with for their healing energy, or if you just want some really pretty rocks. Of course we also have your not-so-basic supplies. There are tinctures to help with menstruation pains, stress, and more, and there are also conjure powders that help attract money and banish negative spirits. For those looking for information, there is a selection of books to help get you started on your path. If you need some guidance from the universe, you can set up an appointment with one of our tarot readers.

In addition, our most important resource is Witch Mama herself. She tirelessly works to set up classes for the community in different areas of expertise, so the community can be constantly learning. As her apprentice, I have seen her personally advise people on anything from reigning in one's psychic abilities, to banishing a negative entity, to simply setting up a first altar. She greets you with a smile, a listening ear, and a genuine desire to help you learn and find what you're seeking.

If you have been thinking about stopping by and visiting (even though you have no idea what you would even buy here) please do. We're all about the "woo-woo" in this shop and if your intuition is telling you to do something, we say go for it.