Ostara/Spring Equinox Altar 2023

Ostara or the Spring Equinox celebrates the dawning of Spring and the return of life. It is first and foremost a fertility holiday, honoring the reappearance of flowers, birds, and rabbits. Snow is beginning the melt and flowers force their way through the frozen ground, dotting the landscape with their bright blooms, a symbol of hope and new life. As the Sun grows in strength in the sky, the air warms, bringing with it animals previously hiding during the colder Winter months. March and April mark the mating season for many birds and small mammals, which will culminate in a bushel of cute babies. This is also the time of balance, as an equinox is a balance between day and night.

Recently, Georgia has experienced a severe cold snap, that resulted in many of the flowering plants to wither. I unfortunately lost some of my vegetable plants in the process and will have to repurchase my losses in the next couple of weeks. As such, I wasn't able to put any spring blooms on my altar, so I went with some dried flowers instead, as well as some crystals that symbolize balance, harmony, fertility, and strength.

1. Dried Yarrow and Roses- The Spring Equinox marks the first day of spring in many cultures across the world. It is characteristized by growth, fertility, strength, and balance as life returns to the Earth. Yarrow is associated with the Sun, who is reborn on the Equinox, as well as love, beauty, and release. Yarrow reminds us to let go of the past so that our future may grow. Wild roses are also associated with love and beauty, as well as fertility, from which life is reborn anew. (Where did I get it: Found; Cost: Free)

2. Gold and White Rabbits- One of the most prominent symbols of Ostara or the Spring Equinox is the rabbit, representing fertility and new life. Rabbits begin breeding this time of year and are extremely prolific, hence their association with fertility. In fact, rabbits can be pregnant with more than one litter of babies at a time! I've included two rabbits on my Spring Equinox altar to represent fertility, but I have included two to balance the altar as the equinox represents balance. The golden rabbit represents the Sun while the white rabbit represents the Moon which is in perfect balance during the equinox. You will see that I have matched them with their respective symbols on the plaque in the center of my altar. (Where did I get it: Hobby Lobby 2017; Cost: $3 each)

3. Carnelian, Serpetine, Moss Agate, and Moonstone- To futher represent this sabbat, I placed a number of crystals on my altar. The carnelian, which is placed in front of the golden rabbit, represents the Sun and the spark of life. The moonstone, which is placed in front of the white rabbit, represents the Moon, balance, and fertility. Serpentine and moss agate, which are placed center on the altar, represent confidence, new beginnings, transformation, transition, fertility, abundance, nourishment, and stability. I picked an even number of crystals for this altar to further symbolize balance. (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Stores & Subscription Boxes; Cost: $6)

4.  Marble Egg- The blue, marble egg is the ultimate symbol of fertility and new beginnings. As Spring begins, the birds flock back to their mating grounds, building nests and laying eggs that will give birth to the next generation. I placed it in the center of my altar as fertility is the predominant theme of Ostara. The blue color represents healing, calm, and femininity, something I believe is currently lacking in the world right now. (Where did I get it: Marble Egg: Gifted; Cost: Free; Egg holder: Target 2018; $1)

5. Pink Candles- The Sun continues to grow in strength at Ostara, with it finally being equal tonight for the first time since the Fall Equinox. From this point on, day will continue to grow in length, as night slowly decreases until the Summer Solstice in June. The pink candles are to sympathetically strengthen the Sun so my new seedlings may flourish and my flower garden bloom. I chose pink candles this year to represent the soft, nurturing energies of the Equinox and the joy of Spring. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2021; Cost: $2.00)

TOTAL COST: ~$12

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. I hope you find this sort of breakdown helpful, especially for those of you looking to create Instagram-perfect altars on a budget!

Did you do anything special for Ostara this year? Let me know in the comments below!

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Book Review: Black People Breathe by Zee Clarke

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.

Last year, I participated in Bettie's Pages Challenge Your Shelf where she encouraged her followers to expand their worldview by reading books by and about Black, Indigenous, other peoples of color, and other marginalized groups. Broadening your reading list exposes you to the life experiences of others, developing empathy and understanding for the lived experiences of those different from you. I wanted to continue this journey by reading more spiritual and witchcraft books written by marginalized authors and the first of which is Black People Breathe: A Mindfulness Guide to Racial Healing by Zee Clarke.

This amazing guide to breathwork takes a research-based approach to handling the psychological and physiological stress due to racism. Clarke notes that the book is specifically for Black people in the United States and those of similar experiences, as it is written about her experiences as a Black woman in the US and how she has used breathwork to combat systemic racism. She calls upon her white readers, like me, to educate themselves about the Black experience and to think about the role they might place to accelerate change.

Each chapter addresses a specific issue faced by Black people in the US, from witnessing police brutality and being accused of shoplifting while shopping to racism in the workplace and the mispronunciation of names. Clarke lays her heart bare, sharing story after story after story of personal experiences of overt and covert racism and what breathing techniques she used and uses to get through moments every Black person has experienced. She mentions in the very beginning that she never felt breathwork and meditation or spiritual wellness was for people like her until she attended a retreat for Black women and made a trip to India where she learned the opposite is true. Meditation, breathwork, and spiritual wellness are for everyone. Everyone. Period. 

Coupled with her personal stories, Clarke backs up her claims with scientific evidence, citing multiple sources regarding the health problems associated with different types of racism and how different breathing techniques work. I am always fascinated by the research and the science of why, and was thankful this information was included. She outlines each breath technique, how she uses it, and includes pictures outlining how to perform the technique for those who struggle to visualize the process. As a visual learner myself, I appreciated the beautiful illustrations, even the ones used to highlight specifics from her stories. Furthermore, these techniques can be used anywhere to every situation you find yourself in, making them accessible and practical. 

Each chapter ends with a "Key Points to Remember" and "Mindfulness Practice Toolkit" so you can easily find the breath technique you are looking for without having to read through all the stories and research. I appreciate the quick reference guide, which is also visually set apart from the rest of the chapter with a peach-colored tab. To accompany the book, Clarke offers free resources which can be found on her website and YouTube channel.

I highly recommend Black People Breathe: A Mindfulness Guide to Racial Healing by Zee Clarke not just to my readers of color, but also to my white readers as this is an opportunity to learn about the Black experience in the United States. To my white readers, I also encourage you to continue your journey toward anti-racism by following BIPOC creators and books such as White Rage, The Color of Law, Stamped From the Beginning, and An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States.

Black People Breathe: A Mindfulness Guide to Racial Healing by Zee Clarke is set to publish today, March 14, 2023, and can be found wherever books are sold.

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Magical Properties of Rhodochrosite

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Embracing Renewal with the Worm Moon: A Ritual for Personal Growth

I know I missed February's full moon, but I do not plan to miss March's and what a moon this is expected to be. March's full moon goes by many names, including Worm Moon, Crow Moon, Lenten Moon, Chaste Moon, and Sugar Moon, each of which is so named after the signs and symbols of the coming of Spring. The March's full moon is all about transformation, renewal, growth, and fertility, which this ritual capitalizes on. This is a time of change and therefore the perfect opportunity to plant seeds for future success, the benefits of which you shall reap in the coming months. This ritual also pairs well with my Worm Moon worksheet.

What You'll Need

• 1 white or green candle with a candle holder
• Match or lighter
• A small bowl of water, preferably full/waxing moon water
• Piece of paper
• Writing utensil
• Sunflower seed or bean
• Small pot with soil or somewhere outside to plant the seed

What to Do

During the Worm Moon, begin by cleansing and consecrating your space using your preferred method. If you wish, cast a circle and invite any spirits or deities.

When ready, light the white candle and place it in front of you. Sit quietly for a few minutes, focusing your attention on the candle's flame. Breathe deeply, feeling your mind and body relax.

Take the bowl of water and swirl it clockwise with your finger while saying, "Healing waters imbued by the moon, wash away negativity and old patterns. Bring strength and wisdom, renewal and rebirth to my life." Anoint your forehead and heart while saying, "May I be renewed and transformed, by the power of the Worm Moon, and may my intentions be set in motion. I release what no longer serves me to make room for new blessings."

On the piece of paper, write down your intention for the upcoming months. What skills, attitudes, habits, behaviors, knowledge, or personal qualities do you wish to develop? How do you want to grow personally? Fold the paper three times toward you. Place the seed on top of the folded paper and place your hand on top. Feel the seed warm under your hand, filling with your intention. Visualize yourself achieving your goals, and growing to become the person you wish to be.

When your visualization is complete, light the paper on fire, visualizing the flame igniting your intention and sending it out into the universe. Plant the seed in your desired location and sprinkle the ashes of your petition over top. Gently cover and water with some of the moon water while saying, "May my transformation blossom with this seed. As this seed grows, so shall I. So I will it, so it shall be." 

Lightly water the seed daily repeating the above affirmation, or creating a new one. Talk to the seedling once it begins to sprout, letting it know of your successes. As you nurture the new plant, so too shall you nurture your own personal growth and success.

Why You Did It

Understanding the why's of a spell are just as important as performing it. It helps you understand the process so you can modify the spell or ritual to suit your needs and helps guide you to write your own. It's my intention that by providing these explanations, you can build a better understanding of how spells are written and executed so you can modify and build your own spells (the goal of my Spellcrafting Series). 

This spell begins with a light meditation designed to ground and center you in the moment. This is a time of great change and you have likely been feeling stressed or out of sorts. Grounding and centering through light meditation with a candle flame helps combat this feeling and focus on the task at hand. A white or green candle is used in this spell to represent either a clean slate/new beginning (white) or growth and success (green), as well as transformation as Fire is the element of change.

Next, the bowl of water, which symbolizes the element Water, was used to wash away the past, leaving room for the future. Water also helps nourish and replenish, aiding in your personal growth. You anointed your head and heart with the water to heal the past, nourish your future goals, and help you focus on the future. This same water was later used to nourish the seed, which represents new beginnings, life, transformation, growth, and success. Sunflowers and beans are both associated with growth, abundance, success, and prosperity. Full or waxing moon water is best for this spell as these phases are associated with growth and success.

Finally, the petition was burned in the flame to release your intention into the universe and the ashes were fed to the seed to help feed the spell. As mentioned earlier, Fire is associated with transformation and is capable of burning away obstacles, barriers, and other hindrances to your growth. Fire is also life-giving, as the ashes left behind help regenerate the soil.

Much like all magic, this spell requires constant work. You must continue to water the seedling, just as you have to actively work toward your personal growth goals. The seedling is to act as a reminder of your intentions.

Wish to break this spell? Thank the plant for its service and transplant it outside where it can grow freely.

Remember to record this ritual on your ritual/spell worksheet or in your Book of Shadows for reference later.

***

Remember, the Worm Moon is a time of transformation, rebirth, abundance, and success. No matter what you decide to do this full moon, I hope it's full of magic!

Interested in learning more about the full moon, Worm Moon, or Spring Magic? Below are some resources to get you started.

March Worm Moon Ritual Planning Worksheet

Moon Phases

Monthly Magical Moons

Seed Blessing Ritual

Egg Prosperity Spell

Deep House Cleansing Ritual

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Book Review: The Green Witch's Garden Journal by Arin Murphy-Hiscock

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.

With spring right around the corner, most of us with a garden have begun planning our gardens for this year, from sketching out ideas to planting seeds to mulching and fertilizing. So what better time than now to introduce you all to The Green Witch's Garden Journal by Arin Murphy-Hiscock?! 

This fantastic journal is a follow-up to Murphy-Hiscock's The Green Witch's Garden which was released in December 2021, but it can be used as a standalone. This journal contains three sections: basic gardening tips, a weekly journal, and plant profiles. The basic gardening tips are very basic, meaning if you are new to gardening, they are enough to point you in the right direction to find more information, but not enough to rely on as your own gardening advice. Murphy-Hiscock also offers some magical gardening advice, which you will not find in other gardening journals. However, the heart of the book is the journal pages themselves, not the information in the introduction.

Murphy-Hiscock provides both weekly logs where you can detail everything going on in your garden as well as plant profiles where you can document all the mundane and magical details about the plants you are growing. The weekly logs include sections for astrological events, rainfall, temperature, moon phases, and garden sitings. As Murphy-Hiscock says in the introduction, recording what is going on in your garden helps you plan in the future as you are not going to remember everything that happened the year before. It also allows you to identify patterns, especially those that may be occult in nature, so that you can look for signs, messages, and spiritual meanings that arise during the gardening process. My favorite section, however, is Section Three which contains plant compendiums, where you can record detailed information about each of the plants you are growing including magical properties, folklore, uses, planting history, ideal growing conditions, and pruning and fertilizer schedules. As someone who adores plants and tracking their uses and growing details, this final section won me over in a heartbeat. Finally, the journal ends with a couple of pages of graph people where you can sketch out gardening plot ideas or jot down additional notes.

The combination of magical and mundane aspects is perfect for any witch that currently grows a garden or is looking to start one of their own in the future. There truly is nothing on the market quite like this garden journal, and Murphy-Hiscock has done a great job filling a void in the magical gardening market. I highly recommend picking up a copy of this journal, at least once, to get you started on your magical gardening journey or to help you better track your garden over a season. This journal will act as an excellent reference, a sort of gardening grimoire if you will, for years to come. You can pre-order a copy of The Green Witch's Garden Journal by Arin Murphy-Hiscock now wherever books are sold.

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Magical and Medicinal Uses of Lily

Gender: Feminine
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Powers: Beauty, Fertility, Humility, Love, Peace, Protection, Purity, Strength, Vitality
Magical Uses and History: Lilies, not to be confused with Lily of the Valley, belong to a genus of flowering plants known as Lilium and consists of true lilies. Throughout history, they have been associated with love, purity, and renewal, and used across cultures in spiritual practices.

In Greek mythology, the lily was created from the breast milk of Hera, wife of Zeus. Zeus, wanting his bastard son Hercules to be powerful and immortal like himself, requested Hera breastfeed him with their other children. Hercules sucked so hard and the milk flowed so much, that a few drops escaped, some of them flowing into space, creating the Milky Way, and another dropping to earth to create the first white lily. As such, the lily is associated with strength, vitality, and fertility and can be used to strengthen spells or bring strength, vitality, and fertility to the user. Brides in Ancient Greece often wore crowns made of lilies and wheat to symbolize purity, abundance, beauty, and many brides today incorporate lilies into their wedding bouquets. 

In Roman mythology, however, Venus, the goddess of beauty and love, cursed the lily with an elongated pistil to make it less attractive when she became jealous of their beauty. Ancient Mesopotamians decorated pots with Madonna lilies, while the Ancient Egyptians entombed them with their dead as a gift. This reverence for the lily's beauty lends to its association with beauty, and therefore lilies are often used in beauty and glamour magics, as well as love spells to attract a lover, as well as death magic due to its being placed in funeral arrangements to symbolize purity in passing.

The Easter lily is one of the most famous lilies, its flowers adorning churches and altars at Easter to symbolize the resurrection of Christ. Some suggest that the lily sprung from the blood of Christ as he hung on the cross, thus symbolizing resurrection and life after death, while others believe the lily grew from Eve's tears after being removed from the Garden of Eden, thus symbolizing loss. Despite this, the Easter lily is more strongly associated with the Virgin Mary and is a symbol of chastity and purity. It's believed that lilies were yellow before Mary picked them, upon which they turned white. As such, Easter lilies, or any white lily, can be placed on your altar during Ostara/Spring Equinox to represent resurrection, longevity, purity, innocence, and humility, or used in spells for the same purpose.

While the lily has historically been associated with purity due to its white color, not all lilies are white, and therefore some contradicting correspondences arise. According to the Language of Flowers, yellow lilies represent both falsehood and gaiety, while orange lilies represent hatred, revenge, desire, and passion. the Chinese lily, which is orange and black, is said to mean both "You cannot deceive me" and "In love forever." As such, lilies can be used for a variety of magical purposes depending on their color.

Lily can be used in a number of spells including:

    Protection Spells
    Love Spells

    Cleansing and Purification

    Fertility Spells

    Prosperity Magic

Medicinal Uses: Some species of lilies, such as the Madonna or white lily, have historically been used to treat burns, ulcers, coughs, and inflammation as well as for anti-aging and treating age-related diseases. However, a large number of lilies are poisonous, and therefore should not be used without proper guidance from a doctor or certified herbalist.

Preparation and Dosage: Because many species of lily are poisonous, I do not encourage its use in medicine, unless guided by a doctor or certified herbalist. 

Want to print a copy of this for your Book of Shadows? Click below for your free copy! 

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Book Review: The Aleister Crowley Manual by Marco Visconti

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.

When The Aleister Crowley Manual: Thelemic Magick for Modern Times by Marco Visconti popped up as a potential book to review, I was intrigued and a bit weary. There is no denying Crowley's contributions to witchcraft and modern magic, but his works are dense, riddled with racism, misogyny, and anti-semitism, and based upon inaccurate histories and science. These problems obviously gave me pause before I ultimately decided to pick this book up, knowing that it would be beneficial to those interested in high, ceremonial magic, or just better understanding the why behind many of our modern rituals, correspondences, and occult ideology.

Before I begin my review, it should be noted that Visconti assumes the reader is somewhat familiar with Crowley's texts and philosophies, whether you have read his works directly or that of others summarizing or building upon Crowley's ideas. I have to admit, my knowledge is limited, as high ceremonial magic is of no interest to me, but I know enough to understand the basic premises of the rituals and ideas outlined in this book. If you are unfamiliar with Crowley, I suggest reading a summary of his philosophy, not necessarily any of his works, prior to beginning this book, just so you have some background knowledge upon which to build.

The Aleister Crowley Manual: Thelemic Magick for Modern Times by Marco Visconti is a practical working guide to Thelemic magick*. Each chapter is meant to take a full month to work through completion, with the reader practicing and engaging in the rituals and text. The book begins by building the foundation of high magic, which consists of breathwork, understanding the elements, and being present. Next, is the superstructure, which consists of learning mantras, pentagram and middle pillar rituals, and accessing the astral plane. Finally, the book ends with the pinnacle where the reader dives into the complete pentagram practice and begins hexagon work. If you are like me, and not interested in practicing Thelemic magick, the pinnacle chapter will be lost on you as well as much of the superstructure chapters. However, the foundation chapters as well as bits of the superstructure chapters are crucial and explain modern occult practices every witch engages in at some point. In order to fully understand why we do what we do, you must understand the history behind the actions. 

From here Visconti reminds the reader that Crowley did culturally appropriate, and imperialism and colonialism drove much of what Crowley did, including stealing and misrepresenting Egyptian mythology and deities. Despite this, Crowley's ideas have taken on a life of their own, becoming distinct from the cultures he stole from and creating new egregores. Visconti continues on to make an insightful argument about language in regard to our understanding of the unknown, saying "Our language- indeed, our consciousness, which employs language- is a form of disease because consciousness reflects reality to us and distorts the image." Here Visconti is arguing that sometimes we fail to see, understand, or engage in what we do not know because we do not have the words to describe what we are witnessing. This phenomenon has actually been documented multiple times, specifically with our perception of color. For example, the Himba people of Nambia have multiple words for the color green, but no word for blue. When asked to find the color blue among swatches of green, they struggle, whereas those with a word for the color blue do not. The point is, that there is likely so much more out there, magically and maybe even scientifically, that we do not or cannot see because we lack the words to describe it. This is something to keep in mind whenever you are working magic and fail to fully comprehend the magnitude of what you have done. Whether or not deities, spirits, and other supernatural forces exist is irrelevant if what we are doing works.

Once we get into the actual meat of the book, Visconti begins breaking down and summarizing Crowley's work, creating a rather comprehensive introductory guide to the basic principles and practices. He includes ritual steps with pictures, historical background, and even examples of what it will look like in your own practice. It's clear Visconti knows what he is talking about and has not only done his research but lived it as well. Again, this book is dense and will require you to read, reread, then read again before you understand what is being discussed. And even then, you will not fully comprehend what is being said until you actually practice and engage in the magic yourself. Visconti, like myself, advocates for practicing over just reading about magic. Those are two separate hobbies, just like reading and buying books are two separate hobbies. Haha! You cannot cut corners and become an expert overnight. Thelemic magick, or any practice for that matter, takes constant work and engagement in order to fully reap the benefits.

The book ends with giving the readers suggestions on how to continue their journey, from finding a community (or not!) to reading through all of Crowley's work, as well as the works of other Thelemites. Visconti encourages us to move beyond Crowley's work in order to find our own Will, something I agree with full-heartedly. I think many of us get so caught up with following the "greats" that we forget that magic is just as unique and individual as we are. To truly experience magic the way it is meant to be intended, we much forge our own path.

Overall, I did not feel this book was for me, but I know it will be beneficial to many a witch out there, even if you aren't interested in Thelema. There is a good bit of jumping around, and I didn't feel the book flowed well within each chapter. Sometimes it felt jumbled and confusing, and part of this is because that is the nature of Thelemic magic. It's coded, cryptic, and downright pretentious at times, making it difficult to understand for the sake of being difficult! However, I still see the value in understanding Thelemic magic as it's our history and the foundation upon which other occult practices, including Wicca, were built. The Aleister Crowley Manual: Thelemic Magick for Modern Times by Marco Visconti is set to release on February 14, 2023. You can order a copy wherever books are sold. (If you are interested in purchasing on Amazon, you can find the book here.)

*I used "magick" here to denote the word used by Thelemites and other practitioners of high magic out of respect. I am opposed to using the k, which you can read more about in my article Magic vs Magick: Why I Don't Use the K.

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Rose and Cinnamon Infused Honey: A Simple Love Spell You Can Make at Home

Love spells have been among the most coveted spells since the dawn of time, along with curses. Funny how we either want to make people love us or punish them when they don't. With Valentine's Day and Lupercalia right around the corner, I felt this was the perfect time to introduce another love potion. Last year I shared a Chocolate & Rose Love Potion that could be sipped solo or with a lover. This year's love potion is a little more subtle, featuring a rose-and-cinnamon-infused honey that can be added to coffee, tea, incense, candle dressings, and just about any spell to sweeten the deal with love and passion. Remember, love spells can be tricky. I firmly believe love spells can only work on existing feelings and that they cannot force someone to love you. Needless to say, I never support using this potion without their consent, not to mention it's illegal in most places to tamper with someone's food without their knowledge. Relationships built on a lie will not survive long.

What You'll Need

• 1 cup honey
• 2-3 tablespoons dried rose petals
• 1 cinnamon stick or 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Saucepan
• Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Funnel
• Glass storage bottle

What to Do

Begin by cleansing your space and awakening your herbs using your preferred method. I chose to cleanse the space with rose incense which removes negativity and leaves behind uplifting, loving energies and warmed the herbs and spices in my hand while asking them for their assistance. When ready sterilize your glass bottle, lid, and a saucepan to prevent potential bacterial growth. While honey is naturally anti-bacterial, warming it and adding herbs and spices can reduce these properties.

Combine honey, rose petals, and cinnamon in the saucepan and heat on low heat until a thin syrup forms (2-3 minutes), stirring clockwise while saying, "Golden honey to sweeten and red roses for love. Cinnamon for passion and to bring blessings from above. Draw love and friendship to me. So I will it, so it is." Visualize the liquid filling with a soft red and pink light.

Remove the saucepan from the heat, continuing to stir until the liquid slightly cools and turns a dark red color, about 5 minutes. Pour the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth and funnel it into your dry, sterilized jar. The remaining honey-covered rose petals and cinnamon can be buried near your front door to attract love, left as an offering to love deities, or burned as incense. Honey and dried herbs make excellent incense. Allow the infusion to cool completely to room temperature before sealing. Store for up to 1 year in a cool, dark place. 

Whenever your life needs a little extra love, add this infused honey to your spells and recipes, stirring clockwise to draw love to you. 

Why You Did It

Understanding the why's of a spell are just as important as performing it. It helps you understand the process so you can modify the spell or ritual to suit your needs and helps guide you to write your own. It's my intention that by providing these explanations, you can build a better understanding of how spells are written and executed so you can modify and build your own spells (the goal of my Spellcrafting Series). 

This ritual begins with combining honey, rose, and cinnamon. Honey has long been associated with love and beauty, its medicinal properties being used to treat skin blemishes and scars and even preserve bodies. It is sacred to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, and was often left as an offering to her or used in spells and glamours to attract love and ensure youth. Because it's naturally sticky, it can be used to hold things together, particularly relationships, solidifying marriages and friendships alike. Its sweetness lends to its power to sweeten spells, especially emotions, promoting love in the process. As such, it provides the perfect base for this simple love potion.

Red roses, much like honey, are also deeply associated with love. It too is associated with Aphrodite and has long been used in love, lust, and romance spells. Cinnamon, which corresponds with the element Fire, is a natural aphrodisiac, increasing sexual desire, lust, and passion.

Finally, the mixture is always stirred clockwise, which is associated with drawing something toward you and visualized as filling with pink and red light, the colors of love, passion, and friendship.

Wish to break this spell? This infusion can be safely buried or left as an offering inside or out, instead of being used in love spells should you wish to use it for a different purpose. If you have used this on someone else, with their consent of course, declare the bond broken and/or allow the love to fizzle on its own. If the bond is particularly strong, you can perform a chord-cutting ritual.

Remember to record this ritual on your ritual/spell worksheet or in your Book of Shadows for reference later.

***

Here's to wishing everyone a passionate Lupercalia, even if it is just with yourself. I think the world could use a little more love right now, don't you?

Interested in learning more about love spells? Below are some resources to get you started.

Rose & Chocolate Love Potion

Strawberry Freezer Jam Love Spell

DIY Self Love Witch Ball

A Guide to Protection, Cleansing, Abundance, Prosperity, and Love Spells

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Magical Properties of Rose Quartz

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Imbolc/Winter Thermstice Altar 2023

Imbolc or the Winter Themstice, whose history is sketchy at best, is and was a celebration of light. It marks the midway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, meaning that its exact date of celebration changes each year as the solstice and equinox change. Many witches, however, choose to celebrate the Winter Themstice (Imbolc) on February 1st, while astrologically it fell on February 3rd this year (2023). During this time, sympathetic magic is worked to coax the Sun to return and with Him the return of life on Earth. Candles were lit in mass as a result, bread was baked, and houses were cleaned to prepare for the return of Spring. This is one of my favorite times of the year. I love celebrations of light. I love lighting candles, cozying up to a warm fire, enjoying the crisp, cold air, the return of the cardinals and robins, and even the little bit of snow we sometimes receive here in Georgia. You can feel the Earth breathe a sigh as the days slowly lengthen, but Cailleach still rears her head, blasting the new buds with frost and chilling rain storms. To celebrate and honor this symbolism, I put together a simple, yet effective altar.

1. Six Pink and White Candles- Imbolc, the Winter Themstice, or Candlemas is a celebration of sympathetic magic to coax the return of the Sun. The candles on my altar are for just that purpose, to sympathetically call back the Sun and to aid in His return. They also represent the inner flame that burns even during the darkest and coldest of times. Here in Georgia, we are coming to the coldest time of the year, yet life is still found all around us. I picked white candles to represent snow and renewal while the pink candles represent love, harmony, and self-care. The center candle, which is placed in faux snow and surrounded by rose buds represents the living flame of life that preserves even in the cold and dark of winter and the love between the Earth and Sun that results in said life. Finally, six candles were chosen as six is a solar number, thus increasing the sympathetic magic to coax the Sun back to full strength. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017 & 2019; Cost: $7)

2. Roses- Roses are one of my favorite flowers, representing love, passion, and unity, three characteristics or acts that bring forth new life. I placed one dried rose on my altar to represent the relationship between the Sun and Earth, whose love results in new life. This is also a time of lambing, which again comes from the unity of two individuals. (Where did I get it: My Garden; Cost: Free)

3. Sowilo Rune- Sowilo is the rune of the Sun, life energy, success, expansion, vitality, health, and wholeness. It is placed front and center to represent these characteristics and draw them to my home while empowering the Sun with strength. (Where did I get it: Blagowood; Cost: Won/Free (originally- $30 for set)

4. Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Mangano Calcite, and Moss Agate- Mangano calcite and rose quartz both represent love, health, wellness, family, and friendship. With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I felt it appropriate to add some crystals to honor the season. It is also through 'love' that the Earth is reborn and the fields are renewed with bountiful harvests. Furthermore, this is a time to lean on family and friends and was historically required for villages to make it through the winter months. The moss agate, on the other hand, represents fertility, its white representing snow, and the green swirls representing the plants peaking out of it. Finally, the moonstone represents vitality, strength, self-love, balance, peace, harmony, transformation, and hope. (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Subscription Boxes and Stores; Cost: $10)

TOTAL COST: ~$17

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. 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 each of you had a fantastic Winter Thermstice this year and may the rest of the year be just as bright.

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Honoring the Return of Light: An Imbolc Candle Making Ritual for Nurturing Your Inner Light

The Winter Thermstice, also known as Imbolc, is a celebration of the returning light and the coming of spring. It should come as no surprise then that candles play a central part in celebrating this sabbat. I have created a variety of Imbolc decorations over the years, including a candle wheel and paper lanterns, and this year I wanted to make my own candles specifically for a Winter Thermstice candle ritual. I know that many of us are currently struggling financially, myself included, so I went into this project with a budget. Most of the supplies I used for this project came from Dollar Tree while others I had lying around the house, items you likely have around your home. This ritual, which incorporates the making of the candle, is designed to awaken your inner light and welcome the coming spring. Of course, you do not have to make a candle to complete this ritual, especially if you don't have some flexible cardboard around to make a mold. I wanted to test it out as I wanted a white, lavender-scented candle for this ritual.

What You'll Need

• 1 white prayer candle
• 30 drops of lavender fragrance oil
• Paper towel roll
• Wax paper
• Tape
• Candle holder
• Toothpick or another tool to etch the candle
• Anointing oil such as olive oil or lavender essential oil
• 1 teaspoon dried lavender, lightly crushed
• 1 teaspoon dried calendula
• 6 tea candles
• Lighter or matches
  
  

What to Do

Begin by cleansing your space using your preferred method. If you feel inclined, invite any deities or spirits you wish to observe or assist in your candle-making. I would not, however, create a magical circle at this time, as you will be moving about quite a bit during the candle-making process. Close your eyes and take a deep breath, releasing any tension upon your exhale. Repeat this process until you are fully relaxed and focused on the task at hand. Shift your focus to your intention and the task at hand, creating a magical Imbolc candle. If you are not making your own candle, skip the next few steps, instead focusing your intention on awakening your inner light.

To create the candle, begin by melting the wax inside the white prayer candle and removing the wick, which will be used to create our new pillar candle. I did this by partially submerging the candle in boiling water. You want to be careful not to do this too quickly as you could shatter the glass. I ended up pulling the wick, along with some candle wax out of the glass and breaking it apart to help it melt faster. While the wax is melting, create your candle mold using a paper towel roll, wax paper, and tape. I measured out the size of the wick on the paper towel roll and cut about one inch below the top of it. Once the roll has been cut to the size of your wick, cut the roll vertically so that you can open the roll to line it with wax paper and conform it to the size of your candle holder. Line the inside of the paper towel roll with wax paper and roll the cardboard tightly to create a mold the size of your candle holder. Tape the mold several times using strong packing tape. With an additional piece of wax paper, cover the bottom of the mold and tape it tightly. This will prevent your wax from running everywhere but know it will not stop all the wax from leaving the mold.

Once the wax is melted, add 30 drops of lavender fragrance oil to it. Place your mold in your candle holder and pour the hot wax into it, being sure to handle the hot glass with care. Place your wick in the center and secure it to the center using tape or a paperclip so it cools in the center of your candle. Allow the candle to cool completely before removing the mold. If you called any deities or spirits to work with you during the candle-making process, thank them for their assistance.

When your candle is ready or if you are using a store-bought candle, it's time to set up for the ritual. Once again, cleanse your working space using your preferred method. At this time, feel free to cast a circle and invite any deities or spirits you wish to work with you. I suggest inviting any deities or spirits associated with Imbolc, such as Brigid, Aenghus Og, Gaia, or your local land spirits if you are inviting anyone to join you.

Next, use a toothpick or other carving tool to carve the Sowilo rune into the center of your candle. Lightly anoint the carved rune and the rest of your candle with lavender essential oil or fragrance oil and sprinkle/roll the candle in the lightly crushed lavender flowers and dried calendula. Place the candle in the candle holder and place it in the center of your workspace.

Around the central candle, place your six tealight candles. Sprinkle a pinch of dried calendula in each one. Be careful not to over-dress the candle as it could quickly become a fire hazard. All of these candles can also be placed in a large, shallow bowl filled with salt or sand and bay leaves. Around the candles, sprinkle the remaining lavender and calendula to form a circle. Feel free to add any crystals associated with the sun, light, strength, or Imbolc, such as citrine, if you feel inclined.

Light the first tea candle, starting at the topmost candle and say, "In the dark of winter, I seek the light; In the cold of winter, I seek new life."

Light the next candle, working clockwise, and say, "I call upon fire to light the way, to melt the snow and drive the chill away."

Light the third candle and say, "With fire and flame I call upon the light, fill me now on this chilly night."

Light the fourth candle and say, "With this candle, the inner flame is lit; the darkness within shall submit."

Light the fifth candle and say, "Empower my light and help it grow; with fire and flame to help it glow."

Light the sixth candle and say, "I nurture my light with candle bright, the warmth of spring I now invite."

Finally, light the seventh central candle and say. "Flame of inner light, blazing like the sun, fill me now in your shining light. Awash me in your healing glow, bringing peace and love so I may grow. I open the doors and invite you in, to warm the heart, kith and kin. I release the winter's chill and rejoice in the flame's thrill. With nurturing warmth to guide you home, come with me now wherever I may roam. By candle and flame, I proclaim it so."

Take a deep breath, breathing in the warmth of the flames. Feel the warmth filling you, sparking to life the flame within you. Spend the next several minutes meditating, visualizing your inner flame growing in strength until the candles no longer shine.

Once the flames have burnt out, close your ritual, being sure to thank any deities or spirits you invited. Dispose of any eco-friendly spell remains near your front door or compost them. Anything that isn't biodegradable and eco-friendly should be disposed of in the trash, such as the tins from the tea candles.

Why You Did It

Understanding the why's of a spell are just as important as performing it. It helps you understand the process so you can modify the spell or ritual to suit your needs and helps guide you to write your own. It's my intention that by providing these explanations, you can build a better understanding of how spells are written and executed so you can modify and build your own spells (the goal of my Spellcrafting Series). 

This ritual begins with the creation of a white candle (if you decided to make your own), which deepens the connection between you and the flame you later use to awaken and nurture your inner flame. Creating our own supplies better connects us to the item and ensures the ritual's success. Even if you skipped this step and went with a candle you already had on hand, you still created a connection with it through the carving of the Sowilo rune and dressing. Candles were chosen for this ritual because they are associated with the element Fire, life, and our inner flame, working to sympathetically nurture your inner flame and symbolically burn away the chill of winter or the ice covering our heart and soul. White was chosen to symbolize the sabbat, which is characterized by snow and ice, as well as the white snowdrops that begin to blossom this time of year and the milk ewes begin producing in preparation for their little lambs.

Next, the candle was adorned with a Sowilo rune, which represents the sun and inner flame, working to sympathetically draw the sun's warming rays back to the earth and help awake and nurture the flame within you. It was dressed in both lavender and calendula which represent peace, balance, strength, and success, thus aiding you in nurturing your inner flame by bringing strength, balance, and peace.

The larger candle was placed in the center of six tea lights to represent your inner flame being nurtured and strengthen by the candles around it, which were also dressed in calendula for strength. Seven total candles were used as the number seven is associated with fullness in life, completeness, awakening, and enlightenment.

Finally, the ritual ends with a visualization of your inner flame growing in strength. This visualization and breathwork help you center, focus on your intention, and nurture the flame within you.

Wish to break this spell? Unfortunately, this is not a spell that can be "broken" in any traditional way. If you feel overwhelmed by the amount of energy you have called back to yourself, simply release it back into the Universe or snuff out the candles before the ritual is complete.

Remember to record this ritual on your ritual/spell worksheet or in your Book of Shadows for reference later.

***

I hope everyone has a wonderful Winter Thermstice full of warmth, good food, and light! I am sad to see the cold go, but know, as with all things, winter must come to an end.

Interested in learning more about the Winter Thermstice/Imbolc? Below are some resources to get you started.

DIY Imbolc Paper Lanterns

DIY Candle Wheel

Honey & Lavender Imbolc Posset Ritual
Self-Love Witch Ball

Rose & Chocolate Love Potion

Imbolc, History and Lore

Imbolc Correspondenceses

Spirit Work for Imbolc

Imbolc Altars (master post)

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