SOCIAL MEDIA

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Hedge Riding Series: After You Hedge Ride: Coming Back to Earth

Hedge Riding Series: After You Hedge Ride: Coming Back to Earth

Once you have crossed the hedge, met with your guides, and begun to develop relationships with them, it is time to come home. If you are listening to shamanic drumming, there is always a signal to let the listener know the drumming will soon end. This signal is designed to pull your soul back to you and give you time to slowly come back to earth. But how does one do this?

Depending on the method you used to get into the Otherworld, your method of coming home will vary as well. For me, I always cross the hedge in the same way. I start at the same location at my childhood home, find the same fallen tree, and either walk down or up the stairs to reach the realm I am looking for. I take the same route home. If I am in the Lower Realm, I find the cave covered in vines and walk back up the steps, through the tree, and back to my childhood home. Each of us enters the Otherworld differently, so whatever path you originally took to get there, you should retrace your steps to get back. Make sure you take the same path every time. This makes it easy to travel to and from the Otherworld, but also ensures your soul makes it back in one piece. Once you have made it back to your original starting location, send out a pulse of energy through the Universe. I do this by outstretching my arms, looking up, and forcing energy out of myself. This energy pulse acts as a beacon, allowing any missing fragments of yourself to return to you. Sometimes pieces of us get left behind in the Otherworld without us realizing it. This pulse will call those pieces back to you so you return to our plane completely. After sending out the pulse, check yourself over. Do any areas feel less solid or colder than in other places? If so, you may still be missing parts of yourself. Send another pulse and wait a moment or two. If the piece(s) still do not return, you will need to extend your journey. Travel to the Middle Realm and summon your animal guides to assist you in locating the missing pieces. This is an extremely rare occurrence for well-trained witches. Usually, one pulse is more than enough to ensure you return whole. If you have taken the proper precautions, you shouldn't have to worry about losing parts of you in the Otherworld.

Once you have ensured all of you has returned, slowly open your eyes. If you are laying down, I suggest you remain laying for at least 2-3 minutes to readjust to the physical world. The same if you are sitting. Don't get up right away or try to immediately begin processing your journey. You may feel groggy or tired when you return. This is normal, especially if you have done a lot of work on your journey. Remember, time is different within the Otherworld and our world. While you may have only been gone for 30 minutes on Earth, you could have been in the Otherworld for a week. Its okay if you are tired afterward. Flying is hard work! You may even notice everything is slightly out of focus. Give yourself time to adjust and fully come home. While you are adjusting, reach out and feel the Earth around you. Even if you are inside on your bed, send your energy down until it touches the Earth. Feel the cool, damp soil surround your body and ground you. If you are too drained to do this or unable to ground this way, hold some black tourmaline. This is my favorite method of grounding. Black tourmaline and I have a pretty awesome relationship. I rely on my beautiful crystal A LOT. I always keep it next to me when I hedge ride so I can easily reach over when I am finished to quickly ground myself. Grounding after flying is incredibly important. It brings your mind and soul mentally back to our plane and will allow you to get rid of that tired feeling you may have.

When you are positive you have returned completely, cleanse yourself with sage or another cleansing herb blend. This gets rid of anything that may have hitched a ride back with you. Spirit parasites are common so a cleanse is necessary. If you want and feel it will help, take a cleansing shower. Wash with a sage soup or hang some fresh sage in your shower to help remove any parasitic spirits from yourself.

It is only after you have grounded and cleansed yourself that you should begin trying to process what messages you saw and received. Be sure to write everything you can remember down in your Book of Shadows or in a hedge riding notebook. I keep a notebook specifically for hedge riding. I journey so often and have such elaborate experiences, that it doesn't make sense to try and keep these notes with any other magical workings. In fact, I have a notebook for dreams, one for divination, one for spell work, and finally one for hedge riding. I've found it is the easiest way for me to organize. Anyway! When you are writing, don't worry about complete sentences, the timeline of events, or spelling. If you need to, jot down major events and images and worry about elaborating on them later. Once you have written everything down, take a break. I know you want to immediately jump right in and begin making sense of everything you saw and did, but trust me, you need to take a break. Go get a snack. Drink something sugary. Go for a walk or go watch The Office. If you give yourself a break, both mentally and physically, you'll be better equipped to figure out the messages you have been given. You may even need to give yourself an entire day. It just depends. When the mind has had time to relax and recalibrate, it is often able to see patterns and meanings and solve problems we wouldn't otherwise have been able to see or do. This is why people tell you to sleep on things. Your mind is a powerful tool, but it needs a break after flying as well. When you feel ready, begin by rereading everything you wrote. Expand on any areas you rushed to get down. Start to piece together any messages you may have received and try to make sense of what you saw and did. Sometimes the messages are extremely clear. Sometimes Meka looks me straight in the eye and says, very clearly, do this. Other times I am shown a series of images and it takes me a week to figure out what she was talking about. Our spirit guides don't always speak the same language as us and sometimes they give us answers to a question we didn't realize we were asking. Those answers may take a little longer to figure out, but make sense when events start to fall into place. Meditate on what you have seen, light candles, burn incense, hold some amethyst, do whatever you need to figure out the meaning to the messages you received. Be aware that not everything has a meaning. Sometimes lines get crossed and we pick up random bits of information. If you are struggling to understand a message, let it breathe. Taking a break is always the best thing you can do. If push comes to shove, hedge ride again, this time making it clear you want a straight answer. Heck, try asking the question a different way!

It is important to note that your guides if they are really your guides, won't lie to you. If you are concerned about the information you have received, go back and ask again. If you receive inconsistent information, the spirit you are talking to may not be your guide, or at least not yet. Not everyone you meet is out to help you.

There is a lot more to hedge riding than what I have mentioned in this series. Over the course of the next year, I will expand on some of these topics, but honestly, it would take a book to completely explain everything involved in hedge riding, from building your garden to shapeshifting, to summoning and binding spirits. The list is pretty endless. Keep an eye out on the blog to related posts. I promise I will delve into many of these topics soon. My final post of this series will include some of my journeys. I thought about leaving this final post off, but I recognize some of you may need to see what I have experienced to validate your own. I'm right there with you. Besides, reading about the experiences of others is so intriguing! It's like reading a really good book, don't you think? Within the next couple of weeks, I'll share some of my most memorable journeys with you!

Interest in the rest of the series? Make sure to keep an eye out for upcoming posts!

Hedge Riding Series


Looking for more information on hedge witches? Check out my posts on the topic:


Monday, November 26, 2018

2018 Holiday Gift Guide for Hedgewitches

2018 Holiday Gift Guide for Hedgewitches

My favorite time of year is right around the corner, and I can't wait! I know most witches adore Halloween, and yes, as a hedgewitch I find Halloween pretty fantastic, especially when it comes to spirit work, but there is just something about Yule that resonates with my soul. I absolutely love snow, hot cocoa, the smell of balsam, twinkling lights, warm fuzzy blankets, holiday dinner, and giving gifts. I am the ultimate gift giver, and I can tell you, I usually go all out at Yule because this is the one time of year spoiling someone else is perfectly acceptable. You can bet your butt I'm going to do some hardcore spoiling of all my friends and family this year. However, I realize not everyone is as gift savvy as I may be, especially when it comes to giving a gift to the witch in your life. Are you wondering what you should get the hedgewitch in your life? Have no fear; Willow is here to help! Here is my 2018 Holiday Gift Guide for Hedgewitches, perfectly curated for that special witch in your life. (Pst, get me these for Yule too, MP!)

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Element Candles by Wilde Autumn Apothecary

1. Element Candles by Wilde Autumn Apothecary. I had the pleasure of meeting Caundace at Atlanta Pagan Pride this year, and I bought several of her products. Her candles are great, especially the 1936 which smells like roses, and I enjoyed her 1936 essential oil perfume, even though the scent doesn't last all day. The Element Soy Candles are a great gift addition for the witch in your life. Each of the elements is represented in a separate candle for just $10 each and they burn for a long time. This is a great way to represent the elements on your altar or they can be used during specific spells and rituals to invoke the element you desire. Either way, whatever you buy from Wilde Autumn will be well worth the money, and the witch in your life will be thrilled with the gift. (Please note there is a typo in the shop. I believe "wind" is supposed to be "fire" based on the product description).

Glow Spirit Board by Memento Mori Goods 
2. Glow Spirit Board by Memento Mori Goods. This is my favorite spirit board I have seen on Etsy. First, this darn thing glows in the dark. Who doesn't love glowing cats?! Second, its crafted from Blackened Baltic Birch, a wood specifically for banishing and keeping out negative spirits, making it a pretty powerful wood to use for a spirit board. It is hand painted and polished to a satin finish, and for just $61, I say you are getting this bad boy for a steal! As a mediator between this world and the next, a spirit board is a wonderful spirit communication tool for the hedgewitch in your life. (Please note that spirit boards are NOT the enemy; poor practice and planning is. As with all magical tools, spirit boards should be used with caution and only by well-versed witches. These are not a toy.)

Modern Herbal Pendulum Board by Positively Mystic

3. Modern Herbal Pendulum Board by Positively Mystic. Okay, is this not one of the prettiest pendulum boards you have ever seen in your life? Yeah, that's what I thought. The design is laser cut onto maple, which is associated with travel, moon magic, and learning, making it a great pendulum board for asking questions. The herbal design is also perfect for hedgewitches who are natural herbal healers and spirit communicators. If the witch in your life doesn't have a pendulum board, you should probably get her/him one. The size of the boards ranges from 3.5 to 12 inches in diameter and range in price from $17-$45. There is nothing wrong with the mini board. In fact, it'll probably work best anyway! Hopefully, the witch in your life has a pendulum, but in case they don't, one of amethyst is a must to increase spirit connection. Why not throw in this amethyst pendulum from Lumina Crystals for just $4.50?

The Spirit World Oil by The Raven's Moon

4. The Spirit World Oil by The Raven's Moon. This little oil makes a great stocking stuffer for the hedgewitch in your life. It is specifically designed to help open the gateway to the Otherworld so it can be used during hedge riding or during other spirit work. Please note this oil is for anointing, not for a diffuser. At just $12.99 a bottle, its slightly pricey, but this little bottle will go a long, long way!

Welcome Witches Doormat by A Little Tinsel

5. Welcome Witches Doormat by A Little Tinsel. This doormat is cute af, and perfect for a homey witch looking to add a little magic to her/his front doorstep. The doormat measures 18" x 30" and is made of coir natural coconut fiber with a rubber back. Each doormat is handpainted, meaning there will be slight variations between each mat, but that's what makes each of them so great! This mat is more pricey than others at $40, but the personal touch and supporting a small business is worth the price.

The Witch is In Decal by Handmade Harrisburg

6. The Witch is In Decal by Handmade Harrisburg. This decal goes great with the welcome mat featured above, especially for the hedgewitch in your life that has a spiritual business run out of the home or a local shop. The decal comes in a variety of colors, fonts, and sizes, and is guaranteed to last about 5 years outside, depending on local weather conditions. Based on the size you purchase, the decal can cost you between $12 and $17. (Please note that this type of vinyl is not meant to be removed after a month or so of use, but is meant to be a permanent fixture. Apply at your own risk.)

Personalized Moon Forest Constellation Mug by She Wolfka

7. Personalized Moon Forest Constellation Mug by She Wolfka. Okay, tea, and maybe coffee, is a staple of witchcraft. That's a given, so of course, there is a mug on this list. Duh! This particular mug features the moon phase and constellation of your choice. Who the heck doesn't want a mug with a full moon and their astrological sign on it? This Libra sure as heck wants one! The mug comes in grey, blue, or light turquoise, and each is hand painted. Again, this is a little pricey at $30.02 a mug, but trust me, the witch in your life will appreciate the heck out of this mug. (These ship from Slovenia so you best purchase it now if you want it!)

Spells and Hexes Stylus Pen by The Carbon Crusader

8. Spells and Hexes Stylus Pen by The Carbon Crusader. Have a tech-savvy witch in your life or just one that loves office supplies (yeah...that would be this witch), then this pen makes a pretty awesome stocking stuffer. It's $8 and when the ink runs out, she/he can still use it to play Candy Crush or draw funny faces on Snap Chat.

Hedgewitch Botanical Oracle by Siolo Thompson

9. Hedgewitch Botanical Oracle by Siolo Thompson. This oracle deck is absolutely gorgeous. Every time I look at the cards I just melt. The deck features a variety of herbs and helps you learn traditional herb lore while seeking guidance from the spirit world. The deck contains 40 perfectly decorated cards at just $22.50. Even if the witch in your life has a tarot deck and/or Oracle deck, you should probably get them this one as well.

Coloring Book of Shadows 2019 by Amy Cesari

10. Coloring Book of Shadows 2019 by Amy Cesari. I have the 2018 planner and I LOVE it! I am sure 2019 is going to be just as awesome. For just $11.69 the witch in your life can fully plan and track their magical year while fostering their inner creativity. Its a great gift for Yule, especially for that witch in your life that already struggles to keep their life organized. And good news! This panner is also available in a southern hemisphere edition!

Moon Incense Burner by Most Amazing

11. Moon Incense Burner by Most Amazing. Is this not the cutest freaking incense burner you have ever seen? Yeah, that's what I thought! Its just 3.5 inches, made of Baltic Birch, and just $8.50. I'm sure your witch burns incense and they could always use an additional holder.

Rose & Almond All Natural Nourishing Hand Cream by Bahari Blossom

12. Rose & Almond All Natural Nourishing Hand Cream by Bahari Blossom. Okay, so most of the items on this list have been unisex. This one is clearly for the witchy woman in your life, but honestly guys, you should want to smell like roses for your lady too and no one likes chapped hands. With cold, dry weather wreaking havoc on our skin, this nourishing hand cream will soothe even the most stubborn dry skin and the smell of roses will help conquer those winter blues and have you dreaming of spring weather. 50 grams costs just $6.

Moon and Trees Letterpress Moleskine Journal by Runaway Press

13. Moon and Trees Letterpress Moleskine Journal by Runaway Press. A witch can never have too many journals. You need one for a grimoire, one to be a Book of Shadows, one for dreams and divination and tarot and runes and hedge riding and recipes. I mean, the list is pretty endless if you think about it. This journal contains 80 lined pages and features a beautiful full moon over a forest of evergreens for just $15. It is available in several colors, including grey, green, black, and blue.


I realize not all of the items are the list are cheap and for those of you on a tight budget, some of these wonderful items may not make the cut. In the end, giving a gift should come from the heart, and anything you buy for the witch in your life this Yule will be greatly appreciated. These just happen to be a few of my favorite things this year, and I look forward to compiling another list next year!  If you are in a pinch, crystals and herbs go a long way! I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season!


Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Apothecary: Sore Throat Remedy

Apothecary: Sore Throat Remedy

I was sick for about a week and a half with what I originally thought was tonsillitis. After a couple of days, it turned into a sinus infection. Thankfully, I know exactly what to do when I start to get sick, especially when my throat begins to hurt. Please note that this is not intended as medical advice and you should consult with your doctor before trying the remedy listed below. If you are running a fever, you need to seek medical attention. Antibiotics aren't terrible. In fact, they are life-saving, so if you need some, make sure you get them!

Sore Throat Remedy

Ingredients
3 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp cayenne pepper
real honey to taste

Directions
Mix the garlic and cayenne together until well combined. You can use fresh or jarred garlic. There really isn't a difference in effectiveness. Add at least a teaspoon of honey, if not a tablespoon or two, to taste. This is super, super spicy without the honey, so be sure to add enough to dull the spice and sweeten the taste.  Take 1 tablespoon every 3-4 hours after eating. Too much garlic on its own can upset your stomach.

This remedy is great for adults and children. Unless you are allergic to one of the ingredients, there is little risk, other than an upset tummy, to using this remedy freely. It should be noted children until the age of one should NOT eat honey, so avoid giving this remedy to a small child. Also, should your symptoms worsen or you begin to run a fever, you should definitely seek medical attention. Sometimes antibiotics are best. It's the difference between living our best life and dying.

How It Works

Garlic is one of the most universal herbs on the market and has been recognized by herbalists and scientists as one of the most effective antimicrobial plants, acting to help kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Because of its unique properties, garlic is the perfect remedy for a sore throat, whether it be brought on by a bacteria or virus.

Cayenne, on the other hand, is a stimulant, increasing blood flow to help speed up the healing process. Like garlic, cayenne is also naturally antiseptic, helping to kill bacteria and viruses lurking in the throat.

And finally, raw honey! Honey is also naturally antiseptic, working with garlic and cayenne to fight off the infection. It is also anti-inflammatory, helping reduce swelling of the tonsils and coating them to reduce irritation. Of course, the honey also dulls the spice of the cayenne, making the whole remedy more palpable. A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, right?

***

Is there a particular way you ward off a sore throat? I'm always looking for new recipes!


Friday, November 16, 2018

Magical Properties of Hazel

Magical Properties of Hazel

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Magickal Folk Box Review: October

Magickal Folk Review: October




















I have received some of the Magickal Folk subscription boxes in the past, but they have changed several times over the past 2 years, which is part of why I have never reviewed the subscription. However, it looks like they have stabilized a little bit, so I felt it was a good time to begin reviewing one of the boxes, the Small Combo Kit.

Unlike their other boxes, the Small Combo Kit includes all three of their smaller kits: Ritual Tea Kit, Meditation Kit, and Crystal Alchemy Kit, so it's like receiving three gifts in one! At just $24 per box, it is fairly affordable.

Magickal Folk Review: October

October's box focused on Samhain, of course. Upon opening the box I found three pouches full of goodies, each coming with its own direction sheet. The first pouch I opened contained the Ritual Tea Kit. The tea featured for October is the Thinning of the Veil tea which is designed to enhance communication with spirits during dreaming. It contains red rooibos tea, mugwort, patchouli root and herb, and mulled spices of clove, juniper, lemon peel, orange peel, and cinnamon. Mugwort enhances psychic power, astral projection, and prophetic dreams, making it the perfect herb to include in a spirit communication tea. According to the directions, the tea should be brewed for 3-5 minutes and be consumed prior to sleeping. The three nights I drank this tea before bed I had very vivid dreams which I recorded in a dream journal. I've never really kept up with a dream journal, but I felt this was the perfect time to start. Needless to say, the tea worked. It's slightly spicy from the mulled spices and bitter from the mugwort, but a spoonful of honey tamed the flavor and enhances the effects of the mugwort.

Magickal Folk Review: October

The second pouch I removed contained a pendulum and a pouch of herbs labeled Witches Sight. According to the information sheet, which has a pendulum layout on the back, there are a number of ways to cleanse, protect, and use the pendulum. The herbs in Witches Sight include sandalwood, lilac leaves, lemongrass, mugwort, eyebright, honeysuckle, and lobelia, which are included to raise energy and heighten psychic ability. This particular pendulum is light and made of Tiger's Eye which has powerful protective energy.

Magickal Folk Review: October

Magickal Folk Review: October

The final pouch contained some of the supplies needed for a Samhain Home Blessing ritual, including one carnelian crystal, two black onyx crystals, mint leaves, and Samhain blessing oil. The oil contains mullen, chrysanthemum, sage, birch bark, apple and Blood Orange, and Allspice essential oil. The oil smells wonderful and the peppermint, while dry, is clearly fresh. The ritual is well written and the instructions are clear. According to the ritual instructions, this ritual is to keep harmful or negative spirits from entering your home on Samhain. Despite the ritual being for Samhain, this sort of home blessing can easily be performed at any time during the year.

Overall I am very satisfied with this box. I look forward to seeing what November and December has in store for me. If you would like to see my unboxing video of this box, please check out my YouTube channel.


Thursday, November 8, 2018

Hedge Riding Series: Developing a Relationship with Your Spirit Companions

Hedge Riding Series: Developing a Relationship with Your Spirit Companions

There are more than just animal guides to help you on your journey. Your other guides can take a variety of forms, including ancestral. Do not be surprised if it takes time to meet one, however, as they often change or only appear during great times of need.

Meeting Your Ancestors

Ancestral guides are those that have a direct blood link to you. Sometimes this can be someone we knew growing up, but more often than not it is someone we have never met. The reason for this is our relationships with ancestors we knew in life are fraught with emotions, making it difficult to form a student-mentor relationship. If you are looking for advice from your ancestors, you will visit the Middle Realm to do so. Depending on how you travel, you can move forward or backward in time, so pay close attention to language and attire when communicating with your ancestors. Your ancestors can provide insights into past and present traumas, provide you with wisdom beyond your years, and help you make difficult decisions. Generally, they will appear if they feel a strong connection to you and your current plight. Simply state your intention of wishing to meet with an ancestor to discuss a particular matter (be specific) and ride.

A word of caution on traveling to the Middle Realm. This is our realm, but the spiritual aspect of it. You must be wary of anyone you meet there, even if they claim to be your ancestor. Those we meet in the Middle Realm can be tricky. If the same entity appears multiple times within the Middle Realm, this may be a sign they are in fact an ancestor and a guide. If you have any doubts, speak with your animal guides.

Other Spirits Companions

There are a number of other spirit companions you can meet in the Otherworld, including teachers, nature-spirits, and guardian angels. Teachers, or learning-based spirits, are spirits who are highly advanced and have no particular tie or affinity to you but simply want to expand their understanding of something in particular, meaning they are trying to learn from you while you are learning from them. This relationship is a two-way street, an "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine" kind of scenario. These companions can appear in any realm but are more likely to show up in the Lower or Upper Realms. Do not be surprised if they show up as a Native American, an older man with a beard and robes, or a crone. As clique as it sounds, our humanoid companions often show up in a form that is comfortable to us. Merlin, anyone?

Nature-spirits are those spirit companions that are associated with some major aspect of ourselves. For example, if you are a very earthy person, you may find Earth spirits showing up in the Lower and Upper Realms to help guide and protect you.

Guardian angels are found almost exclusively in the Upper Realm and take on a more ethereal form. These tend to be beings of light whose sole purpose is to protect you while you travel. Often times these beings will not make themselves directly known to you. They may come to you in the guise of a different companion or you may never meet them at all.

Please do not be surprised if you do not meet any of these companions right away, or go months without seeing any other beings but your animal guides in the Otherworld. It takes considerable time and experience to begin seeing other beings in the Otherworld. As it stands, I've seen a water spirit, a group of Native Americans hunting buffalo, a demon-like figure, and a flurry of ancestors. In the grand scheme of things, that is not very much.

Developing a Relationship

An important part of hedge riding is to develop a lasting bond with our guides. This means those relationships need to be nurtured so they may blossom and grow into a beautiful companionship. There are several ways you can nurture these relationships, but the easiest way is to check in often, not just when you need something from them. This can be done daily or a couple times a week. Simply put aside 10-15 minutes to quickly travel to your garden or the Lower Realm and check-in with your guides. This is the equivalent of making a regular catch-up phone call to a friend or relative. As a result, these exchanges can be short and informal but informative. Consider asking how your companion is, thank them for coming, ask what they are observing in spirit, see whether they have any local news or gossip, and/or ask if they can give you any feedback on your day.

This may seem pretty basic, but these short social interactions are important in building a lasting relationship. It is important to note, however, that our relationships without companions are not strictly two-sided. We cannot relate to what they have been doing with their "time" just as they are not able to relate and comprehend what we have been up to, but the point of the interaction is to reciprocate care and attention that they routinely give us. Giving your full attention to the matter is just as important to your guide as it is in conversations with your friends.

While your guides and companions may change over time, they very rarely leave entirely. In fact, you may find you only have one or two central companions, with others coming and going as needed. If a guide disappears, keep in mind that you may no longer need them, so another guide is stepping up to assist you, but the other companion will still be available if needed. However, there are some circumstances when a guide may leave indefinitely. These may include you committing murder, engaging in a vicious assault, suddenly becoming mentally unstable, or having a sudden, dramatic accident or illness. These are situations which may prompt a guide to leave, but only because there will be another guide who is more able to assist you. Your guides will not bail on you because they dislike you or find you too difficult to work with. They are simply wise enough to know when they have reached their limits and will hand us over to another "professional" with the deepest love and regret. No matter what happens, you will always have a companion.

Interest in the rest of the series? Make sure to keep an eye out for upcoming posts!

Hedge Riding Series


Looking for more information on hedge witches? Check out my posts on the topic:


Monday, November 5, 2018

Samhain Altar 2018

Samhain Altar 2018

For Samhain this year, I set up a rather simple altar. If you've seen my past altars, this shouldn't come as a surprise. I enjoy simplistic, clutter-free altars. Samhain is the perfect time of year to reach out to the spirits, whether they be your ancestors or not, and a Samhain altar should honor that tradition in some way. For this altar, I chose skulls, quartz, and a black candle to celebrate the season. Furthermore, I chose white tones to pull the altar together and represent purity of intent. When working with spirits it is important to keep your intent pure or neutral.

Samhain Altar 2018

1. White Candles - The white candles represent the waning Sun who officially "dies" at Samhain. White also represents purity and protection, warding off negativity and evil and ensuring a safe winter to come and safe spirit communication. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $1 for 2)

2. Animal Skulls- I love decorating with skulls, and Samhain is the perfect time to do so. The skulls represent death, the main symbol of this sabbat, and act as a link between our world and the Underworld. Furthermore, skulls act as a resting place for spirits, both animal and human alike, allowing the spirit to have a "home" while they are visiting. I chose to place three skulls on my altar to represent past, future, and present. The skull on the left is a red fox skull, which is associated with my animal guide Meka. I felt is was appropriate to place her in the past spot because she often helps me heal from past traumas. (Where did I get it: Found or gifted; Cost: $0 (cost of fox skull $30)) 

Samhain Altar 2018

3. Pumpkin- The pumpkin is a prominent figure this time of year, especially during Mabon and Samhain. For this altar, the pumpkin represents abundance as well as a symbolic offering to the spirits. It also represents fertility and protection in hopes that the winter months will not be too harsh. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2018; Cost $1)

4. Quartz Cluster- Clear quartz is a great amplifier of magic, which is why this cluster is present on the altar. First and foremost, this altar is designed for spirit communication, and the quartz will amplify that magic to ensure the spirits are reached during a ritual. The quartz also acts as a protector, keeping the witch safe from any spirits that may visit or be called upon. For the spirits, the quartz is healing and soothing, ensuring the visit to our realm is comfortable for all those involved. (Where did I get it: Found; Cost: $0) 

Samhain Altar 2018

5. Black Candle- I know it is hard to tell from the picture, but the candle at the bottom is in fact black. Black is the color of night and death, which again are major themes of Samhain. At Samhain, the Sun "dies" and the Earth goes into mourning. Black also represents protection and absorbs negative energy, ensuring safety in the coming winter months. Black candles also aid in opening the door to communicate with spirits. I placed this black candle in front of the central skull to add balance and support my magical workings. (Where did I get it: From September's House of Rituals Subscription Box; Cost: Estimated $1) 


Samhain Altar 2018

 

TOTAL COST: ~$3-33

Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found or purchased for around $1, although if the items must be purchased by you, then the cost will be higher. I hope you find this sort of break down helpful, especially those of you looking to create Instagram perfect altars on a budget!


During my Samhain ritual, I added three offerings to my altar: a coin, bread, and cider. These were to nourish and than the spirits for aiding me in my magical workings. You should always offer something in return for the services of spirits, lest you anger them or they refuse to work with you in the future.

How did you celebrate Samhain this year?