Samhain/Fall Equitherm Altar 2023

Samhain, or the Fall Equitherm, is often referred to as the Witch's New Year. This is the time of death and the great slumber before eventual rebirth, symbolizing the end of the old and the beginning of the new. It is the last of the harvest festivals, the last push to increase stores before the winter months. After Samhain, the fields are left to fallow, any remaining crops left untouched as it was believed to be bad luck to partake in foods touched by the Devil.

The veil is also incredibly thin during this time, allowing for travel to and from the Otherworld and communication with spirits and our ancestors incredibly easy. In some traditions, the time surrounding Samhain is the only time the dead may walk once again upon this Earth. Because of this, it should come as no surprise that our ancestors used this time to honor their ancestors and guard against malevolent ones. Gourds, pumpkins, turnips, and other vegetables were carved to ward off evil spirits and guide loved ones home. Table settings were placed for the deceased and honored during silent suppers.

While most witches celebrate Samhain on October 31st or All Hallow's Eve, astrologically Samhain falls on November 7th this year, meaning if you didn't get to do all you wanted on October 31st, you have yet another opportunity to celebrate! This year's Samhain altar sticks to the general theme of the sabbat, focusing on spirit communication, ancestral magic, the final harvest, death, and endings.

1. Goat Skull- I have to give a huge thanks to my friend, Abby, who so graciously gifted me with this lovely goat skull earlier last year. It is certainly one of the best gifts I have ever received and I was so excited to place it on my altar again this year. Goats are associated with fertility, virility, and lust, as well as independence, ambition, and persistence. Even against all odds, goats will give everything they have, reminding us to persevere even in the face of darkness. Goats also represent the Horned God and are often associated with the Man in Black, the Devil, or Witch King. During Samhain, it isn't uncommon for witches to recommit themselves to their craft which sometimes includes brokering deals or offering yourself over to the Man in Black. (Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free)

2. Roses & Yarrow- Yarrow was one of the first funerary herbs ever used by humans, its pollen being found in graves some 60,000 years old. While some debate whether or not this pollen was intentionally placed, it matters not. Yarrow has long been connected with death and our transition to the Otherworld. Yarrow has the ability to anchor us in reality while opening the lines of communication between the living and the dead. It is most often used to see the unseen and is therefore used in spirit communication and during divination rituals. Roses, on the other hand, are deeply associated with love and are commonly placed at gravesides or on ancestral altars to honor our deceased loved ones. Roses have also been used to enhance divination and protect against the evil eye, making them a potent flower to adorn a Samhain altar. (Where did I get it: Garden; Cost: Free)

3. Black & Yellow Candle and Tea Light in Leaf Candle Holder- To the left of the altar is a large black and yellow candle with a smaller leaf candle holder in front. Traditionally, candles were lit to help guide spirits to the right home on Samhain night, which is the reasoning behind these candles. The black and yellow candle represents the dead inside the Underworld and its flame is used to communicate with the dead during a ritual. The white candle, on the other hand, represents the Sun who has officially died, and is used to guide my ancestors to my altar while providing protection against unwanted spirits and guests. The leaf represents the changing season and the leaves that litter the ground during this time. (Where did I get it: Black & Orange Candle- Blagowood; Cost: Won/Free (originally- $13.50); White Candle and Holders- Dollar Tree 2020; Cost: $1)

4. Clear Quartz Tower, Snow Flake Obsidian, Smoky Quartz, Labradorite, Black Kyanite, and Amethyst- Samhain is a time for spirit communication and ancestral veneration. It's also a time when unwanted and unwelcome spirits roam freely. Smoky quartz helps ground and protect while enhancing communication with spirits. Black kyanite increases clairvoyance and helps with astral travel such as hedge riding, as well as past life work. Snowflake obsidian grounds and protects, just like smoky quartz, but also helps to balance and focus during spirit work. Labradorite enhances intuition, making it easier to communicate with the spirit world while the veil is thin. Amethyst, like black kyanite and labradorite, enhances psychic ability and opens the mind to communicate. The clear quartz tower is there to amplify the magic of this altar, making it easier to engage safely in spirit work, and astral travel. (Where did I get it: Various Metaphysical Stores; Cost: $15)

4. The Beast Tarot Card- Like last month, I placed an Over the Garden Wall tarot card on my altar. It is my favorite TV show of all time, and my go-to when I am struggling with anxiety and insomnia. The Beast represents death, despair, hopelessness, and surrender. His entire purpose is to feed upon hopelessness, using others' surrender to keep his lantern lit. Samhain is a time of darkness and sometimes even hopelessness, but even in the darkest of places, one can still find the light, much like the Beast's lantern. Even when things seem completely hopeless, dawn comes, reminding us that death is only the beginning. (Where did I get it: Etsy; Cost: ~$30)

6. Ansuz & Algiz Runes- Ansuz is Odin's rune, and therefore associated with insight, true sight, visions, and spirit communication. As the veil thins, this is the perfect time to engage in such spirit work. The Algiz rune is commonly viewed as the life rune and is associated with the elk. This year, I left it upright, to symbolize life, as well as protection and defense. Furthermore, the Algiz rune resembles a hoe, rake, or pitchfork used in the harvesting of crops, connecting the rune further to Samhain as it is the final harvest festival of the season. (Where did I get it: Blagowood; Cost: Won/Free (originally- $30 for set)

7. Coyote Claw- The coyote is associated with death, transformation, resilience, and cleverness, as well as protection and strength, symbols of the Samhain season. I picked a claw, instead of a skull, to provide protection as well as to help me cut through the veil, making spirit communication easier. (Where did I get it: Gift; Cost: Free)

8. Ivy- Traditionally, ivy represents wealth, abundance, and fertility. While Samhain is a time of death, it is also the final harvest. Many crops are finishing their harvest season, the last push before the weather turns sour. Our ancestors heavily relied on these final crops of apples, pears, squash, and corn to make it through the winter months. As such, the ivy represents this final abundance of the season, helping to ensure there is plenty for the coming months. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $1.25)

9. Hekate & Orange Candles in Moon Phase Candle Holders- For my birthday this year, my best friend gifted me some wonderful Hekate candles that I knew would be perfect for my Samhain altar. Hekate is the goddess of witches, lantern bearer, keeper of keys, protector, queen of the crossroads. She is also associated with death, ghosts, and necromancy, making her the perfect goddess to be honored during Samhain. I chose to place these two candles, along with a beeswax orange candle, which symbolizes the changing leaves, ripening gourds, and transformation, in my new moon phase candle holders. The moon is associated with transformation and change, which is what awaits us as the final harvest ends and the Wheel turns again. (Where did I get it: Gift/Home Goods 2023; Cost: $20)

TOTAL COST: ~$37

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! This particular altar is mostly constructed with items I won, found, or that were gifted to me. You don't need expensive items to create a beautiful, magical altar. Items found or created by you are much more powerful than ones purchased simply to adorn an altar.

Did you do anything special for Samhain this year? Any plans for the astrological date? I hope you all have a wonderful "new year!" May your winter be cozy and plentiful.

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

Samhain, History and Lore

Samhain Correspondences

3 Ways to Honor Your Ancestors at Samhain

Fruit of the Underworld Ritual: A Ritual to Connect with Your Ancestors

Spirit Work for Samhain

Bridging the Veil: An Anointing Oil Recipe for Ancestral Communication

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Bridging the Veil: An Anointing Oil Recipe for Ancestral Communication

As the veil between our world and the spirit realm thins once again as Samhain approaches, communication with our ancestors becomes easier. Across cultures, ancestors have been revered as guardians of wisdom and guides in our earthly journeys, with many cultures creating altars and shrines to honor said ancestors. Today we will create an anointing oil specifically attuned to the thinning veil of Samhain using herbs and spices associated with the season, a fragrant homage to honor, connect, and communicate with the spirits of our lineage.

What You'll Need

• 1 part dried mugwort
• 1 part dried yarrow flowers
• 1 part allspice (1/2 the amount if you are using ground)
• 1 part dried rosemary
• Grapeseed oil or another oil base to cover
• Obsidian or amethyst chips (optional)
• Amber bottle

What to Do

There are two different methods that can be employed the create this anointing oil: sunning and simmering. Sunning will take approximately 4 weeks to create while simmering will take about an hour from start to finish. For the sunning method, combine equal parts of mugwort, yarrow, allspice, and rosemary in a clear jar and cover with grapeseed oil or your oil of choice. Seal and place in a sunny window for 4 to 6 weeks before straining into an amber bottle. Top with obsidian or amethyst chips and store in a cool, dark place until ready to use.

For the simmering method, combine equal parts of mugwort, yarrow, allspice, and rosemary in a saucepan and cover with grapeseed oil or your oil of choice. I fill my amber bottle with oil first then add it to my saucepan to ensure I don't create too much. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat until the oil is lightly simmering. Allow the mixture to simmer for at least 10 minutes until fragrant. Stir clockwise often and adjust the temperature as needed to prevent the herbs from scorching. Strain the mixture into your amber bottle. Top with obsidian or amethyst chips and store in a cool, dark place until ready to use.

This anointing oil is pretty versatile and can be used to clean your ancestral altar, dress candles, or even as an offering to your ancestors. You can also use it to open the doors of communication with the dead by anointing your third eye prior to attempting communication.

Why You Did It

Understanding the whys of a spell (or recipe) is 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 particular recipe relies on the power of several different herbs, each deeply associated with spirit communication, death, funerary rites, and ancestral veneration. Mugwort is one of the most potent herbs in this oil, historically being used to enhance and induce psychic visions, enhance spirit communication, attract ghosts, and aid in astral travel such as hedge riding. As a hedge witch, mugwort is a staple in my personal practice. While burning or smoking is the most effective use of mugwort for these purposes, they still lend their aid in this anointing oil. Yarrow was one of the first funerary herbs ever used by humans, its pollen being found in graves some 60,000 years old. While some debate whether or not this pollen was intentionally placed, it matters not. Yarrow has long been connected with death and our transition to the Otherworld. Yarrow has the ability to anchor us in reality while opening the lines of communication between the living and the dead. Its most often used to see the unseen and is therefore used in spirit communication and during divination rituals. Allspice is traditionally associated with good luck and fortune and its potent aroma is often used to awaken. In this particular recipe, it's used to awaken your ancestors, aiding them in finding their way to you, as well as to garner their favor and increase your chances of successfully communication with them. Finally, rosemary was added to enhance memory, gain clarity, and strengthen communication as rosemary is the herb of remembrance. Rosemary is also deeply associated with protection, warding off any negative entities that may try to interrupt, confuse, or hijack your communication with your ancestors.

Finally, obsidian or amethyst chips were added to the oil to further enhance ancestral communication. Obsidian has long been regarded as a scrying tool, its shiny glass surface being used to induce visions into the beyond. As such, it's associated with spirit communication. Amethyst is associated with intuition and increases psychic abilities, helping open the user's third eye so messages can be easily received. By adding amethyst to this oil, it increases the oil's potency.

Remember to record this recipe in your Book of Shadows for reference later.

***

As the veil continues to thin, I hope you will take this time to engage in spirit work, commune with spirits, and venerate your ancestors. This is the best time to work on forming and maintaining these relationships, so use it wisely!

Interested in learning more about ancestral communication and veneration? Below are some resources to get you started.

Fruit of the Underworld Ritual: A Ritual to Connect with Your Ancestors

Spirit Work for Samhain

Book Review: Honoring Your Ancestors- A Guide to Ancestral Veneration by Mallorie Vaudoise

Book Review: Ancestral Tarot by Nancy Hendrickson

Book Review: What Is Remembered Lives by Phoenix LeFae

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Magical and Medicinal Properties of Pomegranate

Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mercury
Element: Fire
Powers: Abundance, Barrenness, Death, Fertility, Love, Luck, Mortality, Wealth, Wishes
Magical Uses and History: The pomegranate is the perfect example of a dualistic fruit, whose meaning and representation have changed throughout history as seen in the "Powers" listed above. The fruit's oldest association, however, was fertility, sexuality, and abundance. These associations are likely a result of the fruit's vigorous nature, an abundance of seeds, and deep, luscious red interior and juices reminiscent of female anatomy. When planted, the pomegranate tree is able to sprout multiple suckers from one root or crown and is able to start producing fruit in as little as two years. For comparison, apple trees tend to take four to five years, and pears upward of seven years to produce fruit. Furthermore, most pomegranates are self-pollinating, meaning they can reproduce on their own. When the fruits mature, they contain between 165 and 1,370 seeds, a clear symbol of abundance and fertility. According to rabbinic tradition, however, it is believed the pomegranate or rimon contains 613 seeds, one for each mitzvah. This idea arose from the gemara in Berachot which says that dreaming of pomegranates protends abundance as the pomegranate is the many "seeded" fruit. In the Middle East and throughout the Mediterranean, the pomegranate was associated with a number of fertility goddesses such as Cybele, Tanit, and Aphrodite and was commonly given as a wedding gift and smashed in the bridal chambers to bless the couple with many children. In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the nightingale sings in a pomegranate tree outside Juliet's window while she awaits Romea, a symbol of love and sacrifice foretelling the fate of the two young lovers. In a women's medicine and cosmetic compendium from the twelfth century, powdered pomegranate rind, which is red in color, was used to create the illusion of a hymen, thus restoring the "loss of virginity" to the user. In ancient Rome, pomegranate blossoms and fruits were fashioned into crowns and worn during spring festivals to celebrate fertility and abundance. The most famous story regarding the pomegranate, however, is the story of Hades and Persephone.

Numerous retellings of this story exist all over the world, but what they all have in common is Persephone eating pomegranate seeds which bound her to Hades and the Underworld. Whether by force or by choice, Persephone is whisked away by Hades to the Underworld, much to the dismay of her mother, Demeter, the goddess of the harvest and fertility. With Persephone missing, Demeter wreaks havoc on the mortal world, causing the earth to plunge into death and decay as the earth ceases to blossom. Intent to rescue Persephone from Hades, Demeter enlisted the help of other gods and goddesses to intervene, not only to save Persephone but also the mortals who leave the gods offerings, and eventually Persephone is returned to the living world. However, right before her rescue, Persephone ingests several pomegranate seeds, some say 1 or 2 or 3 or 6, which binds her to Hades in marriage and therefore the Underworld. As a compromise, Persephone spends 6 months of the year with her mother and 6 months with her husband. During her time with her mother, the earth blossoms and grows, but upon her return to the Underworld, the earth darkens and dies, thrusting us into a wintery pause. Whether Hades stole Persephone away or she went willingly to the Underworld, the pomegranate is a clear symbol of sexual awakening and the dual nature of sexual energies, losing something but gaining something in return. The pomegranate, like Persephone, is a representation of the cyclical duality of the seasons, from the loving consort of Hades holding dominion over death to the blossoming flowers of fertility and abundance. Thus the pomegranate represents not only fertility but also a pause in it. The rind of the pomegranate was used as a contraceptive, applied topically to men, or used as a suppository in women. In Ancient Greece, Dioscorides recommended both the seeds and rind as birth control. In the 1970s and 1980s, the contraceptive effects of the fruit (not the seeds) and rind were found true, with rats experiencing a 72% decrease and guinea pigs a 100% decrease in fertility! 

However, it isn't just the story of Persephone that the pomegranate appears. Many historians argue that the fruit Eve ate in the Garden of Eden was, in fact, a pomegranate and not an apple. This would connect the fruit further with female sexual awakening, independence, knowledge, and rebirth, but also death.

Needless to say, this dualistic nature of the pomegranate can be used for multiple magical purposes. Use pomegranate in rituals to increase fertility, promote love, increase abundance, increase sexual desire, or inspire a sexual awakening, especially in women. Due to its 'bloody' nature, the juice can be used as a blood substitute in spells and rituals, especially those related to women, fertility, pregnancy, birth, and life. In Greek traditions, the pomegranate is often given as a gift around November 21 to honor the Virgin Mary, then smashed on New Year's Day to bring good luck, fortune, and abundance to the home. In Jewish traditions, the seeds are eaten on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, to bring luck and grant wishes. It can also be used in spells and rituals to stifle sexual energies, slow things down, or pause future endeavors. It can be given to an enemy to curse them with barrenness, or even used to bind someone to you.

Apart from its association with fertility, abundance, and sexuality, the pomegranate is also associated with death and communication with the dead. According to the Ancient Sumerians, souls that ate pomegranate seeds would become immortal, allowing them to "live" forever. The pomegranate is what ultimately ties Persephone to the Underworld, and therefore acts as a link between the living and the dead. As such, the pomegranate is often used in ceremonies and celebrations of those who have died and can be used to communicate with those who have passed on by connecting the imbiber to the Underworld.

Finally, the pomegranate is associated with wealth. This magical correspondence is likely tied to late Europeans' desire for everything exotic. During the 17th century, Europeans became obsessed with new and exotic things, ranging from foods and spices to cultural artifacts and traditions. Among these obsessions was the desire to grow and serve pomegranates. The orangery, a greenhouse dedicated to growing and protecting fruit trees during the winter, became increasingly popular. Among the trees kept in these organeries were pomegranates. However, only the very wealthy could maintain such greenhouses and therefore serve such delectable fruits to their guests. As such, the pomegranate became a symbol of wealth and can be used in spells and rituals for this purpose.

Pomegranate can be used in a number of spells including:

    Fertility Spells
    Love Spells

    Death Magic

    Ancestral Communication

    Prosperity Rituals
    Binding Magic

    Luck Spells

    Abundance Rituals

I've personally used pomegranate in my ritual to communicate with my ancestors and the dead, as seen in Fruit of the Underworld Ritual: A Ritual to Connect with Your Ancestors.

Medicinal Uses: Pomegranate is a potent antioxidant rich in flavonoids and anthocyanins. It has been used to treat high blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, decrease inflammation, and even reduce free radicals to prevent cancer. Pomegranate juice has been found to prevent cell growth and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death), leading to an anticarcinogenic effect.

Preparation and Dosage: Pomegranate can be eaten or drank as a juice to promote healthy bowel movements, reduce inflammation, and lower blood pressure. The peel and husk can be taken as a tincture for the same purposes. Avoid pomegranate if you are or wish to become pregnant.

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Magical Properties of Smoky Quartz

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