tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44409432303794305382024-03-29T02:39:29.485-04:00Flying the HedgeWillowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15833903403803495986noreply@blogger.comBlogger635125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440943230379430538.post-51035845250660522792024-03-16T10:00:00.005-04:002024-03-16T10:00:00.304-04:00Book Review: Norse Mysticism by Disa Forvitin<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheegmSUcO4VGb0DD5COhcnkZe1AuJNoEmcZztS5elW5Nu9rZfr1gvXAgWkgRmt70K6KysXaTupD4JYtoyeMnueq8n1Fag_s1PQzJCdWL_aypb7oQFmbdpe0MMlEfBwNoCKtW36E0SmvwyLYtPfrnbsw3yZ-qyKPqBbvx4keJss48_Mera7G_1rlqXO86s/s1500/Norse%20Mysticism%20Review.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="norse mysticism, norse paganism, heathenry, book review, witch, witchcraft, occult, spiritual, wicca, wiccan, pagan" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheegmSUcO4VGb0DD5COhcnkZe1AuJNoEmcZztS5elW5Nu9rZfr1gvXAgWkgRmt70K6KysXaTupD4JYtoyeMnueq8n1Fag_s1PQzJCdWL_aypb7oQFmbdpe0MMlEfBwNoCKtW36E0SmvwyLYtPfrnbsw3yZ-qyKPqBbvx4keJss48_Mera7G_1rlqXO86s/s16000/Norse%20Mysticism%20Review.png" title="Book Review: Norse Mysticism by Disa Forvitin" /></a></div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>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 via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>I have been on a reading kick lately, trying to knock out as many occult books as possible from my ever-growing stack. That means I have yet another book review for all of you. If I am honest, I skipped a couple books in my stack to get to <a href="https://amzn.to/3wQZ9uG" target="_blank"><i>Norse Mysticism: An Exploration of Viking Traditions and Magical Practices</i> by Disa Forvitin</a>. If you read <i><a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2024/03/the-future-of-flying-hedge.html">The Future of Flying the Hedge</a></i> you know that I have decided to listen to my ancestors and follow a new spiritual path, including Norse paganism. This book felt like the right place to get my toes wet.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3wQZ9uG" target="_blank"><i>Norse Mysticism: An Exploration of Viking Traditions and Magical Practices</i> by Disa Forvitin</a> is a very, very brief introduction to Norse spiritual practices. At just under 200 pages and with lots of illustrations (and blank space) you can read through this in an afternoon. It is by no means a comprehensive guide, but does provide a wonderful overview of the history, mythology, and practices of Norse pagans with a bit of Trolldom mixed in.</div><div><br /></div><div>Forvitin notes in the introduction that Norse mythology was largely an oral tradition, so what you read in this book may not line up with what other authors report. No version is more correct than another due to the nature of oral traditions and the cultural influences of the region from which they originate. I think modern-day practitioners get so caught up with being historically accurate, that they forget the myths and practices were a product of their time, and what records we have are often biased and incomplete. Instead, Forvitin encourages readers to use ancient wisdom to develop a modern, <i>personal </i>practice. Magic is personal so what may work for someone else won't necessarily work for you. Furthermore, the need to fend off literal wolves doesn't apply in most cases, but you may have to defend yourself from wolfish people.<br /><br />Also in the introduction is a section on the co-opting of Norse symbolism by hate groups. This is one of the biggest problems with modern heathenry; white supremacists have long been co-opting and bastardizing Norse paganism to support their racist ideals and fascist beliefs. True practitioners of heathenry know that it was a largely inclusive practice, allowing for both men and women practitioners of magic (although it was mostly women who participated). On top of this, the Norse were extremely open to women being warriors and there is evidence of trans individuals being greatly honored. Needless to say, these neo-Nazis are misappropriating Norse mythology.</div><div><br /></div><div>Forvitin gives a wonderful overview of Nordic history to put Nordic traditions into perspective. As with all traditions, we must view them through a historical lens, not a modern one. This helps explain why they did what they did. This also explains the Norse myths, holidays, and types of magic such as seidhr, spae, and galdar. I will say that the dates for the Nordic holidays outlined in the book differ from most other sources. That isn't to say they are incorrect, but that there is some wiggle room if the dates don't work for you. The list of holidays provided, however, is widely accepted by the community at large, which is different from the Wiccan-inspired Wheel of the Year, which borrowed holidays from multiple cultures.</div><div><br /></div><div>Throughout the book, there are random spells, side notes, crafts, and rituals, such as making your own modern primstav. I loved these little asides as they give the reader some ideas on how to implement ancient practices into their modern lives.</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, I enjoyed <a href="https://amzn.to/3wQZ9uG" target="_blank"><i>Norse Mysticism: An Exploration of Viking Traditions and Magical Practices</i> by Disa Forvitin</a>, but feel it was lacking in depth. As I mentioned, this is a short introductory read for those looking to see if the practice is for them, or those interested in broadening their understanding of cultures outside of their own. If you are looking for something that provides more guidance or detail, this isn't the book for you.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3wQZ9uG" target="_blank"><i>Norse Mysticism: An Exploration of Viking Traditions and Magical Practices</i> by Disa Forvitin</a> is currently available for pre-order and is set to release on May 9, 2024.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkJuz7Anqvqji-rL_iY9FB3DO3bGcg0dX-RuGFWlz_h8PaiJS8f-IHQPL3H66sICHiqAQXfzo-lvPXFJZskTQs-yvfLVS2rXq9FZaq22VOIydAjdO_5tm4q7J5D8eiKH4SIFxnvbaoQXn0a_EBntRFvNWHCxuWZWCVoC1OaVICYP8miwAO-YCSoabUds/s123/name.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="123" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkJuz7Anqvqji-rL_iY9FB3DO3bGcg0dX-RuGFWlz_h8PaiJS8f-IHQPL3H66sICHiqAQXfzo-lvPXFJZskTQs-yvfLVS2rXq9FZaq22VOIydAjdO_5tm4q7J5D8eiKH4SIFxnvbaoQXn0a_EBntRFvNWHCxuWZWCVoC1OaVICYP8miwAO-YCSoabUds/s1600/name.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><i>If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. </i></div>
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<script src="https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#ffbd9b', 'A0A71BU5N');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15833903403803495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440943230379430538.post-82582604881909097012024-03-13T10:00:00.002-04:002024-03-15T13:52:03.196-04:00Book Review: Ancestral Grimoire by Nancy Hendrickson<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZiJ_YOT2D7doWCrlMgSBuLCIN7ld-rvPn9p4tvLbKhnza50w9fKae-e6xFs0wVqyE31kbsHc3chf_XNUncgXZf15swd7QyYSCAC3hF6HRgY7JJ2FCGQdce0TrCYruCWSOlUod3qDhYObayJXrJpp6hvBQj-KNmf7y4NkqYRirXjIcn9ph341-C0s96Y/s1500/Ancestral%20Grimoire%20Review.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ancestor veneration, tarot, book review, witch, witchcraft, occult, spiritual, wicca, wiccan, pagan" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZiJ_YOT2D7doWCrlMgSBuLCIN7ld-rvPn9p4tvLbKhnza50w9fKae-e6xFs0wVqyE31kbsHc3chf_XNUncgXZf15swd7QyYSCAC3hF6HRgY7JJ2FCGQdce0TrCYruCWSOlUod3qDhYObayJXrJpp6hvBQj-KNmf7y4NkqYRirXjIcn9ph341-C0s96Y/s16000/Ancestral%20Grimoire%20Review.png" title="Book Review: Ancestral Grimoire by Nancy Hendrickson" /></a></div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>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><i>I received a free copy of this book via Weiser in exchange for an honest review.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>In 2021, I had the privilege of reading and reviewing <a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2021/03/book-review-ancestral-tarot-by-nancy.html"><i>Ancestral Tarot: Uncover Your Past and Chart Your Future</i> by Nancy Hendrickson</a>. It remains one of the best books on ancestor work I have read, so when Weiser reached out asking if I would like to review Hendrickson's latest book <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3PgaGtM" target="_blank">Ancestral Grimoire: Connect with the Wisdom of the Ancestors through Tarot, Oracles, and Magic</a> </i>I jumped on the opportunity. Of course, I was not disappointed, and honestly, I think this book is the better of the two regarding building an ancestral veneration practice.</div><div><br /></div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3PgaGtM" target="_blank">Ancestral Grimoire</a></i> is divided into two parts: Tools for Divination and Building Your Ancestral Grimoire. Part I introduces the reader to the tools that will be used in Part II to build your ancestral grimoire, from tarot and other divination tools to the seasons, months, and sabbats. When discussing the seasons and sabbats, Hendrickson takes a very scientific approach, which as a scientist I appreciate. I love magic and mystery as much as the next witch, but not everything is a 'magical' event. Sometimes it's just science, and that's okay! I strongly believe science and magic go hand-in-hand with one another, and therefore should not be separated from each other.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hendrickson once again focuses heavily on using tarot to connect with your ancestors. She offers spreads and methods for making contact with specific examples to direct the reader. I love that she consistently provides examples from her own practice as it helps me understand the text and gives me an idea of what I should expect to happen. On top of this, Hendrickson is respectful of gender fluidity. She makes note that traditional binary views don't always work saying that feminine-presenting ancestors can appear as masculine-presenting cards and vice versa. The same is true of age. An adult who was childlike in life can appear as a child card, while a child who was forced to grow up too quickly can appear as an adult card. Instead of focusing on the gender or age of the card, you should instead focus on the ancestor's personality as represented by the cards you have pulled and use other methods, such as a pendulum, to pinpoint gender (or lack thereof) age, or even location.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82D3N9YxEoKnqE401Jm-_EkX1DKxo6FqkdHHm_Xv9ulHr-X_mgXxsnfTRP7LwopwRYXwoKOktuSBpDphIydn-bR0T-unTKYHHt4bDMQopdNVdoMRju0t59SecHxTPeuqYMewQ-VDBEvlmnmX1eXt44PJadKsfPjEcD6cnUV6Js_dnTZI80dYNRfVAeFs/s1600/image000000%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ancestor veneration, tarot, book review, witch, witchcraft, occult, spiritual, wicca, wiccan, pagan" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82D3N9YxEoKnqE401Jm-_EkX1DKxo6FqkdHHm_Xv9ulHr-X_mgXxsnfTRP7LwopwRYXwoKOktuSBpDphIydn-bR0T-unTKYHHt4bDMQopdNVdoMRju0t59SecHxTPeuqYMewQ-VDBEvlmnmX1eXt44PJadKsfPjEcD6cnUV6Js_dnTZI80dYNRfVAeFs/s16000/image000000%20(1).jpg" title="Book Review: Ancestral Grimoire by Nancy Hendrickson" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Despite leaning heavily on tarot, Hendrickson also offers other ways to connect with your ancestors, including through visiting the Land of Tarot. Her description of the Land of Tarot sounds remarkably similar to the Middle Realm, especially if you have established a garden or office for hedge riding. Either way, Hendrickson's Land of Tarot or your astral office/garden are both valid places to meet with your ancestors. She offers a pathwalking exercise to get to the Land of Tarot which is almost identical to starting a hedge riding journey, so if you are talented in hedge riding, you could rely on it over tarot to meet with your ancestors. If you prefer to use tarot, Hendrickson suggests using <a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2021/11/review-relative-tarot-by-carrie-paris.html">The Relative Tarot</a>, and I concur. I had the privilege of reviewing the deck in 2021 and it's by far the best deck I have found for connecting with my ancestors, but just because it works well for us does not mean it will work well for you. Your ancestors may request a different deck, one they can better connect to, so pay attention during this process.</div><div><br /></div><div>Part II focuses entirely on connecting with your ancestors with each month dedicated to a particular ancestor's trait such as lunar magic, solar magic, reading signs, sigil work, manifestation magic, or healing. Not only does she invite you to cultivate a relationship with several ancestors, but also to cultivate necessary magical skills. I love this approach to ancestor magic and fully agree that any ancestral practice you cultivate should be rooted in skill-building.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hendrickson does all this with a touch of sass, the occasional curse word popping up to emphasize something's importance. I love how real and relatable Hendrickson's writing is. It makes reading feel like a conversation with an old friend.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you are interested in building your ancestral practice, I highly encourage you to pick up <a href="https://amzn.to/3PgaGtM" target="_blank"><i>Ancestral Grimoire: Connect with the Wisdom of the Ancestors through Tarot, Oracles, and Magic</i> by Nancy Hendrickson</a>. I know you will not be disappointed.</div><div><br /></div><div>
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<script src="https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#ffbd9b', 'A0A71BU5N');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15833903403803495986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440943230379430538.post-70626801293392502952024-03-10T12:00:00.010-04:002024-03-10T12:00:00.135-04:00The Future of Flying the Hedge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoN78g9A4QAFtHvVwsBdcGu5J8nlOfvKnnCzThrdqNP6msYCgRw6wfpPNWxp-2j-3gJrNU6u_ATYfXN067GSWFXlvTaOh6F_tzVuqv8D3pKAPFDeWbBnb0vbVULfV3y7BNdP63WbW2kKF3yexfALaMFOmp7uqrDjT1Qt8jADS9YyYeoD-Shsv-wHG2eQ/s500/Icon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoN78g9A4QAFtHvVwsBdcGu5J8nlOfvKnnCzThrdqNP6msYCgRw6wfpPNWxp-2j-3gJrNU6u_ATYfXN067GSWFXlvTaOh6F_tzVuqv8D3pKAPFDeWbBnb0vbVULfV3y7BNdP63WbW2kKF3yexfALaMFOmp7uqrDjT1Qt8jADS9YyYeoD-Shsv-wHG2eQ/s320/Icon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>For the past several years I have felt an extreme disconnect from my practice, which has noticeably overflowed into my blog. I often feel like I am forcing spells, rituals, altar setups, and magical workings for the sake of creating content or being a "good" witch. This doesn't mean I don't still feel a deep connection with witchcraft, but something is off. I don't feel that pull like I used to, which has left me feeling relatively empty. At first, I attributed this emptiness to other factors in my life, but the more I reflected, the more I realized what was missing was, in fact, spiritual.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am sure we have all felt this at some point in our spiritual journey; what used to bring us joy no longer sparks it; what used to leave us feeling fulfilled instead drains our chalices. This is a normal part of spiritual growth and one I have personally been putting off because of various things in my life. I will admit I am a stubborn woman and sometimes this stubbornness, mixed with anxiety, prevents me from moving forward, especially when moving forward means significant changes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since starting this blog in 2014, my life has been very tumultuous. It has quite literally been the definition of 'through our ups and downs." Despite all that has changed over the years, I have continued to blog, sometimes out of passion and other times out of perceived obligation. I know most of you don't <i>expect</i> content multiple times a week, but I have set the expectation for myself to continue to provide the community with free resources, even if it's only a couple times a month.</div><div><br /></div><div>My blog has served many purposes in my life during this time. It has served as a source of inspiration, a creative outlet, a business opportunity, and a connection to the witch community. I am so glad I made the choice to start blogging about my journey and stick with it all these years, despite other's protests. My mother has never fully supported my blog or my public admission of practicing witchcraft. Despite her love and support for me, I believe she cares too much about what others think. I don't know if she is afraid for me or afraid of what her church will think of her. My ex-husband believed my practice was dumb and downright embarrassing, talking shit behind my back to our mutual friends. He told me, on more than one occasion, that I was wasting my time and that nothing would ever come of this. He isn't the only man to have said this to me over the years either. It's difficult to continue a practice, especially on a public forum, when the people closest to you don't support you. As witches, we hear a lot of criticisms about our beliefs and practices to the point it makes us question why are do it at all. I find it very difficult to continue practicing when I feel constantly judged, demeaned, and ridiculed by the very people who are supposed to support me. Despite all this, I do not regret a single moment of my spiritual journey. This blog has brought me such joy and opportunities over the years, and for that, I am eternally grateful.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_tj3UqRKUTJh9kvfT7076ZZMFqNXxTs9G0PK5gHuyLoQAjqIgF1PUiVFEAJESgZzv9S1ypgarrz_KFjqinZSX5ok4mynwnCOrKNIhfLVkT9U8JYKhaNFybIx_24QpGj0jnXyKf07VCE6YX6l3owhDbHQQ1vTbJmKr3C-tgV3jCxiS7K8MFpdLiEo3Dg/s120/jera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="119" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_tj3UqRKUTJh9kvfT7076ZZMFqNXxTs9G0PK5gHuyLoQAjqIgF1PUiVFEAJESgZzv9S1ypgarrz_KFjqinZSX5ok4mynwnCOrKNIhfLVkT9U8JYKhaNFybIx_24QpGj0jnXyKf07VCE6YX6l3owhDbHQQ1vTbJmKr3C-tgV3jCxiS7K8MFpdLiEo3Dg/s1600/jera.jpg" width="119" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>By now some of you may be worried. Rest easy. I have no intention of ending my blogging career. I <i>love</i> blogging. It combines so many of my passions into one: witchcraft, writing, creating, researching/learning, teaching, and reading. If I had to describe myself using tarot cards, I would use the Queen of Swords. I love to learn and to share my knowledge with others. If I could, I would be a chronic student, much like Flynn Carson in the movie <i>The Librarian</i>. Since I can't be a chronic student, blogging is a pretty close second. I spend hours upon hours researching for the majority of the posts I write, from Herbarium posts to book reviews to comprehensive guides. I rely heavily on Google Scholar, GAELLIO, and other peer-reviewed databases, on top of books and the knowledge of other practitioners. I genuinely enjoy the process, but it is very time-consuming.</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite how much I love writing and sharing my knowledge with all of you, I have felt for the past three-ish years that the content I am creating is more focused on what others want aka what's most popular or 'trending' in the witchcraft world, instead of what I am interested in. Celebrating the Wheel of the Year and observing the phases of the Moon no longer resonates with me. I often feel like an outsider in my own body when I attempt to celebrate these things with spells, rituals, and altars. I even feel disconnected when performing more mundane types of daily magic, like stirring my intention into my morning tea or even cleansing a space. It feels so forced and fake now when it didn't before.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't pinpoint exactly when I started to feel this way, but I can say the pandemic was the catalyst. I'm sure I'm not alone here in my feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, and frustration. These emotions have overflowed into my practice, to the point where I have almost completely stopped engaging in magical workings. And yet I can still hear the whisper of my ancestors, my spiritual guides, and the Universe calling my name, bidding me to follow them into the darkness. It's time I listen to their call despite my negative emotions telling me to plant my feet and remain an unmoveable force.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5SiVhp36yHSS-qWqKoCoINm_OabFuOhnaB8wZdx1p9mN_NKrMQlxvqw5b-QEv9r35ZA5TKTXV8CQVhATQ7MsBusC1ojo3GmeMORukPLuPIA8tXW3oPJXfzFmw68ngyz72Oouz7ZTOnm_2HURaJlVEusuU4IeRRPjsGIE0f23pU3iKxbJdy9sMZifogw/s120/othala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="119" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5SiVhp36yHSS-qWqKoCoINm_OabFuOhnaB8wZdx1p9mN_NKrMQlxvqw5b-QEv9r35ZA5TKTXV8CQVhATQ7MsBusC1ojo3GmeMORukPLuPIA8tXW3oPJXfzFmw68ngyz72Oouz7ZTOnm_2HURaJlVEusuU4IeRRPjsGIE0f23pU3iKxbJdy9sMZifogw/s1600/othala.jpg" width="119" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So what does this mean for the future of Flying the Hedge?</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I'm not entirely sure yet. What I do know is the following:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I am going to continue writing and sharing my experiences on this platform.</li><li><a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/p/herbarium.html">Herbarium</a>, <a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/search/label/book%20review">book reviews</a>, and <a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/search/label/Hedge%20Riding%20Series">hedge riding</a> posts are staying. These are my favorite posts to research and write and despite the lull in my practice, hedge riding is still important to me.</li><li>I will no longer be posting about the modern, Wiccan-inspired Wheel of the Year or moon magic. This means Wheel of the Year altars, spells, rituals, and crafts will stop. These practices no longer serve me and despite their popularity, feel like lies. I strive to be authentic and in order to remain an authentic blogger, I need to write from a place of passion.</li><li><a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2024/02/what-is-spiritual-activism.html">Spiritual activism</a> will become a larger part of my blog. I am deeply passionate about collective liberation, anti-racism, and creating an equitable world for all through both spiritual and non-spiritual means. This is one of the few things that has kept me spiritually active despite how I have been feeling.</li><li>It's going to take me some time to find my way out of this darkness and this means my blog will grow and change as I do.<br /><br /></li></ul>There is a good chance my content will be sporadic for a while, even disjointed as I find my way. For the last year, I have heard my Scandinavian ancestors whispering in my ear, beckoning me to follow them. It was ever so faint at first, but the tug that was once just a tickle has become a forceful pull. My desire to study Norse paganism, seiĆ°r, and ancestral work has become a constant itch that I have been unable or unwilling to scratch. My Scottish ancestors, some of whom are also of Scandinavian descent, have also been whispering their support. It's high time I listen.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With such changes in my spiritual journey and therefore the content of my blog, there may come a change in my blog's layout. I haven't decided yet but sometimes the best way to symbolize a major shift in your life is with a complete overhaul of your look. A branding refresh if you will.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Needless to say, I hope that all of you will stick around as I continue to document my journey, even though it's shifting in a new direction. Despite practicing for over 20 years now, I know there is so much more I need to learn and growing I need to do. Witchcraft is a life-long journey and hopefully, my story will help others follow their own authentic path.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Warmest regards,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubV9r6bJ33Z4-3PoXprU_c2H7i76yNx7Y6U8vqh3xICFj3vptrJhNmCDLt5BAEIlo9K5bV6YuSA7wow1uJV_tUP6oVoGODwdI5qFI8gMWVkwAp04XLzEBl5i3aPC8ZqYkSPmjL-W3ePtmb0GMEQHRg_zghu31ogH_Tw8VXOHeNmTB6JTTfmG_p2S7N5Q/s123/name.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="123" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubV9r6bJ33Z4-3PoXprU_c2H7i76yNx7Y6U8vqh3xICFj3vptrJhNmCDLt5BAEIlo9K5bV6YuSA7wow1uJV_tUP6oVoGODwdI5qFI8gMWVkwAp04XLzEBl5i3aPC8ZqYkSPmjL-W3ePtmb0GMEQHRg_zghu31ogH_Tw8VXOHeNmTB6JTTfmG_p2S7N5Q/s1600/name.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><i>If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. </i></div>
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<script src="https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#ffbd9b', 'A0A71BU5N');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15833903403803495986noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440943230379430538.post-71279263743986795232024-03-06T10:00:00.001-05:002024-03-06T10:00:00.150-05:00Magical Properties of Chrysoprase<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw74JZwxZoI1dBCO5y5eiQhww2EhlF5BtgWfij4YZbFm0kiFG4BH6xm4dRwFAk6fJrt_ikCVIc2PxLCknQhmNEtqKJgJVzNKk8kondsnAIRgovj-jy0Td4OGUo7QAif9cwEJu7HCPWSkokInxWelnxswwKh2juu5Hi7XC3jGWTurQ1i3oOTXTOjREC0mk/s2000/Chrysoprase.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chrysoprase, crystal witch, traditional witchcraft, trad craft, cunning folk, witchcraft, crystal magic, witch, wiccan, wicca, pagan, neopagan, occult, gem, stone" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw74JZwxZoI1dBCO5y5eiQhww2EhlF5BtgWfij4YZbFm0kiFG4BH6xm4dRwFAk6fJrt_ikCVIc2PxLCknQhmNEtqKJgJVzNKk8kondsnAIRgovj-jy0Td4OGUo7QAif9cwEJu7HCPWSkokInxWelnxswwKh2juu5Hi7XC3jGWTurQ1i3oOTXTOjREC0mk/s16000/Chrysoprase.png" title="Magical Properties of Chrysoprase" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><div><br /></div><div><i>If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. </i></div>
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<script src="https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#ffbd9b', 'A0A71BU5N');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15833903403803495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440943230379430538.post-67969897943886011092024-02-26T10:00:00.016-05:002024-02-26T18:40:02.866-05:00Magical and Medicinal Properties of Raspberry<div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNiFlBSQIUbhQbgZ_wg8tHLlCUwKbe8xojYgCMhSVT5D3aFQdSGYE8H6g2GiGuoF7dFQ2PheE-V2ZnjNtKN7Fmrvr6Ze4CmS6LEzcUazPGh6L2aIV3-3lmtOZF9wDBEfHAoWKy765Dv-GN64aEqD5Dk8mCwl862YcqLj-uuR9gkREOmD5lW_KLLUnR0o/s1540/raspberry.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="raspberry, herbalism, herbal remedy, magic, witchcraft, herb magic, green witchcraft, hedgewitch, herb magic, herb magick, magick, magic, occult, wicca, wiccan, pagan, neopagan" border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="1540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNiFlBSQIUbhQbgZ_wg8tHLlCUwKbe8xojYgCMhSVT5D3aFQdSGYE8H6g2GiGuoF7dFQ2PheE-V2ZnjNtKN7Fmrvr6Ze4CmS6LEzcUazPGh6L2aIV3-3lmtOZF9wDBEfHAoWKy765Dv-GN64aEqD5Dk8mCwl862YcqLj-uuR9gkREOmD5lW_KLLUnR0o/s16000/raspberry.jpg" title="Magical and Medicinal Properties of Raspberry" /></a></div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Gender: </b>Feminine<br /><b>Planet: </b>Venus<br /><b>Element: </b>Water<br /><b>Powers:</b> Healing, Love, Protection<br /><b>Magical Uses and History: </b>The raspberry was among some of the first fruits cherished by our ancestors with raspberry brambles being found at a variety of dig sites across Asia, Europe, and North America, suggesting that it was a staple in our ancestor's diet. While the modern raspberry is said to have moved into western North America via the Oregon Trail, it has naturalized and now grows wild across the continent. Needless to say, it has long been a staple in the human diet, and for a good reason. Not only are the fruits edible and full of micronutrients but the leaves can also be used to treat a variety of ailments, especially those related to the uterus. According to legend, raspberries were originally snow-white, but highly favored by the gods. In fact, the scientific name of raspberries, <i>Rubus idaeus</i>, means "bramble bush of Ida." Supposedly, a nursemaid caring for the infant Zeus pricked her finger on the thorns of the raspberry plant, drawing blood that dripped onto the berries, staining them red. As such, the raspberry is connected to blood, feminine energy, and fertility, which has been supported by folk and modern medicine. Raspberry leaf can strengthen and tone the tissue of the womb, as well as aid in contractions during childbirth and prevent hemorrhaging, increasing the chance of the mother surviving the ordeal. It was also used to increase milk production in humans and goats, as well as reduce period cramping and pain. In magic, raspberry fruits and leaves can be used in fertility spells and rituals, baked into pies or pressed into jam for the same purpose, in protection spells and rituals for women and children or any person with a uterus, or to bring loving, feminine energy to a spell.</div><div><br /></div><div>By the Medieval period, the raspberry was not only a food staple and a highly regarded medicinal plant, but it had made its way into Christian paintings where it represented kindness, righteousness, and spiritual merit as its leaves were trifoliate, thus representing the trinity. In some cases, the juice was also used to represent blood, its dark, rich color reminiscent of the blood of Christ. By the Victorian period, the raspberry was said to symbolize perfection, sweetness of character, and modesty. As such, raspberries can be used in spells to bring sweetness, kindness, or modesty or to represent blood.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, raspberries have also been historically used for protection, especially for women and children. Not only have multiple cultures used raspberry to aid in childbirth, but the brambles were often placed in homes or near entryways to prevent unwanted spirits from entering the home or birthroom. In Germany, the brambles were used to tame bewitched horses. As such, raspberry brambles can be used in protection spells and rituals, hung in the home or birthing room, or carried on your person.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><div>Raspberry can be used in a number of spells including:</div><div> Fertility Spells<br /> Love Spells</div><div> Protection Magic<br /> Banishing Magic</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Medicinal Uses:</b> Raspberry has a long and rich history in medicine, most often being used during pregnancy to strengthen and tone the tissue of the womb, aid in contractions, and reduce or prevent hemorrhaging during childbirth. It can also be used to aid in period pain and menstruation. Its anti-astringent properties can also be used to treat diarrhea, leukorrhea, mouth ulcers, bleeding gums, sore throats, and inflammation.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Preparation and Dosage:</b> To create an infusion/gargle, combine 2 teaspoons of dried raspberry leaf with one cup of boiling water. Allow the mixture to infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink freely or gargle as needed. As a tincture, 2-4 milliliters can be taken up to three times a day. Externally, the leaves can be used in a poultice to treat minor wounds or burns, especially when combined with slippery elm.</div><div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5g1HZ6w6la4OYz37jl-QFKJkFpA7GkxZSHPLO-E_Jq4sfVmlLkiCy5171JHSiyOTBWzkWIn0b1TI2evi7Mo9MXLa8PcflCq3qnur2HETbYnrGCT_52sgVT8AgtHvicg_lO-IxIbSTIGI/s1600/name.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Want to print a copy of this for your Book of Shadows? Click below for your free copy! </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bMCC2bmw3W1eNjKKc47FfholrtYX0Oom/view?usp=sharing" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="raspberry, herbalism, herbal remedy, magic, witchcraft, herb magic, green witchcraft, hedgewitch, herb magic, herb magick, magick, magic, occult, wicca, wiccan, pagan, neopagan" border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1hFCwfwwXF8vPbHN68WPpXmv82hmRSCI2aAllITGsUiwTGd7wc2RLuaiIhgMD2SG6z4g-UtWOZX_u_28srxzUTDc-J0TyjCAlwCGHb5vOaTmXP-8GL1iGGidPhzZ1XyIQp4vhi9VIe96he3F_u2qq5eaoJOU6QW1YuGkZV_UYY3HPuZp79jdZNN6xYk/w247-h320/raspberry_flat.jpg" title="Magical and Medicinal Properties of Raspberry" width="247" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><i>If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. </i></div>
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<script src="https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#ffbd9b', 'A0A71BU5N');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15833903403803495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440943230379430538.post-7402703863168994632024-02-20T10:00:00.014-05:002024-02-20T10:40:42.060-05:00Spiritual Activism: Uniting Spirituality and Activism for Transformative Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvNwyRWpDAjcX0540-_vbw6faYrjsN8ijfN1eftb4D-hnFTNrQ7CjzeY_uPkdETWuebT9bRXbBRNMKGQtjz39ci64o97ReqR3Jsgm6mwH6Wn6sUyX-oewNZkuTU2DMvLu7M0hSC-kCQYg0vRHzxhRUXF_YWLdSFD6ca-rnGB1pCgiVQKuunE4MUh4KtQ/s1500/spiritual%20activism.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="spiritual activism, witchcraft, activism, intersectionality, social justice, social change, collective liberation, witch, wicca, wiccan, pagan, hedge witch, green witch, spirituality, kitchen witch, justice" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvNwyRWpDAjcX0540-_vbw6faYrjsN8ijfN1eftb4D-hnFTNrQ7CjzeY_uPkdETWuebT9bRXbBRNMKGQtjz39ci64o97ReqR3Jsgm6mwH6Wn6sUyX-oewNZkuTU2DMvLu7M0hSC-kCQYg0vRHzxhRUXF_YWLdSFD6ca-rnGB1pCgiVQKuunE4MUh4KtQ/s16000/spiritual%20activism.png" title="Spiritual Activism: Uniting Spirituality and Activism for Transformative Change" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Spiritual activism is a form of activism that is rooted in spiritual philosophies and practices to dismantle oppressive systems. It combines spiritual knowledge and passion with radical real-world action. According to AnaLouise Keating, "spiritual activism is spirituality for social change, spirituality that posits a relational worldview and uses this holistic worldview to transform one's self and one's worlds." On a large scale, spiritual activism works to preserve and heal our planet and the life that resides here, while on a smaller scale, providing an opportunity for us to grow and mature spiritually. </div><div><br /></div><div>Spiritual activism is <i>not</i> part of the "Love and Light" movement. In fact, it works in opposition to "Love and Light" which promotes spiritual bypassing. According to <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Toward-Psychology-Awakening-Psychotherapy-Transformation/dp/1570628238/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8zDUGeMf90H3ltQPsZoq5fwx9weWEvZh8jsY-rwyXPcZNwWy1GMvsHJ-wt4V-EfF-h59YaKlsm9YJSAdb9RnPOcZ_8VCRTVNI2AWKG62tFNqo5krm2K2XzpcTEbEFJWhF_1-wkdlB4QfBr_DhmkLhyGKN8k1ShGIjBkZKzESTykyi3_WIilfV7GDDUMRXK_etwso0KnNZrQpnxbBjn_GQoW1ZplQidJr8IVVT2MtTtM.P75cGbxf7OpNPQp5Ai2NtYBW0Dd6y9x98XU41bYhEE8&dib_tag=se&hvadid=580743679832&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9010815&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=2269094037957860600&hvtargid=kwd-4468017221&hydadcr=15553_13517420&keywords=toward+a+psychology+of+awakening&qid=1708381191&s=books&sr=1-1" target="_blank">John Welwood</a>, spiritual bypassing is the act of using "spiritual ideas and practices to sidestep personal, emotional 'unfinished business,' to shore up a shaky sense of self, or to belittle basic needs, feelings, and developmental tasks." In short, spiritual bypassing is a type of spiritual gaslighting where the individual ignores the "shadow" aspect of humanity in favor of the "lighter" aspects of life and spirituality. Ignoring these problems in an attempt to remain "positive" does two things: it dismisses the experiences of marginalized groups while simultaneously absolving white people of their personal responsibility to combat injustice. I have talked about spiritual bypassing before in <a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2017/11/the-darkness-within-is-love-and-light.html" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">The Darkness Within: Is the Love and Light Movement Hurting Us?</a>, and how such beliefs and actions are detrimental to our mental health and well-being. It's important to note, however, that spiritual bypassing upholds also white supremacy, which is in direct opposition to true spiritual activism. (You can read more about spiritual bypassing and how it promotes racism in <i><a href="https://www.elle.com.au/culture/news/spiritual-bypassing-23640/" target="_blank">Unpacking Spiritual Bypassing: Why 'Love and Light' Without Action Can't Dismantle Racism</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/spiritual-bypassing-work-anti-racism-communities-joel-a-" target="_blank">Spiritual Bypassing: The Work of Anti-Racism in Spiritual Communities</a></i>.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Traditional activism is often driven solely by anger and the idea that you have to "beat" your opponent. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being fueled by anger; it's completely justified in the face of oppression. When anger is your only motivator, however, it can lead to burnout and ultimately remove you from the fight, which helps no one. Furthermore, the true goal of activism is to secure lasting change, which often means changing the minds and actions of our opponents, not beating them into submission. In the end, traditional activism is not always sustainable for most activists, but adding a spiritual component can help reduce the chances you burnout.</div><div><br /></div><div>Spirituality is a search for meaning in an otherwise meaningless world. It can root your activism in purpose, one that focuses on not only changing oppressive systems but also self-care. As I say in my book <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Green-Witchs-Guide-Self-Care-Remedies/dp/B0BHFY3DVW/ref=asc_df_B0BHFY3DVW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=642135985117&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4557383464085206218&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010815&hvtargid=pla-1935314548755&psc=1&mcid=bd62823cad7136719ba0127ad03e3e82" target="_blank">The Green Witch's Guide to Self Care</a></i> you cannot fill the cauldron (help the community) if you do not first fill your own cup (engage in self-care). Your spirituality and practice act as the soil in which you can plant your intentions and cultivate them daily in a sustainable and meaningful way. But what does this look like in action?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Action Based on Compassion for Justice</b></div><div>First and foremost, there must be a spiritual motivation in pursuit of justice, and this motivation should be rooted in altruism and the desire to build community while removing oppressive systems. Some spiritual activists argue that our motivation should not be to destroy but to build, but I see the value in destruction. From destruction comes new life; just as a fire destroys a forest, it adds vital nutrients to the soil that allows life to prosper in its wake. I believe the same is true here. To build a better world, we must first destroy the systems of oppression in place that prevent our collective liberation. However, by shifting our mindset away from anger, fear, and despair toward compassion and love, we can be driven by a greater purpose and reduce our chances of burning out. Anger, fear, and despair are the killers of motivation when we rely on them as our only driving force for too long.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Recognition of Interconnectedness and Intersectionality</b></div><div>All living things are interconnected with each other and the nonliving things that surround us. When one group faces oppression, we all do, even if we cannot immediately see it. Our disconnect from each other and the world around us leads many to distance themselves from taking accountability for the suffering they cause, such as purchasing from companies that exploit their workers or the environment. When you dig deeper and seek these connections, you discover what is good for the oppressed is good for us all. As I always say, we are not free until we are all free. Furthermore, we must recognize that activism is inherently intersectional. To care for one oppressive group while neglecting or even demonizing another is to engage in oppression. I understand it can feel daunting to help in all areas. I am certainly not asking you to take up every cause. However, you should be aware of how your actions intersect with other causes and make the conscious decision to avoid helping one marginalized group at the expense of another. Recognizing interconnectedness and intersectionality also includes approaching our 'enemies' with compassion and moving away from the "us vs them" mentality toward the collective "we." When we move from separation to cooperation, we are much more likely to succeed at dismantling oppressive systems. This does <b><i>not</i> </b>mean you back down on issues because it makes someone uncomfortable. Far from it. Always be hard on the issues, even when they make others uncomfortable, but soft on the people. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Accountability with Action</b></div><div>There are going to be times when you mess up. I have certainly made mistakes over the years and continue to make mistakes today. Institutional and systemic racism, msyigony, abelism, and homophobia are insidious and sometimes present themselves unconsciously. A large part of spiritual activism, or just activism in general, is learning and acting on new information. You must take accountability for your actions, whether you meant to harm or not. I know we talk a lot about intention in witchcraft, but when it comes to activism, your intention matters far less than the impact your actions have. However, accountability without action is meaningless. Societal-level transformations are dependent on the accumulation of changes happening on an individual level. Engage in regular shadow work and make the inner changes required to better the world.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Willingness to Learn</b></div><div>One of the most important aspects of activism work is an openness and willingness to learn. It is a privilege to be able to look away from oppression, a privilege that has no place in spiritual activism. Shielding yourself from suffering prevents transformation. Not only must you be willing to keep your eyes on real-world events, you must be open to learning how your actions harm others without your ego getting in the way. Listen to Black, Indigenous, and other people of Color (BIPOC). If their words provoke you, stop and reflect on why. Again, engage in the shadow work necessary for growth and change <i><b>privately</b></i>. The comment section is not your journal and marginalized groups do not owe you their time and energy. When you do learn something, <i><b>pay </b></i>the teacher for their work!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Commitment to Spirituality and Self-Care</b></div><div>Finally, spiritual activism demands commitment to your spiritual journey, which includes radical self-love and self-care. You should engage in your spiritual practice on a regular basis, taking time to pray, meditate, or otherwise connect to Spirit, such as journaling, gardening, mindfulness walks, and forest bathing. Heck, hug a damn tree! Engagement in spiritual practices helps us to recharge and refocus our engeries while combating exhaustion and burnout. Remember, we are trying to build a sustainable practice, one that can catapult society into a better, more inclusive future. We need you.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the end, spiritual activism is about creating sustainability rooted in justice and compassion. You may notice there is a new page featured on my navigation bar titled "<a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/p/spiritual-activism.html">Spiritual Activism</a>." On that page, you will (eventually) find links to articles, books, and other resources, as well as actionable steps you can use in your own spiritual activism. It is time we stop being bystanders.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9S5EPX8jeNncs8RSztEYf2oi3s2l9dLtSCELciJwqEYpi1aRq1ahiT0qpeV-C2KmNLprOzWvMgaesMSK3HeW8KLQegsJfLMi0UPEZq6u8KpGuwNCH8O4SQwICy5cK1ZoAKHKb-QAfeHXmZUf5PjdGciOtPg7mWEl_Mc9RtEMMnyoxrDRIyoLPHtkHI4/s123/name.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="123" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9S5EPX8jeNncs8RSztEYf2oi3s2l9dLtSCELciJwqEYpi1aRq1ahiT0qpeV-C2KmNLprOzWvMgaesMSK3HeW8KLQegsJfLMi0UPEZq6u8KpGuwNCH8O4SQwICy5cK1ZoAKHKb-QAfeHXmZUf5PjdGciOtPg7mWEl_Mc9RtEMMnyoxrDRIyoLPHtkHI4/s1600/name.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><i>If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. </i></div>
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<script src="https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#ffbd9b', 'A0A71BU5N');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15833903403803495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440943230379430538.post-90275504962140256832024-02-13T10:00:00.018-05:002024-03-15T13:52:13.488-04:00Book Review: Tarot for the Hard Work by Maria Minnis<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-pbB5wCASTtiz1sHg8Udl7J0nfgT-1Unv6jVsLmVNGI1vfkqBegyrIW5cHLzq_jT_Sr8dv9S34mQsfJJ_j2pnnPkMI3bLk9pHmaQzGQ8TInegbX1RssAdpDQjG8rZ_WIOZHq_RlCaEm_3C4h48AK4_5-vIHxiaTqmpiNlaQxhF3csn1VvTXX1fWAKKU/s1500/Tarot%20for%20the%20Hard%20Work%20Review.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="tarot, decolonization, collective liberation, desettling, anti-racism, book review, witch, witchcraft, occult, spiritual, wicca, wiccan, pagan" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-pbB5wCASTtiz1sHg8Udl7J0nfgT-1Unv6jVsLmVNGI1vfkqBegyrIW5cHLzq_jT_Sr8dv9S34mQsfJJ_j2pnnPkMI3bLk9pHmaQzGQ8TInegbX1RssAdpDQjG8rZ_WIOZHq_RlCaEm_3C4h48AK4_5-vIHxiaTqmpiNlaQxhF3csn1VvTXX1fWAKKU/s16000/Tarot%20for%20the%20Hard%20Work%20Review.png" title="Book Review: Tarot for the Hard Work by Maria Minnis" /></a></div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>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><i>I received a free copy of this book via Weiser in exchange for an honest review.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>I am going to preface this review with full honesty. I have <i>not</i> finished <a href="https://amzn.to/3SvuQ3Q" target="_blank"><i>Tarot for the Hard Work: an Archetypal Journey to Confront Racism and Inspire Collective Healing</i> by Maria Minnis</a> at the time of writing this review. However, don't let that deter you from reading what I have to say. I decided to write my review before finishing the book for a couple of reasons. First, you all need to pick up the book as quickly as you can, and waiting for me to completely finish it is only going to delay the inevitable. Second, it's going to take me much longer to finish this book than I originally thought because I desire to do the anti-racism work described with fidelity. I have no desire to quickly read and skim the exercises just to get a review out faster. This book and the work therein deserve my time, effort, and action, no matter how long it takes. At the time of this writing, I have officially completed four chapters. I know that doesn't seem like a lot, but I promise it was more than enough to know this is a book everyone needs to get their hands on, whether you practice witchcraft or not. While <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3SvuQ3Q" target="_blank">Tarot for the Hard Work</a></i> is centered around tarot, the cards are there to support the archetypal journey we must all travel during our anti-racism work; it's not a requirement for the work itself.</div><div><br /></div><div>Each chapter centers on a tarot card, starting with The Fool (0) and ending with The World (21), and its relation to your anti-racism journey. Each chapter is structured the same way: introduction to the card, its "embodied keywords", how it appears in liberation work, "correspondences for inspiration", how it can show up as both balanced and imbalanced in our lives, self-identifiers, affirmations, magical practices to conjure the card, exercises, goal setting, reflection, and building a toolkit. Each chapter requires the reader to deep dive into their life and practice as it relates to anti-racism and collective liberation. Minnis encourages her readers to have a journal on hand to document their journey, and that is exactly what I have done. Because of the amount of work and reflection, chapters can take days, if not weeks, to fully and faithfully work through. It's not because they are long, but because the work requires your attention and time. The reflection alone often takes me a day or two to fully mull over, not to mention the time spent on the tasks and exercises suggested in each chapter. This is true shadow work being done that doesn't just benefit yourself, but the whole community.</div><div><br /></div><div>Exercises and magical tasks range from evaluating your racial biases to starting community refrigerators. Other tasks involved watching videos, reading articles and books, or even mustering up the courage to leave a partner who refuses to engage in this work with you. The first four chapters alone have inspired me to take some pretty monumental steps forward on my journey. Minnis definitely called me out in chapter 3, The High Priestess. The High Priestess is my soul card, aka my soul's purpose. According to Minnis, those who embody the High Priestess "disseminate knowledge through language, action, and energy, all in the name of collective healing." I mean...what else am I doing with this blog if not trying to heal the witch wound while helping others decolonize their practice? In liberation work "their power may be quiet, some may say passive. But make no mistake, the High Priestess is undoubtedly an active participant in their world." Sometimes I don't always post about world events or actions everyone can take but trust that I am always working behind the scenes for collective liberation, an end to systemic racism and oppression, and the end of genocide. "The High Priestess is the witness, not the hero. They're the oracle, not the prophecy." But where do I feel called out? The High Priestess is imbalanced when they need grounding, underutilizes key talents, and ignores intuition. My anxiety, especially my desire to avoid confrontation, often stops me from doing what I know I should be doing, and that isn't okay. It's a privilege to be able to walk away, scroll to the next video, or delete a comment and move on with my life. I am not burdened by the color of my skin, but for the majority of the world, that isn't the case. I must leverage my privilege for collective liberation, and that starts with speaking up and out, lifting marginalized voices, and listening instead of leading.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you have continued to follow me through the years, you know decolonization/desettling, dismantling oppression, and collective liberation are extremely important aspects of my magical practice. I do not take this work lightly and hope that those of you who have stuck around for the last 10 years feel the same way. If you do, <a href="https://amzn.to/3SvuQ3Q" target="_blank"><i>Tarot for the Hard Work: an Archetypal Journey to Confront Racism and Inspire Collective Healing</i> by Maria Minnis</a> is a book you need to order right now. I promise it's a thousand percent worth the price tag. I hope that more books like this one will continue to be published. We are not free until we are all free.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMM23J_JM-Ww-W3bQJA5-5AVykZLF_3XEcaRAUdUDG-3RpQloeXBFw68ZG4DYeBlfuViiMFDAYWtIayvo8H0vLCqFh3zXdNWQ8XGtVZKEbs8_axqSP2ruZnYvR-v1QiHvUvHffZuZxbJQbAZ34I7Zq-F_MMWTfvpEBQKQ5uUhPITrXiOaDNM1t0aDP07I/s123/name.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="123" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMM23J_JM-Ww-W3bQJA5-5AVykZLF_3XEcaRAUdUDG-3RpQloeXBFw68ZG4DYeBlfuViiMFDAYWtIayvo8H0vLCqFh3zXdNWQ8XGtVZKEbs8_axqSP2ruZnYvR-v1QiHvUvHffZuZxbJQbAZ34I7Zq-F_MMWTfvpEBQKQ5uUhPITrXiOaDNM1t0aDP07I/s1600/name.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. </i></div>
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<script src="https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#ffbd9b', 'A0A71BU5N');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15833903403803495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440943230379430538.post-15407195677585572102024-01-30T10:00:00.004-05:002024-01-30T10:00:00.244-05:00How to Enchant Your Jewelry with Glamour Magic For Beauty, Confidence, and Elegance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cESr8hgMrTA0SJ0dilS0Cd8DfUYHCp3Ofriiv4wrpcBV04pPPlhc721vdTwectt8oqNSWer8DGIFJ2TjvpDtYm3L7JBC-mgx10dcQvtuvo5h9d6qgx3AhxKSmJG8-fvKY3veg5LOSnJahRGisvg7lVncNXFfhSXtc4hL1nVeSRHdh3CEQuQhXHpOFa8/s1500/Glamour%20Magic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="glamour, glamour magic, enchantment, charm, beauty, confidence, elegance, talisman,, spell, ritual, hedgecraft, hedge witch, green witch, kitchen witch, witchcraft, witch, pagan" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cESr8hgMrTA0SJ0dilS0Cd8DfUYHCp3Ofriiv4wrpcBV04pPPlhc721vdTwectt8oqNSWer8DGIFJ2TjvpDtYm3L7JBC-mgx10dcQvtuvo5h9d6qgx3AhxKSmJG8-fvKY3veg5LOSnJahRGisvg7lVncNXFfhSXtc4hL1nVeSRHdh3CEQuQhXHpOFa8/s16000/Glamour%20Magic.png" title="How to Enchant Your Jewelry with Glamour Magic For Beauty, Confidence, and Elegance" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Enchanting everyday items is a great way to work magic into your mundane life. Often, these are items you wear on your person every day, such as jewelry, but you can also enchant crystals, makeup, body creams, or clothing items. What you enchant the item with is boundless and should correspond with your needs and even the type of object you are enchanting. Jewelry, for example, is perfect for glamour enchants, as glamours are often used to enhance beauty and elegance, inspire confidence, or even attract a lover. Traditionally, glamour magic is used to change the spellcaster's appearance. This works not by literally changing your face or body, but by changing the way others perceive you. You have probably heard people say that those who exude confidence tend to be more attractive. Glamour magic works the same way, changing your appearance by changing the way you hold yourself and therefore how people perceive you. With Lupercalia and Valentine's Day just days away, what better time to attract a little love and beauty into your life than some glamour magic?</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><h2><span style="color: #73af02;">What You'll Need</span></h2></div><ul><li>Piece of jewelry, such as a ring, necklace, or earrings</li><li>Bowl of salt, large enough to place your jewelry in</li><li>Pink or white candle</li><li>Rose petals</li><li>Lavender</li><li>Ground cinnamon</li><li>Rose quartz and/or moonstone (chips will work great too)</li><li>Match or lighter<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2qtqmPBZGnPvYYZB_UtsMW25olSLBVOnbiYZJ8AthqI6xXHgU3MT0CGKZxZUHAgndgCLC7XwEWDAA736Ji42k5zFq_jptE70kSOsqCQ1S2xfaxkJlf1hwDtSV2ynl1Ii_gYqukoT-MxMoKqUuy1KQndfEaqUemHnuEw2S4tFdl73gL3NKW4fLJVI4nw/s1131/jewelryglamourcharm_3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="glamour, glamour magic, enchantment, charm, beauty, confidence, elegance, talisman,, spell, ritual, hedgecraft, hedge witch, green witch, kitchen witch, witchcraft, witch, pagan" border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="968" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2qtqmPBZGnPvYYZB_UtsMW25olSLBVOnbiYZJ8AthqI6xXHgU3MT0CGKZxZUHAgndgCLC7XwEWDAA736Ji42k5zFq_jptE70kSOsqCQ1S2xfaxkJlf1hwDtSV2ynl1Ii_gYqukoT-MxMoKqUuy1KQndfEaqUemHnuEw2S4tFdl73gL3NKW4fLJVI4nw/s16000/jewelryglamourcharm_3.jpg" title="How to Enchant Your Jewelry with Glamour Magic For Beauty, Confidence, and Elegance" /></a></div><br /></li></ul></div><div><h2><span style="color: #73af02;">What to Do</span></h2>Begin by cleansing and consecrating your space using your preferred method. If you wish, cast a circle and invite any spirits or deities associated with beauty, love, and confidence. Next, place the candle in the center of your bowl of salt and your jewelry around the candle. For example, if you are enchanting a necklace, make sure the necklace forms a circle around the candle; if you are enchanting earrings place each earring on either side of the candle. Make sure the jewelry is far enough away from the candle that it will not be damaged by the candle wax.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZNWGd-MgTsaNG9DK4paXlOUzOaA2n5fAUKC62zCLjAXhbliGsTNOVP7rxKNuXP73crwzu2_52vg1_uRbycVYHfxRNWXQWQi8eIraTyjub2-XUTz4ueiX5L2lKjOUCtXTbXTNoF5d2ivxssXKTInmBq2aCfT6X7AIu7k2F49k7gYVysDdvwS8WxP4CAQ/s1600/jewelryglamourcharm_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="glamour, glamour magic, enchantment, charm, beauty, confidence, elegance, talisman,, spell, ritual, hedgecraft, hedge witch, green witch, kitchen witch, witchcraft, witch, pagan" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZNWGd-MgTsaNG9DK4paXlOUzOaA2n5fAUKC62zCLjAXhbliGsTNOVP7rxKNuXP73crwzu2_52vg1_uRbycVYHfxRNWXQWQi8eIraTyjub2-XUTz4ueiX5L2lKjOUCtXTbXTNoF5d2ivxssXKTInmBq2aCfT6X7AIu7k2F49k7gYVysDdvwS8WxP4CAQ/s16000/jewelryglamourcharm_1.jpg" title="How to Enchant Your Jewelry with Glamour Magic For Beauty, Confidence, and Elegance" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once your jewelry is placed in the salt, awaken your herbs and crystals using your preferred method. I like to blow gently onto my herbs and crystals to wake them up as it infuses them with a bit of my energy as well. Sprinkle the rose petals, lavender, and cinnamon in a circle around the candle, and jewelry. Add your rose quartz and/or moonstone to the bowl and light the candle. Hover your hands over the jewelry and say, <i><span style="color: #ea9999;">"With rose and lavender and cinnamon true, I exude beauty and confidence through and through. What others see shall elegance be. Make me irresistible to others, drawing them to me like no other. As I will it, so shall it be."</span></i> Visualize the jewelry filling with pink light, infusing it with beauty, love, and confidence.</div><div><br /></div><div>Allow the candle to burn down completely before ending the ritual and donning your jewelry. When you feel the glamour fading, recharge the jewelry by repeating the above ritual, especially during the waxing or full moon.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><h2><span style="color: #73af02;">Why You Did It</span></h2>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 <a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/search/label/Spellcrafting%20Series">Spellcrafting Series</a>). </div><div><br /></div><div>This spell begins with placing your jewelry and candle in a bowl of salt. Salt is associated with cleansing and purification, and helps create a clean slate before charging the jewelry with your glamour magic. It also acts as a great stabilizer for the candle and working space for the entire spell, free of outside influences. A candle of either pink or white was used to infuse the spell with beauty and grace, as well as lead to the transformation you so desire. Fire is the element of new beginnings and transformations, and therefore is an excellent elemental ally when doing glamour magic. Jewelry was picked for this spell in particular because jewelry is worn often and associated with beauty and elegance, making it an excellent choice for glamour magic.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJRZHn1NRo81sRujc2D0cv5Ea6fM-2TWZdFR7yI3OWSliZqP5AgFI3KWXtJT_PZ5YJo0ePgNOBWLL8mS6z0_gZjmqp4AeGYDkM9msABpRcIb9m0toEaUGhcUkvBwVUHv6sqf9vv2GbkpeJyUXmN43Fg9y9U3R5mQWqp4MmsxoPt0-8cJ976LHXKaiT6Q/s1440/glamour%20magic%20enchanted%20jewelry.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="glamour, glamour magic, enchantment, charm, beauty, confidence, elegance, talisman,, spell, ritual, hedgecraft, hedge witch, green witch, kitchen witch, witchcraft, witch, pagan" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJRZHn1NRo81sRujc2D0cv5Ea6fM-2TWZdFR7yI3OWSliZqP5AgFI3KWXtJT_PZ5YJo0ePgNOBWLL8mS6z0_gZjmqp4AeGYDkM9msABpRcIb9m0toEaUGhcUkvBwVUHv6sqf9vv2GbkpeJyUXmN43Fg9y9U3R5mQWqp4MmsxoPt0-8cJ976LHXKaiT6Q/s16000/glamour%20magic%20enchanted%20jewelry.png" title="How to Enchant Your Jewelry with Glamour Magic For Beauty, Confidence, and Elegance" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The circle of herbs and crystals was chosen for their associations with beauty, love, and confidence. Rose petals are the quintessential flower of love and beauty, as well as lavender. Lavender is also associated with confidence as is cinnamon. Cinnamon also helps to strengthen the spell and bring luck. Rose quartz and moonstone, like the aforementioned herbs, are also associated with beauty, love, and confidence. They were placed in a circle around the jewelry and candle as circles are associated with wholeness, which is essential to promoting confidence.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, your energy was added to the spell through words, motions, and visualization. Calling upon the elements to hear you make your intention known while hovering your hands over the jewelry and visualizing it filling with pink light binds the spell to you by infusing it with your energy. As you wear the charm, your energy will continue to pour into it, strengthening the bond you share. </div><div><br /></div><div>As with any spell, this one is not permanent and will require frequent refreshing. If you wish to break the spell, hold the jewelry in your hand, thank it for helping you, and let it know you release it of its duty. You can also let the spell wear off over time. You may experience some lingering side effects if you do this, but gradually the spell will dissipate. </div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>Remember to record this recipe in your Book of Shadows or use my <a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2018/06/spell-ritual-worksheetlog.html" target="_blank">Spell/Ritual Worksheet</a> for reference later.</div><div><br /></div><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b>***</b></h1><div>Glamour magic can take practice and starts within. No amount of glamour magic is going to make you confident if you don't put in the work. No matter what, remember you are a powerful witch capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for. May 2024 be your year of transformation.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfk523WD97II2DxHIlXDfUM-d8XrpnwbF1RXEZgGfL73s05evv0iHvk7c2kE2t5KnF6EME3cbTDdWm5kRDPuGMizsLncpyEtyAtnxzDrtJZwsXSjeuKtq1Yo_QsdUfUZ36T0hWKk0XGe0QQWli1jdB5QL2zm8WAYbgbTdkyTiBSdJdOeZGWH0yBHP6dMc/s123/name.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="123" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfk523WD97II2DxHIlXDfUM-d8XrpnwbF1RXEZgGfL73s05evv0iHvk7c2kE2t5KnF6EME3cbTDdWm5kRDPuGMizsLncpyEtyAtnxzDrtJZwsXSjeuKtq1Yo_QsdUfUZ36T0hWKk0XGe0QQWli1jdB5QL2zm8WAYbgbTdkyTiBSdJdOeZGWH0yBHP6dMc/s1600/name.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><i>If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. </i></div>
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<script src="https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#ffbd9b', 'A0A71BU5N');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15833903403803495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440943230379430538.post-79877553795987703872024-01-16T10:00:00.010-05:002024-01-16T10:00:00.121-05:00Magical and Medicinal Uses of Magnolia<div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBAH682G_8fBN7uQCDwRolVHS4esocQWjDQz8bYWDPBXCaNCQT3D0odnGFlBCjuqhAK5dK2z7N9E3G20ra1X_gux6txdY6N61Z_OWf7Gw8v9blwMJKP5Fe-CLdYlSy-3g-wTvBP7MwTbcdCMslzbUZahU7NVTIfKDlrJznDWsoZjoByF1xVY9zoYH9fs/s1540/magnolia.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="magnolia, herbalism, herbal remedy, magic, witchcraft, herb magic, green witchcraft, hedgewitch, herb magic, herb magick, magick, magic, occult, wicca, wiccan, pagan, neopagan" border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="1540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBAH682G_8fBN7uQCDwRolVHS4esocQWjDQz8bYWDPBXCaNCQT3D0odnGFlBCjuqhAK5dK2z7N9E3G20ra1X_gux6txdY6N61Z_OWf7Gw8v9blwMJKP5Fe-CLdYlSy-3g-wTvBP7MwTbcdCMslzbUZahU7NVTIfKDlrJznDWsoZjoByF1xVY9zoYH9fs/s16000/magnolia.jpg" title="Magical and Medicinal Uses of Magnolia. Includes free, printable BOS page." /></a></div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Gender: </b>Feminine<br /><b>Planet: </b>Venus<br /><b>Element: </b>Earth<br /><b>Powers:</b> Abundance, Banishment, Fedility, Fertility, Growth, Self-Reliance, Tranquility, Wisdom<br /><b>Magical Uses and History: </b>Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus named the famously fragrant magnolia in 1737 in honor of the French botanist Pierre Magnol, who was one of the first to describe <i>Magnolia virginiana</i>, the American species of magnolia known throughout the South. The earliest record of the magnolia (<i>Magnolia mexicana</i>) in the West was Aztec illustrations of the flowers, which were commonly used as a flavoring for a chocolatey, foaming drink known as <i>chocolatl. </i>This gave the drink a spiced, ginger flavor which was often combined with chili to produce a truly warming drink.</div><div><br /></div><div>Across the ocean in China, the magnolia was highly regarded as a traditional symbol of feminine beauty, purity, gentleness, and nobility due to its stately nature, elegant perfume, and luscious white blooms. During the Tang dynasty, magnolias were planted on the grounds of the emperor's palace and all magnolias were deemed the property of the emperor. To be gifted a magnolia by the emperor was a great honor and was believed to bring luck, prosperity, and happiness. As such, magnolia flowers can be used in glamour spells for beauty, to quell arguments, to promote confidence, to bring abundance, or to bring gentleness to spells and rituals. The flowers also make great offerings to feminine deities and ancestors. In Japan, the magnolia was often used in wedding bouquets, where they represented purity and strength of love while in Europe magnolias were given as a gift to make up for wronging a partner (cheating) to symbolize pure intentions. As such, magnolias are often associated with love and fidelity and can be used in spells and rituals to ensure your partner remains faithful or turned into a talisman to place under or over the bed to ensure marital happiness.</div><div><br /></div><div>Apart from its symbolism, the magnolia has also been historically used for healing, especially in Chinese medicine where its bark, flowers, and resin were used to treat rheumatic problems, insomnia, anxiety, depression, cough, diarrhea, and a host of other ailments. As such, magnolia can be used in spells and rituals for health and wellness. Despite it traditionally being used medicinally, multiple cultures warn against sleeping under a magnolia, which was believed to bring death due to its powerful fragrance. Even placing a single flower blossom in a bedroom was thought to cause death overnight. Because of this, magnolia flowers and their accompanying scent have been associated with banishment. Use magnolia flowers or essential oil to remove unwanted energies from your home while replacing them with uplifting, loving ones or to hex/curse your enemies. </div><div><br /></div></div><div><div>Magnolia can be used in a number of spells including:</div><div> Fidelity Spells<br /> Love Spells</div><div> Glamour Magic<br /> Banishing Magic</div><div> Abundance Rituals</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Medicinal Uses:</b> Magnolia bark contains magnolol and onochiol, two phenolic compounds that act as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant. These phenolic compounds have also been shown to reduce stress, thus soothing anxiety and insomnia. The flower buds are natural emmenagogues, helping regulate menstruation and stimulate menstrual flow, and as such should not be used if you are pregnant or wishing to become pregnant. <a href="https://www.handmadeapothecary.co.uk/blog/2019/3/16/magnolia-a-foraged-spice-cupboard?rq=magnolias" target="_blank">There are many species of magnolia and most, if not all, are edible and safe to use, but always check before use</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Preparation and Dosage:</b> To create a magnolia bark tea, rinse and soak the bark for at least 30 minutes in cold water. Bring the water to a boil then reduce the heat to a simmer. cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes. Strain the liquid and drink up to three times a day. If used as a sleep aid, drink 30 to 60 minutes before bed. As a tincture, take up to 2 milliliters a day. If making a tea from the flower petals, pour boiling water over fresh petals. Let steep for 10 minutes before straining. Drink up to three times a day.</div><div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5g1HZ6w6la4OYz37jl-QFKJkFpA7GkxZSHPLO-E_Jq4sfVmlLkiCy5171JHSiyOTBWzkWIn0b1TI2evi7Mo9MXLa8PcflCq3qnur2HETbYnrGCT_52sgVT8AgtHvicg_lO-IxIbSTIGI/s1600/name.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Want to print a copy of this for your Book of Shadows? Click below for your free copy! </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kPJQebLuKb7o1Ygp-Vdpg4KD3hoJVGbQ/view?usp=sharing" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="magnolia, herbalism, herbal remedy, magic, witchcraft, herb magic, green witchcraft, hedgewitch, herb magic, herb magick, magick, magic, occult, wicca, wiccan, pagan, neopagan" border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMTb4JGdoPT3PI1G8RFcuUx3jGbeAm1aLBBDHyEi1QSGbzyuUeHbPWP1PKBV5Xcl5e85FZUvLN5P5y8JVNAhuFgyoP-fyD_XJgHrxVAotROmIzOKLWZQuARvBuDHoZTexVQh7Wr7oMn4i_UfFCIrC0WNhsWy1vV3u1_le3bTCbS0lnRXHjJgmk1EavJk/w247-h320/magnolia_flat.jpg" title="Magical and Medicinal Uses of Magnolia. Includes free, printable BOS page." width="247" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div><div><i>If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. </i></div>
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<script src="https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#ffbd9b', 'A0A71BU5N');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15833903403803495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440943230379430538.post-15865808384989502492024-01-10T10:00:00.017-05:002024-03-15T13:52:30.591-04:00Book Review: Bones & Honey: A Heathen Prayer Book by Danielle Dulsky<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVq75fEZTM1PxslFhWHqjgEHU0bPKAcm-f2rTvfvQ0Q_ZMZK1EEq9iAtJmcwyiGtnop_0HXXveRAANCEX8th3649X7jDE79NaOpHwdS3GQNq4E6NdrvL1i7_0Y1ILhjkt0pogOebcsDLDB8-DdGlMQnX6RaJveMBpSkf0p5bko4LZDknROtUVi53O61w/s1500/Bones%20and%20Honey%20Review.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pagan prayer, heathen, book review, witch, witchcraft, occult, spiritual, wicca, wiccan, pagan" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVq75fEZTM1PxslFhWHqjgEHU0bPKAcm-f2rTvfvQ0Q_ZMZK1EEq9iAtJmcwyiGtnop_0HXXveRAANCEX8th3649X7jDE79NaOpHwdS3GQNq4E6NdrvL1i7_0Y1ILhjkt0pogOebcsDLDB8-DdGlMQnX6RaJveMBpSkf0p5bko4LZDknROtUVi53O61w/s16000/Bones%20and%20Honey%20Review.png" title="Book Review: Bones & Honey: A Heathen Prayer Book by Danielle Dulsky" /></a></div></div><div><i>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><i>I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Over the years, I have had the distinct pleasure of reviewing Danielle Dulsky's books and oracle cards (except for <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3H7hN3p" target="_blank">Holy Wild Grimoire</a></i>) and I come to you today with another Dulsky review. Unlike other authors, Dulsky's works are full of poetic prose, which can make the text difficult for some and a turn-off for others, especially for a non-fiction book. Personally, I enjoy reading her works, not to garner untold mysteries, but instead to act as a balm for my weary soul. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/48mw1cJ" target="_blank">Bones & Honey: A Heathen Prayer Book</a></i> takes this to an entirely new level, offering thirteen ' books' each with thirteen prayers, incantations, poetry, and stories to nourish the soul, awaken the wilds within, empower your practice, and so much more.</div><div><br /></div><div>Most books/chapters contain at least one story, most of which are folk tales from around the world. These were honestly my favorite parts, as folklore is my area of interest. To accompany each story is a prayer or incantation that incorporates the archetypes found in the folk tales, teaching the reader how to derive meaning from folk tales that apply to our everyday lives and magical practices. This is an excellent tool, for folklore novices and experts alike, as it is incredibly empowering to use folktales to empower and inform our magic. Not only are there engaging folktales, but most of the chapters consist of a series of prayers and incantations that can be used for just about every purpose in your life, including grief, prosperity, empowerment, ancestral connection, healing, astral travel, luck, and so much more. I personally found those in chapter 12 "Book of Shape-Shifters" to be most welcome this time of year, as well as parts of chapter 8 "Book of the Nameless Grandmothers" which includes ancestral magic and healing.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjB531I2dfNcJjoFWFigrUVht5qwK4lpJ5SbQ6s51xnDk5b3XzlfJiYELOFnhTXld9KHFaWWZMYU2ncIUUwqcVvin_8RhCk4fmssEvxWybyITZywsqWFuUeG_5iAM2ffC_Ebu6ZCi4cxexFd3zU_ZWcy4GpnIcZJod6ypZv65EkeJlmIbUVjOaxFSDdJw/s1600/bonesandhoneyreview_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pagan prayer, heathen, book review, witch, witchcraft, occult, spiritual, wicca, wiccan, pagan" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjB531I2dfNcJjoFWFigrUVht5qwK4lpJ5SbQ6s51xnDk5b3XzlfJiYELOFnhTXld9KHFaWWZMYU2ncIUUwqcVvin_8RhCk4fmssEvxWybyITZywsqWFuUeG_5iAM2ffC_Ebu6ZCi4cxexFd3zU_ZWcy4GpnIcZJod6ypZv65EkeJlmIbUVjOaxFSDdJw/s16000/bonesandhoneyreview_2.jpg" title="Book Review: Bones & Honey: A Heathen Prayer Book by Danielle Dulsky" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My largest complaint about this book is that many of the prayers, incantations, and poetry have no context other than a non-descriptive and sometimes cryptic title and "to..." statement. While some did contain an explanation as to what the prayer was for, these descriptions were sometimes difficult to decode as well. I would have appreciated more straightforward descriptions of how to use the prayers, incarnations, and poetry in my spiritual practice, instead of being left confused, bewildered, and lost. Maybe you will have an easier time decoding what "See Our Joy: To Giggle-Spit at the False Prophets" or "The Banshee's Wail: To Howl into a Haunted House" are truly meant for.</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite some difficulties figuring out when the best time to use these prayers and incantations, I will say that they have inspired me to write my own heathen prayers, ones that resonate with my praxis and gnosis. If you have read and enjoyed the rest of Dulsky's work or you are looking to incorporate more prayer into your practice, then you are sure to enjoy <i><a href="https://amzn.to/48mw1cJ" target="_blank">Bones & Honey: A Heathen Prayer Book</a></i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>
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<script src="https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#ffbd9b', 'A0A71BU5N');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15833903403803495986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440943230379430538.post-79549968911266069762024-01-08T10:00:00.001-05:002024-01-08T10:00:00.241-05:00Yule/Winter Solstice Altar 2023<div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1PdO4v4puHS5EHpq4b9lsxyPgw60yCggOX0ooW7RYnh4owXg7cr7LbriGcwjiwHza3gbTd-u_etggxH8SBZCWxOm2eFudfaJd86hF2s2qG-605SPi7cG2WNKnVQVG_nZUiKCdy0CHlQ_XvcYjAjyy6s1MQ95wBao1ZGZUj8heas2ArHKswMkE9v-J-4/s1500/Yule%20Altar%202023.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Yule, Yule altar, altar, witchcraft, witch, witchy, pagan, paganism, Yule altar decorations, festive Yule altar, Yule altar inspiration, Jul, winter solstice, winter solstice altar, winter solstice celebrations, Yule altar symbolism, nature-inspired Yule altar, candlelit Yule altar, sacred space for winter solstice, holiday traditions for Yule, Yule altar rituals and ceremonies" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1PdO4v4puHS5EHpq4b9lsxyPgw60yCggOX0ooW7RYnh4owXg7cr7LbriGcwjiwHza3gbTd-u_etggxH8SBZCWxOm2eFudfaJd86hF2s2qG-605SPi7cG2WNKnVQVG_nZUiKCdy0CHlQ_XvcYjAjyy6s1MQ95wBao1ZGZUj8heas2ArHKswMkE9v-J-4/s16000/Yule%20Altar%202023.png" title="Yule/Winter Solstice Altar 2023" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Yes, I know this post is incredibly late, but if you follow me on Instagram, you know why. Between having to administer end-of-semester finals and state testing, dental surgery (which went incredibly well, by the way), the holidays, traveling, and getting engaged, the last thing I have had time for recently is blogging, or anything exceptionally witchy. Heck, we didn't even exchange gifts this year! Yule and Christmas felt a bit off without the gift exchange, but we just couldn't justify spending money on items we didn't really need when we knew we would be traveling. Besides, I think my engagement ring is the best gift I could have ever received. I haven't talked about my now fiancƩ on my blog, but just know he is an absolute treasure, and I am so thankful I found my person. But I digress!</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite being busy, I did set up a simple Yule altar using some of my favorite items and some new ones as well. The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, marking the final day of lasting darkness and the return of the Sun. The Winter Solstice has been celebrated by a variety of cultures for thousands of years as it marked an important transition in the Wheel of the Year. With it being the longest night, folklore sprung up around what happened in the dark, the most prominent of these European myths being the Wild Hunt. Candles were lit to drive away the darkness, keep out the demons, and encourage the Sun's return so that life would flourish once more. And in the darkness, a god was born. Depending on the tradition, this included such deities as Horus, Dionysus, Apollo, and the infamous Oak King. With these themes in mind, I created this year's Yule altar to brighten my spirits and bring prosperity and light into the new year.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OlCTjP-ynfYSYJO247tD7SgrNLNeLeLVw3aWemvlErOk1M63UC-Kfbhmm3nOTVw5JmrIwPred6SvfYDrFuKWsM-Pwp9rSI9mVKIBqPSwB3p3Uu-0ZhQhdfJ3UVPzV4GStCtBWQU_MDuhvH8bJN8jp7RViH-J9h7U5Te7SOMFKVEgvra0t6otgyTDAaQ/s1440/Yule%202023%20Altar%20Numbered.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Yule, Yule altar, altar, witchcraft, witch, witchy, pagan, paganism, Yule altar decorations, festive Yule altar, Yule altar inspiration, Jul, winter solstice, winter solstice altar, winter solstice celebrations, Yule altar symbolism, nature-inspired Yule altar, candlelit Yule altar, sacred space for winter solstice, holiday traditions for Yule, Yule altar rituals and ceremonies" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OlCTjP-ynfYSYJO247tD7SgrNLNeLeLVw3aWemvlErOk1M63UC-Kfbhmm3nOTVw5JmrIwPred6SvfYDrFuKWsM-Pwp9rSI9mVKIBqPSwB3p3Uu-0ZhQhdfJ3UVPzV4GStCtBWQU_MDuhvH8bJN8jp7RViH-J9h7U5Te7SOMFKVEgvra0t6otgyTDAaQ/s16000/Yule%202023%20Altar%20Numbered.png" title="Yule/Winter Solstice Altar 2023" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="color: #73af02;">1. </span><span style="color: #73af02;">Goat Skull</span><span style="color: #73af02;">-</span><span style="color: black;"> Goats are associated with fertility, virility, and lust (all themes associated with Yule), 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 who is reborn on the solstice. In Sweden, large straw goats, known as Yule goats or Julbock, are built on the first day of Advent. This may be a nod to Thor, whose chariot was pulled by two goats, or possibly the remnants of an old harvest tradition. Either way, the Yule goat has become a symbol of Yule in many Scandinavian countries and is said to watch over holiday preparations and even bring gifts, much like Santa. </span><span style="color: #73af02;"><i>(Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free)</i></span></div><div><span style="color: #73af02;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><span style="color: #73af02;">2. </span><span style="color: #73af02;">Evergreen Greenery</span><span style="color: #73af02;">-</span> Nestled around the goat skill is evergreen greenery, which is a traditional symbol of Yule, representing the Holly King, everlasting life, regeneration, vitality, and protection. Unlike deciduous trees that lose their leaves during the winter months, evergreen trees keep their leaves, remaining perpetually green and full of life, even during the darkest, coldest time of the year. Boughs of evergreen were commonly hung above doorways and placed on altars to prevent evil from entering the home, especially on the longest night of the year. It was also believed such greenery would promote health and wellness by warding away sickness. This may have something to do with the natural scent of pine and other evergreen plants, or the antiseptic nature of the tree's sap. <i><span style="color: #73af02;">(Where did I get it: Target 2016; Cost: $5)</span></i></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29AQZ-RAlR8gOKz5014zpZxKLyMETxhIvaQrHuU_LjFl-rGXBMWOON_XN9dnePO1bTnPciLiju8173-gnAUVKty61kwPdgk1iClwaW9hLOWh50vBOBCwY6FfOU2NrT3q_i1KI1C3PDmDeFxElbx_BjizkH72UQgN_jBLpgHLLL9-MURxxB1Xt3lqI6Us/s1600/yulealtar2023_4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Yule, Yule altar, altar, witchcraft, witch, witchy, pagan, paganism, Yule altar decorations, festive Yule altar, Yule altar inspiration, Jul, winter solstice, winter solstice altar, winter solstice celebrations, Yule altar symbolism, nature-inspired Yule altar, candlelit Yule altar, sacred space for winter solstice, holiday traditions for Yule, Yule altar rituals and ceremonies" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29AQZ-RAlR8gOKz5014zpZxKLyMETxhIvaQrHuU_LjFl-rGXBMWOON_XN9dnePO1bTnPciLiju8173-gnAUVKty61kwPdgk1iClwaW9hLOWh50vBOBCwY6FfOU2NrT3q_i1KI1C3PDmDeFxElbx_BjizkH72UQgN_jBLpgHLLL9-MURxxB1Xt3lqI6Us/s16000/yulealtar2023_4.jpg" title="Yule/Winter Solstice Altar 2023" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #73af02;">3. </span><span style="color: #73af02;">Bottle Brush Tree Lights</span><span style="color: #73af02;">-</span> For those of you who don't know, I am absolutely obsessed with bottle brush trees. My current collection numbers well over 100 and when I saw these battery-powered lights in the checkout line at Home Goods, I knew I needed them in my life. Each light contains a miniature bottle brush tree, representing immortality, fertility, and protection. Evergreen trees were often brought into the home and decorated with candles, lights, and shiny objects to bring joy to those within while also warding away ghosts, witches, and other evil spirits during the Winter Solstice. The snowy scene within is also associated with purity and new beginnings, while the light represents the Sun who is reborn during Yule. <i><span style="color: #73af02;">(Where did I get it: Home Goods 2023; Cost: $10)</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCRmvrAkuDsgYSAQ-UmC9WB2YXzrh4KWxAiCqtUYnk2El9pp_07Uu5nJMut01JdF23J7chvQupwMEGj9oQ26WpkDm2A0he62cosExB_pE8edr5r9ZbwDYWfcHxEcnn1sAuVw6AOYJiZwCpz3YzZTs7S3rm4tKb2bbzVINTvqRBlQghbiUcIYaYISbtSY/s1600/yulealtar2023_3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Yule, Yule altar, altar, witchcraft, witch, witchy, pagan, paganism, Yule altar decorations, festive Yule altar, Yule altar inspiration, Jul, winter solstice, winter solstice altar, winter solstice celebrations, Yule altar symbolism, nature-inspired Yule altar, candlelit Yule altar, sacred space for winter solstice, holiday traditions for Yule, Yule altar rituals and ceremonies" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCRmvrAkuDsgYSAQ-UmC9WB2YXzrh4KWxAiCqtUYnk2El9pp_07Uu5nJMut01JdF23J7chvQupwMEGj9oQ26WpkDm2A0he62cosExB_pE8edr5r9ZbwDYWfcHxEcnn1sAuVw6AOYJiZwCpz3YzZTs7S3rm4tKb2bbzVINTvqRBlQghbiUcIYaYISbtSY/s16000/yulealtar2023_3.jpg" title="Yule/Winter Solstice Altar 2023" /></a></div><span style="color: #73af02;"><div><span style="color: #73af02;"><br /></span></div>4. </span><span style="color: #73af02;">Bloodstone and Orange Calcite</span><span style="color: #73af02;">-</span> Bloodstone was known as heliotrope by the Ancients which comes from the Greek <i>helios</i> meaning "sun" and <i>trepein</i> meaning "to attract." As such, bloodstone or heliotrope signifies "sun-turning" and is said to attract the rays of the Sun. Like the candles, this is a form of sympathetic magic to bring forth the rebirth of the Sun and ward off the neverending night. Orange calcite, on the other hand, encourages personal power, enhances creativity, and increases positivity. It's most commonly used to dispel depression, which is extremely common this time of year due to the lack of sunlight. <i><span style="color: #73af02;">(Where did I get it: Various Subscription Boxes and Gifted; Cost: ~$3)</span></i></div><div><font color="#73af02"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2jkBCJ7mC7ZCW_Vek59_ZUsKyTbrlQ9y0oOi9adQniVP5UEYURN8rY5HhHBpXmnUjkxTpucFWqWOS5JZ6pQLif0dSZ8DxdYCSdNlU6OCeKF4LupYI6eB8DiGyQOy9G33mXdwWAfas8zAwG8rfjD0QpMiKDligZ7jzT5-SrkKCezsphbps_9q4iN2c9Q/s1600/yulealtar2023_6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Yule, Yule altar, altar, witchcraft, witch, witchy, pagan, paganism, Yule altar decorations, festive Yule altar, Yule altar inspiration, Jul, winter solstice, winter solstice altar, winter solstice celebrations, Yule altar symbolism, nature-inspired Yule altar, candlelit Yule altar, sacred space for winter solstice, holiday traditions for Yule, Yule altar rituals and ceremonies" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2jkBCJ7mC7ZCW_Vek59_ZUsKyTbrlQ9y0oOi9adQniVP5UEYURN8rY5HhHBpXmnUjkxTpucFWqWOS5JZ6pQLif0dSZ8DxdYCSdNlU6OCeKF4LupYI6eB8DiGyQOy9G33mXdwWAfas8zAwG8rfjD0QpMiKDligZ7jzT5-SrkKCezsphbps_9q4iN2c9Q/s16000/yulealtar2023_6.jpg" title="Yule/Winter Solstice Altar 2023" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></font><span style="color: #73af02;">5. </span><span style="color: #73af02;">White Candles & Green Candle Sticks-</span> The ward off the darkness, candles were lit to protect those within on the Winter Solstice from dangerous spirits and the Wild Hunt while simultaneously ushering in the return of the Sun. For this reason, I have placed two white candles, which represent the Sun, purity, and renewal, on my altar. Furthermore, the Sun is reborn on the Winter Solstice, the candles being an offering to His return. I went with green candle holders, a common color associated with Yule, to promote health, fertility, growth, abundance, and the Holly King. <i><span style="color: #73af02;">(Where did I get it: Candles- Dollar Tree; Cost: $1, Candle Holders- Home Goods 2023; Cost: $16, $8 each)</span></i></div><div><i><span style="color: #73af02;"><br /></span></i></div><div><span style="color: #73af02;">6. Wooden Acorns</span><span style="color: #73af02;">-</span> One of my favorite myths is the tale of the Oak and Holly Kings. The Holly King is at his peak during the Winter Solstice, but his power begins to weaken as the Oak King, who is reborn on the Winter Solstice, regains power. The two wooden acorns flanking each side of my altar are an ode to the Oak King. They also represent strength, new life, and rebirth, a promise of what is to come once the darkness passes. Oaks are well known for their protective nature, which is needed on the longest night of the year. The acorns not only represent the Oak King and the strength He provides but also provide my home with protection from wayward spirits and the Wild Hunt. <span style="color: #73af02;"><i>(Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free)</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><font color="#73af02"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_py7YN9h5EdKelXBA4kZeJzX9UCLu0kigMaJ6JjEmX63C-8uCebxe6z5HKEtevTkWXPeGPkkkArgkUHsaKFAP9GwQS6NdKwYrsSx_Gyiscn_g7ZcTRki4sGPixYTOwJmYWAjHSukr_1eSUCOwlh6YfKpe1xvPq9FrSk_Q_Ygbraoil4IRJN8RMR5ZvTc/s1440/Yule%202023%20Altar%20labeled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Yule, Yule altar, altar, witchcraft, witch, witchy, pagan, paganism, Yule altar decorations, festive Yule altar, Yule altar inspiration, Jul, winter solstice, winter solstice altar, winter solstice celebrations, Yule altar symbolism, nature-inspired Yule altar, candlelit Yule altar, sacred space for winter solstice, holiday traditions for Yule, Yule altar rituals and ceremonies" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_py7YN9h5EdKelXBA4kZeJzX9UCLu0kigMaJ6JjEmX63C-8uCebxe6z5HKEtevTkWXPeGPkkkArgkUHsaKFAP9GwQS6NdKwYrsSx_Gyiscn_g7ZcTRki4sGPixYTOwJmYWAjHSukr_1eSUCOwlh6YfKpe1xvPq9FrSk_Q_Ygbraoil4IRJN8RMR5ZvTc/s16000/Yule%202023%20Altar%20labeled.png" title="Yule/Winter Solstice Altar 2023" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></font><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #73af02;">TOTAL COST: ~$35</span></h2><br />Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found, made, or purchased for around $1, although if the items must be purchased by you, then the cost will be higher. This altar is more expensive than some of my previous altars because I wanted to include some new items I purchased this year. I hope you find this sort of breakdown helpful, especially for those of you looking to create Instagram-perfect altars on a budget!<br /><br /></div></div><div>To each and every one of you, I hope you had a wonderful Winter Solstice, a festive Yule, and a happy New Year!<br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5g1HZ6w6la4OYz37jl-QFKJkFpA7GkxZSHPLO-E_Jq4sfVmlLkiCy5171JHSiyOTBWzkWIn0b1TI2evi7Mo9MXLa8PcflCq3qnur2HETbYnrGCT_52sgVT8AgtHvicg_lO-IxIbSTIGI/s1600/name.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5g1HZ6w6la4OYz37jl-QFKJkFpA7GkxZSHPLO-E_Jq4sfVmlLkiCy5171JHSiyOTBWzkWIn0b1TI2evi7Mo9MXLa8PcflCq3qnur2HETbYnrGCT_52sgVT8AgtHvicg_lO-IxIbSTIGI/s1600/name.jpg" /></a></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div><i>If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. </i></div>
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<script src="https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#ffbd9b', 'A0A71BU5N');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15833903403803495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440943230379430538.post-29183439393277795412023-12-18T10:00:00.001-05:002024-03-15T13:52:46.507-04:00Book Review: A Tea Witch's Grimoire by S. M. Harlow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETkAZb3wmU8j-jRkz7NYFkj2lJ1QAMgySoBCT-JBWOz-CK9Xmmg145VFIci0yS07U0a-QeiKzS_f5vYwtkLpmAGclpwqfgOHZdA4UHI9T4Rsl4ht3QpXtOuzELgOXjQ3f5g05u4dVwAHxqhLWdQigB8-FMhDaxLqsW0Hwp8OnePqgrkELS8EWYD8dMFo/s1500/A%20Tea%20Witchs%20Grimoire%20Review.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="tea witchcraft, tea, kitchen witch, book review, witch, witchcraft, occult, spiritual, wicca, wiccan, pagan" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETkAZb3wmU8j-jRkz7NYFkj2lJ1QAMgySoBCT-JBWOz-CK9Xmmg145VFIci0yS07U0a-QeiKzS_f5vYwtkLpmAGclpwqfgOHZdA4UHI9T4Rsl4ht3QpXtOuzELgOXjQ3f5g05u4dVwAHxqhLWdQigB8-FMhDaxLqsW0Hwp8OnePqgrkELS8EWYD8dMFo/s16000/A%20Tea%20Witchs%20Grimoire%20Review.png" title="Book Review: A Tea Witch's Grimoire by S. M. Harlow" /></a></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>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><i>I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Woo, am I behind on blogging! Life has had other plans for me this year and that's okay. Things haven't slowed down quite yet, but I have managed to squeeze in some time to read some witchy books. Lately, I have just wanted to read fantasy, so my witch stack of books hasn't been shrinking the way I know publishers would like it to. I've had to turn down several new books because I haven't had the time or energy to keep up. For that, I apologize. I know many of you rely on my book reviews to make buying decisions, especially with money being as tight as it is. Despite this, I have agreed to a couple of books I think you all would be particularly interested in, starting with <a href="https://amzn.to/3NsxAgE" target="_blank"><i>A Tea Witch's Grimoire: Magickal Recipes for Your Tea Time</i> by S.M. Harlow</a>. I have followed Harlow for some time, and when Weiser/Red Wheel picked up her book for publication, I couldn't be happier for her. I was even more excited when Weiser offered to send me a copy to review!</div><div><br /></div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3NsxAgE" target="_blank">A Tea Witch's Grimoire</a></i> is a short introduction to tea witchcraft and is full of magical tea recipes and spells for <i>every</i> occasion. There are teas for health, different moon phases and esbats, sabbats, horoscopes, and more. The tea rituals are thoughtful, thorough, and inspiring. Whether you use them as is or adapt them to your own needs, there is sure to be something for everyone. Harlow also includes a number of potion recipes (alcohol-based infusions), decoctions, electuaries (powders mixed with syrups/sugars), aromatic oils, tinctures, and more to empower your teas along with a chapter on empowering your teas through other magical means such as sigils and crystals. Harlow offers insight into spell crafting with tea, ingredient suggestions for different spells, alternatives, as well as safety information to ensure you are practicing tea witchcraft safely. There is even a guide to using tea for divination as well as an entire chapter on brewing times, conversions, correspondences, and Latin names.</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite being a rather short book, it is packed full of useful information. The tea recipes are mostly accessible and made with ingredients you can easily find in the tea aisle of your local grocer, with a few exceptions. I particularly loved Harlow's attention to detail regarding the tools used in tea rituals down to the severing tray and teapots and cups being used. This is something I didn't even think about when writing my own book on tea witchcraft, making this an excellent addition to anyone's collection. It's beautifully illustrated and would look great on a kitchen shelf/counter or even your coffee table. This is definitely a book you'll want to openly display.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Im6UI8fmT-TSvnG4gCTsEZJyRJ4sKJEkwiS_TQh_TFOm_Lh6fQGNQbuWLKIghpUwIO8yd5tyHMkZIM8qNu10TTSlyQvDI_JHcFcDlAusJgFYAcMTpHtI92K5cCNd09h12cfIxpnpoWWSlJe86N5vX9_jQB-tTL5lmSUZI3w20GSCWUppErjcHYw5Uhw/s1600/teawitchgrimoire_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="tea witchcraft, tea, kitchen witch, book review, witch, witchcraft, occult, spiritual, wicca, wiccan, pagan" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Im6UI8fmT-TSvnG4gCTsEZJyRJ4sKJEkwiS_TQh_TFOm_Lh6fQGNQbuWLKIghpUwIO8yd5tyHMkZIM8qNu10TTSlyQvDI_JHcFcDlAusJgFYAcMTpHtI92K5cCNd09h12cfIxpnpoWWSlJe86N5vX9_jQB-tTL5lmSUZI3w20GSCWUppErjcHYw5Uhw/s16000/teawitchgrimoire_2.jpg" title="Book Review: A Tea Witch's Grimoire by S. M. Harlow" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This book does assume the witch is familiar with witchcraft, so it doesn't go into detail about the elements, moon phases, and basic correspondences and witchcraft practices such as grounding, centering, and cleansing. If you are unfamiliar with these basics, this book would be best paired with an introductory book as well. Apart from this, my only complaint is the use of "smudging" as a cleansing method. If you are not familiar, smudging is a closed practice and more than just the burning of white sage. Unless you are a member of the First Nations then this practice is closed to you. There are numerous other smoke-cleansing options available to you.</div><div><br /></div><div>With Yule very quickly approaching, <a href="https://amzn.to/3NsxAgE" target="_blank"><i>A Tea Witch's Grimoire: Magickal Recipes for Your Tea Time</i> by S.M. Harlow</a> would make an excellent gift for you or another witch in your life. It can be found wherever books are sold, but if you order within the next few days from Bookshop.org you will be entered to win a $500 gift card!</div><div><br /></div><div>
<script data-affiliate-id="88513" data-sku="9781578638215" data-type="book" src="https://bookshop.org/widgets.js"></script>
</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcLbXpnIPgEij5gTgJ4qJfvKO8ViYmVOhK-sr71LMRK6ksTKOJc_rOTA4iK2QIvWPjnPD9Sc8VElBXweO2voUSNr7zFHgDt6ZQbBzpDOWbf2Tr5dJL1AYjYH4npYh132Kwapi82JgZSDcVq5CrzmSeODmoN-greRz83wai1jRnqG_Z0mxm5-yFOxtCFQ/s123/name.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="123" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcLbXpnIPgEij5gTgJ4qJfvKO8ViYmVOhK-sr71LMRK6ksTKOJc_rOTA4iK2QIvWPjnPD9Sc8VElBXweO2voUSNr7zFHgDt6ZQbBzpDOWbf2Tr5dJL1AYjYH4npYh132Kwapi82JgZSDcVq5CrzmSeODmoN-greRz83wai1jRnqG_Z0mxm5-yFOxtCFQ/s1600/name.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. </i></div>
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<script src="https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#ffbd9b', 'A0A71BU5N');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15833903403803495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440943230379430538.post-90304663664350581692023-12-05T10:00:00.010-05:002023-12-05T10:00:00.139-05:002023 Holiday Gift Guide for Witches and Pagans: Thrift Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV19e26KW6ZhnzUn05rbxNPY-bQac0IMy2FBj847oKAPktHxLoXDC7LtTmd9bA4g3lpgfxFUoMNtstuTKxw8daa1ivriEVFSA8DUOhVtPwf8hZl3-D75DwNVhhd4KhWXRvVX3UdeZ-T2t5CJuH__ImmC8VmHp-tmpb-iNy7E9xHOBD-3iTzOviktqGOXU/s1500/2023%20Holiday%20Gift%20Guide%20for%20Witches%20Thrift%20Edition.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="holiday, gift guide, witches, Yule, witchcraft, pagan, neopagan, wicca, wiccan, occult, witchy" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV19e26KW6ZhnzUn05rbxNPY-bQac0IMy2FBj847oKAPktHxLoXDC7LtTmd9bA4g3lpgfxFUoMNtstuTKxw8daa1ivriEVFSA8DUOhVtPwf8hZl3-D75DwNVhhd4KhWXRvVX3UdeZ-T2t5CJuH__ImmC8VmHp-tmpb-iNy7E9xHOBD-3iTzOviktqGOXU/s16000/2023%20Holiday%20Gift%20Guide%20for%20Witches%20Thrift%20Edition.png" title="2023 Holiday Gift Guide for Witches and Pagans: Thrift Edition" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know about you, but this year, Yule is very tight. With rising prices and no increases in pay, it's impossible to spend what we have historically spent on gifts for friends and family. I know we are not alone in this feeling, but the desire to give to others is still there. This is the season of giving, after all; a time when being charitable could and still does save lives. The longest and darkest part of the year is bleak for many families, which is where this list comes in. This year my holiday gift guide for witches and pagans focuses on thrifting and DIYing the gifts for the magical person in your life. There is absolutely no reason why gifts have to be new, expensive, or lavish. A gift given from the heart is far more valuable than ordering something off an Amazon wish list.</div><div><br /></div><div>The gifts featured below are ideas I am giving my friends this year, each carefully curated to the person I love with a witchy twist. While these were created with my friends in mind, hopefully, my creativity sparks something within you. Different witches will be drawn to different items and because of this, each gift basket can be highly variable. Your stores are also going to have very different items and you'll likely need to visit more than one thrift store to find the right items. Don't be deterred from using items you have around the house either. Have a cookbook you no longer want? Give it to your kitchen witch friend. Have some gardening tools or seeds you aren't going to use? The green witch in your life will be happy to have them. Extra scarves, unused candles, candle sticks, vintage silver, or nice glasses? Throw those in too. I don't know why people shy away from giving away items they already own. If you aren't using it, you don't need it and someone will be happy to put the item to use. Some of the items featured in my baskets are items I was going to donate or haven't used in years. My friends will get much better use out of them than me!</div><div><br /></div><div>Apart from baskets, I have also included a number of thrifted items to keep an eye out for that I know witches and pagans will eat up. You can't go wrong with a couple of witchy finds and many of them make excellent stocking stuffers. </div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, I end the list with several DIYed items that include both thrifted and new items, most of which can be found at Dollar Tree or very cheaply from a craft store. Others are going to be more expensive if you don't already have the herbs on hand, but I made sure to include herbs that are easily accessible and that can be purchased cheaply at your local grocer. When in doubt, check out the tea aisle for dried lavender, peppermint, rose petals, loose-leaf tea, and chamomile and the produce section for fresh rosemary and basil.</div><div><br /></div><div><h1><b>Thrift Gifts</b></h1><div>Before we jump into the list, let's discuss some good thrifting practices. Despite some people's murmurings, thrifted gifts are not dirty, possessed, or filled with negativity. A simple cleansing, both physical and spiritual, will leave the item looking and feeling new. If, for whatever reason, you pick up an item and get an icky feeling, pass on it. Be mindful of lead paint, steer away from cooking pots, and avoid stuffed animals you can't easily wash. If you purchase any linens or fabrics, wash them with allergy-free soap and vinegar in the hottest water safe for the fabric. And finally, bring hand sanitizer with you. People are constantly picking up items and the last thing you want to do is get sick during the holiday season!</div><div><br /></div><div>To stylize any of these gifts, I suggest purchasing a nice basket and some linens to line the bottom that can double as a usable gift. Add some ribbon, bows, and a card and you've got yourself a complete gift.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>*I have styled almost all of these pictures using items I already owned because my friends read my blog and follow my blog's Instagram. The last thing I want is for them to see their actual gifts. What you find at your thrift store will vary wildly from what I have been able to find.*<br /><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Pp-xlvdUMDjUGftSETipDgzEEBn7qifuosbV_O-AQSVy4Z8-GXoecfTRl1Ye_pZIGj_xpu2pZ6A-V5quBFDd8Otf7TdHLMqKQkLhsx2NWysPHmFxy6r7Cia8dmx17INIMI4573c-lvxEGNtIApxmCpp__MFRynpZqZ3DGbSuV2sqFrAqNOHWcfGjooQ/s1131/2023giftguideforwitches_3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="holiday, gift guide, witches, Yule, witchcraft, pagan, neopagan, wicca, wiccan, occult, witchy" border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="848" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Pp-xlvdUMDjUGftSETipDgzEEBn7qifuosbV_O-AQSVy4Z8-GXoecfTRl1Ye_pZIGj_xpu2pZ6A-V5quBFDd8Otf7TdHLMqKQkLhsx2NWysPHmFxy6r7Cia8dmx17INIMI4573c-lvxEGNtIApxmCpp__MFRynpZqZ3DGbSuV2sqFrAqNOHWcfGjooQ/s16000/2023giftguideforwitches_3.jpg" title="2023 Holiday Gift Guide for Witches and Pagans: Thrift Edition" /></a></div><div><br /><h3><span style="color: #73af02;">1. Gardening Basket for Green Witches</span></h3>If you have a green witch in your life, this is the gift for them. Some items to keep an eye out for at your local thrift store are gently used gardening tools, small flower pots, gardening books, storage jars for seeds and dried herbs, herb drying racks, plant misters, vases, gardening labels, floral tea cups, and floral prints. These items can be paired with a fresh pair of gardening gloves, some seeds, and even a live plant such as basil, rosemary, or a succulent. If you have some seeds left over from your own garden, consider gifting those and maybe even some dried herbs you have on hand. You can even try your hand at making some gardening labels using quick dry clay.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zBWH_rZKn8SstRcHhLEpg30kBVgWmgcRvfjjCPyJrQvt7mlZ-nA7BaR-M7g6tYGqWipaeyp-vv_nap4-7ev_r2C6zhMDONHoRyXsI9979N3Thvh2qruUKTkcFwhYq7y6fwBn45ljxPrJOTWy_xg68kQB742aGJec4SLGNxfTD-TOnutD_7EDlAwuyj8/s799/2023giftguideforwitches_6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="holiday, gift guide, witches, Yule, witchcraft, pagan, neopagan, wicca, wiccan, occult, witchy" border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="599" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zBWH_rZKn8SstRcHhLEpg30kBVgWmgcRvfjjCPyJrQvt7mlZ-nA7BaR-M7g6tYGqWipaeyp-vv_nap4-7ev_r2C6zhMDONHoRyXsI9979N3Thvh2qruUKTkcFwhYq7y6fwBn45ljxPrJOTWy_xg68kQB742aGJec4SLGNxfTD-TOnutD_7EDlAwuyj8/s16000/2023giftguideforwitches_6.jpg" title="2023 Holiday Gift Guide for Witches and Pagans: Thrift Edition" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><h3><span style="color: #73af02;">2. Baking Basket for Kitchen Witches</span></h3>Kitchen witches perform most of their magic through cooking and baking, so gifting items they can use in the kitchen is sure to delight. Keep an eye out for marble cutting boards, cheese slicers, pasta drying racks, unique spoons, pepper grinders, cookbooks, oil bottles, unique storage jars, kitchen towels, and tea cups and teapots. Pair these items with new pot holders, some of their favorite foods, herb-infused oils, handmade spice blends, simmer pot blends, and other kitchen items you think they would love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaht46inkVfMFu24GzpbWHC9pD9oqogt84cM_pknPKcJ6-Ah6ywmE73x_sr641AnIqtUWl7F6JMI-SLmy-cxxwOy_wmY2g_oyZCiWMblGkeZs_RI8VJ1PlPiMEHhV1go2Cnmro1sjpHyP0b3v8FEiU8yPQMSPGYU19vu8HB4FiktJyQ_176CYBqodoDAM/s799/2023giftguideforwitches_5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="holiday, gift guide, witches, Yule, witchcraft, pagan, neopagan, wicca, wiccan, occult, witchy" border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="599" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaht46inkVfMFu24GzpbWHC9pD9oqogt84cM_pknPKcJ6-Ah6ywmE73x_sr641AnIqtUWl7F6JMI-SLmy-cxxwOy_wmY2g_oyZCiWMblGkeZs_RI8VJ1PlPiMEHhV1go2Cnmro1sjpHyP0b3v8FEiU8yPQMSPGYU19vu8HB4FiktJyQ_176CYBqodoDAM/s16000/2023giftguideforwitches_5.jpg" title="2023 Holiday Gift Guide for Witches and Pagans: Thrift Edition" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><h3><span style="color: #73af02;">3. Tea Basket</span></h3>As a lover of tea, as many witches are, I had to include a tea basket just for the tea witches out there. While thrifting, try finding vintage teacups and teapots, dollies, candles, and unique storage containers to pair with a new tea strainer, loose-leaf tea, and honey spoons/straws. And of course, you can add my book, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Green-Witchcraft-Tea-Recipes-Magical/dp/1685391400" target="_blank">Green Witchcraft Tea Recipes: 60 Magical Brews for Love, Healing, and Growth</a> </i>to the basket...you know...for moral support.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3><span style="color: #73af02;">4. Jars</span></h3>You really can't go wrong gifting a witch a jar. Look for unique jars and storage containers and avoid purchasing mason jars. They are way cheaper new than they are in thrift stores. You can even fill the jar with witchy items such as dried herbs, candles, crystals, tarot cards, runes, incense, incense holders, etc, or add some sweets such as candy or fresh-baked cookies. Finish it off with a nice ribbon and a card and you're good to go!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><h3><span style="color: #73af02;">5. Candle Sticks</span></h3>I don't know what it is, but witches also love candle sticks. It's like a moth drawn to a flame...literally. Candle sticks are so versatile and many witches use candles regularly in their magical practice. Having several nice ones on hand allows multiple candles to be used during spells and rituals, on altars, or just as everyday decor. Pair with some unused candles and maybe even some homemade anointing oil and you got a gift any witch will love.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3><span style="color: #73af02;">6. Occult Books</span></h3>Honestly, you are probably going to have a hard time finding occult books at your local thrift store, but you never know! Over the years, I have found some pretty obscure, but invaluable books for less than a dollar, so it's worth giving a shot. If that doesn't work, your local used bookstore is sure to have something appealing to the witch in your life. Used bookstores are already struggling, so this is a great way to help them out, keep books out of the landfill, and impress a witch. We all love a good book.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3><span style="color: #73af02;">7. Platters, Cups, and Dishes</span></h3>Platters, cups, and dishes that can be used during spells, rituals, and on altars are plentiful at thrift stores. Keep an eye out for unique patterns and designs, silver, and ornate designs. These items can be paired with others to create a 'fuller' gift such as alcohol, candles, herbs, jewelry, etc.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3><span style="color: #73af02;">8. Picture Frames</span></h3>Like occult books, unique picture frames are often difficult to find at thrift stores as they are snatched up quickly. However, I wouldn't let that deter you from trying. You never know what you'll find hidden in the back behind everything. Keep an eye out for silver frames especially those with unbroken glass. Picture frames can be turned into scrying mirrors or used to house pictures of deities and ancestors to adorn altars.<br /><br /></div><div><h3><span style="color: #73af02;">9. Jewelry</span></h3>Jewelry is always kept in glass cases toward the front of thrift stores and there is surely something to impress the witch in your life. Look for jewelry made from gold and silver with real stones and crystals, such as amethyst, citrine, quartz, and agates, maybe even emeralds, rubies, or sapphires. Rosaries and evil eye trinkets are also popular among witches. You may also get lucky and find fantasy-inspired jewelry with dragons and faeries. Even if the jewelry is the wrong size, a witch will still have a use for it. Jewelry can be given as offerings, used in spells and rituals, or to adorn altars. </div><div><br /></div><div><h3><span style="color: #73af02;">10. Altar Decor</span></h3>Last but not least, I don't know a single witch who doesn't like to decorate their sacred space or altar. If there is something that screams "witchy" to you, the witch in your life will probably like it. This can include curio shelves, statues, high-quality florals, vases, unused candles, unused journals, dollies, altar cloths, pitchers, marble eggs, small bowls, baskets, dried flowers, and other decor items. You might even get lucky and find some crystals and stones or a really nice furniture piece. A couple of years ago, my mom found a set of wooden acorns that I use every year on my altar. It's one of the best gifts she has ever given me.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As always, these are just some suggestions. If you find an item at a thrift store that reminds you of that person, get it! Your intuition won't steer you wrong. Gifts that come from the heart are better than anything a stranger on the internet could suggest.</div><div><h3><br /></h3></div><div><h1><b>DIY Gift Ideas</b></h1><div><h3><span style="color: #73af02;">1. Yule Simmer Pot in a Jar</span></h3>I don't know about you, but I <i>love</i> simmer pots. Not only do they make your house smell great, but they can also cleanse, purify, banish, raise vibrations, bring luck, and promote peace. Simmer pots are a great way to cleanse and purify a home without the use of fire and smoke, making it a great option for those living in places where they can't burn anything or for those with allergies, medical conditions, or pets. This Yule simmer pot recipe is designed to cleanse and purify a space while promoting happiness, good fortune, and luck in the coming new year.<br /><br />Thinly slice an orange, apple, and lemon. Place slices and cranberries on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-6 hours, turning every hour, until dried.<br />Combine 2 slices of dried orange, 2 slices dried apple, 1 slice of dried lemon, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 tablespoon of whole cloves, 2-3 star anise, 1 sprig of rosemary, 1 bay leaf, and a handful of dried cranberries to a jar. Seal tightly and finish off with an informational card with instructions and magical correspondences. For this recipe, the user will want to combine the jarred ingredients with 2-4 cups of water, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to simmer.<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div><h3><span style="color: #73af02;">2. Magical Candles</span></h3>All witches love the heck out of candles, especially those that are magically infused with crystals, herbs, and love. Finding unused candles at a thrift store can be difficult, but not impossible. If you can't find any, pick up those used candles and repurpose them into new ones. While you don't want to use used candles directly, using their wax, trimming their wick, and repurposing them re-energizes them and resets their use. You can also use candles you find elsewhere to create this DIY gift. Find unique heat-safe dishes, such as silver cups, wooden bowls, and tea cups, while thrifting to create your candle. Add crystal chips, such as amethyst for physic abilities, citrine for happiness, rose quartz for love, or smoky quartz for protection, and herbs, such as calendula for happiness, lavender for tranquility, sage for cleansing, or rosemary for protection, to add a bit of magic to your candle. You can also use a blow dryer to melt the tops of tea candles to create a set of magical candles, each with a different intention. This gift pairs well with thrifted candle sticks and other altar items.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCt3HutK4_TpmpS38GWp97C2v52b_BDy54gQkOlqRFNclOEBhvaKnq1wmxIX5AbaluD6JTGQ7Cj6KPJindXnO4DKX_EZCARx4l9z8irB2R3HkNUJ0TQLXyS1a5tpz4qoYO4GtJCOwHDHXjJQOye__CpCBvs1N2JR9QZAeBJ-eTdnaAspYHUggz9Qul6Q/s1131/2023giftguideforwitches_4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="holiday, gift guide, witches, Yule, witchcraft, pagan, neopagan, wicca, wiccan, occult, witchy" border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="848" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCt3HutK4_TpmpS38GWp97C2v52b_BDy54gQkOlqRFNclOEBhvaKnq1wmxIX5AbaluD6JTGQ7Cj6KPJindXnO4DKX_EZCARx4l9z8irB2R3HkNUJ0TQLXyS1a5tpz4qoYO4GtJCOwHDHXjJQOye__CpCBvs1N2JR9QZAeBJ-eTdnaAspYHUggz9Qul6Q/s16000/2023giftguideforwitches_4.jpg" title="2023 Holiday Gift Guide for Witches and Pagans: Thrift Edition" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><h3><span style="color: #73af02;">3. Herb-Infused Oil</span></h3>The kitchen witch in your life will <i>love </i>herb-infused oils, but you can also make anointing oils for any witch in your life. Infused oils are quick and easy to make given the right ingredients, most of which can be found at your local supermarket in the produce section. Before making an oil, however, you need to decide what the purpose of the oil will be. Both those used for eating and those used in anointing oils should use high-quality herbs, preferably food-grade, and high-quality oils such as extra virgin olive oil or grapeseed oil. Not all herbs used in anointing oils can be eaten, but you still want to make sure the herbs are not coated in a pesticide and aren't going to cause a reaction when used. Avoid toxic herbs, even in anointing oils. If using fresh herbs, lightly bruise them with a wooden rolling pin to release the oils before adding them to your warmed oil (do not simmer). Dried herbs can be added directly to your warmed oil. Allow the oil mixture to sit for an hour before straining and adding to your sterilized bottles. Add some fresh herb sprigs to the bottle as a final touch. Make sure to include an informational card with ingredients, magical correspondences, and uses with your oil infusion. Oils for eating should be used within 10 days of making. Anointing oils can be used indefinitely. Below are some herb-infused oil recipes to excite any witch in your life:</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><i>Rosemary-Infused Oil</i></div><div> - 1 cup extra virgin olive oil</div></div><div> - 1/4 cup fresh rosemary, plus 1-2 sprigs for garnish</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><i>Rosemary-Infused Oil*</i></div><div> - 2 cups extra virgin olive oil</div></div><div> - 5 sprigs fresh rosemary</div></div><div> - 4 garlic cloves</div><div><i>*for this recipe, simmer the garlic cloves in the oil until they turn golden brown before removing from heat and adding your rosemary.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div><div><div><i>Protection Anointing Oil</i></div><div> - 1 cup oil</div></div><div> - 1 tablespoons basil</div></div><div> - 1 tablespoons rosemary</div><div> - 2 bay leaves</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><div><i>Wealth & Prosperity Anointing Oil</i></div><div> - 1 cup oil</div></div><div> - 2 cinnamon sticks</div></div><div> - 3 cloves</div></div><div> - 1 orange peel</div><div><br /></div></div><div><h3><span style="color: #73af02;">4. Tea Blends</span></h3>Did you know you can create your own tea blends right at home? This gift is slightly more expensive than other DIY gifts on the list as it requires food-grade herbs and spices which often cost more than pre-made teas in the store. However, if you have the extra funds, or already have a large number of loose-leaf herbs and spices around your home like I do, this makes an excellent gift for the witch in your life. Simply combine your ingredients in a jar or another sealed container and pair the tea blend with teacups, teapots, candies, and other comforting items. Make sure you label your teas with the ingredients, brewing instructions, and even the herbs' magical correspondences. Below are some witchy-inspired tea blends:</div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>Dream Tea</i></div><div>Makes 1-2 cups</div><div> - 1 tablespoon chamomile</div></div><div> - 1 tablespoon lavender</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><i>Passion Tea</i></div><div>Makes 1-2 cups</div><div> - 1 tablespoon rooibos tea</div></div><div> - 1 tablespoon rose petals</div></div><div> - 1 cinnamon stick<br /><br /></div><div><div><div><i>Divination Tea</i></div><div>Makes 1-2 cups</div><div> - 3 teaspoons black tea</div><div> - 2 teaspoons mugwort</div></div><div> - 2 teaspoons lavender</div></div><div> - 2 teaspoons lemon balm</div><div><br /></div><div><div><h3><span style="color: #73af02;">5. Sugar Scrub</span></h3>Sugar scrubs are cheap and easy to make and are sure to delight the witch in your life. They'll leave their skin feeling baby-soft and glowing, ready to take on the world. Not only that, but they are also a great way to cleanse before and after a ritual or spell and infuse magic into a bath routine. Simply combine the ingredients in a jar and finish off with an information/instruction card that has been hole-punched and attached with a ribbon. I suggest using Canva to create your cards as they offer a host of designs, free graphics, and so much more. Below are a couple of recipes that are sure to delight:</div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>Relaxation Sugar Scrub</i></div><div> - 1 cup granulated sugar</div><div> - 1 tablespoon dried lavender</div><div> - 1 tablespoon dried chamomile</div><div> - 2-5 tablespoons olive, grapeseed, or coconut oil</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>Cleansing Sugar Scrub</i></div><div> - 1 cup granulated sugar</div><div> - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced</div><div> - 1 tablespoon fresh sage, minced</div><div> - 2-5 tablespoons olive, grapeseed, or coconut oil</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>Love Sugar Scrub</i></div><div> - 1 cup granulated sugar</div><div> - 2 tablespoons dried rose petals</div><div> - 15 drops of rose essential oil</div><div> - 2-5 tablespoons olive, grapeseed, or coconut oil</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Pair any of these sugar scrubs with other relaxing items such as teas, candles, crystals, a good book, and/or plush towels to create a themed gift.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><h3><span style="color: #73af02;">6. Bath Tea</span></h3>If the witch in your life could use a little more self-care, try surprising them with a bath tea. Bath teas often consist of a blend of herbs, salts, and even rolled oats and can be tailored to a variety of magical and physical needs. Simply combine the ingredients in a mason jar or muslin bag and pair it with an information/instruction card made in Canva that has been hole-punched and attached with ribbon to the bath tea. Below are some potential recipe ideas for the witch in your life:</div></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Relaxation Bath Tea</i></div><div>Makes 1 muslin bag</div><div> - 1 tablespoon dried lavender </div><div> - 1 tablespoon dried lemon balm</div><div> - 1 tablespoon dried rose petals</div><div> - 1 cup Epsom salts</div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>Sleepy Bath Tea</i></div><div>Makes 1 muslin bag</div><div> - 1 tablespoon lavender</div><div> - 1 tablespoon calendula</div><div> - 1 tablespoon chamomile</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><i>Self Love Bath Tea</i></div><div>Makes 1 mason jar</div><div> - 1 cup Epsom salts</div><div> - 1/2 cup pink Himalayan sea salt</div><div> - 1/4 cup baking soda</div></div><div> - 1/2 cup dried rose petals</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><i>Purification Bath Tea</i></div><div>Makes 1 mason jar</div><div> - 1 cup Epsom salts</div><div> - 1/2 cup pink Himalayan sea salt</div><div> - 1/4 cup baking soda</div></div><div> - 1/4 cup rosemary</div></div><div> - 1/4 cup lemon verbena</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>These recipes pair well with the above-mentioned sugar scrubs and tea blends, candles, and plush bath towels. Combine all the items together in a basket to make a unique gift for the witch in your life. Why not also pair these teas and sugar scrub with my book <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Green-Witchs-Guide-Self-Care-Remedies/dp/B0BHFY3DVW" target="_blank">The Green Witch's Guide to Self-Care: Natural Spells, Rituals, and Remedies for Your Mind, Body, and Spirit</a></i>?</div><div><br /></div><div><h3><span style="color: #73af02;">7. Clay Runes, Incense Holders, Deity Statues, Etc</span></h3>Clay is so versatile and can be used to make just about everything. Dollar Tree sells quick-drying clay that can be used to create runes, incense holders, statues and so much more. Spend some time looking through Pinterest for some ideas and get creative. I would, however, avoid using this clay to create bowls as they are not heat-safe or water-safe. If you create runes, you can create an information card on Canva explaining the different rune meanings and print it out. Pick up a second-hand coin purse to store the runes and the information card. If making an incense holder, pair it with some incense.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUm2lMnkn1Ue_T-9f_AsZcYAHVAkH37gKvoybyubR0tYav0RllgS7ltpQ_HFgkTmqZTgTisZB1O_MU-YSXqdcNBqnVMSrNpTXXAK3IyPjUrpWrOTH4WeevIWVRB0fth-DYDZsMOXJ4Ur7OR4NJfYmHBA9iaJYNXPyU72sJBGMJwIC5DRTIvwZQofCLbA/s799/2023giftguideforwitches_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="holiday, gift guide, witches, Yule, witchcraft, pagan, neopagan, wicca, wiccan, occult, witchy" border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="599" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUm2lMnkn1Ue_T-9f_AsZcYAHVAkH37gKvoybyubR0tYav0RllgS7ltpQ_HFgkTmqZTgTisZB1O_MU-YSXqdcNBqnVMSrNpTXXAK3IyPjUrpWrOTH4WeevIWVRB0fth-DYDZsMOXJ4Ur7OR4NJfYmHBA9iaJYNXPyU72sJBGMJwIC5DRTIvwZQofCLbA/s16000/2023giftguideforwitches_1.jpg" title="2023 Holiday Gift Guide for Witches and Pagans: Thrift Edition" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><h3><span style="color: #73af02;">8. Crystal Advent</span></h3>This has got to be one of my favorite DIY's and it costs pennies to create. While you can go out shopping for crystals to create this advent, I encourage you to go rock hunting instead. Fall and winter are great times to visit local rivers and streams as water levels are usually lower, allowing you to avoid getting wet and find treasures normally washed downstream. Keep an eye out for clear quartz, amethyst, agates, or any cool-looking rocks. Remember to thank the Earth and local spirits for their gifts wherever you go rock hunting by leaving behind an eco-friendly gift. Once collected, arrange the rocks, gems, and crystals into a compartmentalized box, such as a tackle box, that's it! You can go a step further and attempt to identify the rocks, have them polished, or wrap and number each rock to create a true advent. I arranged my rocks in an old bottle brush tree box with some shredded paper and wrapped it with some ribbon. I only paid for the cost of the ribbon and I know my friends will adore it.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div></div><h1 style="text-align: center;">***</h1><div>No matter what you decide to get your witch this holiday season, make sure the items are chosen with love and they are sure to be surprised. Giving doesn't have to be expensive or lavish. Gifts from the heart are always the best option.</div><div><br /></div><div>Being that this is a time for giving, I encourage you to include charities in your gift-giving as well. <a href="https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank" target="_blank">Local food banks</a> and <a href="https://www.toysfortots.org/" target="_blank">Toys for Tots</a> are always looking for additional help. <a href="https://www.transanta.com/" target="_blank">Transanta</a> has a number of families needing help this holiday season as well, not to mention the humanitarian aid campaigns for <a href="https://www.charitywatch.org/charity-donating-articles/israel-hamas-war-top-rated-charities-providing-humanitarian-aid" target="_blank">Palestine</a> and the <a href="https://niood.com/top-5-charities-to-help-dr-congo-supporting-a-nation-grappling-with-conflict-and-poverty/" target="_blank">Congo</a>. You can also put together some blessing bags with toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, mini laundry detergents or packs, thick socks, hats, gloves, medicated lip balm, hand and foot warmers, hand sanitizer, travel utensils, sunscreen, first aid kits, tampons, snacks, and rolled quarters to pass out to the unhoused people in your area. And don't forget your local animal shelters. While kitten and puppy season is largely over (there is always an exception!), these organizations still need food, beds, toys, litter, and medical aid to help our furry friends.</div><div><br /></div><div>No matter what, I hope everyone has a joyous holiday season full of love and light, kindness and hope.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcp0T0br8vE6LH6QQ1KdPV8XlFCGiSm7BNE6M9lf8ZdtlXWc01Z24gteo7wUknbLZI3qANQCp3IBrTM520YNEiNy4lT8BqMYDwlccq7cYA4aAJaAgQWbYhQlcIA0Ew3cY8sk_Ly3BO-dd3JHq_kU_isflnSpHSVZE04Oq54eJGMyDN9DCPGQzn0FP/s123/name.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="123" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcp0T0br8vE6LH6QQ1KdPV8XlFCGiSm7BNE6M9lf8ZdtlXWc01Z24gteo7wUknbLZI3qANQCp3IBrTM520YNEiNy4lT8BqMYDwlccq7cYA4aAJaAgQWbYhQlcIA0Ew3cY8sk_Ly3BO-dd3JHq_kU_isflnSpHSVZE04Oq54eJGMyDN9DCPGQzn0FP/s1600/name.jpg" width="123" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div><i>If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. </i></div>
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<script src="https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#ffbd9b', 'A0A71BU5N');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15833903403803495986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440943230379430538.post-49301979942913987422023-11-27T10:00:00.001-05:002023-11-27T10:00:00.137-05:00Magical Properties of Blue Goldstone<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirg5uSVdw_eK2REo1qh9DnRvyahsW-y741_hysa_RVrYCaQmwY0pq9cDVCVnJL3nW0SJQgIcBiS21qE1emXbHedzJ2Y3lNTCLjFLRfixDRzbDjiBIkDS4koGG4wFkSSvyUzVsGGX8EITq_gijKDKTdrVMFVGSCrJW0qG4LQLsTrl71WtrgVmmpmGVJTyE/s2000/Blue%20Goldstone%20Infographic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="blue goldstone, crystal witch, traditional witchcraft, trad craft, cunning folk, witchcraft, crystal magic, witch, wiccan, wicca, pagan, neopagan, occult, gem, stone" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirg5uSVdw_eK2REo1qh9DnRvyahsW-y741_hysa_RVrYCaQmwY0pq9cDVCVnJL3nW0SJQgIcBiS21qE1emXbHedzJ2Y3lNTCLjFLRfixDRzbDjiBIkDS4koGG4wFkSSvyUzVsGGX8EITq_gijKDKTdrVMFVGSCrJW0qG4LQLsTrl71WtrgVmmpmGVJTyE/s16000/Blue%20Goldstone%20Infographic.png" title="Magical Properties of Blue Goldstone" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><div><i>If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. </i></div>
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<script src="https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#ffbd9b', 'A0A71BU5N');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15833903403803495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440943230379430538.post-13538842952929363852023-11-06T10:00:00.007-05:002024-03-15T13:52:54.621-04:00Book Review: The Fright Before Christmas, Surviving Krampus and Other Yuletide Monsters, Witches, and Ghosts by Jeff Belanger<div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bkzO9mlhZGPblEtKB9lzbWRF6UX3Hegz-24T9GuTimbXvsk54LJv1Q-OUpsx-F7QTUX0UnxPRPW7YcrlL9NULHLUQtIQaIiityGu8aej-l8GPqm_Ir2qujHEYJWOm_7V5ZC6J63MCmshd9mArEgJMSSawtNvoiryCp95ZnE8dHwt03D0MTtGoajvzdc/s1500/Fright%20Before%20Christmas%20Review.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="folklore, Christmas, Yule, book review, witch, witchcraft, occult, spiritual, wicca, wiccan, pagan" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bkzO9mlhZGPblEtKB9lzbWRF6UX3Hegz-24T9GuTimbXvsk54LJv1Q-OUpsx-F7QTUX0UnxPRPW7YcrlL9NULHLUQtIQaIiityGu8aej-l8GPqm_Ir2qujHEYJWOm_7V5ZC6J63MCmshd9mArEgJMSSawtNvoiryCp95ZnE8dHwt03D0MTtGoajvzdc/s16000/Fright%20Before%20Christmas%20Review.png" title="Book Review: The Fright Before Christmas, Surviving Krampus and Other Yuletide Monsters, Witches, and Ghosts by Jeff Belanger" /></a></div></div><div><i>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><i>I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>While it may seem like the Halloween season is over, this couldn't be further from the truth. As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, monsters come out to play. Our ancestors viewed the winter months as one of the most dangerous times of the year, not only because of freezing or starving to death, but also because of what may be lurking in the dark. <a href="https://amzn.to/3Qsnld1" target="_blank"><i>The Fright Before Christmas, Surviving Krampus and Other Yuletide Monsters, Witches, and Ghosts</i> by Jeff Belanger</a> takes the reader on a journey through time to revisit those ghosts, monsters, and ghouls that go bump in the night during the Yuletide season, leaving the reader feeling both anxious and excited for the darkest part of the year. But not all is lost, as the light always returns, giving us hope for the future.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>This humble, hard-cover book is broken up into three 'acts' or sections. Act One is titled 'Hope', which covers the history of the festivals and holidays commonly celebrated in December, where they originate from, why we began celebrating in the first place, how they have morphed over time, and where many of them are headed in the future. I seriously thought I knew the story of Saint Nicholas, but boy was I wrong and in for such a treat. The first section is certainly filled with hope, leaving you woefully unprepared for the monsters to come in 'Act Two: Fear.' In the second act, which is the majority of the book, Belanger journies through time and space to bring to life all the monsters of the season, some of which have lost their potent bite over time, but are still ferocious all the same. He covered everything from the ever-popular Krampus, Mari Lwyd, and Santa Claus, to the lesser-known Belsnickel (of course if you are a fan of The Office you are familiar with this character), Tomten, Karakoncolos, Zwarte Piet, and even the Yule Cat! Belanger covers these figures' history, purpose, and modern takes as related to Christmas and Yule, each chapter filled with pictures, drawings, and references. The book ends with Act Three: Redemption in which Belanger reminds us that just like Scoorge, we too carry the burdens of our lives wrapped around us like chains, and unless we find it in our hearts to be charitable, kind, and inclusive, we may be haunted by more than just the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future...</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, this book had me enthralled. I know it's early, but I am very ready for the holiday season now that Halloween has officially passed. Thanksgiving, while a great time to visit family, has never sat right with me, and I think more and more Americans are starting to feel the same way. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful and appreciate the time off with my family, but I no longer feel the need to give Thanksgiving its due before decorating for Yule. I used to be one of those people who refused to decorate until <i>after</i> Thanksgiving, but honestly, I am starting to put up decorations now. <a href="https://amzn.to/3Qsnld1" target="_blank"><i>The Fright Before Christmas, Surviving Krampus and Other Yuletide Monsters, Witches, and Ghosts</i> by Jeff Belanger</a> is the perfect way to kick off the season, as it has all the terrifying elements of Halloween with all the bright, hopeful elements of Christmas and Yule. Whatever you celebrate this season, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3Qsnld1" target="_blank">The Fright Before Christmas</a> </i>will make the perfect coffee table book to revisit each evening with your family, especially if you have children, to remind them to be good, mind their manners, and not stray too far in the dark and cold winter nights.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3Qsnld1" target="_blank"><i>The Fright Before Christmas, Surviving Krampus and Other Yuletide Monsters, Witches, and Ghosts</i> by Jeff Belanger</a> is available now wherever books are sold.</div><div><br /></div><div>
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<script src="https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#ffbd9b', 'A0A71BU5N');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15833903403803495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440943230379430538.post-12353418074697921402023-10-31T10:00:00.001-04:002023-10-31T10:00:00.128-04:00Samhain/Fall Equitherm Altar 2023<div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5jyj-Ja-KL6Uos7WTX3jgIWmcdaI3PvVscVMJq7b6CoYBSOUMdzsaJqX25qARUTJzOjl0tcmmx_8E5TQBgVkqhkToisqlJoE3aCzkafdOVO0KFxOO0QL2KJq56jhVSZyQtRQOR3_P2AahuKS5nZJV8PAtqQ9oFtAmqsAMqaN5E0-HKbhpJtycrdpFmI/s1500/Smahain%20Altar%202023.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="altar, sabbat, Samhain, Halloween, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5jyj-Ja-KL6Uos7WTX3jgIWmcdaI3PvVscVMJq7b6CoYBSOUMdzsaJqX25qARUTJzOjl0tcmmx_8E5TQBgVkqhkToisqlJoE3aCzkafdOVO0KFxOO0QL2KJq56jhVSZyQtRQOR3_P2AahuKS5nZJV8PAtqQ9oFtAmqsAMqaN5E0-HKbhpJtycrdpFmI/s16000/Smahain%20Altar%202023.png" title="Samhain/Fall Equitherm Altar 2023" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">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.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">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.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">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.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmHLhDrnrE30vnxxqk5P1G9DK0mKsIKjFdshVj5zIDROfWZkBrI8-FS4oxYPeDY43yREmCoLih_KD7QRylEM9LIQS3HS0_X8P7smlK-7g7IBhaWymQZ5nLYgY6Vwp0NL5JzmNEmLoHaAcwUU-poLx7GlKKoWGSWx9BMyaHrgibz4kRkrqH-UZWUbBoNg/s1440/Samhain%202023%20Altar%20Numbered.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="altar, sabbat, Samhain, Halloween, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmHLhDrnrE30vnxxqk5P1G9DK0mKsIKjFdshVj5zIDROfWZkBrI8-FS4oxYPeDY43yREmCoLih_KD7QRylEM9LIQS3HS0_X8P7smlK-7g7IBhaWymQZ5nLYgY6Vwp0NL5JzmNEmLoHaAcwUU-poLx7GlKKoWGSWx9BMyaHrgibz4kRkrqH-UZWUbBoNg/s16000/Samhain%202023%20Altar%20Numbered.png" title="Samhain/Fall Equitherm Altar 2023" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><span style="color: #73af02;"><span style="color: #73af02;">1. </span><span style="color: #73af02;">Goat Skull</span><span style="color: #73af02;">-</span><span style="color: black;"> 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. </span><i style="color: black;"><span style="color: #73af02;">(Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free)</span></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #73af02;"><i style="color: black;"><span style="color: #73af02;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #73af02;"><i style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBngQprNcp9A-Pb9vIEU6yhwLklD9bkiYAjbZ9jgAu7nVG3EF7yhQ4gfvm3UgAlJW64KhBePrlny1sFUjJvvu6TY-is6zwYTwlUoY2bBkJNlsfs2XElJtS8Jj0Y3_9IrjknvOrLKIPQARf91TKdGwQQw16uC4QFcnQpiK4dbNj6CYONehqx_EhrJHe_Y4/s1008/samhainaltar2023_2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="altar, sabbat, Samhain, Halloween, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca" border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBngQprNcp9A-Pb9vIEU6yhwLklD9bkiYAjbZ9jgAu7nVG3EF7yhQ4gfvm3UgAlJW64KhBePrlny1sFUjJvvu6TY-is6zwYTwlUoY2bBkJNlsfs2XElJtS8Jj0Y3_9IrjknvOrLKIPQARf91TKdGwQQw16uC4QFcnQpiK4dbNj6CYONehqx_EhrJHe_Y4/s16000/samhainaltar2023_2.jpeg" title="Samhain/Fall Equitherm Altar 2023" /></a></div><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #73af02;"><span style="color: #73af02;">2. </span><span style="color: #73af02;">Roses & Yarrow</span><span style="color: #73af02;">-</span><span style="color: black;"> Y</span></span>arrow 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. <i><span style="color: #73af02;">(Where did I get it: Garden; Cost: Free)</span></i></div><div><span style="color: #73af02;"><i style="color: black;"><span style="color: #73af02;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #73af02;"><i style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPR22qPxt2QfhnyAo6y_AlhdWSjvum5X9LukN9pPP1EZPddRCt_KfUBbj9bsOdfiNvrxmH8vJNWlEF8Vh47CUr0zc09iwwW_y5qB1JPTW4KpebZS8h8NhvzdE94bpZLDgggofhawxKoBxfEbAI85pdtNCd-cGLTJgPSkZsjOGU_4yNC19uPznYByyGZQQ/s1008/samhainaltar2023_7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="altar, sabbat, Samhain, Halloween, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca" border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPR22qPxt2QfhnyAo6y_AlhdWSjvum5X9LukN9pPP1EZPddRCt_KfUBbj9bsOdfiNvrxmH8vJNWlEF8Vh47CUr0zc09iwwW_y5qB1JPTW4KpebZS8h8NhvzdE94bpZLDgggofhawxKoBxfEbAI85pdtNCd-cGLTJgPSkZsjOGU_4yNC19uPznYByyGZQQ/s16000/samhainaltar2023_7.jpeg" title="Samhain/Fall Equitherm Altar 2023" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #73af02;"><span style="color: #73af02;">3. </span></span><span style="color: #73af02;">Black & Yellow Candle and Tea Light in Leaf Candle Holder</span><span style="color: #73af02;">-</span> 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. <span style="color: #73af02;"><i>(</i><i>Where did I get it: Black & Orange Candle- <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Blagowood" target="_blank">Blagowood</a>; Cost: Won/Free (originally- $13.50); White Candle and Holders- Dollar Tree 2020; Cost: $1</i><i>)</i></span></div><div><span style="color: #73af02;"><i style="color: black;"><span style="color: #73af02;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span><span style="color: #73af02;">4. Clear Quartz Tower, Snow Flake Obsidian, Smoky Quartz, Labradorite, Black Kyanite, and Amethyst</span><span style="color: #73af02;">-</span> 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. <i style="color: black;"><span style="color: #73af02;">(Where did I get it: Various Metaphysical Stores; Cost: $15</span></i><i style="color: black;"><span style="color: #73af02;">)</span></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #73af02;"><i style="color: black;"><span style="color: #73af02;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #73af02;"><i style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzRX3j2KxiQ1jv9qQRa1QUtPSouu6Yb_jQcXn7zgbxi1g68tWNdXH_MwY6zN5wa4SwW5NsQ0jXOGxyH8489-B2Gt2bWvVBXFQgFBMlidh5B4t1HTcMRZKX5V4UrP-jqidBwFuc9sy2twiipIRCMniRKT-ZqGdLJWNpG3dN_3xHa6Y3op28sG3Wy-3ZWw/s1008/samhainaltar2023_12.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="altar, sabbat, Samhain, Halloween, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca" border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzRX3j2KxiQ1jv9qQRa1QUtPSouu6Yb_jQcXn7zgbxi1g68tWNdXH_MwY6zN5wa4SwW5NsQ0jXOGxyH8489-B2Gt2bWvVBXFQgFBMlidh5B4t1HTcMRZKX5V4UrP-jqidBwFuc9sy2twiipIRCMniRKT-ZqGdLJWNpG3dN_3xHa6Y3op28sG3Wy-3ZWw/s16000/samhainaltar2023_12.jpeg" title="Samhain/Fall Equitherm Altar 2023" /></a></div><span style="color: #73af02;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span><div style="color: black;"><span style="color: #73af02;"><span style="color: #73af02;">4. The Beast Tarot Card</span><span style="color: #73af02;">-</span><span style="color: black;"> 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. </span><i style="color: black;"><span style="color: #73af02;">(Where did I get it: Etsy; Cost: ~$30</span></i><i style="color: black;"><span style="color: #73af02;">)</span></i></span></div><div style="color: #73af02;"><span style="color: #73af02;"><i style="color: black;"><span style="color: #73af02;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span><div style="color: black;"><span style="color: #73af02;"><span style="color: #73af02;">6. Ansuz & Algiz Runes</span><span style="color: #73af02;">-</span><span style="color: black;"> 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. </span><i style="color: black;"><span style="color: #73af02;">(Where did I get it: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Blagowood" target="_blank">Blagowood</a>; Cost: Won/</span></i><i>Free (originally- $30 for set</i><i style="color: black;"><span style="color: #73af02;">)</span></i></span></div><div style="color: black;"><span style="color: #73af02;"><i style="color: black;"><span style="color: #73af02;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="color: black;"><span style="color: #73af02;"><i style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVhD-DLhoA1Hn6G0F_9vyrSlCaF2-5iSKkJDJsCxfN-mwU58Ii1ldw1HgoUFNu1K-ABqCaeu4w1Cm5pinK_eYkl1Wra-9tQdKEJKACvycUuwurtNhdypUNYWUVZy4bnx3z3sXqnvzCzeO0PNoHkn9Qxe39zwGKxGtX_rcer-MRvBJCrtyWgjiRf8OfXg/s1008/samhainaltar2023_6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="altar, sabbat, Samhain, Halloween, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca" border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVhD-DLhoA1Hn6G0F_9vyrSlCaF2-5iSKkJDJsCxfN-mwU58Ii1ldw1HgoUFNu1K-ABqCaeu4w1Cm5pinK_eYkl1Wra-9tQdKEJKACvycUuwurtNhdypUNYWUVZy4bnx3z3sXqnvzCzeO0PNoHkn9Qxe39zwGKxGtX_rcer-MRvBJCrtyWgjiRf8OfXg/s16000/samhainaltar2023_6.jpeg" title="Samhain/Fall Equitherm Altar 2023" /></a></div><span style="color: #73af02;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span><span style="color: #73af02;"><span style="color: #73af02;">7. Coyote Claw-</span></span> 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. <i style="color: black;"><span style="color: #73af02;">(Where did I get it: Gift; Cost: Free</span></i><i style="color: black;"><span style="color: #73af02;">)</span></i></span></div><div><span><i style="color: black;"><span style="color: #73af02;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span><span><span style="color: #73af02;">8. Ivy-</span></span> 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. <i><span style="color: #73af02;">(Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $1.25</span></i><i><span style="color: #73af02;">)</span></i></span></div></span></div></span></div><div><span style="color: #73af02;"><i style="color: black;"><span style="color: #73af02;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #73af02;"><i style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7R56XgMpn51-w1Vha2GLBY2bAqnmGDWB3XoWVkPRPh0dFjOfj8xd7yzFmxcniq3BPB_qol96PDLa-6vQtoXSbmdqxywAgCb9w44C1aajNFLAgFhJzBhKdz2oHL0KWjOd0gfZjaWfSRct5k3D_TpwKLgFsqY80gcKoKEt8lYVDNGdwq44MCRzpdB8_zo/s1008/samhainaltar2023_9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="altar, sabbat, Samhain, Halloween, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca" border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7R56XgMpn51-w1Vha2GLBY2bAqnmGDWB3XoWVkPRPh0dFjOfj8xd7yzFmxcniq3BPB_qol96PDLa-6vQtoXSbmdqxywAgCb9w44C1aajNFLAgFhJzBhKdz2oHL0KWjOd0gfZjaWfSRct5k3D_TpwKLgFsqY80gcKoKEt8lYVDNGdwq44MCRzpdB8_zo/s16000/samhainaltar2023_9.jpeg" title="Samhain/Fall Equitherm Altar 2023" /></a></div><span style="color: #73af02;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #73af02;">9. Hekate & Orange Candles in Moon Phase Candle Holders</span><span style="color: #73af02;">-</span> 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. <span style="color: #73af02;"><i>(</i><i>Where did I get it: Gift/Home Goods 2023; Cost: $20</i><i>)</i></span></div><div><span style="color: #73af02;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99NTuquJdazjzuH7tshQ7OrYLI2FChjw9pEr3GBbG5uByOWUEuDDmC5gjiXxcZfYldO1TzHszeSYXzAgdb73SJ0WXn_H2-LZ6dPB-d_UDynyCY188gXdfnjhnx0lAACCP_kPecZEpiQTDFq860xr2ciFXPgRcoJMEUf3qxUGNvt-HZr-nyh-pA5Awa4Y/s1440/Samhain%202023%20Altar%20labeled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="altar, sabbat, Samhain, Halloween, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99NTuquJdazjzuH7tshQ7OrYLI2FChjw9pEr3GBbG5uByOWUEuDDmC5gjiXxcZfYldO1TzHszeSYXzAgdb73SJ0WXn_H2-LZ6dPB-d_UDynyCY188gXdfnjhnx0lAACCP_kPecZEpiQTDFq860xr2ciFXPgRcoJMEUf3qxUGNvt-HZr-nyh-pA5Awa4Y/s16000/Samhain%202023%20Altar%20labeled.png" title="Samhain/Fall Equitherm Altar 2023" /></a></div><br /><div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #73af02;">TOTAL COST: ~$37</span></h2></div><div><span style="color: #73af02;"><br /></span></div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-qWKh1gjSTehz7b4lPH2yb2zlLk8y6a1F-duxakQx85Kt69P2De2dbZZoafmLCQUTz0cy82ia3x6cnobDR0PvK93YNDrzt2LIvWKEaD7SOhBHl5pT6MgVRsaxxuXtQt_4jUBwOzjUh8IXz03XV3WWSibuP4iwrgf-5HYmuYZhhvWw9CiYxxjwaGQTZc/s1099/samhainaltar2023_3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="altar, sabbat, Samhain, Halloween, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1099" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-qWKh1gjSTehz7b4lPH2yb2zlLk8y6a1F-duxakQx85Kt69P2De2dbZZoafmLCQUTz0cy82ia3x6cnobDR0PvK93YNDrzt2LIvWKEaD7SOhBHl5pT6MgVRsaxxuXtQt_4jUBwOzjUh8IXz03XV3WWSibuP4iwrgf-5HYmuYZhhvWw9CiYxxjwaGQTZc/s16000/samhainaltar2023_3.jpeg" title="Samhain/Fall Equitherm Altar 2023" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>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.</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5g1HZ6w6la4OYz37jl-QFKJkFpA7GkxZSHPLO-E_Jq4sfVmlLkiCy5171JHSiyOTBWzkWIn0b1TI2evi7Mo9MXLa8PcflCq3qnur2HETbYnrGCT_52sgVT8AgtHvicg_lO-IxIbSTIGI/s123/name.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5g1HZ6w6la4OYz37jl-QFKJkFpA7GkxZSHPLO-E_Jq4sfVmlLkiCy5171JHSiyOTBWzkWIn0b1TI2evi7Mo9MXLa8PcflCq3qnur2HETbYnrGCT_52sgVT8AgtHvicg_lO-IxIbSTIGI/s0/name.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Interested in learning more about Samhain? Below are some resources to get you started.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2015/10/samhain-history-and-lore.html">Samhain, History and Lore</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2015/10/samhain-correspondences.html">Samhain Correspondences</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2018/10/3-ways-to-honor-your-ancestors-at.html">3 Ways to Honor Your Ancestors at Samhain</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2019/10/fruit-of-underworld-ritual.html">Fruit of the Underworld Ritual: A Ritual to Connect with Your Ancestors</a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2019/10/spirit-work-for-samhain.html">Spirit Work for Samhain</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2023/10/anointing-oil-recipe-for-ancestral-communication.html">Bridging the Veil: An Anointing Oil Recipe for Ancestral Communication</a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div><i>If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. </i></div>
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<script src="https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#ffbd9b', 'A0A71BU5N');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15833903403803495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440943230379430538.post-91436557643892568542023-10-24T10:00:00.007-04:002024-01-28T11:49:49.246-05:00Bridging the Veil: An Anointing Oil Recipe for Ancestral Communication<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvLQjtnFWw84kPp7P6AZwViYHLTFWmY9y61Ja-EPHkzFIdFMlyJckxZQ3ywyxkG8-xiKVB63e6_Qcj59GT-gF7WXzajnLpVgB5Ca5yJWjoQuhfo0l5LQX5UWU94dZic7cHM17tsmZhGKSsz_0wafWr1fUlcPcqtftLWdRH4LFmyrrBnIPmzI_7oXplX4/s1500/Oil%20for%20Ancestral%20Communication.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ancestral communication, ancestors, ancestor veneration, anointing oil, spell, ritual, hedgecraft, hedge witch, green witch, kitchen witch, witchcraft, witch, pagan" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvLQjtnFWw84kPp7P6AZwViYHLTFWmY9y61Ja-EPHkzFIdFMlyJckxZQ3ywyxkG8-xiKVB63e6_Qcj59GT-gF7WXzajnLpVgB5Ca5yJWjoQuhfo0l5LQX5UWU94dZic7cHM17tsmZhGKSsz_0wafWr1fUlcPcqtftLWdRH4LFmyrrBnIPmzI_7oXplX4/s16000/Oil%20for%20Ancestral%20Communication.png" title="Bridging the Veil: An Anointing Oil Recipe for Ancestral Communication" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><h2><span style="color: #73af02;">What You'll Need</span></h2></div><ul><li>1 part dried mugwort</li><li>1 part dried yarrow flowers</li><li>1 part allspice (1/2 the amount if you are using ground)</li><li>1 part dried rosemary</li><li>Grapeseed oil or another oil base to cover</li><li>Obsidian or amethyst chips (optional)</li><li>Amber bottle</li></ul></div><div><h2><span style="color: #73af02;">What to Do</span></h2>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><h2><span style="color: #73af02;">Why You Did It</span></h2>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 <a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/search/label/Spellcrafting%20Series">Spellcrafting Series</a>). </div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>Remember to record this recipe in your Book of Shadows for reference later.</div><div><br /></div><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b>***</b></h1><div>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!</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfk523WD97II2DxHIlXDfUM-d8XrpnwbF1RXEZgGfL73s05evv0iHvk7c2kE2t5KnF6EME3cbTDdWm5kRDPuGMizsLncpyEtyAtnxzDrtJZwsXSjeuKtq1Yo_QsdUfUZ36T0hWKk0XGe0QQWli1jdB5QL2zm8WAYbgbTdkyTiBSdJdOeZGWH0yBHP6dMc/s123/name.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="123" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfk523WD97II2DxHIlXDfUM-d8XrpnwbF1RXEZgGfL73s05evv0iHvk7c2kE2t5KnF6EME3cbTDdWm5kRDPuGMizsLncpyEtyAtnxzDrtJZwsXSjeuKtq1Yo_QsdUfUZ36T0hWKk0XGe0QQWli1jdB5QL2zm8WAYbgbTdkyTiBSdJdOeZGWH0yBHP6dMc/s1600/name.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Interested in learning more about ancestral communication and veneration? Below are some resources to get you started.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2019/10/fruit-of-underworld-ritual.html">Fruit of the Underworld Ritual: A Ritual to Connect with Your Ancestors</a></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2019/10/spirit-work-for-samhain.html">Spirit Work for Samhain</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2019/08/book-review-honoring-your-ancestors.html">Book Review: Honoring Your Ancestors- A Guide to Ancestral Veneration by Mallorie Vaudoise</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2021/03/book-review-ancestral-tarot-by-nancy.html">Book Review: Ancestral Tarot by Nancy Hendrickson</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2019/10/book-review-what-is-remembered-lives-by.html">Book Review: What Is Remembered Lives by Phoenix LeFae</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><i>If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. </i></div>
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<script src="https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#ffbd9b', 'A0A71BU5N');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15833903403803495986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440943230379430538.post-798963415860359242023-10-10T10:00:00.001-04:002023-10-10T10:00:00.135-04:00Magical and Medicinal Properties of Pomegranate<div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvAV3nVVX-VHC2WapQphMu3u8wOGBX_yMu944kUAeMTnTLTeAiIS_ahCSj_vHclEJ1XMaPkxuCIeM-T_baw_tQAki7_glotODxNmNh-5qmaIBF1cBJVqg8Nhlft2y-XF4N3TrUAwszfeA1CeRKSKcXBBw1M-IY-Qp0m-YWhKMnugZgeivMyprFqnYbdE/s1540/pomegranate.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pomegranate, herbalism, herbal remedy, magic, witchcraft, herb magic, green witchcraft, hedgewitch, herb magic, herb magick, magick, magic, occult, wicca, wiccan, pagan, neopagan" border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="1540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvAV3nVVX-VHC2WapQphMu3u8wOGBX_yMu944kUAeMTnTLTeAiIS_ahCSj_vHclEJ1XMaPkxuCIeM-T_baw_tQAki7_glotODxNmNh-5qmaIBF1cBJVqg8Nhlft2y-XF4N3TrUAwszfeA1CeRKSKcXBBw1M-IY-Qp0m-YWhKMnugZgeivMyprFqnYbdE/s16000/pomegranate.jpg" title="Magical and Medicinal Properties of Pomegranate." /></a></div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Gender: </b>Masculine<br /><b>Planet: </b>Mercury<br /><b>Element: </b>Fire<br /><b>Powers:</b> Abundance, Barrenness,<b> </b>Death, Fertility, Love, Luck, Mortality, Wealth, Wishes<br /><b>Magical Uses and History: </b>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 <a href="https://jewishaction.com/religion/jewish-law/whats_the_truth_about_pomegranate_seeds/" target="_blank">gemara in Berachot</a> 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 <i>Romeo and Juliet,</i> 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.</div><div><br /></div><div>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! </div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>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 <i>Rosh Hashanah</i>, 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.</div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><div>Pomegranate can be used in a number of spells including:</div><div> Fertility Spells<br /> Love Spells</div><div> Death Magic</div><div> Ancestral Communication</div><div> Prosperity Rituals<br /> Binding Magic</div><div> Luck Spells</div><div> Abundance Rituals</div><div><br /></div><div>I've personally used pomegranate in my ritual to communicate with my ancestors and the dead, as seen in <a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2019/10/fruit-of-underworld-ritual.html">Fruit of the Underworld Ritual: A Ritual to Connect with Your Ancestors</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Medicinal Uses:</b> 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.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Preparation and Dosage:</b> 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. <b><u>Avoid pomegranate if you are or wish to become pregnant.</u></b></div><div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5g1HZ6w6la4OYz37jl-QFKJkFpA7GkxZSHPLO-E_Jq4sfVmlLkiCy5171JHSiyOTBWzkWIn0b1TI2evi7Mo9MXLa8PcflCq3qnur2HETbYnrGCT_52sgVT8AgtHvicg_lO-IxIbSTIGI/s1600/name.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Want to print a copy of this for your Book of Shadows? Click below for your free copy! </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tuxJ3LEDkPbtMEEWHRpkbKlxZfhgxNiD/view?usp=sharing" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="ginger, herbalism, herbal remedy, magic, witchcraft, herb magic, green witchcraft, hedgewitch, herb magic, herb magick, magick, magic, occult, wicca, wiccan, pagan, neopagan" border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Xutg4k7vvRgI0WlaVjlOGxQqUBP5Lp8yYWP4cokm0t5o7Ef_Zs7JtGvxKofYVGwBE-bd0cKCoXM_jt9oanPyuywU_vkCCaYbMJVeSDe7hnHA3FpKSN2V3pi56EzgExpBN1E4b2R1FNcivxLtUlJa1WdtmXa_r1-yQaScV_ONRJdrx9WwTBXAj9BRv0A/w247-h320/pomegranate_flat.jpg" title="Magical and Medicinal Uses of Pomegranate" width="247" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><i>If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. </i></div>
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<script src="https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#ffbd9b', 'A0A71BU5N');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15833903403803495986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440943230379430538.post-58271341473240077672023-10-04T10:00:00.002-04:002023-10-04T10:00:00.138-04:00Magical Properties of Smoky Quartz<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOM8PmPWreeyv29RDm7pBcsSyD-GG0fR5Y0WqRdhWo2Rmsq1RX5hC9bsv-aRRM9AVWZAkFCIGrtzCtAWqlQct5A3WnGk4H1iKJTma0Cz3VSXCYkRm18g-WlGsiRxqwwsZMEwfKxlED2BG42I2HhzA7Xu6PCId_Q3I6lDf8MSpQiU3esmBKYdPLdIsBR8/s2000/Smoky%20Quartz%20Infographic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="smoky quartz, crystal witch, traditional witchcraft, trad craft, cunning folk, witchcraft, crystal magic, witch, wiccan, wicca, pagan, neopagan, occult, gem, stone" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOM8PmPWreeyv29RDm7pBcsSyD-GG0fR5Y0WqRdhWo2Rmsq1RX5hC9bsv-aRRM9AVWZAkFCIGrtzCtAWqlQct5A3WnGk4H1iKJTma0Cz3VSXCYkRm18g-WlGsiRxqwwsZMEwfKxlED2BG42I2HhzA7Xu6PCId_Q3I6lDf8MSpQiU3esmBKYdPLdIsBR8/s16000/Smoky%20Quartz%20Infographic.png" title="Magical Properties of Smoky Quartz" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><div><i>If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. </i></div>
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<script src="https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#ffbd9b', 'A0A71BU5N');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15833903403803495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440943230379430538.post-19363941633861163912023-09-28T10:00:00.224-04:002023-10-30T18:47:43.938-04:00Harvesting Gratitude: Harvest Moon Gratitude Ritual<div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTBE2c7yNPCKl_oVH3IOEUavSpLNM5pwd3t7hS6jnYRVPk_Sw9fDUWKXiqcJ3bS_ZLedONdXS_e17I67PVJL6mc2C3e5EuVWxSkzJ7paEX9w3Ck1SE4JjiU4mWac3mqn9Cf2n5VrsDprJby7Ga1YqCaQvdWJojzqv9vohfzxnjIIwPMoMlTqprQEcAPY/s1500/A%20Harvest%20Moon%20Gratitude%20Ritual.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="harvest moon, gratitude, full moon, esbat, Mabon, Autumn Equinox, Fall Equinox, spell, ritual, balance, candle magic, magic, magick, sabbat, hedge witch, pagan, wicca, wiccan, green witch, kitchen witch" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTBE2c7yNPCKl_oVH3IOEUavSpLNM5pwd3t7hS6jnYRVPk_Sw9fDUWKXiqcJ3bS_ZLedONdXS_e17I67PVJL6mc2C3e5EuVWxSkzJ7paEX9w3Ck1SE4JjiU4mWac3mqn9Cf2n5VrsDprJby7Ga1YqCaQvdWJojzqv9vohfzxnjIIwPMoMlTqprQEcAPY/s16000/A%20Harvest%20Moon%20Gratitude%20Ritual.png" title="Harvesting Gratitude: Harvest Moon Gratitude Ritual" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This year, Mabon and the Harvest Moon fall just a couple of days apart, making it the perfect time to express gratitude for the year's blessings. The end of the harvest is quickly approaching and winter will be upon us before we know it. This is a time to take stock of what we have, prepare for the coming winter season, and be thankful for the blessings we have. This ritual is designed to help you express that gratitude and thank the Earth, local spirits, deities, and other otherworldly forces in your life for their continued support and love. Remember, being grateful is essential to attracting abundance. By expressing gratitude, we open the door for continued blessings to enter our lives, as like attracts like all.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><h2><span style="color: #73af02;">What You'll Need</span></h2></div><ul><li>Altar adornments associated with the Harvest Moon, gratitude, and your deities, spirits, etc</li><li>Candle (pink or another color you associate with gratitude, the harvest, and/or abundance)</li><li>Jar</li><li>Paper strips</li><li>Writing utensil</li><li>Acorns and/or Citrine chips</li><li>Wine/Beer/Cider/Juice or other seasonal offering<br /><br /></li></ul></div><div><h2><span style="color: #73af02;">What to Do</span></h2>During the Harvest Moon or Mabon, begin by finding a quiet place to work where you will not be disturbed. This ritual is best performed outside under the light of the Moon but can be done inside near a window if conditions do not allow you to venture outside. Cleanse and consecrate your space using your preferred method before setting up your altar in preparation for the ritual. You will want to choose items that you associate with the season, Harvest Moon, gratitude, and your deities, spiritual guides, local spirits, Earth, ancestors, or any other otherworldy forces you work with regularly in your practice. This can be colorful dried leaves and flowers, acorns, citrine, runes such as Gebo or Fehu, candles, pictures, statues, antlers, incense, etc. Be sure to leave space for you to safely work your spell as this ritual does include a candle.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1jX-cMbMY0HzenVoGpvWDafMvg9pgw-13HWw5Y02C2c-Ga5AGLcxMe3oMQXf-n8YX3Nuy8olTiW3YmBozA5QQSzS_n5045MrRsVHoJzjVKaUy_J7QiK3yKqdNC5EgV8G5e3PLARf5Q_aoHZFt9yeKkDx5DFKjlO1USXqeiMbhEmfou-1UmOSqqgh3_k/s1008/gratitudejar3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="harvest moon, gratitude, full moon, esbat, Mabon, Autumn Equinox, Fall Equinox, spell, ritual, balance, candle magic, magic, magick, sabbat, hedge witch, pagan, wicca, wiccan, green witch, kitchen witch" border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1jX-cMbMY0HzenVoGpvWDafMvg9pgw-13HWw5Y02C2c-Ga5AGLcxMe3oMQXf-n8YX3Nuy8olTiW3YmBozA5QQSzS_n5045MrRsVHoJzjVKaUy_J7QiK3yKqdNC5EgV8G5e3PLARf5Q_aoHZFt9yeKkDx5DFKjlO1USXqeiMbhEmfou-1UmOSqqgh3_k/s16000/gratitudejar3.jpeg" title="Harvesting Gratitude: Harvest Moon Gratitude Ritual" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When your altar is complete, place your spell ingredients and offering in the center. If you wish to cast a circle and call quarters, now is the time to do it using your preferred method. When ready, light the candle and begin invoking the otherworldly forces you work with regularly in your practice one by one by saying, <span style="color: #ea9999;">"[Insert name and descriptors here] I invite you to this rite to give thanks and pay tribute to all those who have helped me. I ask that you be present to receive my gratitude on this night. May the moon and stars bear witness to this sacred act."</span> If you do not feel them come immediately, repeat this invocation, adding more descriptors as you go. Remember, no spirit, deity, ancestor, or other entity is required to show up when called, so if they choose not to join you, do not be deterred. You can still honor them and give your thanks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stand or sit before your altar and take time to reflect on the blessings and abundance in your life using the candle's flame to enter into a mild trance if needed. Write down each thing you are grateful for on each strip of paper. Be specific and heartfelt in this thanks. It could be a person, a moment, an accomplishment, or anything else that fills you with gratitude, hope, and happiness. Once complete, read each blessing aloud saying, <span style="color: #ea9999;">"I am thankful for [insert blessing.] Thank you [insert entity name] for this blessing."</span> before folding the paper toward you and placing it in the jar.</div><div><br /></div><div>When all the blessings have been placed in the jar, add your acorns and/or citrine and seal the jar. Hold the gratitude jar gently in your hands and offer a closing prayer or expression of thanks, acknowledging the blessings you have recorded and sealed within. This should come from your heart, so what you say is entirely up to you. I encourage you to speak in the moment until you feel you have sufficiently expressed your thanks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Close the ritual by offering the entities you work with wine, beer, cider, juice, or another seasonal offering they may prefer, such as milk, corn, tobacco, whiskey, or incense, by saying <span style="color: #ea9999;">"With this [insert offering] I express my undying gratitude for the gifts you have bestowed upon me. May you accept this offering of love and thanks and continue to bless me in the future." </span>Take a few moments to pour your gratitude into the offering in whatever way you see fit before releasing the ritual and snuffing out the candle. Place the gratitude jar somewhere you will see it every day.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the next several weeks until the next full moon, choose one strip from the gratitude jar to read. Let the feelings of gratitude wash over you and continue to give thanks to those who have assisted you on your journey. Continue to make regular offerings to express your gratitude. If possible, make a donation to or volunteer at a local charity or give back to your community in some other way, such as picking up trash, cleaning up local a river or stream, or handing out blessing bags to the unhoused.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4YoyIKttpJhBT4CDiT0txxqeOna7AkvBlShxh6pXbcwibODLTsMM_aT5SpK3mkIF4wt6y62uAv-aGJ6iPOawyLH0CdX8z0heYMSaO9CZii436Qp60mW7xwo5wyDidv9_HoSZMv9OJMq9s_NYpbepnuID5zzOOyPgTqbskfTweQ1u5JxzT28O5-QoY3Y/s1008/gratitudejar2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="harvest moon, gratitude, full moon, esbat, Mabon, Autumn Equinox, Fall Equinox, spell, ritual, balance, candle magic, magic, magick, sabbat, hedge witch, pagan, wicca, wiccan, green witch, kitchen witch" border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4YoyIKttpJhBT4CDiT0txxqeOna7AkvBlShxh6pXbcwibODLTsMM_aT5SpK3mkIF4wt6y62uAv-aGJ6iPOawyLH0CdX8z0heYMSaO9CZii436Qp60mW7xwo5wyDidv9_HoSZMv9OJMq9s_NYpbepnuID5zzOOyPgTqbskfTweQ1u5JxzT28O5-QoY3Y/s16000/gratitudejar2.jpeg" title="Harvesting Gratitude: Harvest Moon Gratitude Ritual" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Under the next full moon, you may release the jar's contents by burning the strips of paper and giving thanks once again or continue to add to the jar's blessing to watch your abundance continue to grow. I encourage you to continue adding to your jar each month for the next year to cultivate a daily practice of gratitude and appreciation for the blessings that surround you. Over time, this jar will fill with notes of thanks, serving as a tangible reminder of the abundance in your life as it continues to bring more blessings to you.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><h2><span style="color: #73af02;">Why You Did It</span></h2>Understanding the whys of a spell 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 <a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/search/label/Spellcrafting%20Series">Spellcrafting Series</a>). </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJySXRykAuCfdFJZtpMqSYsFM6o1k3WM1s3eL0lEW9X38MiO_dGfP7AERJvNCtVXyX6KIV0vEEJYTQmECARgofWRm4_J_fXUpeYPo651QRVuyO-RBEayk_NOPAGgLABoUbfcECBp0a440kWQ_4c9kNfeRrVM6jMsIefoiWvzKA2wkZJJLr6lPbZFa7TM/s1008/gratitudejar1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="harvest moon, gratitude, full moon, esbat, Mabon, Autumn Equinox, Fall Equinox, spell, ritual, balance, candle magic, magic, magick, sabbat, hedge witch, pagan, wicca, wiccan, green witch, kitchen witch" border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJySXRykAuCfdFJZtpMqSYsFM6o1k3WM1s3eL0lEW9X38MiO_dGfP7AERJvNCtVXyX6KIV0vEEJYTQmECARgofWRm4_J_fXUpeYPo651QRVuyO-RBEayk_NOPAGgLABoUbfcECBp0a440kWQ_4c9kNfeRrVM6jMsIefoiWvzKA2wkZJJLr6lPbZFa7TM/s16000/gratitudejar1.jpeg" title="Harvesting Gratitude: Harvest Moon Gratitude Ritual" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>First, this spell is conducted during the Harvest Moon or Autumn Equinox, both of which are deeply associated with gratitude, appreciation, and the giving of thanks, particularly for the bounty of the harvest. This association was further perpetuated by your choice of altar decorations, which work sympathetically to increase the ritual's potency and attract the entities you work with. The full moon is also associated with celebrating the fruits of your labors, being a time to appreciate what you have accomplished and honor what you have created. As such, this is the perfect time to create a gratitude jar that you can add to all year as the moon's beams further infuse the spell with its own potent energies.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next, a candle was lit to light the way for the entities you work with so they could find you calling to them in the dark. It also helps you focus on your goal, as the flame can be used to calm and clear your mind so you may focus on that which you are grateful for. The entities you work with were invoked using their name and descriptors so that they could witness your expression of gratitude and receive the offerings of thanks you wished to gift them with. Thanking those who have helped you is the foundation of a healthy relationship, and strengthens the bond you both share. It also ensures the entity will continue to work with you in the future, as there is little worse than working with a thankless witch. Continued offerings and expressions of gratitude also ensure future blessings, as like attracts like. When we express our gratitude, the Universe hears it and continues to send blessings our way. This is further expressed by writing and saying our blessings out loud and continuing to express gratitude over the next month or year.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvI_EQqUgaxfz_YodAF8sHkpCbhFOUnFKO8dQAi_At3RLyWrzRy-guEds7k9SDlYPSIP61F6gZSPJ8pcHIfQqAuVwe8G6Qs6sm2g-HASqdXw6RNFU0KVS6hGMCxBPTEvLOVBfOBaeck7MknmB1R10Pf1UxtB5TC-hQ8PKJ5Hd6k3Uzi3VrMK7oVY7ESYA/s1008/gratitudejar4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="harvest moon, gratitude, full moon, esbat, Mabon, Autumn Equinox, Fall Equinox, spell, ritual, balance, candle magic, magic, magick, sabbat, hedge witch, pagan, wicca, wiccan, green witch, kitchen witch" border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvI_EQqUgaxfz_YodAF8sHkpCbhFOUnFKO8dQAi_At3RLyWrzRy-guEds7k9SDlYPSIP61F6gZSPJ8pcHIfQqAuVwe8G6Qs6sm2g-HASqdXw6RNFU0KVS6hGMCxBPTEvLOVBfOBaeck7MknmB1R10Pf1UxtB5TC-hQ8PKJ5Hd6k3Uzi3VrMK7oVY7ESYA/s16000/gratitudejar4.jpeg" title="Harvesting Gratitude: Harvest Moon Gratitude Ritual" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Added to the jar were citrine and/or acorns, which are both associated with abundance and luck. These were added to the jar to enhance your blessings and bring more to you over time. I think we all wish to continue to grow our blessings.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, the spell was sealed with further thanks and preferably charity work. Giving back to the community that you are a part of, whether it be caring for the Earth or her creatures, is a great way to pay tribute to entities that have helped you and show those entities you are willing to share your blessings with others. Giving thanks takes many forms and requires constant work, but it is well worth it in the end.</div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>Wish to break this spell? When you feel the ritual is complete, either at the end of a moon cycle or at the end of the year, you can release the contents of the jar by burning them. This released those blessings back into the Universe so that they may return to you again in the future. You can also choose to bury the contents close to your home, including planting the acorn to watch your blessings grow.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember to record this ritual on your <a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2018/06/spell-ritual-worksheetlog.html" target="_blank">ritual/spell worksheet</a> or in your Book of Shadows for reference later.</div><div><br /></div><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b>***</b></h1><div>No matter what you decide to be thankful for or how to express those thanks, gratitude is the foundation of good witchcraft. I hope you have a blessed Harvest Moon and thank your future be full of continued luck, fortune, health, and happiness.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfk523WD97II2DxHIlXDfUM-d8XrpnwbF1RXEZgGfL73s05evv0iHvk7c2kE2t5KnF6EME3cbTDdWm5kRDPuGMizsLncpyEtyAtnxzDrtJZwsXSjeuKtq1Yo_QsdUfUZ36T0hWKk0XGe0QQWli1jdB5QL2zm8WAYbgbTdkyTiBSdJdOeZGWH0yBHP6dMc/s123/name.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="123" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfk523WD97II2DxHIlXDfUM-d8XrpnwbF1RXEZgGfL73s05evv0iHvk7c2kE2t5KnF6EME3cbTDdWm5kRDPuGMizsLncpyEtyAtnxzDrtJZwsXSjeuKtq1Yo_QsdUfUZ36T0hWKk0XGe0QQWli1jdB5QL2zm8WAYbgbTdkyTiBSdJdOeZGWH0yBHP6dMc/s1600/name.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Interested in learning more about the Harvest Moon or gratitude? Below are some resources to get you started.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2020/09/harvest-full-moon-worksheet.html">Harvest Full Moon Worksheet</a></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2014/07/moon-phases.html">Moon Phase Correspondences</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2014/07/monthly-magical-moons.html">Monthly Magical Moons</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2019/11/gratitude-in-witchcraft.html">Importance of Gratitude in Witchcraft</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><i>If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. </i></div>
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<script src="https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#ffbd9b', 'A0A71BU5N');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15833903403803495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440943230379430538.post-30451894204891419992023-09-21T10:00:00.056-04:002023-09-21T10:00:00.141-04:00A Mabon Spell for Balance<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6B-s4ciBMyg9g8huEhqDUm1kzmsQ48LX8GwFR3YbZNZ0Z4nxuVo_LG5ndCulEqj2ucQV805AKjDjoaP_TNZwKH6fINSc0d0_usXE23VCs_ST4DHo95lRnKKW_gJeQot8NXEyqSCIybcVYQPbTQqTQ1tx9GBIpFdgCn_v9laLTRzIBxcRChclSi24o0gw/s1500/A%20Mabon%20Ritual%20for%20Balanace.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mabon, Autumn Equinox, Fall Equinox, spell, ritual, balance, candle magic, magic, magick, sabbat, hedge witch, pagan, wicca, wiccan, green witch, kitchen witch" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6B-s4ciBMyg9g8huEhqDUm1kzmsQ48LX8GwFR3YbZNZ0Z4nxuVo_LG5ndCulEqj2ucQV805AKjDjoaP_TNZwKH6fINSc0d0_usXE23VCs_ST4DHo95lRnKKW_gJeQot8NXEyqSCIybcVYQPbTQqTQ1tx9GBIpFdgCn_v9laLTRzIBxcRChclSi24o0gw/s16000/A%20Mabon%20Ritual%20for%20Balanace.png" title="A Mabon Ritual for Balance" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Mabon, sometimes referred to as the Witch's Thanksgiving, is a celebration of the harvest and a time to express gratitude and thanks for the boundless blessings in our lives. For our ancestors, this was not only the time to celebrate the fruits of their hard labor but also a time to put away excessive stores in preparation for winter. While there is yet another harvest on the horizon, many of the most bountiful crops have slowed production, many of which will be turned into sauces, soups, and other canned goods. While it doesn't feel particularly autumn-ish here in Georgia, there is a noticeable change in the air. My flowers have begun to die back, the Sun spends a little less time on the horizon, and the nightly temperatures are ever so slowly dropping.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not only is Mabon a time to give thanks, but it's also a time of balance as it is the Autumn Equinox. Night and day are equal during this time, after which our days will quickly shorten until the Winter Solstice. As such, this is a great time to find balance in your own life and realign, which is where this simple spell comes in.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><h2><span style="color: #73af02;">What You'll Need</span></h2></div><ul><li>Two candles, one to represent the light and harvest, the other to represent the dark and winter, such as white and black or yellow and blue.</li><li>Matches or lighter</li><li>Small piece of paper or bay leaf</li><li>Writing utensil</li><li>Tongs or tweezers</li><li>Fire-safe dish<br /><br /></li></ul></div><div><h2><span style="color: #73af02;">What to Do</span></h2>During Mabon, or the days surrounding the Autumn Equinox, begin by cleansing and consecrating your space using your preferred method. If you wish, cast a circle and invite any spirits or deities associated with balance.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWlPJuSvApIU4K2mpEKScc_5ZWtthAiUUla5shybzGmJjDiHlXAJC8LALAPd7ckK4fxjaBS_zg2sx9R-4l0xxpMRvLxT5frEdrS-p4kQ9uD0S-XDmx6Hi0mLmZk_YnKVborFGcj1UWPKlsCOhQZUYG9-ZKPoL0RuIzPG9rCLWQ9yD4EfK16qvFDcbiU4/s1008/mabonbalancespell_4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mabon, Autumn Equinox, Fall Equinox, spell, ritual, balance, candle magic, magic, magick, sabbat, hedge witch, pagan, wicca, wiccan, green witch, kitchen witch" border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWlPJuSvApIU4K2mpEKScc_5ZWtthAiUUla5shybzGmJjDiHlXAJC8LALAPd7ckK4fxjaBS_zg2sx9R-4l0xxpMRvLxT5frEdrS-p4kQ9uD0S-XDmx6Hi0mLmZk_YnKVborFGcj1UWPKlsCOhQZUYG9-ZKPoL0RuIzPG9rCLWQ9yD4EfK16qvFDcbiU4/s16000/mabonbalancespell_4.jpeg" title="A Mabon Spell for Balance" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>After your space has been cleansed and consecrated, place the candle representing light/harvest to your left and the candle representing dark/winter to your right, but close enough together that your piece of paper can reach both flames. Light the harvest candle and say, <span style="color: #f4cccc;">"I light this candle to represent the abundance and light in my life."</span> Stare into the candle flame, contemplating on the areas in your life where you have abundance and blessings abounding. Feel your heart rate slow as your body relaxes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next, light the winter candle and say, <span style="color: #ea9999;">"I light this candle to represent the darkness and introspection in my life."</span> Again, star into the candle flame, contemplating on the areas in your life where you seek balance, the areas for growth. It could be work-life balance, emotional balance, or any other aspect that resonates with you. Visualize these areas of growth and how you would like to change them for better balance in your life.</div><div><br /></div><div>With this visualization firmly in your mind, write down your intentions for achieving balance in the areas you've identified. Be specific and positive in your wording. For example, <span style="color: #ea9999;">"I achieve a healthy work-life balance with ease and grace."</span> Hold the piece of paper between your hands and visualize the energy of balance infusing your intentions. See yourself in a state of perfect equilibrium. You may wish to recite your intention over and over until you feel the energy shift around you.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizr3r4y9Wx_SpTiqdIFZ8UxetU5n5qYuzFyfo_LeX3_NEvGRpCSjUNM_fvTQGGY6qiPTfGN5rLqy0I1oqrdV8PEWEA9AwHhzgkyLkN5MrHGxvP-TdVmHMiUdqlVA_f9WS_qucMxH0f--cezRnRLohIqVd91Pd4oyd_YoExduKrq3WUT4dalm-OZQ9bv6U/s1008/mabonbalancespell_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mabon, Autumn Equinox, Fall Equinox, spell, ritual, balance, candle magic, magic, magick, sabbat, hedge witch, pagan, wicca, wiccan, green witch, kitchen witch" border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizr3r4y9Wx_SpTiqdIFZ8UxetU5n5qYuzFyfo_LeX3_NEvGRpCSjUNM_fvTQGGY6qiPTfGN5rLqy0I1oqrdV8PEWEA9AwHhzgkyLkN5MrHGxvP-TdVmHMiUdqlVA_f9WS_qucMxH0f--cezRnRLohIqVd91Pd4oyd_YoExduKrq3WUT4dalm-OZQ9bv6U/s16000/mabonbalancespell_2.jpeg" title="A Mabon Spell for Balance" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Using your tongs or tweezers, hold the paper over the light/harvest candle, being careful not to burn it. Allow the energy of the flame to infuse your intentions with the light and abundance of the season. Finally, light both ends of the paper on fire, using the harvest candle to burn the left end and the winter candle to burn the right end. Drop the paper into the fire-safe dish while saying, <span style="color: #ea9999;">"As day and night find balance, so too shall my life be in perfect equilibrium."</span> As the paper burns, imagine your intentions being released into the universe, ready to manifest.</div><div><br /></div><div>Allow the candles to burn for a while as you continue to visualize your intentions. When you are ready, or the candles have completely burned down, draw Gebo rune on your forehead or over your heart depending on your desired outcome using the ashes of your intention as you say, <span style="color: #ea9999;">"I am balanced in all that I do."</span> Release any lingering energies from the spell into the Universe and store the ashes in a safe, yet prominent place to remind you of your intention.</div><div><br /></div><div>Whenever you feel you need an extra push to achieve your goal, use the ashes to draw another Gebo rune on your forehead or across your heart as needed. When your goal has been achieved, or you feel the spell is complete, dispose of the ashes in running water or bury them close to your home.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><h2><span style="color: #73af02;">Why You Did It</span></h2>Understanding the whys of a spell 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 <a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/search/label/Spellcrafting%20Series">Spellcrafting Series</a>). </div><div><br /></div><div>First, this spell is conducted during the Autumn Equinox, which is a time of balance between night and day. This makes it the perfect time to cast spells related to balance, equilibrium, or past versus future. The spell is best performed the night of the Autumn Equinox, but it can be performed around the holiday as the balancing energies peak a few days before and a few days after the equinox. Like many spells, this one requires maintenance, hence the use of the ashes for multiple days after the initial casting of the spell.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOy-UdIeIXg4yV2Z0lH75Iq4-OIQmPXt3AA6ghaN2W87zPgUxZpeP4Y6G3QQExFdUbB-BGHSAS2N1P17iz1zUUAmBr1ztJDkKsKXKXF3E9GcrpRdTPIBFUxPagHow7mpEtPvDSHa9WASwwdfc91PGtLs4PwimHf8Ohb5yz5SCophDR62bVao8swZtj-aU/s1267/mabonbalancespell_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mabon, Autumn Equinox, Fall Equinox, spell, ritual, balance, candle magic, magic, magick, sabbat, hedge witch, pagan, wicca, wiccan, green witch, kitchen witch" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOy-UdIeIXg4yV2Z0lH75Iq4-OIQmPXt3AA6ghaN2W87zPgUxZpeP4Y6G3QQExFdUbB-BGHSAS2N1P17iz1zUUAmBr1ztJDkKsKXKXF3E9GcrpRdTPIBFUxPagHow7mpEtPvDSHa9WASwwdfc91PGtLs4PwimHf8Ohb5yz5SCophDR62bVao8swZtj-aU/s16000/mabonbalancespell_1.jpeg" title="A Mabon Spell for Balance" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Next, a candle was chosen to represent light and one for dark, which is perfectly balanced during this time. The colors you chose are completely dependent on your personal correspondences, I went with a golden candle to represent the harvest and light and a dark blue candle to represent darkness and winter because those are the colors I associate with those particular energies. The harvest candle is placed on your left and the winter candle on your right to show the flow of time from present to future, as well as the progression of your intention over the course of the coming seasons.</div><div><br /></div><div>After lighting each candle and visualizing your intention, it was written on a piece of paper to allow you to infuse and then release the energy into the Universe. Holding the paper in your hand and then over the harvest candle helped infuse it with the positive energy required for long-lasting change. Burning, and the smoke produced from the act are associated with releasing and sending messages to the Universe, so by burning the message you release the energy you put into the visualization and send your message out to any forces that can help you with your spell.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Gebo rune written using the ashes of your intention represents balance and allows part of the spell's energy to remain with you to encourage you to put in the work required. The rune was drawn over your forehead for matters associated with the mind, work, or communication, while a rune was drawn over your heart for matters associated with relationships, love, and emotions. This is repeated as needed to further inspire you.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, the ashes were buried close to home to bring things to you or placed in a running river to let things go depending on your particular needs.</div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0UnpcifUfw8o83-cizcAMAMH72lvbi2Amq-oGbpbhiBPB-g1BHFMNfqPZwg7O6_uz_fv0jOjoiTG1vtiDNwN4y42qS8TWKn_eBZS-Y0fqUwaVjypfhC0HZ0VdUUfdHQdY0PUc0sNHNmamghzWvn0gF8wsZcA2WlRp0Blxss-U7-dng0DPBkq7E2obyM/s1008/mabonbalancespell_5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mabon, Autumn Equinox, Fall Equinox, spell, ritual, balance, candle magic, magic, magick, sabbat, hedge witch, pagan, wicca, wiccan, green witch, kitchen witch" border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0UnpcifUfw8o83-cizcAMAMH72lvbi2Amq-oGbpbhiBPB-g1BHFMNfqPZwg7O6_uz_fv0jOjoiTG1vtiDNwN4y42qS8TWKn_eBZS-Y0fqUwaVjypfhC0HZ0VdUUfdHQdY0PUc0sNHNmamghzWvn0gF8wsZcA2WlRp0Blxss-U7-dng0DPBkq7E2obyM/s16000/mabonbalancespell_5.jpeg" title="A Mabon Spell for Balance" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Wish to break this spell? If you no longer seek balance, dispose of the remains down the toilet or in the trash can and promptly remove them from your property while stating, "The spell is done. I no longer need assistance in achieving balance in my life. I release you."</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember to record this ritual on your <a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2018/06/spell-ritual-worksheetlog.html" target="_blank">ritual/spell worksheet</a> or in your Book of Shadows for reference later.</div><div><br /></div><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b>***</b></h1><div>I hope you each have a blessed Mabon full of good food, good friends, and good fortune.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfk523WD97II2DxHIlXDfUM-d8XrpnwbF1RXEZgGfL73s05evv0iHvk7c2kE2t5KnF6EME3cbTDdWm5kRDPuGMizsLncpyEtyAtnxzDrtJZwsXSjeuKtq1Yo_QsdUfUZ36T0hWKk0XGe0QQWli1jdB5QL2zm8WAYbgbTdkyTiBSdJdOeZGWH0yBHP6dMc/s123/name.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="123" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfk523WD97II2DxHIlXDfUM-d8XrpnwbF1RXEZgGfL73s05evv0iHvk7c2kE2t5KnF6EME3cbTDdWm5kRDPuGMizsLncpyEtyAtnxzDrtJZwsXSjeuKtq1Yo_QsdUfUZ36T0hWKk0XGe0QQWli1jdB5QL2zm8WAYbgbTdkyTiBSdJdOeZGWH0yBHP6dMc/s1600/name.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Interested in learning more about Mabon? Below are some resources to get you started.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2015/09/mabon-history-and-lore.html">Mabon History and Lore</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2015/09/mabon-correspondences.html">Mabon Correspondences</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2016/09/5-things-to-do-this-mabon.html">5 Things to Do This Mabon</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2019/09/spirit-work-for-mabon.html">Spirit Work for Mabon</a></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2015/10/recipe-dutch-apple-pie.html">Dutch Apple Pie Recipe</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2014/09/recipe-spice-pumpkin-muffins.html">Spiced Pumpkin Muffins</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><i>If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. </i></div>
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<script src="https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#ffbd9b', 'A0A71BU5N');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15833903403803495986noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440943230379430538.post-49259254718011083042023-09-20T10:00:00.162-04:002023-09-20T15:09:56.882-04:00Mabon/Fall Equinox Altar 2023<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgBn_VwXZ-2U1Ayee4TZfp55bx0d08qORYqFosHwSBh_Fw2YPK8UY-LkgULnDd8F2QXrk2ZSlQCSsmBGro8ELrLeAqbOjVl2HR--oJ_ucIcJEFRTXvpepvrw4c9atM83Q407kroz9Y5b92nBiF1AW3mrjForFNMM3F-OH4AmRiXPgtD9PhHRB0rva9Z4/s1500/Mabon%20Altar%202023.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Autumn Equinox, altar, sabbat, Mabon, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgBn_VwXZ-2U1Ayee4TZfp55bx0d08qORYqFosHwSBh_Fw2YPK8UY-LkgULnDd8F2QXrk2ZSlQCSsmBGro8ELrLeAqbOjVl2HR--oJ_ucIcJEFRTXvpepvrw4c9atM83Q407kroz9Y5b92nBiF1AW3mrjForFNMM3F-OH4AmRiXPgtD9PhHRB0rva9Z4/s16000/Mabon%20Altar%202023.png" title="Mabon/Fall Equinox Altar 2023" /></a></div><p>So, I managed to completely miss Lammas this year as the beginning of the school year was absolutely crazy. Between teaching a new subject and a significant schedule change, I've been struggling to keep my head above the water. Thankfully, I am beginning to tread more easily and able to catch up on some witchy work that I have let fall by the wayside. That means celebrating Mabon with a beautiful altar and some much-needed spell and ritual work.</p><p>Mabon, which is sometimes referred to as Pagan Thanksgiving, is a time to celebrate the harvest and the fruits of our labors since the beginning of the year and give thanks for the bounty we have received. While this is not the last harvest, many agricultural crops are slowing down with excess being stored away for the upcoming winter months. The Sun is slowly losing his strength and there is a slight chill in the air as the leaves begin to change. This is also a time of balance, with day and night being equal in length. After Mabon, night will continue to grow in length until Yule. With these themes in mind, I created this year's Mabon altar featuring greens, purples, yellows, and oranges.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aU40pOGs1J0EkkZMms4p70i-_ZXM-a_x8ms1YD1qqN6kjURQ_D4GW7qzI1vuBPMEcMwUzz4WbyTVo8FD6qVqygaDfK8254c_cgRXyI_EviZkG5nTyFjgXBOs_vJrUqQ4_53lTAFdorHkxUdSHy49URpF0ru12e3SXt1hzJSWKS6HI71W86Z_E3wvZGo/s1440/Mabon%202023%20Altar%20Numbered.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Autumn Equinox, altar, sabbat, Mabon, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aU40pOGs1J0EkkZMms4p70i-_ZXM-a_x8ms1YD1qqN6kjURQ_D4GW7qzI1vuBPMEcMwUzz4WbyTVo8FD6qVqygaDfK8254c_cgRXyI_EviZkG5nTyFjgXBOs_vJrUqQ4_53lTAFdorHkxUdSHy49URpF0ru12e3SXt1hzJSWKS6HI71W86Z_E3wvZGo/s16000/Mabon%202023%20Altar%20Numbered.png" title="Mabon/Fall Equinox Altar 2023" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><div><span style="color: #73af02;">1. Harvest Candleholder with Green Candle</span><span style="color: #73af02;">-</span> This harvest candleholder has graced my Mabon altar for many, many years at this point, and for a good reason. It represents the bounty of the season with its pears, apples, grapes, and berries. The earthen tones and colorful leaves represent the beginning of autumn and the changing of the seasons as the Wheel turns another quarter. Like many years, I placed a green candle in it to represent abundance, specifically agricultural abundance as green is associated with plants, abundance, luck, and wealth. It also works to sympathetically encourage the continued growth of the crops lest the harvest's bounties not last through the Winter months. Green also represents the Earth and the gracious gifts She bestows upon us during the harvest, for without Her nurturing soils, we would not have nutrient-rich foods. <span style="color: #73af02;"><i>(</i><i>Where did I get it: Goodwill & Dollar Tree; Cost: $3</i><i>)</i></span></div><div><span style="color: #73af02;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #73af02;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQjXQYaWF9nyVuBRSyt5-L9OZ7nNkDiuSiRlzQtcRmEeJwzU2WpOeBk5y2qXyJjBbxDm8CMg9NPZTxaUFmZXmSpVIckRgQbdt5-mFTL2WJ7ZRapSr-Hfluc7h5BzQmJJhEv4PJbcbO-TYLnT10gcds-eT_-XYxQl9GIH-w6sZl0ntxIoBqToeLMjDTLY/s1008/MabonAltar2023_5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Autumn Equinox, altar, sabbat, Mabon, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca" border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQjXQYaWF9nyVuBRSyt5-L9OZ7nNkDiuSiRlzQtcRmEeJwzU2WpOeBk5y2qXyJjBbxDm8CMg9NPZTxaUFmZXmSpVIckRgQbdt5-mFTL2WJ7ZRapSr-Hfluc7h5BzQmJJhEv4PJbcbO-TYLnT10gcds-eT_-XYxQl9GIH-w6sZl0ntxIoBqToeLMjDTLY/s16000/MabonAltar2023_5.jpeg" title="Mabon/Fall Equinox Altar 2023" /></a></div><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #73af02;"><span style="color: #73af02;">2.</span><span style="color: #73af02;"> </span></span><span style="color: #73af02;">Wooden Acorns</span><span style="color: #73af02;">-</span> These lovely wooden acorns were gifted to me a couple years ago by my mother, who found them while out thrifting. She honestly knows me all too well as these have made a perfect altar decoration for several years, especially this time of year. Acorns symbolize success, good luck, and prosperity, themes associated with Mabon. Acorns are also the fruit of the mighty Oak, which is associated with strength and vitality, energies needed to finish bringing in the harvest and to encourage the Sun to hold out a little longer so we may finish tending the fields. Acorns also represent the Oak King, who is slowly dying this time of year, and are a tribute to his aid during the spring and summer months. <i><span style="color: #73af02;">(Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free)</span></i></div><div><span style="color: #73af02;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><span style="color: #73af02;">3. </span><span style="color: #73af02;">Leaf Candle Holders and Golden Candle Holders with White Candles</span><span style="color: #73af02;">-</span> The leaf candle holders are an ode to the season and the changing leaves that herald autumn. While we don't get much color-changing here in Georgia, a girl can certainly dream! Their orange color represents attraction. In this case, it is used to attract the Sun and keep Him burning bright within the sky for a little while longer so the rest of the crops may ripen. In conjunction with the candles, which represent the Sun who is slowly waning in the sky, they work together as a sympathetic form of magic to give the Sun continued strength. Furthermore, having two of them represents balance as during the equinox both day and night are balanced. <i><span style="color: #73af02;">(Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017; Cost: $5, $1 each)</span></i></div><div><span style="color: #73af02;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUGM1kjl0aKXCzkpQNrngt7gpXEwk4QNx5uqlU8OmfdtQrWY_miiuSf9ak4Mc8aKHtckfCJERp5legjBzv3RACo4RdWtnYb_tLPX_YYqYDF6HfQ8GBK62mHoix5S-vWXtFkCqRqs8vU6Wvj0EfVbh2e-yJQje7mux3uEJUiBhSbYY2kyXlxhVI60zw-U/s1008/MabonAltar2023_6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Autumn Equinox, altar, sabbat, Mabon, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca" border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUGM1kjl0aKXCzkpQNrngt7gpXEwk4QNx5uqlU8OmfdtQrWY_miiuSf9ak4Mc8aKHtckfCJERp5legjBzv3RACo4RdWtnYb_tLPX_YYqYDF6HfQ8GBK62mHoix5S-vWXtFkCqRqs8vU6Wvj0EfVbh2e-yJQje7mux3uEJUiBhSbYY2kyXlxhVI60zw-U/s16000/MabonAltar2023_6.jpeg" title="Mabon/Fall Equinox Altar 2023" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div><span style="color: #73af02;">4. Smokey Quartz</span><span style="color: #73af02;"><span style="color: #73af02;"><span style="color: #73af02;">, Hematite, Pyrite, Red Calcite, and Citrine</span><span style="color: #73af02;">-</span><span style="color: black;"> There is an abundance of crystals adorning my altar this year, each symbolic of Mabon. </span><span style="color: black;">Citrine and red calcite represent the Sun, strength, and vitality, working to lend their strength to keep the Sun full in the sky so we can reap the last of the crops before winter. Red calcite is also associated with change, which is heralded in during Mabon. Pyrite, on the other hand, represents wealth and the Sun and His golden rays. Hematite and smokey quartz represent balance and are naturally grounding. Furthermore, there are 6 hematite pieces and 6 smokey quartz pieces. Six is associated with balance and equality, which further symbolizes the balance between light and dark during the equinox. </span></span><i style="color: black;"><span style="color: #73af02;">(Where did I get it: Metaphysical Stores; Cost: ~$8)</span></i><i><br /></i></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0GSglYWhdx-DWkrAzUxcgrRgR_wMbQGEjxoOw-vT1BANCCFLK5ZHXBHIM_i2R9Nl9_tgsXbfLPnb5YV_Z3Snvxa_WmL9I093k9ZRKUs9aB5hfoZSFzV9BV_PERTcUQNQRr1PL0qfEVAeM8jwUAaCUFWjH_4yDMlIDgRqAGQbaUkomSw6g4whOVVN0VI/s1008/MabonAltar2023_3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Autumn Equinox, altar, sabbat, Mabon, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca" border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0GSglYWhdx-DWkrAzUxcgrRgR_wMbQGEjxoOw-vT1BANCCFLK5ZHXBHIM_i2R9Nl9_tgsXbfLPnb5YV_Z3Snvxa_WmL9I093k9ZRKUs9aB5hfoZSFzV9BV_PERTcUQNQRr1PL0qfEVAeM8jwUAaCUFWjH_4yDMlIDgRqAGQbaUkomSw6g4whOVVN0VI/s16000/MabonAltar2023_3.jpeg" title="Mabon/Fall Equinox Altar 2023" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #73af02;">5. </span><span style="color: #73af02;"><span style="color: #73af02;">Enoch Tarot Card</span><span style="color: #73af02;">-</span><span style="color: black;"> If you know, you know. If you don't know, I can't help you. You must venture into the Unknown yourself and see what lessons it has in store for you. I purchased these tarot cards earlier this year, along with an oracle set, signed by the artist. These beautiful cards are collector editions, and therefore I don't use them, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to pay tribute to the season by featuring Enoch, the father of the harvest, on my altar as Mabon is a harvest festival. Don't be surprised if someone else makes an appearance at Samhain.</span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><i><span style="color: #73af02;">(Where did I get it: Etsy; Cost: ~$30)</span></i></div><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NXz174A3_cT-aIwmkmrljmRa2NZk_9dCOjWUfReZXv1fiFlwW9HlcpO0QTknk_nZedrS5-xK0A6dpJds21lQodikidZgNw4ZPL7egvZTgZH8cmruS2F0Imljxpr7sl4iu1KRnZNvi4bTPVAc-cVJacR1w8-fuliAmiRWKyl_zX2NStrqO_8xphALPuc/s1008/MabonAltar2023_4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Autumn Equinox, altar, sabbat, Mabon, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca" border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NXz174A3_cT-aIwmkmrljmRa2NZk_9dCOjWUfReZXv1fiFlwW9HlcpO0QTknk_nZedrS5-xK0A6dpJds21lQodikidZgNw4ZPL7egvZTgZH8cmruS2F0Imljxpr7sl4iu1KRnZNvi4bTPVAc-cVJacR1w8-fuliAmiRWKyl_zX2NStrqO_8xphALPuc/s16000/MabonAltar2023_4.jpeg" title="Mabon/Fall Equinox Altar 2023" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></i></div><div><span style="color: #73af02;">6. </span><span style="color: #73af02;">Corn Dolly-</span> The corn dolly/maiden represents the harvest and the spirits of the fields. While traditionally placed on a Lammas altar, I put her on my Mabon altar to represent Mother Earth and the spirit of the harvest and fields. The effigy is sacrificed the following spring to ensure a bountiful harvest the following year, but I keep mine year to year to bring abundance into my life. Corn, from which the dolly is made, is also associated with growth, vitality, strength, and fertility, which are needed for at least another month while the fruits finish ripening in the fields. <i><span style="color: #73af02;">(Where did I get it: House of Rituals Box 2018; Cost: ~$5)</span></i></div><div><font color="#73af02"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmcM38LMw_n6uJhycxQ3ppIOHiDpRD7MXNF2llhszEby6cdHSWGzcphCND6j8Bbn46-LMcEUlHYuWRVb4j-w_uxb7u-o0zUVXZNCI0ePYgZgbjFvYgPgNoD4Cl1whN9zKMAXxhj6OtoSoP0OeBlFQrE841XNLIsqy0a2-8T-QWP259cuuMeOgwvNPCXY/s1008/MabonAltar2023_9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Autumn Equinox, altar, sabbat, Mabon, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca" border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmcM38LMw_n6uJhycxQ3ppIOHiDpRD7MXNF2llhszEby6cdHSWGzcphCND6j8Bbn46-LMcEUlHYuWRVb4j-w_uxb7u-o0zUVXZNCI0ePYgZgbjFvYgPgNoD4Cl1whN9zKMAXxhj6OtoSoP0OeBlFQrE841XNLIsqy0a2-8T-QWP259cuuMeOgwvNPCXY/s16000/MabonAltar2023_9.jpeg" title="Mabon/Fall Equinox Altar 2023" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></font><span style="color: #73af02;">7. </span><span style="color: #73af02;"><span style="color: #73af02;">Sunflowers and Grapes-</span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span>The sunflowers represent the Sun. Most sunflowers are blooming at this time, and when done, will produce hundreds of oily black seeds which provide valuable food for animals and humans alike, especially in the coming winter months. These unique flowers follow the Sun throughout the day and are thought to lend Him strength through their movements. Grapes are beginning to be harvested during this time and represent abundance and fertility. While grapes are more deeply associated with Mabon, their inclusion here is to ensure a continued fruitful harvest later in the season. <i><span style="color: #73af02;">(Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $2)</span></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><font color="#73af02"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHfmD2St2JeMdwhrvz_l2ccRY5GDEsIQz_-ZdGq0JDYZVQZWkg_BGD_E7egqaEgD5AKBpB-xEVbqx72ferwrSozXysvoY0W0HJgbObMN6nLSpBZ7gLdBxr6UctcHLjzhJHEAFdSyHL6mov65onQbrKBemUBcsTvNXKI_05MHf9BW2C8DmPTjT7-maG4I/s1440/Mabon%202023%20Altar%20labeled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Autumn Equinox, altar, sabbat, Mabon, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHfmD2St2JeMdwhrvz_l2ccRY5GDEsIQz_-ZdGq0JDYZVQZWkg_BGD_E7egqaEgD5AKBpB-xEVbqx72ferwrSozXysvoY0W0HJgbObMN6nLSpBZ7gLdBxr6UctcHLjzhJHEAFdSyHL6mov65onQbrKBemUBcsTvNXKI_05MHf9BW2C8DmPTjT7-maG4I/s16000/Mabon%202023%20Altar%20labeled.png" title="Mabon/Fall Equinox Altar 2023" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></font><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #73af02;">TOTAL COST: ~$25</span></h2><br />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! You will also notice that I brought back my labeled altars. I strongly feel this type of breakdown is helpful to beginner witches who are learning correspondences and to seasoned witches looking for inspiration.</div><div><br />I hope each and every one of you has a fantastic, blessing-filled Mabon. I am celebrating this year with an at-home date featuring a seasonal 4-course meal and spooky movies. I can't wait to go to the local farmers market to pick up some in-season produce and spend the day cooking good food. May your Mabon be filled with good food, friends, and family.</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5g1HZ6w6la4OYz37jl-QFKJkFpA7GkxZSHPLO-E_Jq4sfVmlLkiCy5171JHSiyOTBWzkWIn0b1TI2evi7Mo9MXLa8PcflCq3qnur2HETbYnrGCT_52sgVT8AgtHvicg_lO-IxIbSTIGI/s123/name.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5g1HZ6w6la4OYz37jl-QFKJkFpA7GkxZSHPLO-E_Jq4sfVmlLkiCy5171JHSiyOTBWzkWIn0b1TI2evi7Mo9MXLa8PcflCq3qnur2HETbYnrGCT_52sgVT8AgtHvicg_lO-IxIbSTIGI/s0/name.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. </i></div></div></div>
<script src="https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#ffbd9b', 'A0A71BU5N');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15833903403803495986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440943230379430538.post-91554755572036233882023-09-11T10:00:00.025-04:002024-03-15T13:53:01.787-04:00Book Review: Herbana Witch: A Year in the Forest by Cecilia Lattari<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8A-_UJOdgRbU5w3aFV_iCYIvZIHjSfi5GHxKlf13jCTc0wNTVdOXDzscnYYXCIm5j1m1zb7dE7q-O8MyXObvcSlzoK_PdooqDtH5hswwUYG1hwCK49y7hCqL2d6FrzD6XQoT85R9ll3baQeYc6samWM-kvLEtlMLSRoCVKlT_4ME84g7XdGf9lai89Q/s1500/Herbana%20Witch%20Review.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="herbana witch, herbana witchcraft, hedge witch, hedgecraft, irish magic, irish witchcraft, folklore, mythology, spirit work, divination, book review, witch, witchcraft, occult, spiritual, wicca, wiccan, pagan" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8A-_UJOdgRbU5w3aFV_iCYIvZIHjSfi5GHxKlf13jCTc0wNTVdOXDzscnYYXCIm5j1m1zb7dE7q-O8MyXObvcSlzoK_PdooqDtH5hswwUYG1hwCK49y7hCqL2d6FrzD6XQoT85R9ll3baQeYc6samWM-kvLEtlMLSRoCVKlT_4ME84g7XdGf9lai89Q/s16000/Herbana%20Witch%20Review.png" title="Herbana Witch: A year in the Forest by Cecilia Lattari Book Review" /></a></div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>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><i>I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>I know, I know...It's been a while since I last posted and even then I didn't follow up on the post on social media. I have to say, this is the busiest start to a new school year I have had since I started working, largely in part due to schedule changes and content changes. It's been a difficult transition in that it's required more of my time and energy, but I do so love teaching. Despite being busy with work, I have had the chance to read several books as of late. It's one of the few ways I have been destressing after long workdays. As such, I have a book I would like to share with all of you lovely witches today!</div><div><br /></div><div>I have to hand it to her, Cecilia Lattari always works with some amazing illustrators to bring her work to life, and <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3RgHX9V" target="_blank">Herbana Witch: A Year in the Forest</a> </i>is no exception. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3RgHX9V" target="_blank">Herbana Witch</a></i> follows the Earth's seasons, from Winter to Fall, with each chapter focusing on a specific season. Each section follows the same format, introducing the reader to how the forest changes, the magical plants associated with the season, a secret seasonal recipe, witchy things to do, an animal guide, and a message for the season. Each section also has a theme associated with the season that focuses on a plant aspect, such as bark or fruit. Honestly, it's a lovely way to introduce a witch, especially a novice witch or children, to seasonal magic and homemaking.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNG8BK2fm5d5rlqLOhOLooQHbNx-ov4f-vZJy8kLA8ker2AR_GNk0kevpMLt7SaEiOeu08i_rSIPCe4zKZP5byrO5DSuuGqROfe4C0n4fk6Doy78AYP5_dVO22AUZWEvMXA0etgHIb9BRllMs4w3q1n-BB4jlGewXkH9IoMd1aVOUmVEuipPx07ZQflLE/s1008/herbanawitchbookreview_4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="herbana witch, herbana witchcraft, hedge witch, hedgecraft, irish magic, irish witchcraft, folklore, mythology, spirit work, divination, book review, witch, witchcraft, occult, spiritual, wicca, wiccan, pagan" border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNG8BK2fm5d5rlqLOhOLooQHbNx-ov4f-vZJy8kLA8ker2AR_GNk0kevpMLt7SaEiOeu08i_rSIPCe4zKZP5byrO5DSuuGqROfe4C0n4fk6Doy78AYP5_dVO22AUZWEvMXA0etgHIb9BRllMs4w3q1n-BB4jlGewXkH9IoMd1aVOUmVEuipPx07ZQflLE/s16000/herbanawitchbookreview_4.jpeg" title="Herbana Witch: A year in the Forest by Cecilia Lattari Book Review" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Each seasonal chapter is full of wonderful information accompanied by some of the best illustrations (by Alice Guidi) I have seen in an occult book. I fawned over the artwork continuously, wishing I could have some of the work as prints to hang on my walls, especially the fox featured in the final chapter on fall. It is one of my animal guides after all. The information is well-researched, easily accessible, and intriguing, but altogether too short! I had to remind myself this is more of a coffee table, quick reference type of book than an instructional manual. Personally, I found the seasonal plant folklore the most interesting, but I also enjoyed the seasonal crafts and recipes as well. All of the 'secret recipes' are bread-making recipes, so if you are looking for seasonal breads, this book has you covered. I am particularly interested in making acorn bread from homemade acorn flour, something I have been meaning to do for the better part of a decade.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pZZ9sl0cXH5vyNbj6h8YhwhpcDr0UjlSrdez65bhEO2duq9f0bYogjyHZUyFEDtxU3keUzh8ZI4dCRtkDpYaJB0ASVjVM3hZK8fTvvKqIjf-jYwiy1A7lufw_guvLc-_2lfJ9H3ZSyFhXDuB59fKEp3bjJqzoiuvamB4y8D6hQ247mJqpnwcwffJZT4/s1008/herbanawitchbookreview_3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="herbana witch, herbana witchcraft, hedge witch, hedgecraft, irish magic, irish witchcraft, folklore, mythology, spirit work, divination, book review, witch, witchcraft, occult, spiritual, wicca, wiccan, pagan" border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pZZ9sl0cXH5vyNbj6h8YhwhpcDr0UjlSrdez65bhEO2duq9f0bYogjyHZUyFEDtxU3keUzh8ZI4dCRtkDpYaJB0ASVjVM3hZK8fTvvKqIjf-jYwiy1A7lufw_guvLc-_2lfJ9H3ZSyFhXDuB59fKEp3bjJqzoiuvamB4y8D6hQ247mJqpnwcwffJZT4/s16000/herbanawitchbookreview_3.jpeg" title="Herbana Witch: A year in the Forest by Cecilia Lattari Book Review" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The term 'herbana' is new when referencing a type of witch, but from reading it, I gathered Lattari is using 'herbana' to describe a hedge witch. In fact, her description includes otherworld travel, communication with spirits, living on the outskirts of town, embracing the liminal, and plant medicine and witchcraft. This is identical to <a href="https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2014/07/what-is-hedgewitch.html">my description of a hedge witch</a>, just using a different name. Personally, I am going to stick with using hedge witch, especially to reduce confusion, but should you prefer to use herbana, go for it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite loving this book, I did find certain things 'annoying.' First, some of the fonts are difficult to read, which may be irksome for people who are visually impaired. Second, I felt the book was entirely too short, but I fully recognize this book was never meant to be a definitive guide to seasonal witchcraft. However, for the price, I felt it should have been longer and more detailed. It is, however, very beautifully illustrated, which makes it an excellent book to leave out on your coffee table. I was able to read the entire book in one sitting in about an hour, again, making it a perfect light read for guests, if you are out of the broom closet, of course. If you are looking for more bang for your buck information-wise, I would pass on this book. However, if you are looking to support an author, get some seasonal inspiration, or enjoy some beautiful artwork, this is the book for you.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6EHkUwLK3DDbgL-etntQg-QpbPELK6e644IJ8y9b5gCDG2iYjJcgHkUhh_6FV67QrE6RzZ5IFZOUwpKPLg7yjWeNyMDgWnsvCtvVIYsoAhwpOoJBDTNdsLfBGLDhNXhypUH6CWX1groR38wIgd2M0lCrL_whw56-zDS4HDACn-PfswJEK2h7ndMeM5o/s1008/herbanawitchbookreview_2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="herbana witch, herbana witchcraft, hedge witch, hedgecraft, irish magic, irish witchcraft, folklore, mythology, spirit work, divination, book review, witch, witchcraft, occult, spiritual, wicca, wiccan, pagan" border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6EHkUwLK3DDbgL-etntQg-QpbPELK6e644IJ8y9b5gCDG2iYjJcgHkUhh_6FV67QrE6RzZ5IFZOUwpKPLg7yjWeNyMDgWnsvCtvVIYsoAhwpOoJBDTNdsLfBGLDhNXhypUH6CWX1groR38wIgd2M0lCrL_whw56-zDS4HDACn-PfswJEK2h7ndMeM5o/s16000/herbanawitchbookreview_2.jpeg" title="Herbana Witch: A year in the Forest by Cecilia Lattari Book Review" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3RgHX9V" target="_blank"><i>Herbana Witch: A Year in the Forest</i> by Cecilia Lattari</a> is set to release September 21, 2023 in hardback wherever books are sold and can be pre-ordered now!</div><div><br /></div><div>
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<script src="https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#ffbd9b', 'A0A71BU5N');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> Willowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15833903403803495986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440943230379430538.post-63016843345758220142023-08-14T10:00:00.012-04:002023-09-22T19:42:07.114-04:00Magical and Medicinal Properties of Ginger<div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKtYbPG-k6eZ3rmHW8uAerkDK2yBXv6i21tCKkEBmA16o8yOXWCiXrv84j5xux2sp7zwVSOuSC8p4zwDmpAivhp7r5OxJ8rAaFfiaBW7EiZpOAgvMG8rlSu3LEwOU8CZWb1GNqLOd-tV84EtzQ68rPE24Np8HaH6VjWb6MOeInmTRg84ATjnG4Uph92g/s1540/ginger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ginger, herbalism, herbal remedy, magic, witchcraft, herb magic, green witchcraft, hedgewitch, herb magic, herb magick, magick, magic, occult, wicca, wiccan, pagan, neopagan" border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="1540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKtYbPG-k6eZ3rmHW8uAerkDK2yBXv6i21tCKkEBmA16o8yOXWCiXrv84j5xux2sp7zwVSOuSC8p4zwDmpAivhp7r5OxJ8rAaFfiaBW7EiZpOAgvMG8rlSu3LEwOU8CZWb1GNqLOd-tV84EtzQ68rPE24Np8HaH6VjWb6MOeInmTRg84ATjnG4Uph92g/s16000/ginger.jpg" title="Magical and Medicinal Properties of Ginger" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><b>Gender: </b>Masculine<br /><b>Planet: </b>Mars<br /><b>Element: </b>Fire<br /><b>Powers: </b>Beauty, Courage, Creativity, Energy, Healing, Love, Lust, Prosperity, Strength, Success, Uncrossing<br /><b>Magical Uses and History: </b>While the origins of ginger (not to be confused with wild ginger <i>Asarum canadense</i>) are largely unknown, we do know that ginger has been used medicinally and magically for over 4000 years. The first written record of ginger appears between 475-221 BC in <i>Analects</i> by Confucius who encouraged his readers to eat ginger with every meal. Ginger was later introduced to the Mediterranean by the Arabs where it quickly became popular. By the middle of the 16th century, ginger had become so popular in Europe that they were importing more than 2000 tonnes of dried ginger a year and prices rose dramatically. It was kept on tables just like salt and pepper are today to ward off the plague and a pound of ginger was said to cost as much as a sheep. As such, ginger is associated with both healing and prosperity. It can be used in spells to attract wealth, encourage repayments of loans, and otherwise keep money flowing. Add ginger to prosperity spells to strengthen them or place a small piece of dried ginger root in your purse, wallet, cash register, or penny bank or even sprinkle dried ginger on bills to keep the money flowing.</div><div><br /></div><div>In China, ginger was quickly incorporated into traditional Chinese medicine where it was called <i>sheng-jian</i> and was used to "harmonize the stomach." It was used to treat morning sickness, food poisoning, hiccups, and other gastrointestinal issues. From China, ginger spread to India where it became part of the Ayurvedic tradition. Ginger was considered a universal medicine and was used as a digestive aid and to alleviate respiratory illnesses. As it spread across Europe through the spice trade, the Greeks and Romans incorporated ginger into their medicinal practices, and later Henry VIII recommended its consumption as a preventive measure against the Plague. By the Middle Ages, ginger was combined with liquors to create digestive drinks which later gave rise to ginger beer and ginger ale. The golden style ginger ale was created in the 1850s by Thomas Joseph Cantrell, an Irish surgeon and apothecary, who fermented the ginger ale to create a transparent, sweet-to-the-taste, ginger-flavored drink. Dry ginger ale was later created by Canadian John J. McLaughlin who combined soda water with ginger flavor extract in 1907 to create Canada Dry Ginger Ale. Both of these were often drunk to calm an upset stomach whether from food poisoning, morning sickness, motion sickness, or indigestion. Today, ginger (and ginger ale) continues to be used in much the same way. Magically, ginger can be added to spells for healing, added to healing charms and bags, or placed near the sickbed to encourage healing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Apart from wealth and health, ginger also has strong associations with love. Its warming properties were believed to bring about love and lust, and therefore ginger was often used for such purposes. The Kama Sutra mentions ginger as an aphrodisiac long before many other sources where it was used in foods and drinks to inspire lust. Both Discordes and Pliny the Elder espoused ginger for its ability to stimulate sexual arousal, particularly in men. It was often prescribed as an aphrodisiac. Later, legends trace the first gingerbread men back to Queen Elizabeth I, who ordered her cooks to create molds of the ginger pastry to create edible caricatures of her favorite courtiers and other guests. It was around this same time that the belief arose that if a woman ate a gingerbread man that it would soon lead to marriage. In Germany, lebkuchen or gingerbread cookies were baked into heart shapes and inscribed with romantic messages to be given to those you loved. It was thought eating such a cookie would inspire feelings of love. Madame du Barry, the last mistress of King Louis XV, was said to "drive her men to a state of complete and utter submissiveness" by serving her lovers ginger. Portuguese slave owners were also said to have fed their slaves ginger to encourage sexual intercourse and therefore ensure more children were born into slavery. As ginger continued to spread across the Americas and South Pacific, introduced by European colonists, it was quickly incorporated into those cultures. In Melanesia, ginger was used to win the affection of a woman. As such, ginger can be used in spells to attract and secure love, promote lust, and induce arousal. Steep ginger in wine to create a potent love potion, add to candle magic to 'heat things up' in the bedroom, or diffuse in the bedroom to encourage sexual arousal. According to Blackthorn, ginger can also be used to attract a new, loving relationship by writing your name and birthday on a piece of paper, placing it between two fresh ginger slices, and bring with red thread. Carry the charm in your person to attract a lover.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ginger's warming properties not only associate it with love and lust but also mental and physical stimulation, as well as protection. In 19th-century Britain, beer infused with ginger was sprinkled on the backs of horses to encourage them to prance more energetically around a show ring. Other sources say fresh ginger was used to energize and awaken the mind. Use ginger to inspire creativity, wake you up, strengthen spells and rituals, during astral travel to help your mind 'release' from your corporeal body, strengthen your resolve, or otherwise energize or strengthen you. Planted around the home or placed about the entryway is believed to ward off evil spirits, while burning ginger incense is believed to banish unwanted and negative energies from the home. Its also been used in uncrossing rituals to burn away jealousy, ill will, and ill intent.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><div>Ginger can be used in a number of spells including:</div><div> Healing Spells<br /> Love Spells</div><div> Strength Spells</div><div> Glamour Magic</div><div> Prosperity Rituals<br /> Uncrossing Magic</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Medicinal Uses:</b> Ginger root can be used to stimulate circulation to treat poor circulation and cramps as it is rubefacient. It also acts as a diaphoretic, encouraging sweating and thus helping alleviate fevers. As a carminative, it enhances gastric secretion, helping to reduce or cure indigestion, flatulence, colic, and motion sickness. Externally it can be used as a cream to poultice to reduce pain from muscle sprains or fibrositis.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Preparation and Dosage:</b> To create a ginger root infusion, combine one cup of boiling water with 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger root. Allow the mixture to infuse for 5 minutes. Drink whenever needed. An infusion can also be used as a gargle as needed. To create a decoction, combine 1.5 teaspoons of dried to finely chopped ginger root with one cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Drink whenever needed. Ginger root tinctures tend to come in two forms: weak Tincture B.P. (blood pressure) and strong Tincture B.P. Take 1.5-3 milliliters of a weak Tincture B.P. up to three times a day, or 0.25-0.5 milliliters of a strong Tincture B.P. up to three times a day. Use caution if you are taking aspirin, warfarin, or other anticoagulant drugs as ginger root can interfere with these medications.</div><div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5g1HZ6w6la4OYz37jl-QFKJkFpA7GkxZSHPLO-E_Jq4sfVmlLkiCy5171JHSiyOTBWzkWIn0b1TI2evi7Mo9MXLa8PcflCq3qnur2HETbYnrGCT_52sgVT8AgtHvicg_lO-IxIbSTIGI/s1600/name.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Want to print a copy of this for your Book of Shadows? Click below for your free copy! </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-tCThsf2bxkAMG63bPHCk27PiIPbfsSU/view?usp=sharing" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="ginger, herbalism, herbal remedy, magic, witchcraft, herb magic, green witchcraft, hedgewitch, herb magic, herb magick, magick, magic, occult, wicca, wiccan, pagan, neopagan" border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6mh3BMW5nR7CdLdDL9NrmAMMW64J64VkMZQY7v4DIpaxYnFB_K5-oK0sn5YfGfEzR1DG1juXeE5ntG8GnhYh56-AQxJHo04cLfGxLMtqCC_QQ1HfaVobZa0gCSGTtO0kvaUnHh4HsqJjBxn0ltmbbQpheVPL_fLKQDIjmBauKt56g__eFWluIQP3L1Y/w247-h320/ginger_flat.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div><div><i>If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. </i></div>
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