Magical and Medicinal Uses of Cypress

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Saturn
Element: Earth
Powers: Comfort, Death, Eternity, Exorcism, Grief, Healing, Longevity, Mourning, Protection, Stability

Magical Uses and History: The cypress is well known as the "Tree of Mourning," showing up in graveyards across the world to help communicate with, manage, and ferry souls. Its association with death and grief is well-documented in the myths and legends passed down through history, the most famous of these detailing the life of Cyparissus. According to ancient Greek and Roman mythology, Cyparissus's grief after accidentally killing his beloved stag transformed him into a cypress tree. In some versions of the story, Apollo, who was in love with Cyparissus, transforms Cyparissus into a cypress tree so his tears may fall forever, as seen by the tear-shaped drops the sap forms as it dries. Cyparissu's story, however, is not the only connection the cypress has with grief.

Ancient coffins were constructed using cypress in both ancient Egypt and across Europe, and the branches were often carried and burned by mourners to send up prayers as well as fumigate after the deceased had been removed. Cypress trees were planted next to or overtop of graves and even in front of houses of the deceased. As such, cypress grew to not only be associated with grief, but also death and the Underworld. This practice of planting cypresses in graveyards is a tradition that carried over well into the Victorian period, with people growing to believe lost spirits took up refuge within its branches. Needless to say, cypress is a powerful ally in death and grief magic. It can be used in spells and rituals to honor the dead, as an offering, to ease your grief, or even to provide the deceased with luck and love in the afterlife. It can also be burned as an incense or added to spells and rituals to communicate with the dead, help them cross over, or to help relieve grief.

Not only is the cypress associated with death and loss, but also immortality, which seems contradictory until you dive into the folklore. The cypress, like other evergreens, does not lose its leaves in the winter months and remains green throughout the season, making it appear everlasting. Coupled with its notorious ability to live "forever," it is no wonder it became associated with immortality, perseverance, and strength. Some cypresses are estimated to be around 5,000 years old, making them among the oldest trees on earth. However, their association with death casts this symbolism in a different light. Not only is the cypress often used to promote longevity in users, but it is also a symbol of everlasting life after death. The cypress is often depicted in Zoroastrian artwork for this exact purpose, showing up on rugs, paintings, and more throughout history. In China, the cypress was also viewed as a symbol of longevity, resilience, and strength. It was often depicted in ancient Chinese literature to represent a person of strong moral character, or in paintings to symbolize perseverance. As such, cypress can be used in spells, rituals, and rites for similar purposes. Anoint candles with cypress oil or dried plant parts to reinforce spells or to bring resilience, use cypress smoke to strengthen resolve, fortify boundaries, and help with overall endurance, or carry the wood to lengthen your life.

Finally, cypress is associated with protection and has even been used in exorcisms. Among several Native American traditions, cypress groves were places of refuge. The tree was thought to shelter humans from both physical dangers and spiritual harm, and was often used to build shelters and canoes, as the wood is durable and water-resistant. Cypress wood was used for protective charms, and its presence near water was seen as a natural guardian spirit that watched over travelers, hunters, and those venturing into liminal spaces. Some stories describe the cypress as a tree that absorbs negativity and anchors wandering spirits, keeping malevolent forces at bay. During the medieval period, known mystic and physician Hildegard of Bingen used cypress to exorcise "diabolical or magical forces" from people. Wood was taken from the heart of the tree, a hole was drilled, and water was poured through it while speaking an incantation over the person. As such, cypress can be used in spells and rituals to cleanse one's home and objects, banish negative energies, and shield oneself during spirit work or divination. Burn as an incense to strengthen boundaries, dispel unwanted energies, and clear space, or carry on your person for protection.

Cypress can be used in a number of spells, including:

      Death Spells

      Protection Spells

      Exorcisms

      Ancestor Magic & Communication

      Healing Magic

      Longevity Spells

Medicinal Uses: It is important to note that several varieties of cypress are toxic and therefore should not be ingested unless under the guidance of a professional or if you have sourced your plant material from a reputable source. Cypress has long been used in herbal medicine as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent, as well as a decongestant. As a decongestant, cypress is used to treat coughs, colds, flu, bronchitis, and general respiratory congestion. As an antiseptic, it can be used externally to treat minor cuts and abrasions, ulcers, bruises, and even acne. Today, cypress is most often used in the form of essential oil, which is diluted in a carrier oil and used to treat topical issues or diffused to treat congestion.

Preparation and Dosage: Internally, cypress bark and leaves can be taken as an infusion. Combine 1 tablespoon with 1.5 cups of boiling water. Allow the mixture to infuse for 5 minutes before drinking no more than 3 times a day for a couple of days. Again, cypress is often toxic, so please consult a professional before using it internally. Externally, cypress can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied directly to the body to treat muscle aches and pains, mild cuts and bruises, and acne. It can also be diffused or added to steam to treat respiratory issues. Cypress essential oil is unsafe to diffuse around pets, so use caution when using.

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

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Book Review: Magic for the Resistance by Michael M. Hughes

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When Crossed Crow Books reached out asking if I would like to review some of their upcoming books, I was absolutely stoked. On this list was the revised and updated edition of Magic for the Resistance: Rituals & Spells for Change by Michael M. Hughes. This book has been on my TBR for quite some time, so there was no way I was going to pass up the opportunity to read and review the latest edition.

As a witch who is heavily involved in and advocates for spiritual activism, Magic for the Resistance should be required reading, along with Tarot for the Hard Work: An Archetypal Journey to Confront Racism and Inspire Collective Healing by Maria Minnis, Heal the Witch Wound: Reclaim You Magic & Step Into Your Power by Celeste Larsen, and Tarot In Other Words: An Essential Anthology by Leading Queer Tarot Writers edited by Cassandra Snow, among many others. Magic has always been and will always be a form of resistance, so why not use it to our advantage to fight against oppressive systems such as fascism, misogyny, and racism?

The name Michael M. Hughes may ring a bell for many of you, especially if you have been following politics and the occult closely. Hughes is the same witch who wrote "A Spell to Bind Donald Trump and All Those Who Abet Him" and helped lead and coordinate mass hex work. This is among the largest joint spells ever cast and is exactly the type of magic outlined in Magic for the Resistance. Now, I managed to get my greedy hands on the revised and updated edition, which is, in fact, updated to include a new introduction, updated spells, and even new ones. I greatly appreciate that this wasn't just a rerelease of an old title to capitalise on the movement. Hughes put in the work to include and modify spells to help us navigate the current political climate, including the mass deportations we are currently experiencing. I think the only thing that could have made me love this book more would be the inclusion of even more spells, rituals, and charms. Hughes made me hungry and desperate for more. But hey, I guess that is a gap I am helping to fill whenever I, too, write and publish spells for resistance. 

The book opens with lessons on using witchcraft and magic as a form of activism. Hughes, like many others before him, reminds us that we use magic to turn the tide and push the world in the direction we want it to go; magic is not fast, and the changes won't occur overnight. Just like activism isn't a one-and-done thing, neither is magical resistance. Instead, we must dedicate time and energy to shift the powers at large, recognizing we will lose a lot more often than we win, but the purpose is to never give up. At the end of a spell titled "The White Candle Conspiracy," Hughes references a brief interview with A.J. Muste, a Dutch-born American clergyman and activist who protested the Vietnam War. During this interview, the reporter asked Muste, "Do you really think you are going to change the policies of the country by standing out here alone at night in front of the White House with a candle?" To which Muste replied, "Oh, I don't do this to change the country. I do this so the country won't change me." We may never see the fruits of our activism, but at least we will leave this world knowing we left it a better place and refused to bow to a dictator.

Despite Hughes's warning that magical resistance takes time and patience, it also requires everyday, mundane actions to work. To quote, "...spiritual activism is useless without engagement in the everyday world of elections, organizing, canvassing, protests, and other forms of on-the-ground action." I couldn't agree more. You have to take real-world action for any spell, especially resistance spells, to actually work. The phrase, "Your actions speak louder than your words," holds true in this situation. Our spells and rituals demand to be fed, and we feed them by living the life we wish to see the entire world embrace.

This wonderful introduction is followed by a brief history of magical resistance, from fighting slavers to hexing the Nazis, in which he refers to witch hunters as mass murderers (preach!). This is an excellent overview of the history of magic; my only qualm is that I wish it were longer! I could read several books detailing the history of witchcraft and its uses to fight against oppression. I think such a work would be incredibly beneficial for all witches to read and would give all of us a nice reminder of where we came from and what our roots actually are.

From here, Hughes delves into a "toolkit" for magical activism, offering suggestions, spell and ritual ideas, safety tips, tool options, and so much more. He even explores the ethics of binding, hexing, and cursing, justifying such work by reminding us that we are using these types of spells as self-defense. My favorite line from this was, "If you wouldn't do something by nonmagical means, don't do it with magic." Again, yes, yes, yes. If you wouldn't kill someone, don't try to curse them to get hit by a bus. This is a great ethical reminder, one I think we all need to hear. However, I do support white people playing dirty when it comes to other white people. We must use our privilege to help those whose voices are being erased. Michelle Obama's "When they go low, we go high" does not apply when we, as white people, are fighting oppression. It's okay to be nasty...

My only point of contention with Hughes is his perspective on cultural appropriation. I have made it incredibly clear where I stand on the issue. Hughes is of the mind that if you are being respectful and responsible, then you can use whatever tools are necessary. I disagree and prefer to use tools that are not stolen from the very people I am trying to assist. It is such a colonial mindset to believe that because we are on the same team that we can take whatever we want. Some things are not for us, and that is okay. I will never be able to fully comprehend the cultural significance of Hoodoo, Santeria, Espiritismo, or other such paths. These are spiritual paths that require you to have a shared, lived experience, which I don't and never will have. That doesn't mean we can't learn from the best when it comes to building magical resistance, but I can find my own cultural means of fighting, without appropriating from closed practices. You may feel differently, and what you do in the privacy of your own home is between you and the Universe.

Despite disagreeing with this point, Magic for the Resistance: Rituals & Spells for Change by Michael M. Hughes is well worth the read, especially if you are interested in using your magic to help fight oppression. We are not free until we are all free. You can pick up your new revised and updated copy of Magic for Resistance wherever books are sold.

Author Note: I plan to continue to use my Amazon affiliate links for the time being for a couple of reasons. 1) Some of you are not protesting Amazon, and it helps me when you shop. Amazon affiliate links are the main source of revenue for my blog, even though I only average about $25 in a good month. 2) Some of you can only purchase American titles from Amazon, and you wish to support authors. I get it. I want it to be known, however, that I support the upcoming and ongoing protests against Amazon. I encourage you to try and shop elsewhere, especially for books (use Bookshop.org!), and if you cannot give up Amazon entirely, at least join us to protest this holiday season by refusing to order anything from Amazon, Target, and Home Depot on November 28th through December 1st.

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Gratitude Rune Spread Ritual

As the final leaves fall and the air sharpens with winter’s promise, the earth begins settling into her long rest. We witness the shift from harvest to stillness, from abundance to reflection, during this sacred threshold. In the United States, November is associated with gratitude and giving thanks. It is a time to honor what we have gathered, release what must fade, and prepare our bodies for renewal. In Norse paganism, this time marks the quiet aftermath of Winter Nights, during which it is not uncommon for practitioners to honor deities, landvættir, and their ancestors.  No matter where you are and what your beliefs are, the time between fall and winter is the perfect time to look back on the seasons that have shaped us and give thanks for their lessons. 

Giving thanks can take many forms, from spells and rituals to more mundane activities such as volunteering and tithing. I like to incorporate multiple magical and mundane ways of showing gratitude, letting actions speak along with my words. This includes working with the runes to weave reflection, divination, and journaling into a single act of devotion. This is where today's rune ritual for gratitude comes in. While I am posting this well into November, this ritual can be easily adapted to your tradition. Use it during Mabon or Lammas, Winter Nights or Yule, or each changing of the season. Incorporate deities, land spirits, and ancestors meaningful to you. If I have said it once, I have said it a dozen times: rework all my spells and rituals to cater to your needs and make the spell/ritual more meaningful and powerful.

What You'll Need

• Rune set
• A candle (gold, green, or white)
• A journal, notebook, or downloadable journal prompt worksheet
• Offerings, such as a piece of bread, an apple, grain, or salt

What to Do

Begin by cleansing and consecrating your tools and space using your preferred method. Call in any deities, spirits, or ancestors you wish to aid in your divination for gratitude.

Light the candle and say, "I stand at the turning of the year. I honor the hands that have fed me, the earth that has held me, The lessons that have shaped me. In gratitude, I listen."

Next, ground and center using your preferred method. For this particular exercise, I prefer to use the candle flame to help me relax, focusing on the flame's movement and my breathing, visualizing myself connecting with the earth and drawing my energy into my core.

Once you feel relaxed, grounded, and centered, it is time to begin pulling runes. If possible, hold your runes close to your heart and close your eyes. Focus on your intention, focusing on what you need to honor, not what you want to know. If needed, repeat the previous mantra: "I stand at the turning of the year. I honor the hands that have fed me, The earth that has held me, The lessons that have shaped me. In gratitude, I listen." When you feel open to what the spirits have to tell you, draw three runes and lay them out in a straight line, using the picture below as guidance.

Rune Meanings:

1. Rune One: The Gift of the Year- What bounty or blessing has this year brought into your life?
   This rune represents the fruits of your labor, aka the abundance you’ve received, whether material, emotional, or spiritual.
   Write it down and reflect: What has thrived within me? Who or what helped me grow?
2. Rune Two: The Lesson of the Shadows- What challenge or hardship has taught you the most?
   Even in struggle, there is sacred teaching. Wisdom often comes through trial.
   Write it down and reflect: What have I learned through difficulty? How has it transformed me?
3. Rune Three: The Seed for the Next Cycle- What energy or intention should I carry into the coming dark?
   This rune holds the potential for the year ahead. It is a reminder that even as we rest, the next harvest is already beginning to dream beneath the soil.
   Write it down and reflect: What will I nurture in silence? What small spark will I protect through the winter?

Write freely about each prompt. Unlike other rune spreads, this is not a fortune-telling exercise, but instead a conversation with yourself and the cycles of your own life. When finished, you may find yourself wishing to explore deeper into the meanings of the runes and what message they are sending.

Some additional prompts to explore include:

• “This year has taught me…” 
• “I am most grateful for…” 
• “I release…” 
• “I plant the seed of…”

When you are finished with your journal exercise, offer thanks to the spirits who have guided you in your reflection by leaving them an offering of your choice. Whisper your thanks to the land, spirits, ancestors, deities, and the fates that have carried you through another year.

Close out the ritual by saying, “May what I have learned feed my spirit. May what I release return to the earth. May what I plant grow in wisdom and light.” If you can, allow the candle to burn down safely or snuff it out.

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• Altering your breathing can cause a reduction in blood pressure, which can cause you to pass out. It can also trigger seizures in some people and PTSD in others. If you are worried about passing out, begin this exercise by lying down. I also suggest practicing with a friend to ensure your safety.
• If you are unable to light candles, consider a faux candle that flickers as a substitute. It can also be replaced with incense.
• Do not leave a lit candle unattended, and always have water or another fire extinguisher nearby.
• If you do not have runes, this spread can be easily adapted to tarot or oracle cards.
  
• Optional add-ins include incense, amethyst, or mugwort tea/incense to increase psychic awareness.

You can download your free copy of the journal prompts below.

Ritual and rune spreads do not need to be grand or complicated to be effective. It's a practice of presence and patience. This spread allows you to invite ancient wisdom into your reflection, learning to see both joy and hardship as teachers. Carry this wisdom like an ember into the darkness with you, allowing it to light your way.

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A Hedge Witch's Guide to Preparing the Home for Winter: Cleansing, Warding, and Blessing

The earth begins its descent into quiet as the day grows shorter and the nights longer. Nature withdraws, the spirits of the land grow still, and the hearth becomes the heart of our lives once again as frost leaves its first coat across the ground. For witches, this turning of the season is an invitation to tend our homes as holy spaces. It is a time to cleanse away the year’s lingering energies, strengthen our wards, and weave blessings into every corner.

Winter usually marked the new year in many cultures, including our modern Wheel of the Year. This makes it the perfect time to reassess our internal environments, getting rid of what no longer serves us and strengthening what does. Just as our ancestors winterized their homes with firewood, food, and wool, so too can we prepare for the cold months ahead with a little bit of magic. In doing so, we align ourselves with the natural rhythms of the earth.

Cleansing: Releasing the Old Year’s Energy

One of the first steps in caring for your home as the wheel turns toward winter is getting rid of the old. We sweep away what no longer serves us, opening our home to invite blessings in. Think of this as both a spiritual and physical cleaning as we banish stale energy, clutter, and emotional residue that has built up through the busy months.

There are numerous ways one can cleanse their home, including my Deep House Cleansing Ritual I like to perform at least once a year. If you are short on time or don't feel the need to do as deep a cleanse, there are numerous other options that will work in a pinch.

Begin by sweeping with intention. As you physically sweep, say: "With each stroke I clear the past, Only peace and warmth shall last." Sweep starting at the back of your home and working toward your front door. Sweep all debris out of your door, visualizing all heaviness leaving your home. This pairs well with a magical floorwash for cleansing.

After the house is free of debris, follow up with a spiritual cleanse using smoke, steam, or sound.

• Smoke cleanse:
  Burn cleansing herbs such as juniper, rosemary, cedar, or mugwort. Move counterclockwise through your home, saying: “With smoke and herbs, I cleanse and clear, Winter’s peace now settles here. No stagnant energy shall remain; so I will it, so shall it be.”
• Simmer pot:
  To create a simmer pot, combine orange peels, cinnamon, and bay leaves. Move counterclockwise through your home, saying: “With steam and herbs, I cleanse and clear, Winter’s peace now settles here. No stagnant energy shall remain; so I will it, so shall it be.”
  
  
  
  
  
• Sound cleansing:
  This is a personal favorite of mine. Clap, ring bells, drum, or even gently bang on pots and pans in corners and under furniture where energy feels heavy. Sound wakes stagnant energy and invites movement. Move counterclockwise through your home, saying: “Sound ringing true, cleanse and clear, Winter’s peace now settles here. No stagnant energy shall remain; so I will it, so shall it be.”

I highly recommend pairing your cleansing ritual with a physical clean. Deep clean everything, from the corners to under furniture. Clean fans and windows, cabinets, and filters. Go through your belongings and throw away anything that is broken or used up, and donate items that are gently used. Be sure to tell your items thank you for their service before letting them go.

Warding: Strengthening the Thresholds

With your home cleansed, it’s time to reinforce its boundaries. Just as you might insulate your windows or latch the shutters, spiritual warding seals your home against harmful energies, spirits, and emotional intrusion. This is always done after a cleanse, so you don't trap anything unwanted in your home.

There are dozens of ways to ward your home. One of my favorite rituals is my Home Protection Ward and Threshold Protection Spell, which I shared years ago on my blog. Please note that I have grown spiritually since posting both of these spells, and they have evolved with me, but their foundations are still highly effective.

Of course, there are other ways to ward your home, and I would be remiss if I didn't offer some new ways today.

1. Create protective runes for your front door.
   Using chalk, oil, salt water, or even invisible finger-tracing, inscribe Algiz (ᛉ) for protection or Othala (ᛟ) for home and ancestry above your main entrance. I find this is most useful with a warding oil made from sage, rosemary, yarrow, nettle, and lavender. You can also throw in rue, St. John's Wort, and mugwort if available. Really, any protective herbs will work, so use what is easily available to you.

2. Create a witch’s bottle for the threshold.
   Create a small jar filled with iron nails or pins to repel negativity, black salt or coarse sea salt, a sprig of rosemary, and a slip of paper with your home’s address and household names. Bury the bottle near your front door or behind a stone near your threshold. Recharge once a month or as needed.

Blessing: Inviting Warmth and Harmony Back Into the Home

Now that the space is clear and warded, it’s time to welcome back the energy you want to dwell with through the cold months, such as comfort, rest, creativity, and connection. This is done through blessing rituals and being mindful of how you interact with others in your home. The following short ritual is a great way to invite positivity back into your home.

Ingredients
     Gold or orange candle (white if you don't have access to colored candles)
     Lighter/match
     Small bowl of clean water with a pinch of salt
     Carnelian or clear quartz
     Sprig of pine or rosemary

Directions
Begin by cleansing and charging your tools using your preferred method. Ground and center, and invite any spirits or deities you wish to aid you. Stand in the heart of your home. This could be the kitchen, the living room, or near your altar. Light the candle and say, "From hearth to heart, I call in light; warmth of the sun in winter's night. Peace and love are found within these walls. Bless all who dwell and all who call."

Place the carnelian or clear quartz in the water bowl. Dip the pine or rosemary sprig into the water and flick droplets around your home, moving in a clockwise direction while chanting the above saying. Visualize your space filling with soft, warm, golden light, inviting harmony, peace, happiness, and joy into your home.

When finished, I highly recommend making an offering to your house spirit. If you have never made an offering before, this is a great time to start cultivating a relationship. In Norse traditions, household spirits or húsvættir are commonly left offerings as appreciation for their continued protection, aid, and blessings. Most house spirits enjoy milk, honey, bread, and salt. Leave a small offering bowl near the hearth/stove once a month with a whispered “thank you” for their aid. You may also consider leaving daily offerings if you have been particularly neglectful of your house spirit. Taking care of your house spirits is a great way to invite blessings into your home, as they are notorious for caring for their owners in times of great need.

When you’ve finished your cleansing, warding, and blessing, take a moment to sit quietly and enjoy the fruits of your labor. You have prepared your home not just for the cold, but for spiritual rest. I always like to reward myself with a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate, a snack, and a good book. Winter is the time of the hearth, after all; a time for storytelling, dreaming, and re-enchantment. By tending your space with intention, you turn your home into a living altar, one that shelters both your body and your spirit.

May your winter be filled with rest, relaxation, peace, and joy.

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We'Moon 2026 Astrological Planner Review

Last year, I had the great privilege of writing an article for We'Moon that debuted in their 2025 astrological datebook. This year, I have the great pleasure of reviewing the 2026 datebook and calendar!

First and foremost, this is an astrological datebook created by womyn as a countermovement to our racist patriarchal society. This means they purposely amply the voices of womyn from cultures and walks of life that are traditionally marginalized, including our transgender and non-binary kin. They honor both the diversity that exists in our community, as well as our shared experiences. There isn't anything else quite like their datebook on the market, and there certainly isn't a company that deserves your support like We'Moon and Mother Tongue Ink do. Each article, piece of art, spell, ritual, and poem is created by womyn; no AI is used. Every year, I am blown away by others' creativity.

The 2026 edition is themed “Full Circle,” celebrating cycles of growth, renewal, and transformation. Each week-at-a-glance spread includes moon phases, moon signs, planetary movements, void-of-course periods, and seasonal markers. The planner also features annual horoscopes, ephemeris tables, and a comprehensive lunar overview.

But what truly sets We’Moon apart is its creative heart. Every planner contains over 100 pieces of art, poetry, and prose contributed by womyn from around the world. The result is a planner that feels alive. It is something to be read, savored, and sat with during your daily or moon-based rituals.

On top of this, each astrological datebook is dedicated to an organization. This year, they dedicated their datebook to the Sunrise Movement, a youth-driven, women-led organization for climate action and environmental justice. Considering We'Moon uses Hansol paper, which is 60% recycled, with solvent-free soy- and vegetable-based inks, I am not surprised they chose to support such an organization.

While I love this planner, the planner is content-dense, making it ideal for reflection, but possibly overwhelming if you prefer minimal, business-style layouts. Furthermore, while there is space for notes, the format isn't designed as an hour-by-hour appointment book, more a record of dates and major events. Finally, all astrological data is listed in Pacific Standard Time; users in other time zones will need to adjust for this difference.

Take it from me, this is the best astrological datebook on the market. You can order your 2026 astrological datebook and calendar now online at We'Moon.ws and use discount code Willow26 to take 15% off your order!

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Still Water Mirror Spell For Reflection

Last week, I discussed how to embrace stillness and silence in your practice through tea, meditation, and shadow work journaling. In a world that tells us to be constantly loud and moving, it is a spiritual act of resistance to do the opposite. Winter reminds us to take time to rest and rejuvenate. During this time, the darkness reflects the shadow we harbor inside ourselves, making it the perfect time for reflection. Today's spell builds upon embracing stillness as a magical act through the use of a "mirror" to help you find calm, clarity, and connection to the unseen.

What You'll Need

• Small bowl of water
• White or black candle
• Match or lighter
• Pinch of salt
• Isa, Laguz, and Perthro runes

What to Do

This spell is best performed on Sunday or during the new or dark moon. Begin by cleansing your tools and work space using your preferred methods. Follow this with grounding and centering and inviting any of your spiritual guides to join you.

Place the bowl of water in the center of your workspace with the candle behind it so that the flame will reflect on the water's surface. Place the runes to the right, left, and in front of the water bowl.

Light your candle and sit in the quiet, dimly lit space. Breathe deeply until your body softens. Take time to relax and feel the tension leave your body. 

When ready, sprinkle the salt into the bowl of water and stir clockwise three times, saying: “As this water stills, so shall my mind. In the silent stillness, wisdom I find.” 

Gaze into the surface of the water, watching the flame flicker in the surface's reflection. Don’t force any visions. Instead, let your awareness expand outward and inward at once, opening your mind to the mysteries and fates. If your mind begins to drift, gently return to your breath and refocus on the water's surface.

Continue breathing deeply, allowing messages to flow freely through you as you watch the flame flicker across the water's calm surface. End when you feel full, calm, gently altered, and when the messages stop.

If needed, snuff out the candle and dispose of the water outdoors as an offering to the spirits.

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• Altering your breathing can cause a reduction in blood pressure, which can cause you to pass out. It can also trigger seizures in some people and PTSD in others. If you are worried about passing out, begin this exercise by lying down. I also suggest practicing with a friend to ensure your safety.
• The water's surface acts as a mirror in which messages can be received, much like a crystal ball. Generally, these messages are visual symbols, pictures, and images, but they can also be feelings, smells, sounds, or a sense of knowing. Trust in your intuition to guide you.
• If you are unable to light candles, consider a faux candle that flickers as a substitute.
• Do not leave a lit candle unattended, and always have water or another fire extinguisher nearby.
• If you do not have runes and prefer to use tarot, The Hermit, Four of Swords, and the High Priestess represent introspection, needed rest, and inner wisdom, similar to that of the runes I chose for this spell. 
  
  

Why You Did It

Understanding the whys of a spell (or ritual 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 it helps guide you in writing your own. It's my intention to provide these explanations so that 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).

Because this spell is designed for stillness and reflection, Sunday or the new/dark moon is best because they too are associated with stillness and reflection. Sunday is often viewed as a day of rest and relaxation, making it the perfect time to invite quiet stillness into your life and practice. The new and dark moon have similar correspondences, although I much prefer the use of the dark moon over the new moon. The dark moon is the complete absence of the moon, the ultimate symbol of rest and reflection. The new moon, however, is more aligned with new beginnings, but is still a great time to set goals for the future and garner insight from beyond.

A bowl of water with a pinch of salt is used during this spell to act as a sort of scrying mirror, helping to open your mind to the messages from the beyond. Water is also associated with calm, healing, silence, and emotions, while the salt helps to purify and remove any blockages that may be preventing you from achieving stillness. The salt was stirred into the water clockwise to invite or draw messages toward you, as well as manifesting your intention of receiving visions.

The black or white candle was lit to connect you and your intention to the Otherworld. Furthermore, the flame was viewed as a reflection in the water's surface. This was done to help quiet your mind and help entice visions from the Otherworld to rise to the surface. Watching the flickering flame helps reduce your heart rate, relax your muscles, and induce an altered state of consciousness, opening you to embracing quiet stillness in your life and to the messages the spirits wish to share with you. White or black is chosen here for their connection to shadow work (black) or stillness (white; think snow).

Isa, Laguz, and Perthro runes were used to strengthen your intention and invite the desired outcome. Isa represents ice and therefore corresponds to stillness, quiet, and reflection. Laguz, however, is the rune of water and represents flow, intuition, emotion, and the subconscious. Perthro is the rune of mystery and the unknown, connected to fate and the divine. Each of these runes invites us to be still and open ourselves up to the will of the fates.

Finally, the water was disposed of outside with gratitude as an offering to the spirits who aided in your spell, whether through guidance or messages. 

Want to break this spell? Because the nature of the spell is to receive insight and guidance, there isn't a way to break it.

Remember to record this spell in your Book of Shadows or use my Spell/Ritual Worksheet for reference later.

***

After everything that has happened in the past year, I find myself turning toward this time of year wanting to learn more about myself and the lessons I have been dealt. Between the election results a year ago, the loss of someone very close to me, a health diagnosis, and a marriage, things have been far from "settled." While there have been plenty of wonderful things that have happened over the last year, there have also been some trials that have tested me. Having spells and rituals centered around peace, reflection, and healing has certainly helped me process everything that has occurred, leaving me well and able to plan for the future. I hope they offer you the same solace.

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New Book Announcement: Encyclopedia of Herbal Magic, A Witch’s Reference Guide to Magical Herbs for Every Season

I am very delayed in making this announcement (mostly because the last two months have been absolutely wild), but I come to you today to let all of you know my third book, written in collaboration with Lisa Chamberlain, is available now! I actually wrote my part more than 5 years ago and wasn't sure it was ever going to come to fruition, but here we are!

Herbs of the Year: Encyclopedia of Herbal Magic: A Witch’s Reference Guide to Magical Herbs for Every Season, with Herb Lore, Magical Uses, and Spell Ideas is perfect for beginning witches yet still valuable for more seasoned practitioners. It features 40 magical herbs and is aligned with the Wheel of the Year. From angelica (Angelica sylvestris) to yew (Taxus baccata), you’re bound to meet herbs both familiar and new as you journey through the seasons. The power of these plants can be used in just about every magical working you perform.

In Encyclopedia of Herbal Magic, you’ll find: 

• 40 magical plants you can easily use throughout the year, no matter where you live 
• Entries detailing the plant’s common and scientific names, magical correspondences, known folklore and history, and common magical uses 
• A variety of spell ideas and magical tips for working with these plants in your practice 
• A ritual for establishing a magical relationship with plants, whether in the wild or in your backyard 
• Advice for how to harvest plants sustainably and more!

I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed turning my passion for herb folklore and writing into this beautiful piece!

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The Silence Between Seasons: How to Embrace Stillness as a Magical Act Through Tea, Meditation, and Journaling

As the winds turn sharp and the days begin to wane, the world seems to take a long, inward breath. The fields lay bare, trees stand skeletal against dark skies, and even the spirits grow quiet, lingering in the hush between harvest and rebirth. This is the silence between seasons, a threshold in time where life pauses for the briefest of moments.

In a world driven by capitalism and the constant need to hustle and bustle, it can be difficult for many to embrace this silence. We are often viewed as lazy or unmotivated during times of rest, leading many to continue working even after they have reached total burnout. In witchcraft, this silence between seasons is not a time of emptiness or laziness, but instead a time ripe with potential. This is the perfect opportunity to rest, recharge, reflect, and plan for the future. It is in the dark that we are able to find ourselves and plan the road ahead. When we resist the modern urge to fill every quiet moment, we can rediscover what the ancestors knew well: the soul speaks most clearly when the world grows still. Stillness becomes an act of rebellion instead of a sign of laziness, allowing us to take back control over our lives.

Furthermore, to pause is to honor the cycles of death and rest that sustain all life and growth. It honors the mystery or rún of our world, helping connect us to the cycles of change and recharge before life is reborn anew. Within Norse mythology, this quiet stillness is represented by Odin hanging from the branches of Yggdrasil seeking enlightenment, where Hel keeps her cold dominion, and the time the völva takes to listen before she speaks a prophecy. I find myself leaning more into my spirituality as the winter months come, relying on that silence to bring comfort and peace.

There are many ways we can connect with this silence and embrace stillness in our magical practices, from meditation to teas to spell work. Today I offer a tea recipe, guided meditation, and journal prompts to invite the magic of stillness, peace, and silence into your own practice and engage in shadow work. I find combining these methods, particularly the tea with the meditation, works best. These can also be added to your daily practice during the winter months to better connect with the magic of the season.

Ritual Tea for Stillness

The tea recipe below is designed not only to promote calm and stillness but also to open you up for reflection and shadow work. I have included a series of shadow work journal prompts at the end of the post to help guide your reflection and intuition. Chamomile and lavender bring calm and tranquility, mugwort enhances your psychic ability and spiritual connection, and rosemary stimulates your memory and cleanses away stress. I encourage you to sweeten this tea with your favorite sweetener, as mugwort tends to be rather bitter when brewed.

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon dried chamomile

1 teaspoon dried lavender

1 teaspoon dried mugwort

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

Sweetener of choice

Instructions:

Combine the herbal mixture with warm water (200° F) and allow the tea to infuse for 7-10 minutes. While the tea infuses, stir in your sweetener, stirring counterclockwise while saying, "In silence's brew I release all stress; The stillness speaks and I shall listen." Breathe in the aroma of the tea before enjoying. As you sip, visualize tension leaving your body, your heart rate slowing, and your mind quieting.

This tea pairs incredibly well with the following guided meditation or a relaxing ritual bath.

Guided Meditation

Find a comfortable position to sit or lie. Close your eyes and take several slow breaths, breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. Feel your body settle, your heartbeat steady, and your mind begin to slow. Continue breathing until you feel relaxed and centered enough to begin the guided meditation.

When ready, imagine yourself standing in a winter forest. The trees are bare, their branches etched against a pale, misty sky. A slight breeze blows, but the snow muffles all sound. The air hums with silence.

You begin to walk. The world feels suspended in time. There is no past, no future, only now. You reach a clearing where the snow lies smooth and untouched. You stand or sit upon the earth. Beneath you, the land sleeps and dreams of warmer days, but for now, it is content to revel in the stillness of winter.

In that stillness, listen. What you once thought was nothingness is actually the slow pulse of life, hidden away beneath the snow. Roots, sleeping seeds, resting spirits breathe deep and exhale, the promise of tomorrow alight. Their silence is not absence; it is potential waiting to be born. 

Breathe with that rhythm. Let it seep into your bones. Open your heart and mind to any messages the earth, spirits, and land wish to convey to you. Sit in the stillness until you feel numb, allowing messages and relaxation to flow through you.

When you are ready, whisper to yourself: “I am the quiet between seasons. I am the space where magic waits.” When you return, carry that calm within you as you work through the journal prompts below.

Shadow Work Journal Prompts for the Silence Between Seasons

1. When I sit in silence, what parts of myself try to fill the quiet first? (Notice the thoughts, worries, or memories that rush forward. These often reveal what your shadow most wants to avoid.)
   
   
2. What emotions or truths arise when I stop distracting myself with motion or noise? (Describe them without judgment. They are your soul’s whispers, not intruders.)
   
   
3. If stillness feels uncomfortable, what might that discomfort be teaching me? (Shadow often hides in resistance, so be sure to explore what silence threatens to uncover.)
   
   
4. What part of me craves rest but fears being still? (Write from that part’s perspective. What does it believe will happen if you slow down?)
   
   
5. What has the “winter” of my spirit been trying to teach me? (Reflect on the cycles of withdrawal, endings, death, or inner cold. What wisdom lies beneath them?)
   
   
6. What truths have I drowned out with noise, busyness, or external validation? (Be honest here. What message keeps echoing in the background, waiting for quiet to be heard?)
   
   
7. What am I holding onto that silence asks me to release? (This could be guilt, control, fear, or grief. Be sure to name it, thank it, and imagine setting it down.)
   
   
8. What does “rest” mean to me beyond physical sleep? What does my soul’s rest look like? (Define what true restoration means for you  beyond productivity or spiritual performance.)
   
   
9. What part of my shadow is ready to be held, not fixed? (Consider one wound, insecurity, or regret that needs presence more than healing right now.)
   
   
10. What wisdom does the silence between seasons want to share with me right now? What messages did you receive from beyond? (Let the answer come as an image, a feeling, a single word, or a whisper from your deeper self.)

I find brewing a second cup of tea while working on the shadow work journal prompt helps me recall my journey and opens myself up to being more honest and reflective in my answers. I end my stillness ritual and reflect with the following mantra: "In stillness, I find my power. In silence, I remember who I truly am."

You can download your free copy of the journal prompts below.

The silence between seasons is not a void to be feared or shunned with more work. Instead, it is a sanctuary to be honored and respected. In this quiet season, let yourself rest without guilt. Engage in radical self-care by resisting what the overculture insists upon. As the night continues to lengthen and the frost gathers, I invite you to find beauty in the pause. It is in winter's stillness that we can listen to the whispers of fate and deepen our magic through reflection and rest.

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Magical and Medicinal Uses of Black Pepper

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Powers: Clarity, Courage, Exorcism, Protection, Strength, Wealth

Magical Uses and History: Often referred to as the "king of spices," black pepper has a long and rich, yet mythical history. Much like misinformation is spread today to sway public opinion, it was used to convince the public that black pepper was more than it seemed. 

While black pepper was historically a rare commodity,  available only to the nobility, it remained in demand through the use of myth. According to legends, black pepper could only be harvested by setting the pepper trees on fire to drive away venomous snakes that guarded the delicate spice. During the burning process, the otherwise white peppercorns turned dry, shriveled, and black. Because so many trees were lost during the burning, the cost and time to replant them had to be factored into the price. This legend spread quickly through mainstream culture, and while we cannot be sure where it originated or if it was entirely believed, it was enough to keep the price high. The cost of black pepper was so high that it was often used as currency to pay rent, taxes, doweries, and even ransoms, as seen during the 5th century AD when Visigoths demanded it after sacking the Western Roman Empire. Because of its value, it became known as "black gold," symbolizing wealth and power. As such, black pepper can be added to spells and rituals for wealth, money, and prosperity. Add whole peppercorns to your wallet, purse, or cash register to attract wealth. Add to spell bags and bottles for wealth and prosperity, keep in your kitchen to ensure abundance flows freely, or steep in oil to create a success-attracting oil.

Apart from being a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and abundance, black pepper was also used for protection. Due to its sharp, fiery qualities, black pepper is thought to drive away evil and unwanted spirits and has even been used to break curses. In hoodoo, black pepper is often added to Hot Foot powders to bring an uncomfortable "heat" to the target's life or to salt to prevent evil or unwanted guests from entering or returning to your home. Keep a jar of black pepper corns near your hearth or entrance to guard the home, sprinkle along thresholds to prevent unwanted guests from entering, burn to banish unwanted energy, or add to other spells and rituals for banishment, hex breaking, or removal. Black pepper combines well with other banishing herbs to create a potent incense or banishment oil.

Finally, black pepper was also a symbol of health and medicine, used to treat a wide range of ailments from digestive issues to respiratory problems and even pain. In ancient Greece and Rome, black pepper was used to stimulate the digestive system, helping aid in digestion, reduce excess gas, and alleviate stomach pain. In Ayurvedic medicine, it was believed to help balance the three doshas known as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. As such, it was revered for its general digestive and respiratory aid, helping to clear congestion, support the immune system, and bring overall wellness to the user. Across cultures, black pepper was also widely used to treat fevers due to its warming nature that was thought to promote sweating and therefore "break" a fever. Today, black pepper is used much the same way, and therefore can be used in spells and rituals for healing, health, and general wellness. Due to its warming nature, black pepper can also be used to bring heat to a spell. Add black pepper to teas, tinctures, baths, spell bags or jars, or burn with other spices such as sage or rosemary for similar purposes.

Black pepper can be used in a number of spells, including:

      Money Spells

      Protection Spells

      Exorcism

      Strengthen Spells & Rituals

Medicinal Uses: Black pepper contains piperine, the alkaloid responsible for black pepper's well-known flavor. Piperine is an antioxidant and a bioavailability enhancer, meaning it helps with the absorption of other compounds such as curcumin, resveratrol, and other minerals and vitamins. It is also an anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and has been found to increase digestion through the stimulation of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. As such, it is often used to treat indigestion, bloating, and gas. As an anti-inflammatory, it has been shown to reduce the symptoms associated with arthritis, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. Piperine may also help with the regulation of blood sugar, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing blood sugar spikes. As an expectorant and decongestant, black pepper can be used to treat colds, cough, asthma, and mild flu symptoms. As an antimicrobial and antibacterial, black pepper is effective at improving overall oral health and reducing gingivitis and gum disease. 

It should be noted that despite black pepper's ability to help with the absorption of certain nutrients, it can interfere with the absorption of certain medications. Please consult your doctor or a credible herbalist before including it in your herbal remedy practice.

Preparation and Dosage: To create an infusion, combine one cup of boiling water with 1/2 teaspoon of crushed black pepper. Allow the infusion to steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink up to three times a day. As a tincture, take 0.5 to 1 mL in water or tea up to three times a day. Black pepper combines well with honey, cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger. Externally, black pepper essential oil can be diluted in a carrier oil and used as a massage oil to reduce pain and inflammation.

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

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Book Review: Entering Hekate's Cauldron by Cyndi Brannen

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Cyndi Brannen is one of the few experts on Hekate, having started with a blog and Facebook group (Keeping Her Keys) and later transitioning to a traditionally published author, podcaster, and teacher. I have deep respect for Brannen and the work she has done over the past decade, watching her small corner of the world grow exponentially as more and more people turn to the dark goddess for insight, self-reflection, and strength. More recently, Brannen has started publishing books centered around Hekate's "tools," including entering her cave, garden, and now cauldron. While I have not had the opportunity to read all of the aforementioned books, I have no doubt they are inspiring. Luckily, however, Wesier reached out with the opportunity to read Entering Hekate's Cauldron: Spells, Spirits, Rites & Rituals, and there was no way I was going to turn down the opportunity. As the Wheel turns toward winter, this is the perfect time to enter Hekate's cauldron and see what mysteries she has in store for us.

The cauldron is traditionally associated with magic and mystery, as well as wisdom and self-reflection. This makes it a wonderful tool to get to know during the winter months as we spend more time indoors, resting, reflecting, and even learning new hobbies. Entering Hekate's Cauldron delves into using the cauldron in Hekatean witchcraft as both a teacher and a tool. Unfortunately, there is the assumption that you have read or will read Brannen's other works, referencing spells, rituals, recipes, and journal prompts outlined in previous texts, particularly Entering Hekate's Garden. Because of this, I do not suggest skipping the other books as I have, as they apparently build on each other. There is also the assumption you have experience with Hekatean witchcraft, so again, I wouldn't start with Entering Hekate's Cauldron as your first encounter with the dark goddess. Despite the need for prior knowledge and understanding, Entering Hekate's Cauldron offered up wonderful and ingenious spells, rituals, and recipes that can be easily adapted into anyone's practice, making it well worth the read, despite your beliefs.

Entering Hekate's Cauldron is broken down into four parts: The Foundation, The Knowledge, The Craft, and The Mystery. I felt this was an excellent way to approach such a topic, but Brannen failed in some aspects to keep the book cohesive. Some chapters and information were completely out of left field, leaving me confused as to how the knowledge and work built upon itself as the reader progresses, as it was suggested in the beginning of the book. That isn't to say there isn't any structure, just sometimes things felt awkward or forced, like Brannen had a lot of say but wasn't sure where exactly to put the information she wished to share.

Now I hate that I opened this review with two criticisms, despite rating the book very highly. Brannen redeems the structural issues and the need for prior knowledge with some of the most creative, thoughtful, and downright ingenious spells, rituals, and remedies I have ever encountered, on top of well-researched insight into the spirit world and spirit communication. The Craft and The Mystery sections really redeemed this book for me, making it one of my top recommendations for the year for hedge witches, whether you follow Hekate or not. There are incredible recipes for spirited oils, guides to enlivening and renewing sacred objects, letter writing to communicate with the goddess, recipes for magical glues/fixatives and paints (which blew my mind completely!), talismans, incantations, and even shapeshifting. The list of rites, rituals, spells, and spirits is listed right at the beginning of the book, making it super easy to go back and find any that caught your attention during your first read through. I am going to have to dedicate time in the future to rereading the content to continue digesting all of the incredible information and insights Brannen has to offer.

Part of Brannen's ingenuity comes from her ability to weave words into magical spells, a talent she teaches the readers in Part III: The Craft through the use of acrostics. These then get added to talismans, knot magics, spell bags, and even turned into sigils, creating potent spells unique to their creator. You really have to read this work for yourself to understand where I am coming from. I could spend the next several paragraphs espousing Brannen's work, and I still don't think I could do it justice.

However, it's Part IV: The Mystery that I really enjoyed. In this section, Brannen breaks down the different types of spirits, offering a wonderful guide to all that you could encounter as a witch, especially hedge witches. For each spirit type, Brannen offers a brief description of each, how to connect with different spirit types while staying safe in the process, and even has a breakdown on meeting your spirit guide and making a spirited mirror for scrying. The ritual to meet your spirit guide is a pathwalking ritual, which Brannen refers to as a meditation. I prefer to hedge ride to meet guides, but it is possible to meet them during a meditation or path walk if you so choose.

Part IV also includes working with animal allies and how the different animal attributes can be used in one's magical practice. This is also where Brannen includes a brief guide to shapeshifting. I really wish this chapter alone was longer than it was, but I realize that would have been outside of scope of this book. Entering Hekate's Cauldron is about Hekatean witchcraft, not animal allies and shapeshifting, but I hope that one day someone will pick up the mantle and right a more detailed book on this exact topic.

My favorite chapter, however, was Chapter 17, which delves into mystical and shamanic experiences. While there is no hedge riding mentioned here, it does include looking into your past lives using Hekate as a psychopomp and helping to guide souls to the other side. These are all roles a hedge witch can easily fill, and are well worth the time and care to read through, even if you do not follow Hekate. The rituals and information can easily be paired with deities from other traditions, such as Freyja. That is one of the great things about this book. Despite it being specifically about Hekate, the foundation is witchcraft and deity worship, skills that are easily applied to anyone's practice.

While I deeply enjoyed Entering Hekate's Cauldron overall, there are two other things that 'bothered' me that I haven't already mentioned. The first was the inclusion of the modern Wheel of the Year. I understand the need to modernize witchcraft, but it felt off, knowing what I know about Brannen, that she still follows the Wheel of the Year. It doesn't seem to jive with Hekatean witchcraft, but that's probably just me. Last, but certainly not least, there were some points in the apothecary chapter where some alt-right pipeline rhetoric was used, specifically in suggesting that you can't use iodized salt or chemically treated tap water in your magical practice. I have never found there to be a difference in the salt varieties, unless of course we are talking about pink vs black salt, and while water does have different properties based on its source, chemically-treated tap water is fine in almost all cases. I may be overreacting, but I would rather err on the side of caution than potentially continue harmful, dated rhetoric.

Overall, I deeply enjoyed Entering Hekate's Cauldron: Spells, Spirits, Rites & Rituals by Cyndi Brannen and believe it is one many of you will enjoy having on your shelf. A word of caution, though: I recommend picking up Brannen's earlier works before jumping into this one. I know you will not be disappointed!

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