Shake off the curse Life is full of ups and downs, obstacles and challenges. Sometimes it feels like we are stuck in a never-ending cycle of negativity and misfortune. It's as if a curse has been placed upon us, casting a shadow over our every move. But, we must remember that we have the power to shake off this curse and break free from its grip. The first step to shaking off the curse is to recognize that it exists. Often, we become so absorbed in our problems and failures that we fail to see the bigger picture.
Also known as: Candlemas, Brighid, February Eve
Relatively little is known from the ancient Irish festival of Imbolc, after which modern Pagan and witch celebrations are named. We do know that they took place in early February in Ireland, in areas where this date would have been the beginning of spring.
One thing we do know is that the goddess Brighid was connected in some way. Or a goddess Brighid: several Brighids were venerated throughout the British Isles, and it’s unclear whether she was a universal deity or more localised to smaller areas.
What we can be sure about is that it was the Brigid who was canonised (made into a saint) by the Catholic church was a goddess and not a real person. No historical records exist that point to a living Brigid, and the remaining myths about her are higgledy-piggledy and fragmented in places, presenting a Saint Brighid who, if she were a living person, would have had to have lived for centuries.
Many of the symbols and customs that we as modern Pagans associate with Imbolc and the goddess Brighid – like Brighid’s crosses, or building a bed for her in ritual – actually come from early Christian traditions and celebrations for Saint Brigid.
While they sometimes share a similar date and the name was used by many witches in the 1950s and 1960s, Candlemas is actually a different holiday altogether: it is a Catholic tradition which owes its origins at least in part to similar ceremonies held in ancient Greece.
In areas where Imbolc occurs at the beginning of Spring, rituals and altars feature the first flowers of the season (where I live these are jonquils and snowdrops). In some places, it is still quite cold and wintry by Imbolc, with no signs of spring at all yet. Modern Imbolc traditions in these areas sometimes include bringing fresh snow inside. Many also celebrate the return of the light, which is why candles feature so prominently in rituals for this season. Some witches like to use this time of year to do some spring cleaning: cleaning, repairing or replacing working tools; replenishing altar supplies; cleaning and cleansing ritual spaces, etc.
No historical records exist that point to a living Brigid, and the remaining myths about her are higgledy-piggledy and fragmented in places, presenting a Saint Brighid who, if she were a living person, would have had to have lived for centuries. The wheel of the year is how most witches and Pagans refer to one year s worth of seasons and the festivals that mark them and the continuing cycle of life, death and rebirth.
Often, we become so absorbed in our problems and failures that we fail to see the bigger picture. We start to believe that we are destined to be unhappy and unsuccessful, and this negative mindset becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. But, it doesn't have to be this way.
Pagan Portals - Rounding the Wheel of the Year
Discover the history behind some much-loved folklore and modern pagan customs -- including practical suggestions for celebrating the turning of the year.
We have the power to change our mindset and shift our perspective. We can choose to see our challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. We can embrace adversity as a stepping stone towards success, rather than an insurmountable barrier. Another important aspect of shaking off the curse is taking responsibility for our actions and choices. It's easy to blame external factors for our failures and hardships, but this attitude only perpetuates the curse. Instead, we must hold ourselves accountable and make a conscious effort to make better decisions and take positive actions. Furthermore, it is crucial to surround ourselves with positive influences. The people we associate with can have a significant impact on our mindset and outlook on life. If we constantly surround ourselves with negativity and pessimism, it will be difficult to break free from the curse. On the other hand, if we seek out positive and supportive individuals, we will find it easier to maintain a positive attitude and overcome obstacles. In addition to changing our mindset and the people we surround ourselves with, it is also important to take care of our physical and mental well-being. Taking time to exercise, eat nutritious food, and engage in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment can greatly contribute to our ability to shake off the curse. When we prioritize self-care, we become better equipped to face life's challenges with resilience and strength. Shaking off the curse is not an easy task, and it requires effort and determination. But, it is possible. By recognizing the curse, shifting our perspective, taking responsibility, surrounding ourselves with positivity, and prioritizing self-care, we can break free from the negative cycle and create a life filled with happiness and success. So, let's shake off the curse and embrace the limitless possibilities that await us..
Reviews for "Breaking the Cycle of the Curse: Steps to Break Free and Move Forward"
- Emma - 2/5 stars - I really didn't enjoy "Shake off the curse". The writing felt forced and the story was hard to follow. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth. The pacing was off and it felt like the author was rushing through important plot points. Overall, I found the book to be disappointing and would not recommend it.
- James - 3/5 stars - "Shake off the curse" had an interesting concept, but it fell short for me. The writing style was overly descriptive and verbose, which made it difficult to stay engaged. The plot had potential, but it lacked originality and felt predictable. The character development was weak and I couldn't connect with any of them. While it had its moments, it ultimately didn't live up to my expectations.
- Sarah - 2/5 stars - I struggled to finish "Shake off the curse". The story felt disjointed and poorly executed. The dialogue was cheesy and unrealistic, and the characters were flat and uninteresting. The pacing was inconsistent and it felt like the author was trying to cram too many ideas into one book. I found myself skimming through large portions of the novel, hoping it would get better, but unfortunately it didn't. I wouldn't recommend this book.