Magical Properties of Dalmatian Jasper

If you liked this post, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

Midsommar Altar 2026

Midsommar was almost two weeks ago, and while I set up my altar and did a small celebration, I didn't get around to writing the post until now. I have been enjoying resting and spending time with friends and family in the short time I have before the school year starts again.

Midsommar is a festival to celebrate the longest day of the year, the summer solstice. Archaeological evidence, such as standing stones and other such monuments, suggests the summer solstice has been culturally important since the Neolithic era. While different cultures celebrated this festival differently, there are many common themes and practices, such as bonfires, feasting, and fertility rituals, and for a good reason. By the summer solstice, crops are ripening quickly in the field, providing extremely bountiful harvests, which were cause enough to celebrate. Here in Georgia, strawberry season has ended, but peach, blackberry, and blueberry season is well underway, along with watermelon, corn, summer squash, and zucchini.

As with each of my altars, I took the correspondences of the season to heart while I carefully chose the items that are featured. Midsommar is characterized by reds, oranges, and yellows, sun symbols, fire, and lush greenery, themes featured in this year's altar.

1. Sun Wheel- Unless you are new here, you have seen this sun wheel on more than one occasion. Since I made it, it has appeared on my summer solstice altar. It's one of my favorite crafts I've done over the years, and it was so simple and easy to make. As the name suggests, it represents the Sun, which is most prominent on the summer solstice, masculine energy, light, and fertility. Being that the summer solstice is the longest day of the year, it is only fitting to represent the Sun in all His strength. Sun wheels were commonly created by our ancestors as a form of sympathetic magic by helping the Sun remain strong through the rest of the growing season, which was needed to ensure a bountiful crop to make it through the darkest and coldest months of the year. In fact, there is a record of Nordic peoples creating sun wheels, albeit different from the one I have created here. You can read more about Nordic sun wheel representations in my post What is Midsommar? (Where did I get it: I made it; Cost: Under $5)

2. Various Candles- Of all the potential symbols and practices associated with Midsommar, bonfires are one of the few verifiable practices, as it is often referenced in historical documents. They were often lit as a form of protection, for both people and livestock, as the bright flames were said to burn or scare away harmful spirits. These practices were common across multiple cultures, so it seems obvious to include fire and candles to represent these practices on my altar. This year I decided to feature a wide array of candles at varying heights to represent the varying heights of flame during a bonfire. Fire is associated with strength, vitality, and life, common themes of Midsommar, and is also used as a form of sympathetic magic to attract the Sun. After all, the sun is what helps ripen crops in the field which will nourish us through the winter months to come. One of the candles featured is red, representing strength, fertility, lust, and love, which help bring forth life during these bright summer months. (Where did I get it: Candles- Dollar Tree; Cost: $2, Candle Holders- Dollar Tree; Cost: $4)

3. Calendula Petals- Calendula is a solar plant; its bright yellow is often compared to that of the shining rays of the sun. As such, calendula represents the Sun, strength, vitality, health, happiness, and abundance. As with other elements on my altar, the calendula petals work sympathetically to strengthen and empower the Sun to ensure continued abundance and prosperity for the remainder of the season. Furthermore, calendula is associated with the Norse goddess Freya, bringer of love, beauty, and fertility. Some evidence suggests that Freya and her twin Freyr were honored during the solstice as bringers of abundance, warmth, and vitality. The solstices are also liminal periods, and while not as powerful as the equinoxes, spirit work is often a certain focus of Midsommar festivities for hedge witches like myself. Calendula can be used as a dream enhancer, allowing for spirit communication. (Where did I get it: My Garden; Cost: Free)

4. Sowilo and Mannaz Runes- In the center of the altar are the runes Sowilo and Mannaz. I have written about both of these runes on my blog, and it seemed appropriate to include them on my Midsommar altar. Sowilo is known as the sun rune, and represents not only the sun, but also vitality and victory. It brings strength and life to the altar, correspondences of summer. Mannaz, however, is known as the humanity rune. It represents community, which has long been a central focus of all blóts and Midsommar festivities across multiple cultures. Blóts are always celebrated with the greater community and often used as a time to connect with not just neighbors, but also newcomers, ancestors, and land spirits. Midsommar is one of these festivals, so it seems only fitting to include the rune here. (Where did I get it: Won; Cost: Free)

5. Carnelian and Clear Quartz- With the runes are two different types of crystals: carnelian and a clear quartz tower. The two carnelian stones, in their reds and oranges, are associated with the Sun, strength, happiness, vitality, and growth. I went with two carnelian as the masculine energies of the season tend to dominate, but I also chose two because the number two represents balance and partnerships. While the masculine tends to be the more prominent energy of the season, life cannot be brought forth by the masculine alone. It takes the masculine and feminine coming together to create new life. The clear quartz tower adds additional strength to this altar dedicated to the Sun, while also representing the subtle energies of the feminine, balance, and focus. (Where did I get it: Various Occult Stores; Cost: $12)

6. Incense Holder & Solar Incense- Last, but not least, is my incense holder and within a solar incense. This blend, known as "Summer Solstice," was created by my local occult shop and contains sun-associated botanicals, resins, and sweet spices to celebrate the peak of the sun's power. I am not 100% sure what is in it, but it smells wonderful, wonderful enough that my husband asked me to bring it into the office after I was done with my celebrations.  Apart from its association with the sun, incense smoke is often used to carry messages to the other world. Since the veil tends to be thin during the solstices, this is a great time to commune with spirits, ancestors, and the like, and honor them. (Where did I get it: Local Occult Store; Cost: $2.50)

TOTAL COST: ~$16

Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found, made, or purchased for around $1, although if the items must be purchased by you, then the cost will be higher. This altar is more expensive than some of my previous altars because I wanted to include some new items I purchased this year. I hope you find this sort of breakdown helpful, especially for those of you looking to create Instagram-perfect altars on a budget!

I hope that you had a wonderful Midsommar, and were able to celebrate in whatever way is most meaningful to you, whether that be indoors or around a roaring bonfire with friends and family.

If you liked this post, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

Book Review: The Rag & Bone Man by Lee Morgan

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. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When I was first asked to review The Rag & Bone Man by Lee Morgan, I was intrigued by the premise. Unlike other occult books, this one combines fiction and non-fiction, blending new and old ideas to create something unlike anything else I have come across in all my years of reading and reviewing books. Morgan is a prolific writer, but is probably best known for his work A Deed Without a Name, which is highly recommended among practitioners of traditional witchcraft. Knowing this, I wasn't going to turn down the opportunity to review his latest book.

As mentioned, The Rag & Bone Man combines both fiction and non-fiction, which Morgan refers to as "a story that has a head, a heart, and two working hands." What does this mean exactly? Well, the head refers to the first part of the book, which lays the historical foundation of the story (heart) that follows it. In this section, Morgan heavily focuses on the history of the Spiritualism movement, complete with footnotes and citations. As someone who studied the Spiritualism movement's impact on literature in college (yes, I was a science major, but I took a heavy load of English courses as well), I loved that it was the central focus of this section, and included major literary works that incorporated such fantastical elements. It is not something that is normally discussed in occult spaces, which is wild to me because much of the folklore and practices many of us use and practice today originated or spread widely during this time period. The introduction or "head" alone is well worth the read.

The "heart," as Morgan calls it, is a fictional story that takes the reader on a journey through the eyes of Henry and his interactions with the Rag & Bone man. The Rag & Bone man is a collector of memories, thoughts, and emotions, taking stories and transforming them into new things or repurposing them. I don't want to give too terribly much away, because you really need to read the story for yourself, but it explores themes of memory, identity, folklore, and our relationship with the inhuman. It ties in heavily with Spiritualism, which, as mentioned before, is the main focus of the introduction. I will say that the story heavily dominates this book. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, given what Morgan is trying to do, but out of 275 pages, the story takes up 238 of them, or 86.5% of the book. For some of you, I know this may be the determining fact as to whether or not you give The Rag & Bone Man a try. Not everyone wants to go on a literary adventure to explore witchcraft, and that is perfectly fine. For the rest of you, especially those that struggle to find context or meaning in their work, there is a very good chance this will be exactly what you are looking for.

Finally, the book concludes with "two working hands" or the practical grimoire. This section takes what we learned in the head and heart and turns it into actionable items such as "alignment with the fetch" and even conducting séances. This is not a straightforward grimoire, however, but a more intuitive guide. It is not bogged down with lists of ingredients and steps. The grimoire reminded me of Dulsky's works, which take a very similar approach to teaching the occult. She too likes to weave stories, followed by actionable items to develop your craft. Morgan's work is no different, albeit slightly less lyrical and easier to follow. While I enjoy this style, it is not the most accessible format for a grimoire, and is definitely not something you can easily flip open and find what you are looking for. If you like Dulsky's works, you will probably enjoy The Rag & Bone Man too.

Overall, The Rag & Bone Man is a unique combination of historical context, storytelling, and practical application woven seamlessly into a"new tradition. While I wish the story itself was shorter, I was impressed with Morgan's work, and know there is definitely a market for such a tale. I found a place for this one on my shelf, and will likely return to it again in the future, especially when I am navigating my own winding path through the dark.

If you liked this post, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

A Complete Guide to Sowilo, the Sun Rune

Today, we continue our runic study journey by looking at Sowilo (SOH-wee-loh), the Sun rune from the second ætt. Sowilo (ᛊ, ᛋ) is associated with fire, energy, victory, success, illumination, and vitality. Being part of the second ætt makes it part of Heimdall's ætt, which is the ætt of nature, unexpected challenges, and transformation. 

As seen in my previous runic guides, today's post will include a deep dive into the runic poems, Sowilo's cultural significance, its correspondences, how to work with it, its meaning in a spread, and its relationships with runes. Also included is a free printable for your Book of Shadows or Grimoire!

Sowilo's Portrayal in the Rune Poems

Sowilo (ᛊ, ᛋ) is the final rune of the second ætt, making it the sixteenth rune in the Elder Futhark. Like Wunjo, which marks the end of the first ætt, Sowilo represents success and glory, but unlike Wunjo, it does not mark the end of the journey. Sowilo, being associated with the Sun, is associated with movement and therefore change and transformation. Sure, you have been successful and triumphant, but the universe is transient and ever-changing, and therefore, we must be too. You have won one battle, but there are more that lie ahead.

Sowilo, like most of the runes of the Elder Futhark, is found in all three runic poems, which helps us understand its meaning within the context of the runic alphabet as well as Nordic life.

Icelandic Rune Poem                                  Translation:

Sól er skýja skjöldr                                       Sun is the shield of the clouds

ok skínandi röðull                                         and shining ray

ok ísa aldrtregi.                                            and destroyer of ice.

rota siklingr.

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem                            Translation:

Sigel semannum sẏmble biþ on hihte           The sun is ever a joy in the hopes of seafarers

ðonne hi hine feriaþ ofer fisces beþ,            when they journey away over the fishes' bath,

oþ hi brimhengest bringeþ to lande.            until the courser of the deep bears them to land.

Norwegian Rune Poem                               Translation:

Sól er landa ljóme;                                       Sun is the light of the world;

lúti ek helgum dóme.                                   I bow to the divine decree.

All three rune poems refer to Sowilo as the sun, and all three present Sowilo in a positive light. In the Icelandic poem, the sun is the destroyer of ice, a reference to Isa, which is found earlier in the second ætt. Being the final rune of the second ætt, Sowilo represents triumph, in this case, over winter and its hardships. The second ætt heavily focuses on the cycles of the year, beginning with winter and ending with summer, so it only makes sense that it would be referred to as a "shining ray and destroyer of ice." The sun is what causes the shift from winter to summer, bringing with it new life, represented by Eihwaz, and the harvest, represented by Jera.

We see a similar theme in the Norwegian rune poem, where Sowilo is referred to as "the light of the world." In this case, the sun is viewed as the supreme source of illumination, bringing with it life and vitality. As such, Sowilo often reveals hidden truths, strengths, or other masked messages in a runic spread. However, referring to it as "divine decree" sets the sun apart from other life-giving earthly attributes, placing it as the supreme or ultimate life-giver and marking it as sacred. This isn't surprising considering the landscape in which the Norse lived. Long, harsh winters were often deadly, and the sun was what brought an end to these hardships, bringing with it nourishing foods and fairer weather. Like most cultures, the sun was a prominent figure within Nordic mythology, which I will discuss in more detail in the next section, Sowilo's Cultural Significance. Needless to say, it was reliable, a "shield" and "shining ray" against the darkness of winter.

The Anglo-Saxon poem, however, takes a slightly different approach to the sun's power, heavily focusing on its use as a navigational guide for seafarers as they "journey away over the fishes' bath." Summer was raiding season, meaning clans would embark on seafaring journeys to discover new lands, trade, and even raid coastal settlements. It should come as no surprise, then, that the Anglo-Saxon poem would refer to such journeys during the summer months and the sun's role in navigation. As such, Sowilo acts not only as a source of illumination and warmth, but also as a guide through difficult times.

Taking into account all three runic poems, we see that Sowilo is treasured not only as the Sun rune, but also for its ability to illuminate, bring warmth and energy, nourish new life, and bring success and victory. It is a "shiny ray" and "destroyer of ice," but also a "divine decree" and a "joy...[that] bears them to land." As in every culture around the world, the sun is viewed with reverence and honored as a driving force of life and strength.

Sowilo's Cultural Significance

The only verifiable use of Sowilo and the other numerous runes is that it was part of a writing system used by the Norse and other Germanic peoples. Sowilo represented the s sound in the Elder Futhark, its literal meaning being "sun." Surviving archaeological evidence shows Sowilo carved into stones, leather, arm rings, and even surviving wooden and bone staves or rune sticks. The Bryggen inscriptions, which were discovered in Bergen, Norway, are one of the most important runic finds of the twentieth century. The some 670 runic inscriptions found on mostly pine and some bone confirm, beyond a doubt, that runes were used to send everyday messages and even mark belongings. Some of the inscriptions are believed to be business letters, orders, and short religious inscriptions that may have been used as amulets.

Apart from the Bryggen inscriptions, we also see Sowilo featured prominently on runestones. Interestingly, while it does appear on navigational runestones, it is also very commonly found on stones to mark graves or in memorium of loved ones, such as the Jelling stones from the 10th century that were raised in memory of King Gorm the Old's wife, and later by his son in memory of his parents.

Jelling Stone

Another enlightening use of Sowilo is on silver arm rings or "hacksilver" found with the Galloway Hoard. The arm bands were found toward the surface of the hoard, having been hacked at each end and folded in half, showing that silver arm rings were used for commercial transactions. Most of the inscriptions are believed to mark who the hoard belongs to (the community) and what it contained, further supporting the fact that the runes were most often used to communicate and record important information.

Runic inscriptions on four arm-rings, found in the larger lower deposit of hacksilver in the Galloway Hoard.

Apart from its use in writing systems, Sowilo would have held significant cultural value as it represented one of the most revered elements, the Sun. In Norse cosmology, the Sun, known as Sól or Sunna, is described as riding across the heavens in a chariot pulled by horses while being chased by the great wolf, Sköll. Sköll is fated to eventually catch and devour Sól during Ragnarök, thus bringing an end to the world. However, not all is lost, as the world is said to be reborn, with Sól's daughter rising to take her place in the sky. 

Sól is mentioned throughout the Eddas with reverence and respect, as she is the bringer of life and the banisher of winter's harsh conditions. However, she is also known for her destructive nature. In Grímnismál, Odin references a shield by the name of Svalinn that is carried by Sól and says that if it were to fall from its frontal position, the earth "would burn up." Here we see that the Sun can be a destructive force, not just by burning up the land, but also by potentially causing heat sickness and death.

Unfortunately, Sowilo is another rune that was appropriated by the Nazis. In 1908, Austrian occultist Guido von List developed and published his own 18-rune alphabet he called the "Armanen Runes." His alphabet became part of various cultural movements to promote Germanic purity, including the Nazi movement just years after his death. von List reinterpreted the Sowilo rune as "Sig," meaning victory, which the Nazis doubled to turn into the infamous SS emblem used by the Schutzstaffel. The lightning bolts were supposed to communicate absolute power, dominance, and strength, and potentially acted as a battle cry: "Victory, Victory!" Neo-Nazi's continue to use the Sowilo rune, including in Thule-Seminars ' emblem, which combines Sowilo with Tiwaz.

SS Insignia

Thule-Seminar Emblem

As with all things, context matters. Sowilo is not a racist or hateful symbol; it's simply one that has been co-opted by hate groups. Using it in your magical practice does not mean you support or agree with these hate groups. However, it is important to recognize that Sowilo is a dog whistle, especially when tattooed on someone's body, so I would avoid such uses and be mindful of its presentation.

Sowilo's Correspondences

It should be noted that general correspondences are not mentioned in any Nordic text. Instead, these are a best guess based on experiences from both myself and others. In fact, most of these are of modern invention, pulling inspiration from Wicca. As with all correspondence lists, you can add and subtract based on your experiences.

• Upright Meaning: achievement, victory, illumination, good fortune, celebration, success, positive energy, abundance, fruition, warmth, clarity, vitality, triumph, growth, enlightenment
• Reversed Meaning: none
• Letter: S
• Element: Fire, Air
• Zodiac: Leo
• Planet: Sun
• Animal: hawk, eagle, falcon, golden pheasant
• Colors: yellow, gold, white, silver
• Deities: Sol, Baldr
• Plants: juniper, willow, sunflower, calendula, marigold, St. John's wort, mistletoe, goldenrod, saffron
• Crystals: ruby, diamond, citrine, amber, sunstone
  
  

How to Work with the Sowilo Rune

Incorporating runes into your magical practice can be incredibly rewarding and bring new energies to spells and rituals. But how exactly can you use Sowilo in your workings?

1. Use Sowilo in spells or rituals focused on success, confidence, vitality, and achieving goals.
2. Meditate on Sowilo to understand your purpose, strengthen self-confidence, and reconnect with the light that guides you forward.
3. Carry or wear the Sowilo rune to encourage optimism, personal power, and resilience during difficult times.
4. Include Sowilo in rituals during midsummer, sunrise observances, or moments when you seek clarity and renewed inspiration.
5. Draw the Sowilo rune in sunlight, sand, or with incense smoke to bless your workings with illumination, success, and protection.
6. Sit with the rune during times of uncertainty to cultivate faith in your abilities and trust in the direction your life is taking.
7. Sleep with Sowilo beneath your pillow to invite dreams that reveal your strengths, illuminate hidden opportunities, or offer guidance on your path.
8. Chant Sowilo to raise energy for victory magic, especially when overcoming obstacles or pursuing something that requires courage and perseverance.
9. Use Sowilo in healing magic aimed at restoring vitality, renewing motivation, or supporting recovery after burnout or exhaustion.
10. Incorporate Sowilo into shadow work focused on self-worth, overcoming fear, and healing beliefs that keep you from embracing your own power.
11. Draw Sowilo on paper and write a goal, dream, or intention beneath it, then place it beneath a candle, crystal, or altar object to empower the work with solar energy.
12. Journal with Sowilo to explore where you are being called to step into your strengths, claim your victories, or shine more authentically.
13. Use in spells and rituals centered on leadership, ambition, recognition, or achieving long-term aspirations.
14. Place Sowilo on charms, talismans, or protective objects to attract good fortune, guidance, and strength in times of challenge.
15. Trace Sowilo over yourself before important conversations, journeys, or endeavors to invoke courage, confidence, and success.

Sowilo's Meaning in Rune Spread

What does it mean if Sowilo appears in a rune spread? Sowilo holds various meanings depending on its position and relation to other runes in the spread.

Below are some examples of how to interpret Sowilo when it's next to or near other runes:

• Next to Fehu suggests prosperity, success, or resources gained through confidence, right action, and sustained effort.
• Near Uruz indicates renewed vitality, strength, and the courage to overcome challenges through resilience and determination.
• Paired with Raidho points to journeys aligned with purpose, forward movement, or success achieved by following the right path.
• In proximity to Wunjo, it suggests joy, fulfillment, and victories that bring lasting happiness and peace.
• Near Isa indicates delayed success, the need for patience, or light waiting beneath a period of stillness and stagnation.
• In proximity to Mannaz suggests personal growth through self-awareness, leadership, or discovering your place within a larger community.
• Combined with Eihwaz indicates endurance during times of change, emphasizing inner strength and trust through periods of transformation.

Sowilo's Relationships with Other Runes

Sowilo generally interacts with other runes in an illuminating and empowering way, as seen in the previous section. Where some runes introduce uncertainty, stagnation, or hardship, Sowilo often sheds light on their deeper purpose, emphasizing clarity, vitality, and the possibility of success. When Sowilo appears alongside other runes, it frequently strengthens their positive qualities or reveals the direction in which their energies are meant to unfold.

When found with runes associated with prosperity or fulfillment, such as Fehu or Jera, Sowilo often points to rewards that are becoming visible after periods of effort and patience. Success, abundance, or recognition may be approaching, particularly when one's actions are aligned with long-term goals. Near runes of movement, such as Raidho, or partnership, such as Ehwaz, Sowilo highlights progress through purposeful action and cooperation, suggesting that the right path becomes clearer through shared effort and steady forward momentum.

Despite its association with the sun, victory, and wholeness, Sowilo is not limited to easy or favorable meanings. Too much sunlight can scorch as easily as it can nourish, and unchecked confidence can become pride or overconfidence. In some contexts, Sowilo may point to excessive ambition, burnout, or a need to temper one's desires with humility and self-awareness. When paired with more challenging runes such as Hagalaz, Nauthiz, or Isa, Sowilo does not necessarily remove hardship but instead reveals how adversity can become a source of strength, wisdom, or eventual transformation.

Ultimately, Sowilo teaches us to trust in the return of light, even when circumstances remain uncertain. Its presence among other runes reminds us that clarity, victory, and wholeness are not always immediate gifts but qualities cultivated through perseverance, right action, and the willingness to continue moving toward the light.

***

Sowilo is the perfect rune to begin working with during Summer, as outlined in my post Runes for the Bright Season, as it is the Sun rune. You can't get more on the nose than that. No matter how you choose to work with Sowilo in your own practice, it is sure to bring strength, illumination, and success to your life. Below you will find a printable cheat sheet that includes a summary of all important information that you can incorporate into your Book of Shadows or Grimoire.

Click the image below to download your free cheat sheet for your Book of Shadows or Grimoire.

If you liked this post, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

Tarot Chimera by Nitasia Roland Review

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. I received a free copy of this deck in exchange for an honest review.

I love unique tarot decks, even though I really don't practice tarot. It's a beautiful expression of creativity wrapped in esoteric lore, which is excellently represented by one of Weiser's more recent decks, Tarot Chirmera: The Arcana of Doilon Redon by Nitasia Roland.

In this deck, Roland uses the art of French Symbolist painter, printmaker, and draftsman, Odilon Redon, to create a unique tarot deck. His work has been referred to as "dream terrors," "beyond anything imaginable," and "inconceivable apparitions," which is very apparent when looking at the art Roalnd chose for this deck. There are floating heads, mythological creatures, and unsettling locals throughout, making this deck unlike anything else I have seen thus far...in a good way.

As with all tarot decks, Roland includes all the major and minor arcana, with a guidebook to help new and old tarot readers alike. This guidebook includes a breakdown of the cards, but also gives some much-needed history about Redon and the use of the chimera in the deck. And that is where this deck becomes unlike most others on the market. Roland includes 6 oracle cards, one of which is the chimera, to help focus, elaborate, and clarify a reading. The meaning of these oracle cards can be found in the guidebook as well, although you can always look for your own symbolism. My favorite among these is the Genis Loci, which is not only a fascinating inclusion for a witch that works locally, but the artwork is also captivating.

Furthermore, this is one of the best constructed decks I have seen in a while. The cards are incredibly sturdy, but not so much that you can't easily shuffle them. They will wear out incredibly well, lasting you for many, many years if taken care of. The gold detailing on the edges is particularly beautiful, but like all gilding, it will likely fade with time.

If you are looking for a truly unique tarot deck, Tarot Chirmera: The Arcana of Doilon Redon by Nitasia Roland is for you...or your artsy friend. If my mother were into tarot, this is a deck she would likely pick up. While she prefers Impressionists over Symbolists, she loves art of all kinds and would appreciate the care and thought that went into compiling such a deck.

If you liked this post, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar.