We'Moon 2027 Astrological Planner Review

Can you believe we are already well into November? With 2027 quickly approaching, it's not too early to begin thinking about plans for the upcoming year. We'Moon has, once again, produced a magnificent collaborative planner, wall calendar, cards, and even a tarot deck centered around the theme "Over the Moon," which is inspired by the Waning Gibbous Moon. I particularly appreciate this theme because it encourages us to look at growth as something that happens through reflection just as much as through action. There is value in slowing down, taking stock of our experiences, and recognizing the wisdom we've gathered along the way.

One of the things that sets We’Moon apart from traditional planners is that it isn't simply designed to help you organize your schedule. It's also a reference guide, an inspirational collection, and a companion for exploring the rhythms of the natural world. As with past years, We'Moon's 2027 astrological moon phase calendar features poetry, prose, and art from more than 150 women. I have held onto mine every year because the articles are so insightful. The 2027 pieces explore how our experiences shape our growth and how to remain grounded during such changes. There are guides, invocations, inspirational writings, works of poetry, and some of the most amazing art I have seen thus far.

The 2027 edition, as in past years, follows a week-at-a-glance format, with daily astrological information, lunar phases, moon signs, and planetary influences. You'll find notations for full moons, new moons, eclipses, void-of-course moons, and other significant astrological events. For anyone who incorporates lunar timing into their spiritual practice, having this information readily available is particularly helpful. It also includes monthly and yearly calendar references, a complete ephemeris, and information about the eight seasonal sabbats. Whether you're planning a full moon ritual or seasonal celebrations, choosing a time for spell work, tracking the waxing and waning moon, or simply observing how the different lunar phases correspond with your own experiences, there's plenty of information to explore.

This year, We'Moon sent me their paperback planner. I personally like the spiral-bound version better because it allows me to fold back the pages to write easily, but the paperback version sits better on my bookshelf at the end of the year. There are also unbound versions available for those who wish to use a binder or another organization format. If you aren't looking for a planner, but would a wall calendar instead, We'Moon also has your covered. I love the variety of options We'Moon offers, which sets them apart from other companies on the market. 

On top of all this, We'Moon supports women, uses recycled paper, promotes inclusion and diversity in the spiritual community, and does not support the use of AI. I love the idea behind We’Moon's collaborative approach. This isn't simply a calendar produced by a single publisher or artist. It is a collection of creative voices and perspectives brought together around shared connections to the Earth, spirituality, creativity, and community. The entire company is well worth supporting, which is why I continue to support their planners each year. It is the best on the market and well worth the purchase, whether you are purchasing as a gift for yourself or for a friend or family member. I promise, you will not be disappointed!

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Vetrnætr/Winter Nights Altar 2026

Winter Nights begins on the first full moon after the Autumn Equinox and lasts three days, during which three blots, or sacrifices, occurred: Alfablót, Disablót, and Haustblót. Depending on your schedule, time zone, or personal preference, Winter Nights may have started Sunday night or Monday night for many Heathens/Norse pagans. I decided to go with Monday night as the first night, since the full moon technically didn't reach peak until after 12am EST on Monday and I didn't feel up to it on Sunday.

Winter Nights is marked by ancestral, land, and deity veneration and punctuated by a seasonal celebration, a one last hurrah before the cold sets in and the earth withers. The themes and symbols represented by this holy tide are the harvest, abundance, cycles, family, heritage, and sacrifice. This is a time to give thanks, celebrate the fruits of our labors, and request continued protection and abundance. With these themes in mind, I created the base altar featured below. 

Please know that this is the base, not the complete altar. Each night, I added new items and conducted short spells and rituals not featured for privacy reasons. I've included an expanded note about this at the end of the post to give you a better idea of what you won't see pictured and why.

1. Harvest Candle Holder with Green Candle- This harvest candle holder has graced my altars for many years now, and it should come as no surprise that it is on my Winter Nights altar again this year. Winter Nights is a time to celebrate the end of summer and the harvests collected and stored during this time. As such, this harvest candle holder and green candle pay homage to these traditional themes, as they represent the bounty of the season with its pears, apples, grapes, and berries. The earthen tones and colorful leaves represent autumn and the changing of the seasons as the Wheel turns yet again toward winter. Like most years, I placed a green candle in the holder to represent abundance, specifically agricultural abundance, as green is associated with plants, luck, and wealth. Green also represents the Earth and the gracious gifts She bestows upon us during the harvest, for without Her nurturing soils, we would not have nutrient-rich foods. (Where did I get it: Goodwill & Dollar Tree; Cost: $3)

2. Incense Holder with Cone Incense- Incense has been used across cultures to communicate with the gods and send messages to the Otherworld for centuries. It is also one of the best ways to trigger a magical response in your brain and let it know it's time for ritual. I picked a scent that resonated with me, that felt 'right' for the season. Each night of Vetrnætr I light new incense to carry my prayers, stories, and thoughts to those I was speaking to. I use it to cleanse and clear the space around my altar and to summon the spirits of those I wished to honor each night. (Where did I get it: Five Below; Cost: $3)

3. Silver Picture Frame- For the sake of these photos, I have left the silver frame empty, as my ancestors are not something I wish to share with the public. While I have shared photos of some of them in the past, several of my more recent losses are not something I want the world to see. Alfablót and Disablót both include ancestral veneration, and this picture frame is there to represent my ancestors. I add more photos depending on the night and who I have lost, which can make things a little crowded. (Where did I get it: Goodwill; Cost: $3)

4. Thor's Hammer, Mjölnir- Mjölnir primarily represents strength, protection, and divine order against the forces of chaos. As the Wheel turns toward winter, the nights grow long, and unseen forces are believed to come out to play. Traditionally, winter was a very unsafe time, with many people not surviving to see spring. Mjölnir is here to protect against these forces, but also to connect with the Æsir, or deities of Norse myth. (Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free)

5. Autumn Leaf Candle Holders with White Candles- The leaf candle holders are an ode to the season and the changing leaves that herald autumn. Their orange color represents attraction. In this case, it is used to attract the Sun and keep Him burning bright within the sky for a little while longer so the rest of the crops may ripen. In conjunction with the candles, which represent the Sun, who is slowly waning in the sky, they work together as a sympathetic form of magic to give the Sun continued strength. Candles are also traditionally used to light the way so souls may find their way home. I included these extra candles to call forth my ancestors and my spiritual guides so I may thank them and regale them with tales of my life. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $2.50)

6. Petrified Wood and Amethyst- This is the first time I have placed crystals on my Winter Nights altar, and it took me a minute to figure out which ones I would like to include. I settled on petrified wood and amethyst. This also marks the first time I have used a fossil on my altar, which is surprising considering my background in paleontology. Petrified wood is deeply associated with our ancestors and heritage because it carries the history of ancient trees spanning millions of years. It is frequently used to access ancestral knowledge, heal generational trauma, and explore past lives, making it perfect for Alfablót and Disablót. Amethyst, on the other hand, is used to open your mind and increase psychic awareness. It is also calming, helping to reduce overall stress that may be associated with the holidays as well as help to ease one into an altered state of consciousness. I spent a great deal of Winter Nights communing with spirits, and amethyst is an old, trusted friend during this type of work. (Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free)

7. Offering Bowl and Honey- Blót means sacrifice, and that is exactly what is to occur during Winter Nights. Each night I made a sacrifice and offering to say thank you to those who have helped me. What I sacrificed each night was different, dependent upon the spirits I was thanking, but it was made nonetheless. I have also included the gratitude honey I made earlier, which I now give as an offering to my ancestors, spirit guides, and other spirits and deities I work with. (Where did I get it: Goodwill/Made; Cost: ~$2.00)

8. Ansuz, Othala, and Mannaz Runes- Since this is a Nordic holiday, no altar would be complete without some runes. This year I included a nontraditional rune: Ansuz. Ansuz is associated with divine communication. As all the blóts of Winter Nights involve otherworldly communication, I felt it was the perfect rune to include. Ansuz will help open the door to communicate with those beyond. Othala is the rune of heritage, inheritance, and home. It represents your family roots, your genetics, and your spiritual heritage. This is incredibly important during Winter Nights, as both Alfablót and Disablót are celebrations of our ancestors and heritage. Finally, I included Mannaz, also a new rune this year. Mannaz represents community, which is incredibly important during Winter Nights, especially during Haustblót, in which the community shared the fruits of their combined efforts. (Where did I get it: Won; Cost: Free)

9. Fox Skull- The fox skull represents my animal guide or otherworldly familiar. She has been a staunch companion and ally for many years, and this skull is used as a spirit home for her during my magical workings and spirit flights. She is honored here during Vetrnætr as one of the feminine spirits I celebrated during Disablót. She took center stage on my altar each night, as she is an important part of my practice. I honestly couldn't do what I do without her. Not pictured are her offerings, which shall remain private. Not only does she act as my guide, but she also aids me in communicating with other spirits. She helps to ferry my ancestors into our realm for communication and is present on this altar for the same task.  (Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free)

TOTAL COST: ~$13.50

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!

It's important to note that this is not my full altar for Winter Nights. Each night, I added new things, the majority of which are very private. This includes pictures of my ancestors, notes, letters, and personal belongings. It also includes some of my ritual tools, sacrifices, and offerings I gave. These are private and between me and the spirits I work with, hence their absence from these pictures. I encourage you to do the same with your altar. Remember, part of witchcraft is "to remain silent." This doesn't mean not sharing your knowledge and craft, but being wise in what and how you share. Not everyone has your best interests in mind.

I hope everyone has a blessed winter and that it is nothing but light in the darkness.

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A Complete Guide to Othala, the Heritage Rune

Today, we continue our runic study journey by exploring Othala (OH-tha-lah), the Heritage rune from the third ætt. Othala (ᛟ) is associated with inheritance, ancestry, legacy, and tradition, which I felt was perfect to explore as we approach Vetrnætr/Winter Nights, since ancestor veneration plays a large part in this blót. Being part of the third ætt makes it part of Tyr's ætt, which focuses on cosmic order, justice, human responsibility, and spiritual mastery. Furthermore, Othala is the last rune, representing the culmination of the entire runic cycle, a "coming home," if you will.

As seen in my previous runic guides, today's post will include a deep dive into the runic poems, Othala'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!

Othala's Portrayal in the Rune Poems

Othala (ᛟ) is the last rune of the third ætt, making it the final rune in the Elder Futhark, as seen on the Kylver Runestone. This placement is significant, as Othala marks the end of the runic cycle. Its placement represents the culmination of the entire runic cycle or life's journey, which began as active wealth in the first ætt. This wealth transforms into familial legacy that lasts across generations while embodying the responsibility of the living to honor past generations, preserve family values, and continue the family line. Furthermore, its placement represents a return home, integrating all of human experience into a spiritual and physical foundation that lasts generations.

Kylver Stone rune-row c. 400

Othala, unlike other runes of the Elder Futhark, is only found in the Anglo-Saxon rune poem. This is because it vanished from Scandinavia during the transition to the Younger Futhark around the 8th century, when the number of runes was reduced from 24 to 16. Its phonetic sound of o was merged with that of u, becoming Uruz (ᚢ). The Anglo-Saxons, however, expanded their runic system, thus preserving Othala in the process. Both the Norwegian and Icelandic Rune Poems were written after the adoption of the Younger Futhark, resulting in Othala's absence from both poems.

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem                            Translation:

Eþel byþ oferleof æghwylcum men,              An estate is very dear to every man,

gif he mot ðær rihtes and gerysena on         if he can enjoy there in his house

brucan on bolde bleadum oftast                  whatever is right and proper in constant prosperity

From the Anglo-Saxon rune poem, we see that Othala is called "Eþel," meaning estate, thus highlighting the importance of land and home in Anglo-Saxon and Nordic culture. Ancestral property was deeply cherished, representing security, familial roots, and physical belonging. Unlike Fehu, which represents movable wealth such as cattle or coins, Othala represents fixed wealth tied to ancestry. However, there are conditions set on the "estate." The poem makes it clear that the estate is only precious if a person can live there lawfully, properly, and honorably, making it clear that prosperity is tied deeply to social harmony and living within the moral bounds of the community.

From this poem, as well as other cultural markers which will be discussed in Othala's Cultural Significance, we can conclude Othala is associated with property, familiar wealth, ancestral ties, family, unity, and heritage.

Othala's Cultural Significance

Like all runes, Othala was part of the runic alphabet used for written communication. Even though Othala was dropped in the Younger Futhark, it is still heavily featured on objects, way stones, and surviving organic documents. It is featured on some of the earliest known runic inscriptions, including the Hole Runestone and Vimose planer, dating back to between 50 BCE and 400 CE. However, its most famous uses are those where historians and archeologists believe Othala marked objects as personal property or hereditary treasure. Such objects include the Ring of Pietroassa and the Thorsberg chape.

Illustration of the Thorsberg chape (c. 210-260 CE)

Othala is derived from several languages, including the Proto-Germanic ōþala or ōþila meaning "patrimony" or "inherited possession." This is similar to the Old Norse óðal, also meaning "ancestral property," "patrimony," or "inheritance." The Old Norse óðal is a reference to the Scandinavian laws of inheritance which established land rights for families who had owned or inhabited a parcel of land for several generations. These laws prevented the land from being sold to others outside the family and even protected daughters against men from outside the immediate family. As such, women were able to own property, livestock, and wealth in their own names, even keeping their own doweries. However, these inheritance rights shifted with the rise of Christianity, although some of these laws continue to exist today, including Norway's Odelsrett. Furthermore, if the land was sold or left to someone outside the immediate family, the living family members had the right to buy back the land. These laws and cultural practices underscore just how important family, kinship, and inheritance were, making Othala an important rune, despite its loss over time.

Section of Beowulf in the Nowell Codex (late 10th-early 11th century)

While Othala "fell out of fashion" in Nordic countries, it remained in use in Anglo-Saxon countries well into the 17th century. True to its meaning, Othala was featured in texts such as Beowulf, Waldere, and the Old English translation of Orosius' Historiae adversus paganos, where it was used as shorthand for ancestral property. Later, Othala was used by JRR Tolkein in The Hobbit and later in The Lord of the Rings, as runes were used as the base for dwarvish Cirth.

Winged Othala

Unfortunately, Othala is yet another rune that was adopted by the German Nazis, where it was modified with serifs (feet/wings) and assigned to the SS Race and Settlement Main Office as a symbol of racial purity. The winged Othala is still used today by white nationalist groups and is commonly featured on flags, banners, and logos or in tattoos. As a reminder, Othala itself is not a hate symbol, but you should be aware of its use as such so you can make informed decisions regarding displaying the rune.

Othala'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: home, family, inheritance, ancestry, belonging, sacred ground, security, stability, comfort, foundation, shared values, family tradition, commitment, culture
• Reversed Meaning: family burden, generational trauma, prejudice, disconnection, insecure family, conflict at home, disorder, instability, distress
• Letter: O
• Element: Earth
• Zodiac: Gemini
• Planet: Moon
• Animal: stork, whale, hound, bee, salmon
• Colors: brown, gold, yellow, blood red
• Deities: Heimdall, Odin, Thor
• Plants: hawthorn, elm, gorse, chamomile, sorrel, houseleek, snowdrop
• Crystals: amethyst, ruby, amber, petrified wood
  
  

How to Work with the Othala 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 Othala in your workings?

1. Use Othala in spells or rituals focused on home protection, ancestral connection, heritage, and cultivating a sense of belonging.
2. Meditate on Othala to explore your roots, reflect on the traditions you have inherited, and consider which values you wish to carry forward into the future. This is also a great rune to meditate on when wishing to connect with your ancestors during spirit work.
3. Draw Othala in anointing oil on your door or windows, or incorporate it into other household blessings to encourage stability, nurture a sense of sanctuary, and honor the relationships and memories that make a place feel like home.
4. Draw Othala on a piece of paper and place it on your altar alongside a meaningful family heirloom, photograph, or personal keepsake to honor your connection to the past.
5. Include Othala in rituals focused on breaking inherited patterns, examining family dynamics, and releasing beliefs or behaviors that no longer align with your values.
6. Carry Othala as a reminder of your personal roots, cultural identity, and the importance of creating a sense of belonging that honors both your heritage and your individual path.
7. Work with Othala in prosperity and stewardship rituals focused on managing resources responsibly, preserving what matters, and creating a meaningful legacy for future generations.
8. Place Othala on your altar, particularly those centered on the home, ancestors, and preparation for winter, such as a contemporary Vetrnætr observance.
9. Journal with Othala to explore what home means to you, what you have inherited beyond material possessions, which traditions deserve to continue, and what kind of legacy you hope to leave behind.

Othala's Meaning in Rune Spread

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

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

• Near Algiz suggests protecting the home, preserving meaningful traditions, or establishing healthy boundaries around family, heritage, and personal identity.
• Next to Fehu suggests inherited wealth, family resources, or the responsibility of preserving and building upon what has been passed down.
• Paired with Jera points to the fruits of long-term effort, generational cycles, or the ways that what we cultivate today becomes an inheritance for those who follow.
• In proximity to Hagalaz indicates disruption to the familiar, changes in family or household circumstances, or the dismantling of inherited structures that no longer serve you.
• Combined with Berkano points to family growth, nurturing one's roots, the continuation of traditions, or creating a sense of home where new life and possibilities can flourish.
• Near Isa indicates a need to pause and reflect on inherited patterns, family traditions, or beliefs that may be holding you in place.

Othala's Relationships with Other Runes

When found in a runic spread, Othala usually interacts with other runes through themes of heritage, belonging, inheritance, and ancestral ties. Unlike other runes that emphasize personal growth or material gain, Othala emphasizes family and community, highlighting the influence that one's roots have on the life one is building.

When found alongside runes associated with abundance and prosperity, such as Fehu or Jera, Othala can point to generational wealth or the fruits of long-term labor. It can also point to non-material gains, such as inherited knowledge, traditions, and values. Near runes like Gebo or Raidho, on the other hand, Othala emphasizes shared responsibility, a sense of belonging, and what it means to be a villager.

While Othala is itself a positive rune, it can signal familial strife when found among less favorable runes such as Isa or Hagalaz. It may also point to the burdens of inheritance or family traditions that are perpetuating harmful patterns or trauma. Paired with runes associated with protection or boundaries, such as Algiz or Thurisaz, Othala may raise questions about safeguarding one's home and heritage while remaining mindful of the difference between healthy boundaries and exclusion. These combinations can encourage us to consider how we honor our roots without allowing the past to dictate our future.

No matter where Othala shows up, it always points toward family, heritage, and community. Remember that belonging is not simply a matter of where we come from or who we are related to. It also extends to the family we build ourselves. The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb, meaning the family we choose, the bonds we forge ourselves, are stronger than ones we may have been born into. Othala does not just mean blood family, making it a rune accessible to everyone.

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With Vetrnætr/Winter Nights quickly approaching, Othala is the perfect rune to work with this season. It is the symbol of our ancestral roots, the ties of kinship that lead to our creation. While generational wealth is on the decline, the values and traditions we inherit are not. It is important that we evaluate these family values and traditions, removing any that prompt hate or harm and replacing them with ones that are more inclusive and meaningful. Remember, family is what you make it, so if Othala means your found family rather than your blood relatives, that is valid too. May your ancestors guide you on your path and protect you along your journey.

Until next time,

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

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Magical Properties of Peacock Ore

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Book Review: The Crafty Witch's Guide to Cord Magic by Loren Morris

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.

I am so thankful for the rise in 'niche' witchcraft books. Early in my blogging and witchcraft "career," almost every book being published was a beginner book with the same rehashed information. Such books are certainly still being published, and even the more advanced books contain beginner information, but they are on the decline. The Crafty Witch's Guide to Cord Magic: The Art of Braiding & Knotting Spell Cords by Loren Morris is the next great addition to a growing number of advanced or niche topic occult books.

In this rather short but very comprehensive guide, Morris offers everything you need to know about crafting and using spell cords in your own practice. The first half of the book focuses on the magical properties of items commonly used in spell cords, as well as using runes, magical alphabets, and sigils. While these chapters are relatively short, they are packed with vital information. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on runes, bindrunes, and galdr. Runes need to be activated in order for them to work, and the best way is through galdr, or chanting/singing/speaking over the runes. Generally, this is done by saying the rune name over and over and drawing out the sound, but they can also be activated with written chants or free-form chanting/singing. For other included materials, Morris offers meditations, pathwalking rituals, and chants to activate the item or sigil, leaving no stone untouched.

Furthermore, the sections on bindrunes and sigils include picture examples in different shades of grey so readers can see how they were constructed using the different pieces. This is particularly helpful for those who struggle to deconstruct sigils and bindrunes, making this guide more inclusive than others.

The second half of The Crafty Witch's Guide to Cord Magic is a guide to crafting your own cords. This "section" begins with a guide to constructing a cord, from picking out the correct materials, braiding, knotting, and tying in different items. This guide includes multiple pictures to help readers truly understand what Morris is talking about, which I appreciated. I am a very visual learner.

From there, Morris offers 12 different cord directions and rituals ranging from love and money to binding and blessing. There are even cords dedicated to Odin (my favorite for sure!) and Morrigan, which can be very easily adapted to whatever deities or spirits you work with. Each cord gets its own chapter with a guide very similar to my own spells and rituals. Morris not only walks readers through what to do, but she also explains why each step is taken and even where to source materials! There isn't a single detail left out. While each spell/ritual results in a cord, the setup for each is entirely different, so it doesn't feel repetitive reading through each chapter simultaneously.

I wish more witchcraft books were written like The Crafty Witch's Guide to Cord Magic. I know it takes time and effort, more ink and pages, and therefore more money to give readers a truly deep understanding of spellcraft, but it is so worth it. Readers, new and old alike, need to have an understanding of not only what is happening, but also why it's done this way. Understanding the why helps readers learn how to write their own spells and rituals. To me, providing a spell with no context is handing someone a fish, while teaching them why the steps were taken is teaching them how to fish. Both are valid, but one ensures the person can survive without you.

On a completely unrelated note, Morris mentions hedge riding and using feathers to aid in spirit flight. This immediately made me fall in love with The Crafty Witch's Guide to Cord Magic, because it isn't often that hedge witches and hedge riding are mentioned. It got some wheels turning in my head about a potential spell cord for spirit flight. I have never made a spell cord, and I am a little excited to give it a go!

My only small complaint was Morris offering Amazon as a source for Feng Shui coins. Seems very counterintuitive to me. I understand Amazon may be the best option for some people, but if you can purchase elsewhere, I encourage you to do so. I feel like a hypocrite saying this as I use Amazon affiliate links on my blog, including this post, but I do believe that if you can use a different option, you certainly should.

I highly recommend The Crafty Witch's Guide to Cord Magic: The Art of Braiding & Knotting Spell Cords by Loren Morris if you are interested in adding cord magic to your own practice or are looking for something new and refreshing. You won't be disappointed!

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