Honoring American Goddesses on Independence Day

Today is a special day for all Americans, it is the birth of our country and that deserves respect. As a Witch and a Pagan I like to honor the Goddesses of our country today. So today, I honor the Goddess Columbia and the great Lady Liberty. I have included some information on both of these ladies here for you as well as a few ways to honor your country magickally. So grab a candle of either red, white, or blue or one of all three colors and dedicate to one or both of these deities. When lighting your candle tell them how thankful you are to live in this country where you can choose to honor whomever you wish in whatever way you wish (with harm to none of course).
In early American history, two female figures were frequently used as cultural symbols of the nation. One, Columbia, was seen as an embodiment of the United States in the manner that Britannia was identified with the United Kingdom and Marianne came to represent France. Columbia had supplanted the earlier figure of an Indian princess, which had come to be regarded as uncivilized and derogatory toward Americans. The other significant female icon in American culture was a representation of Liberty, derived from Libertas, the goddess of freedom widely worshipped in ancient Rome, especially among emancipated slaves.

The Statue of Liberty (Liberty Enlightening the World; French: La Liberté éclairant le monde) is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, designed by Frédéric Bartholdi and dedicated on October 28, 1886. The statue, a gift to the United States from the people of France, is of a robed female figure representing Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, who bears a torch and a tabula ansata (a tablet evoking the law) upon which is inscribed the date of the American Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. A broken chain lies at her feet. The statue has become an icon of freedom and of the United States
Lady Liberty began emerging in America during the colonial era as part of the American quest for political independence from Britain. American patriot Paul Revere may have been the first to depict Lady Liberty in that context. In 1766, on the obelisk he created in celebration of the repeal of the Stamp Act, he used the image of Liberty with a Liberty Pole surmounted by a Liberty Cap. Another patriot leader, Thomas Paine, included Her in his poem, the "Liberty Tree," referring to Her as "The Goddess of Liberty." Freedom Goddess depictions not only emerged in America during its Revolution, but a few years later in France during its own Revolution, with the female symbol of the French Republic, the Marianne, depicted wearing the Liberty Cap, and often accompanied by Liberty's Cat.
On July 4^th 1776 the Declaration of Independence was set in motion and with it the birth of our nation.

Spell to Preserve Freedom

Cast a circle and in the center place a United States Flag. If you do not have an actual flag then draw one. At the four cardinal points, place three sparklers and a copy of the Declaration of Independence. Light the sparklers at sundown, and as they burn invoke your deities. Ask them for protection and support of all who defend and reside in this country. Read the Declaration of Independence out loud. Ask that the deities protect all of our servicemen and women who are at home or on foreign soil. Ask blessings on those who have served our country in the past and those who will serve in the future. Circle the flag with a censor saying:

“By the colors that wave over land and sea,

I send my wish that all may be free.”

This spell was written by Paniteowl and comes from the book “Witches Spell a Day Almanac” 2007. I think the deity that you call on for any work on the 4^th of July should be Lady Liberty herself.
The following spell was taken from “Witches Spell a Day Almanac” 2010 and was written by Ellen Dugan.

Celebrate Personal Freedoms

Tonight as you head out to watch the fireworks consider using the energy and light of the fireworks display in a creative type of fire magick. When the fireworks begin, look up and focus on the colors, the sounds, and the reaction of the people around you. Tap into this festive mood and channel this energy into a spell that celebrates your right to religious freedom. I suggest writing down the following charm ahead of time, then take it along with you.

“I celebrate tonight my right to live free,

To follow my magickal faith openly.

By fire and color, this freedom spell is begun,

May it open both hearts and minds, bringing harm to none.”

I personally find this spell to be beautifully written and perfect for this special day in our country.
That completes this edition of The Organic Brew’s Blog. I hope you have enjoyed this post and do not forget to enter into my latest product giveaway! We only have a few days left.
Happy Independence Day to all!
Kat