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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Magical and Medicinal Uses of Lemon

Gender: Feminine
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Powers: Clarity, Cursing, Friendship, Fidelity, Longevity, Love, Money, Purification, Wealth
Magical Uses and History: Lemons have long been one of the most highly regarded citrus fruits, being used not only for cooking but also for healing and magical purposes across the globe. While the origin of the lemon is unknown, records indicate that it was likely first grown in Assam, a region in northeast India, as well as northern China. According to Chinese folklore, a lemon tree and a pomelo tree lived together in an orchard. One day the lemon tree lamented to the pomelo tree that its children were not as well regarded as the children of the pomelo and how she wished the creator had made her a pomelo instead. The pomelo told her not to worry, that the farmer had mentioned how beautiful the lemon tree was and that he intended to graft a branch of the lemon onto the pomelo. The next year, the farmer did just that, creating a hybrid, sweeter lemon. DNA evidence suggests the lemon is the result of a hybrid between a bitter orange and citron, but the fact remains that the lemon cannot exist without the help of others. As such, the lemon represents friendship, togetherness, and happiness (bright yellow after all). Wear lemon essential oil or carry a lemon to attract friends, or place a slice of lemon under the seat of a guest to ensure a long-lasting friendship.

The lemon has also been long associated with love, believed to raise the vibration of love spells, attract a lover, and even ensure fidelity. Lemons were placed on altars for St. Joseph on his feast day and its believed that if a woman steals one of these lemons she will either be married within a year or pregnant within a year. During the Middle Ages, lemons were often used in love potions and were believed to promote adoration, fidelity, commitment, and romance. It was believed that if one dreamed about lemons that it was a sign of good luck to come in relationships. As such, lemons can be used in love spells, sachets, and recipes to attract love, ensure fidelity, and enhance romance. 

The lemon didn't make its way to Europe until around the first century BCE. Because of their rarity, lemons were expensive and therefore only enjoyed by the wealthy, adoring the tables of kings, wealthy merchants, and nobility. It became a symbol of wealth and prosperity and can therefore be used in money spells, prosperity magic, and to attract good fortune. Place lemon peel in your wallet, purse, or cash register to attract money, place it in the kitchen to ensure you're never without, or anoint money with lemon oil for the same purposes.

Apart from friendship, love, and wealth, the lemon is highly regarded for its protective abilities. Part of this likely arises from its ability to stave off illness and disease, including scurvy. In India, lemons were often hung outside of the home with charcoal and chilies (called a nimbu mirchi) to protect against misery and poverty. Alakshmi, the goddess of misery and poverty, is said to follow her sister, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Lakshmi is said to love sweets while Alakshmi is said to love spicy and sour foods. Placing lemons and chilis outside of the home was believed to keep Alakshimo out, ensuring that only wealth and prosperity were invited in. In Europe, unripe lemons were often stuck with pins (not black) and hung in the home as a charm to attract blessings and luck. As such, lemons can be used in protection spells and rituals, as well as to bring luck and fortune. Wash items in lemon water to cleanse and raise their vibration, hang lemons in the home to protect against misfortune and bring luck, carry lemons to protect against evil, or use the dried peels in incense, teas, or baths or drink lemonade to cleanse and consecrate you and your space.

Finally, the lemon has also been used to curse, the sour nature of the lemon being believed to sour the life or intentions of another. In Europe, lemon cursing charms were often created by sticking a lemon with black pins and tieing it up. As the lemon slowly dried out, so would the wealth, prosperity, and happiness of the target. While much less common, lemons can be used in curses and hexes to sour the life of the target, as seen in my Sour Jar for Reproductive Freedom.

Lemon can be used in a number of spells including:

    Protection Spells
    Love Spells

    Cleansing

    Curses

    Prosperity Magic

Medicinal Uses: Lemons have become increasingly popular among the health and wellness communities, and for a good reason. Lemons are rich in antioxidant bioflavonoids, which help stimulate liver metabolism and detoxification. Their high vitamin C content aids in the absorption of iron, its antiseptic properties can be used to treat mouth ulcers, gingivitis, sore throat, flu, common cold, acne, mild skin abrasions, bug bites, and even mild nail fungus.

Preparation and Dosage: Internally, lemons can be taken as an infusion or used as a mouthwash and gargle. To create an infusion, add 1-2 slices of lemon or the juice from half a lemon to 1 cup of warm water. Drink first thing in the morning or after a meal to stimulate digestion. As a mouthwash or gargle, combine the juice of one lemon with 1 cup of warm water and 1 tsp chili powder. Swish around in your mouth for 1 minute up to 3 times a day. Rinse with plain water immediately after using the mouthwash to prevent acid erosion. Externally, lemon juice can be used as a wash or poultice. To cure acne, dip a cotton ball in fresh lemon juice and apply it directly to your acne. Leave overnight and wash in the morning. To treat eczema or fungal infections, combine 8 drops of lemon essential oil with 1 cup of warm water and one tablespoon of honey. Soak a cloth in the wash and apply directly to the affected area for 15 minutes 2-3 times a day. To create a poultice, apply lemon slices directly to the wound, callous, or corn, and bandage overnight. 

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

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Magical Properties of Moonstone

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How to Create a Manifestation Board For Spiritual Growth and Success

It's that time again when everyone is setting lofty goals and dreams for the new year. Its a fresh start, so why not try to live better? While January 1st isn't the first day of the year according to the Wheel of the Year, it is the first day of the recognized calendar year in many parts of the world, which means it's associated with new beginnings, luck, fertility, hope, and manifestation, making it the perfect time to set intentions that will manifest throughout the year. Records suggest humans have been setting new year's resolutions for over 4,000 years, with the earliest form taking place in Babylon where people made promises to the gods. Later, the Romans made sacrifices to Janus, the god of transitions who was capable of simultaneously looking into the past and future. While the practice of setting New Year resolutions has certainly evolved, it's still widely popular today. However, studies indicate that at least two-thirds of people give up on their resolutions by February, so what can be done to help us achieve our goals and manifest our dreams?

One of the best ways to manifest what we want, whether it's something as simple as a new front door (raises hand), something larger like a new job, or even something intangible like happiness, is a manifestation board. This is a wonderful piece of magic rooted in psychology and the Law of Attraction. Nothing like a bit of science to back up the magic, eh? However, research shows that there are specific criteria that have to be met for the manifestation board to actually work. So let's take a look at the research, shall we?

Pham and Taylor from the University of California conducted two different experiments testing the theory of visualization in success among students, golfers, and tennis players. In the first experiment, three different groups of college freshmen were given different visualization techniques 5-7 days prior to taking their midterm exams. Group 1 was asked to visualize doing well on the exam for a few minutes every day; group 2 was asked to visualize studying for the exam, when they would study, and where so they would get a good grade; finally, group 3, the control group, were not told to visualize anything. It was found that those that visualized the process of studying spent more time studying, their studying techniques improved, and they overall performed better on the exam than their group one counterparts. Group 1 students felt better overall about their exams, but many of them still failed as they spent significantly less time studying. The end result is, it's not enough to visualize your goal in order to manifest it, you have to visualize the work required to get there as well. This is the same strategy Jack Nicklaus, one of the greatest golfers in the world, did prior to taking a shot while golfing.

Another study conducted by Oettingen and Wadden at the University of Pennsylvania tracked a group of obese women in a weight loss program for a full year. The group was asked to visualize how they would respond to different food-related scenarios, such as being presented with cake or a slice of pizza. Their responses were rated on a system from highly positive to highly negative. Those who had more positive thoughts lost about 26 fewer pounds over the course of the year than their negative counterparts. This says two things to me: First, being positive, which is so often forced upon us from every direction, especially in the love and light community, can negatively impact our life because it blocks valid emotions and concerns from being expressed and therefore worked through. Second, by blocking those 'negative' emotions and thoughts we shut ourselves off from problem-solving effectiveness. And when we do fail, it makes us feel even worse about ourselves, which isn't healthy. This study, however, does not support having harmful thoughts nor does it completely disregard the power of thinking positively; you just have to think positively toward the right goal.

These are just two of the many psychological studies that have been conducted on this topic and they all support the same basic conclusions.

1. You cannot visualize only the end results. You have to visualize the process required to achieve your goals.

2. You have to be practical and realistic in your goal and how you will rate your success. Being strictly positive can be counterintuitive. 

With these two thoughts in mind, you can create a powerful manifestation board. Normally manifestation and vision board directions simply have you cut out some cute pictures and sayings and glue or tack them onto a board and BAM! you're done. This isn't one of those manifestation boards. This one is going to take a bit of work and time to put together, but will be so worth it!

What You'll Need

• Poster board, cork board, or some other flat surface you can attach your pictures and affirmations to
• Scissors
• Glue, pushpins, tape, or another method of attaching your items to your surface
• Images and affirmations associated with your intentions and goals
• Rosemary incense and holder or dried rosemary, charcoal, and a heat-safe dish (for mental clarity and wisdom)
  
  

What to Do

Begin by finding images and affirmations associated with your intentions and goals. However, you should not only find images of the final result. Be sure to include images showing the process of acquiring your goal. For example, if you are looking for a new job, have images showing the steps of acquiring a new job, such as a to-do list, someone updating their resume, someone interviewing, pictures of the job you want, etc. If you are looking to eat better or lose weight, show pictures of people shopping for healthy foods, budgeting, making healthy meals, exercising, or weight loss progression. Maybe you want to learn runes or tarot. If so, find images of someone studying, taking notes, casting runes or tarot, and doing readings. I like to look through magazines for images the best, but you can also print them off if you don't have access to magazines or can't find images related to your goal. Be sure to include affirmations as well, as these are statements you can turn into daily mantras to increase your chances of success.

Once you have acquired your images, affirmations, and supplies, cleanse and consecrate your space using your preferred method. If you feel inclined, cast a circle and call any spirits or deities you wish to work with.

When ready, light the rosemary incense and close your eyes. Meditate on the intention(s) of your manifestation board. What are you trying to manifest in your life? Visualize yourself not only manifesting your goals but also working towards them. See yourself taking the steps necessary to be successful.

Open your eyes and begin constructing your manifestation board using the images and mantras. How you construct this is completely up to you. I suggest letting your intuition guide the way. No matter what, keep your intention firmly in mind. If you need to, create a chant or song to sing while working. It's okay if your mind begins to wander during this process. Gently redirect back to your intention.

When your board is complete, close your circle and thank any spirits or deities you may have invited. Place the board somewhere you will see it every day, multiple times a day, to remind you of your goals and the work that is required of you. Remember, this will only work if you put in the work as well. I have mine placed in my office at home where I spend the most time so I see it often and regularly to help keep me on track.

However, making your manifestation board is not enough. If everyone could just slap some pictures onto a poster board and end up living their best life, everyone would do it. You have to actively and consistently work toward your goals in order to manifest them. This means taking small, everyday actionable steps toward your goal. For example, I am currently working on getting back to running 3+ miles several times a week. To reach this goal, I have set a realistic deadline based on my current performance, activity level, and available time. I started out walking more and increasing my cardio before running around a mile a couple of times a week, doing strength training to build back muscles, stretching to help elevate muscle pain and tension, and fueling my body correctly before and after runs and workouts. On the days I rest, I make a conscious effort to walk more at work, so I am at least moving my body in a positive way. If you are looking at growing spiritually, start small by incorporating a magical ritual into your daily routine, such as stirring your morning coffee or tea clockwise, meditating for 5-10 minutes, journaling, or even regularly bathing with intention. Heck, brushing your teeth can be magical if you make it so. Your manifestation board is there to remind you of your goals and the steps necessary to manifest your desires as you embark on this journey. It cannot do the work for you.

Magical Suggestions

There are lots of things you can do to infuse your manifestation board with magic. As a witch, I love finding ways to incorporate more magic into my life. Below are some ways you can make your manifestation board more magical and increase your chances of success.

Element Magic
To bring some elemental magic into your board, you can divide it into four sections, one for each element, and add the images and mantras for the goals that align with each element in those boxes. For example, exercising and weight loss could go under Fire, which is associated with energy and activity. If you are looking for a new job, put it under Earth. You can learn more about elemental correspondences in my Elemental Magic Series.

Color Magic

Use colors that correspond with your magical intentions to lend additional energies. This can be done by writing mantras in certain colors, framing the pictures with colored paper, outlining them in the color of your choice, or even using glitter. If you wish to manifest abundance, try using greens and golds. Looking for a new job? Use blues, oranges, and browns. You can learn more about color correspondences here.

Plant Magic

Add herbs and plant material or plant oils associated with your goals and success. For example, bay leaves to attract strength and success, rosemary for wisdom, meadowsweet to increase your chances of finding a new job, or nutmeg and cinnamon for money and abundance. You can learn more about herbal correspondences here. If using oil, dab the corners with your chosen oil, being sure to avoid damaging your pictures.

Crystal Magic

Crystal chips make a great addition to the manifestation board as they are small enough to be easily affixed to the board without weighing it down too much. Pick chips associated with your goals such as quartz to amplify, tiger's eye for courage and strength, or amethyst for spiritual success. Apart from adding crystals directly to the board, you can also use them to charge your manifestation board with magical intent. You can do this when you make the board and regularly throughout the year to give it and you an extra magical boost. This is especially helpful if you are struggling in a certain area.

Lunar or Sun Magic

Charge your manifestation board under the waxing/full moon, which is associated with manifestation, or in sunlight, which is associated with strength and success. If you do leave this to bask in the sunlight, don't leave it too long as it can fade your pictures.

Deities, Ancestors, and Spirit Guides

You can also call about your preferred deities or spirit guides to help you during this process, both in the making of the manifestation board and in the process of manifesting your goals. Much as you would call on them for aid during other times, you can use your manifestation board as a petition. Place it on your altar or altar dedicated to your ancestors, deities, or spirit guides and ask for their assistance. Be sure to leave them daily offerings, communicate your successes and failures, and otherwise thank them for their help. Keep the lines of communication open and remember they are not obligated to help you.

There are, of course, dozens of ways to add some magic to your manifestation board, so if you have some other ideas, go for it! Personalizing your manifestation board helps connect it to you and increases the likelihood that you will be successful in manifesting your desires.

I hope all of you manifest your best year and that all your goals and dreams come true. Remember, you are doing the best you can and whatever you do this year, you are enough. You are always enough.

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Recentering with the Wolf Moon: A Transformative Full Moon Ritual for the New Year

With the new year barely underway, many of us are looking for ways to start fresh and set ourselves up for success. This often takes the form of setting goals and resolutions. However, this isn't the only way to ensure a fruitful year. This year, 2023, we are starting off the first week with a full moon! Full moons are a time of heightened energy, and they can be a powerful catalyst for transformation and personal growth. The first full moon of the year is known as the Wolf Moon, a name that originates from the howling of wolves often heard around this time of year. It's associated with centering, balance, new beginnings, reflection, and taking stock of what you have. This full moon ritual is designed to help you tap into the energy of the Wolf Moon and use it to recenter and embrace the new year with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. This ritual also pairs well with my Wolf Moon worksheet.

What You'll Need

• 1 teaspoon peppermint
• 1 teaspoon lavender
• 1 white chime candle
• 2-3 drops olive oil or anointing oil
• Small piece of paper, large enough to write your intention or sigil
• Writing utensil
• 4 quartz crystals
• 4 crystals of choice associated with grounding, centering, and balance such as citrine, tiger's eye, smoky quartz, selenite, brown agate, brown jasper, or other brown and black crystals.
• Match or lighter
• Heat-proof dish/plate

What to Do

During the Wolf 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, mix the peppermint and lavender together and awaken them using your preferred method, such as holding them in your hand, whispering to them, or blowing your intention into them (be sure not to blow them away). Place 2-3 drops of oil on your candle and rub until the entire candle is coated in a fine oily layer. Roll the candle in your herbal mixture until well coated.

On the piece of paper write your intention to center, ground, find balance, or inner peace. I chose to write "recenter" as my intention. Fold the paper in half twice toward you and hold it to your heart while you say, "I release the past and embrace the present. I walk into the future with an open heart and mind. Come what may, I am calm, collected, balanced, and focused." Place the folded paper in the center of your heat-safe dish and place the candle on top.

Next, charge your crystals using your preferred charging method. I prefer to blow my intention into my crystals as this not only charges them but also cleanses them of past energies. When ready begin constructing your crystal grid by placing the four pieces of quartz in each cardinal direction. In between each quartz crystal, place your chosen four crystals.

Light the candle and say, "Wolf Moon, shining bright, bring strength to my spell on this night. Bring me peace and balance in this new year so I may proceed with strength and cheer." Sit comfortably in front of your candle and crystal grid and close your eyes. In your mind's eye, feel all of your energy that is loose in the world returning to you and filling you up. See your body's center being to glow, getting brighter and brighter as your energy returns to you. Hold onto this image for as long as you can, until you feel like you are going to burst then slowly release the energy throughout your body, visualizing your center dimming as the rest of you begins to glow. If you need to, wiggle your fingers and toes or stretch to help distribute your energy back through your body.

When ready open your eyes and focus on the flame, entering a light meditative state to calm your body and mind until the candle burns out completely. If you are short on time, you can snuff out the candle and repeat the ritual the following night.

Once the flame has been extinguished, close your ritual, being sure to thank any deities or spirits you invited. Bury the paper remnants near your front door or in your front yard. You can dismantle the crystal grid or keep it up until the dark moon to ensure your spell's 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 awakening the peppermint and lavender. Unless you are using freshly picked leaves, you will find that the energy of dried herbs is often quiet or stagnant. By waking up the herbs, you reawaken their energy, set the intention for the spell, and call on the spirit of the plant to aid you in your magical endeavors. This is often something I forget to do, but you'll find that waking up the herbs prior to using them strengthens and empowers the spell in a way that sleeping herbs do not.

Peppermint and lavender were chosen to dress the candle due to their unique magical properties. Peppermint is associated with purification and is a potent magical amplifier. The strong aroma is peppermint helps remove obstacles and clear the way for success. Lavender, on the other hand, is associated with cleansing and protection. It helps remove what is stagnant and unwanted while protecting you and your spell from potential interference. These herbs dressed a white candle which represents the full moon as well as new beginnings, clarity, and purification.

Next, your intention was written on a piece of paper and the paper was folded toward you before placing it under the dressed candle. By folding toward you, you are drawing your intention to you and by placing it under the candle, you are giving it the strength needed to manifest your intention. A crystal grid was constructed around the candle and intention paper to amply and support the spell. Quartz is a potent amplifier, balancer, and grounding crystal, while brown and black stones such as tiger's eye and smoky quartz are associated with balance, grounding, and centering. I also chose to use citrine for balance and happiness, and selenite for clarity and peace.

The visualization/meditation was used to completely center your energy and bring any loose energy back to you before redistributing it through your body. This will leave you feeling renewed, energized, and balanced, ready to take on whatever the rest of the year may hold.

Finally, this spell is best performed during the Wolf Moon. The Wolf Moon is associated with centering, reevaluating, taking stock, and embracing community, therefore, making it the perfect time to call back your energy and recenter.

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 and deconstruct your crystal grid.

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

***

Remember, the Wolf Moon is a time of reflection, not manifestation. As winter bears down, we take stock of our stores and plan for the future. You don't need to set lofty goals at this time, but instead take the time to slow down and be grateful. I hope everyone has a magical full moon.

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

January Wolf Moon Ritual Planning Worksheet

Wolf Moon Social Justice Spell Jar

Moon Phases

Monthly Magical Moons

If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

5 Reasons Why I Tried Mindfulness and How It's Changed My Life by Maria Hayes

Is there a simple and inexpensive way to improve your health, live longer, be more creative, discover the real you, and be happy? Absolutely, and best of all, it's free. This is what you call mindfulness. 

Thousands of thoughts go through our minds each day. Most of them consist of things that happened in the past or worries about the future. If you allow it, your mind can be your worst enemy, and these negative thought patterns may lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. Eventually, it will manifest itself physically and literally make you ill. All these things can happen if you have little to no control over your mind. 

So here are 5 reasons why you should practice mindfulness because it can change your life. 

No. 1:  Happiness Is a Developed Skill

Contrary to what many people think, happiness does not simply happen without you having to do anything about it. We are responsible for our well-being, and this is a skill you can cultivate. For instance, meditation is considered a form of exercise for the brain. Although there is not enough scientific evidence to back up the benefits of a 10-minute versus a full-hour mindfulness session, it can still reap great results. Our brain changes over time, which means lasting results can be fostered with everyday practice. 

No. 2: It Can Sustain Positive Feelings

Studies have shown people's responses to positive images. And it turns out that people having higher activity in specific brain regions were linked to positive emotions, and they reported an increased level of psychological well-being. 

No. 3: Speedy Recovery From Painful Emotions

There is evidence pointing to mindfulness training leading to higher resilience against painful stimuli. This study involved experienced meditators reporting the same pain intensity as people with little to no mindfulness experience but with less unpleasantness. 

No. 4: Promotes Generosity and Positive Social Behavior

Studies have shown that behavior that can improve social bonds, reinforce patience, and increase positive social relationships could also improve a person's well-being. It also suggests that compassion may be cultivated through mental training, such as mindfulness. 

No. 5: Decreases Mind-Wandering

When you finally master the art of mindfulness and can now pay attention to the here and now without making judgments, you can be a lot happier. There was a study involving a smartphone app that was used to monitor users' thoughts, emotions, and actions. It showed that their minds were wandering aimlessly about half of the time, and while doing it reported feeling more unhappy. 

Here are some ways you can practice mindfulness daily so you can feel more present and grounded. 

Be In Nature

Nothing in this world can help guide you into the present as nature can. Simply sit down outside and feel the sun shining down on you. Pay attention to the warmth that you feel. Feel the wind gently blowing on your face. It's the small things we take for granted that mean so much. 

Take Long or Short Walks

Go for a walk and breathe in some fresh air. Tune in to your senses and pay attention to them. Every step, every way that your feet are moving on the ground, and try taking in everything around you. 

Wash Hands

Another great thing to do is take a shower or simply wash your hands. This will help slow you down. Pay attention to how water purifies and cleanses your skin. Enjoy the smell of soap and the lather it makes as you rub your hands together. 

Savor the Moment

Get rid of all your gadgets for a while and focus on eating a nourishing meal. Pay attention to every texture and flavor, don't rush, take your time and enjoy it. 

Practice Creativity

Getting your creative juices flowing is one of the most effective ways of shutting off the line and getting into the here and now. It could be writing, painting, drawing, baking, cooking, or whatever you love making. There is always an activity for everyone. This allows you to slow down and simply lose yourself in what you're doing. 

Exercise

Mindfulness can also be brought in during your Yoga practice or whatever it is you love doing for exercise. However, it's a bit easier if you're doing slower activities such as Pilates or Yoga. Try to be present and focus your every muscle and movement you are doing. It's also going to make your workouts more effective, and you will feel your body start to change. 

Meditate

If meditation is a brand new thing for you, try a body scan meditation for starters. Basically, all you need to do is lie down and focus on all the physical feelings and sensations in your body. You can start with your toes and your feet, then work your way up. Focus your energy trying to feel all the pulsing and buzzing happening within. It's very rejuvenating and helps you go to sleep better. 

Final Thoughts

So, does this mean that you should never get angry, sad, or upset? Of course not. But you need to have a buffer between your stimulus and your reaction. For instance, if you're in a situation that makes your chest buzz, your ears turn red, and you feel you are about to explode because you know you're getting angry.  

It's normal to feel these emotions, but mindfulness means you don't need to act on these emotions. The idea here is not to turn into a lifeless, non-judgemental blob. It's that you must learn to respond wisely to things that are happening around you instead of just having knee-jerk reactions. 

So it is time to stop blaming our brain for its inability to remember things, for being slow, or for making us feel bad. We need to start assuming responsibility for our mind's happiness, as well as our brain's health. Doing this could turn our minds into loyal friends instead of nasty enemies. Good luck! 

With 38 years of astrology and fortune-telling experience, Maria Hayes has helped thousands of clients over the world change their lives thanks to her gift. She is on a mission to change the world, one person at a time using astrology and tarot reading. You can find her at Trusted-Astrology.com