January...make it magical...

I have to admit January is not my favourite month...having had Samhain/Halloween (my birthday) then the build up and the festivities of the Yule season January seems a bit of a let down.  No one has any money, the weather is always wet and miserable and it seems a bit flat.

So I am attempting to make January rock this year...

In the Celtic tree calendar January is represented by Birch, a tree of new beginnings and change, it is nourishment for the soul and brings inspiration and cleansing...perfect, sounds exactly what we need.

Magical workings in January have the added power of new beginnings and new endeavours, creativity, healing, protection and fertility. Also a good time to banish negative energies, weather divination, wish magic, working reversing spells and helping you to achieve your goals.

A time for rebirth and regeneration. As the Winter Solstice passes we look towards the growing light again.
There are also certain deities associated with January if you wanted to work with them or perhaps make a nod in their direction on your altar:

Chang – O, Freya, Hera, Innana, Juno, Sarasvati, Venus, Janus

January is named after the Roman God Janus.

And on to totem animals that are associated with January, their energies will be particuarly strong this month:

Otter, Goose, Magpie, Tiger, Duck, Fox

Crystals to use in January:

Garnet, onyx, jet, chrysoprase, rose quartz, pink tourmaline, rhodochrosite, ruby, moss agate, amber, fire opal, clear quartz

Herbs and plants associated with January:

Birch, marjoram/oregano, pine cones, crocus, snow drop, rosemary, chickweed, ash, rowan, bay, chervil, parsley, sage, thyme and nuts

And in the kitchen in January:

In season in the UK (from River Cottage Year by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall):

Veg:
Artichokes, Beetroot, Broccoli – purple sprouting, Brussel sprouts, Cabbages, Carrots, Celeriac, Celery, Chard, Chicory, Endive, Spring & winter greens, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Lettuce, Onions, Pak choi, Parsnips, Potatoes, Radishes, Rocket, Salsify, Spinach, Swede, Turnips, Watercress

Fruit:
Apples, Pears, Forced rhubarb

Wild plants & herbs:
Cow parsley, Nettles, Juniper berries, Chestnuts

Oils/Incense for January:

Musk, Mimosa, Grapefruit, Lemon, Orange, Tangerine, Lavender, Spearmint, Peppermint, Juniper, Cedarwood, Cypress, Bergamot, Frankincense

Well that is plenty to be going on with to occupy your mind and keep away the January blues...