Parting the Mists

In the bleak midwinter
Frosty wind made moan
Earth stood hard as iron
Water like a stone
Snow had fallen
Snow on snow on snow

– In the Bleak Midwinter by Christini Rossetti

It’s January. A difficult month for many – and that was before the stress of a pandemic was part of the equation. “In the Bleak Midwinter” is a beautiful song yet it seems to embrace the darkness and search for light that often comes with the dark season. Gone are the bright baubles and rich treats of the holidays. I would say gone are the festive gatherings of kith and kin, but many of us didn’t get those this year either. 

In short, the funk or depression that many experience in late winter could be more intense than in the past. 

While I’ve never experienced a true depression, I do sometimes have to work through a funk this time of year. Often, I turn to the goddess (and saint) Brigid and her holy day Imbolc (or Candlemas) as a focus for the dark season. Lighting a candle and thinking of the fire in her forge, the creativity she inspires as well as the warmth and caring she exhibits, guides me. It also helps to remind myself that the rest and introspection that comes with this time is spiritually rewarding and not to be avoided.

Knowing others might need a little light in the dark and encouragement to look at things a little differently, I thought I’d try to bring some fun to the season with a little giveaway (and this is definitely inspired by the amazing Jen over at Rue & Hyssop with her annual fall giveaway). 

First up is the Pagan Portals Brigid: Meeting the Celtic Goddess of Poetry, Forge, and Healing Well. The Pagan Portals series by Moon Books is great for beginning to understand a deity or subject. This 112-page book by Morgan Daimler proves an excellent introduction to Brigid, covering her history and many names, symbol and animal connections, prayers and charms, and more. 

Second on the list is The Magick of Food: Rituals, Offerings & Why We Eat Together by Gwion Raven. I learned of this book listening to Gwion’s interview on the New World Witchery podcast and was instantly intrigued. My boyfriend gave me a copy for Yule, and I thought getting a copy to share would be perfect for this event. Then volume is a feast for the food lover’s soul as it not only offers recipes but also a history of food and ritual, how food is used in magic, and rituals and spells to try. A perfect gift for any magical hearthkeeper!

Finally, we have a cozy mystery, because sometimes the best way to get through a difficult time is to cuddle under a throw with your favorite hot beverage and a little bit of paper escapism (I work in a library – I know about these things). Bell, Book & Candlemas is the second book in the Wiccan Wheel mystery series by Jennifer David Hesse. It features lawyer Keli Milanni trying to solve the mystery of who vandalized the local New Age gift shop – without giving away her Wiccan faith that she has kept in the broom closet.

OK, so how do you enter? 

Honestly, Dryad and I would be ecstatic if you followed the Parting the Mists blog and liked Dryad Incense’s Etsy shop, but we will be happy if you just comment on this blog post as your entry (the actual blog post – not the Facebook or Twitter post). Be sure in the comment that you provide a way to contact you. Please let us know which book you’d like the most, and we will do our best to send winners the one they want, but some may want the same book so no promises. You have until Sunday, January 24, at 7 p.m. Central Standard Time to enter. We will draw three winners and announce them the next day and send the prizes on their way!

We hope you enjoy this little giveaway. Blessings of Avalon!

– Thistle & Dryad

Some legalese for you: 

• No purchase is necessary to enter.
• This giveaway is open to United States residents who are 18 years of age or older. 
• This giveaway is void where prohibited by law – please know your local laws. 
• This giveaway is sponsored by Parting the Mists and Dryad Incense and is not affiliated with WordPress, Facebook, or Twitter, nor can they be held liable.
• By commenting with the intention of entering the drawing, you are knowingly agreeing to these rules. 
• The giveaway prizes were chosen by the blogger and Dryad Incense. We were not paid to advertise these books, nor were the books endorsed or paid for by anyone other than the contest sponsors.