5 Deities to Aid in Hedge Riding and Astral Travel

Hedge riding is the act of purposely entering an altered state of consciousness and traveling to the Otherworld to seek wisdom, work with spirits, and perform magic. It's the defining characteristic of the hedge witch, and this form of astral travel has been performed across multiple cultures for centuries. For some, it can be difficult to cross the hedge, the boundary that separates our reality from the Otherworld. Invoking the aid of a deity may help lessen the burden of travel and open the doors to new opportunities, wisdom, and magical lessons. But who can you call on for aid? Below are five deities that can aid you in your travels to the Otherworld and beyond!

Freya & Odin

Yes, these are two deities, but they are both equal masters of seiðr, a form of Nordic shamanism used to divine the future, shape fate, and traverse the Otherworld, much like modern hedge riding and hedgecraft. Seiðr was historically a highly gendered practice so Odin acted as a model for men and Freya for women, although some texts suggest it was 'unmanly' for men to practice as it was considered 'woman's work.' Odin defied these gender norms by learning seiðr from his wife, Freya/Freyja, and engaging in the practice to learn the magic of the runes, divine the future, and engage in spirit communication. Both Freya and Odin can be called upon to aid in hedge riding, by men, women, and nonbinary folks alike. I suggest including a distaff in your work, the tool most often used in seiðr to connect with the World Tree.

Hekate

Hekate is the goddess of witches, magic, necromancy, and otherworldly travel. It was Hekate, along with Hermes, who led the search through the Underworld for Persephone, her torch lighting the way through the darkness. As such, she is deeply associated with traversing the Otherworld, safe travels, and crossroads, and is said to be easily found in liminal places, such as the hedge. Call upon Hekate to lend you her torchlight and guide you on your way through the Otherworld safely. 

Brigid

Brigid may seem like an odd choice, but understanding her history sheds light on her liminal nature. Brigid is traditionally associated with Imbolc, the time between winter and spring. Furthermore, she walked between worlds, both fairy and mortal, and later was the bridge between Celtic paganism and Christianity. Her liminal nature, and her willingness to cross between realms, make her an excellent guide and travel partner for those engaging in hedge riding. 

Áine

Áine's history is riddled with contradictory folklore, but one thing is for certain, she was assaulted by Ailill Aulom, King of Munster, and bit off his ear during the assault, rendering him unfit to be a king. As the goddess of sovereignty, Áine holds the ability the grant and remove someone's power to rule. However, it's her association with Midsummer and lakes that are of particular interest to the modern hedge witch. Midsummer is believed to be a liminal time for the fae who actively cross between realms during this time to celebrate the Sun. Lakes, like hedges, are also liminal places, acting as portals to the Otherworld. Áine is just one of many Lady of the Lakes found throughout the United Kingdom and was said to emerge each Midsummer to bask upon her favorite spot. Her power is particularly potent on and around Midsummer, and the modern hedge witch can call upon her services to guide them safely through watery portals.

Baba Yaga

Baba Yaga is among the most infamous witches found in Slavic folklore. According to legend, Baba Yaga engages in nightly flights in her mortar, using her pestle to guide her along her way. She shares many traits with Hekate, sometimes being viewed as a triple aspect, while other times being represented by the matronly crone. No matter how you view her, Baba Yaga often extends a helping hand to those who seek her out, although she is often harsh in her tone and words. Call upon her to guide your way through the darkness and into the Otherworld, meet spirits, and even make your way to the Witch's Sabbath. If you treat her with respect and offer her a spot of alcohol or some tobacco, she'll be more apt to oblige. 

***

Of course, this list is not exhaustive by any means. There are multiple other deities that are associated with astral travel and the Otherworld, but remember to be culturally sensitive when choosing a deity to work with. Before invoking a deity for hedge riding, be sure you have developed a relationship with them first. If you wouldn't ask it of a friend, let alone a stranger, then don't ask it of a deity. Furthermore, just because you have built a relationship and asked for their aid, doesn't necessarily mean the deity will show up. They are not there to serve your every need and if you run into a non-responsive deity, try another time.

How you ultimately invoke one of these deities is completely up to you. Once you have an established relationship, you will know how to ask for their aid, thank them for their service, and what offerings they prefer. Go with your gut. I promise you'll know the way when the time comes.

Happy traveling!

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Sour Jar for Reproductive Freedom

If I am being completely honest, the last couple of weeks have been extremely difficult. I feel like every day the news gets worse and I am deeply concerned. I've spent a lot of time purposely distracting myself with work, exercise, and video games while I attempt to process. I am angry, hurt, and, honestly, scared. The most recent news includes the leak of the draft to overturn Roe vs Wade by the Supreme Court. No matter your views on abortion, overturning Roe vs Wade will have cataclysmic consequences in the United States, of which includes the loss of our right to privacy. I strongly support our right to choose what is best for ourselves without government interference. I am also a firm believer in the use of baneful magic to fight social injustices and as such thought this was the perfect time to pull out the big guns, magically speaking.

Since the full moon eclipse, whose chaotic energies are still going strong, I have been putting together a series of four sour jars for reproductive freedom, one for each of the Supreme Court justices who signed the draft to overturn Roe vs Wade after lying to the public in order to be confirmed. This spell is best performed during the waning or dark moon and requires constant attention until the draft goes public...if it ever makes it that far. My hope is this spell, along with others and public outcry, will help stop it dead in its tracks.

Please note that I do not believe in the Rule of Three nor am I a love and light witch. Decolonizing witchcraft includes understanding the value of baneful magic as a tool against oppression. If baneful magic is not something you are into, simply move along and find other ways to fight for reproductive freedom.

What You'll Need

• Paper
• Pen
• Knife
• Lemon
• Cayenne Pepper, Red Chili Flakes, or Chili Powder
• Poppy Seeds
• Five Whole Cloves
• Twine or Black Yarn
• Jar with Lid
• Vinegar
• Three Nails or Pins
• Spanish Moss (optional)
• Wasp or Wasp Nest (optional)
• Onyx (optional)
• Black Sealing Wax, Black Yarn, or Twine
  
  

What to Do

Before you begin this spell, cleanse and consecrate your space using your preferred method. I also encourage you to set up general protections to ensure the spell does not inadvertently cause you undue harm.

Begin by writing the full name and birthday (if you have it) of the person you wish to bind and curse. I went with Clarence Thomas (June 23, 1948), Neil Gorsuch (August 29, 1967), Brett Kavanaugh (February 12, 1965), and Amy Coney Barrett (January 28, 1972). If you are cursing more than one person, make a separate jar for each. 

Fold the paper several times, making sure to fold it away from you. Cut a slit on top of the lemon and place the folded paper into it. Cover with cayenne pepper, red chili flakes, or chili powder and poppy seeds. Poke nine cloves into the lemon and wrap the entire lemon closed with twine or black yarn five times. As you wrap the lemon say, "I bind you, [insert name], from taking action against reproductive freedom. May you be unable to decide and your discussions are fraught with discord. May your life be full of strife until this bill is dead." 

Place the lemon in the jar and cover it with vinegar. Add the three nails or pins, Spanish moss, wasp or wasp nest, and onyx to the vinegar and seal. If using wax, melt the wax and pour it over the lid. If using yarn or twine, warp the jar five times while repeating the same mantra as before. Shake the jar vigorously, filling it with your rage and discontent. Visualize the target being filled with confusion, strife, conflict, and the inability to take action against reproductive freedom. Place it in a dark spot, away from prying eyes. Shake daily, recharging the jar with your intent, until a verdict is reached.

After the initial construction of the jar is complete, perform a cleansing ritual to remove any residual negativity from yourself. I suggest showering after this particular spell and using an uplifting smelling soap, such as grapefruit or rose. Smoke-cleanse your work area with an uplifting and banishing incense such as rosemary.

When you are satisfied with the results of this spell, dispose of the sealed jar in the trash.

Why You Did It

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

For this spell, we used a number of sour and unpleasant ingredients to bring unpleasantness to our target's life. The first thing we did is write the name and birth date of our spell's target on a piece of paper. This acts as the "tag" for the spell. Just as a gift tag makes a present for you, a spell tag designates who the spell is intended for. This way you don't unintentionally harm someone else. By folding away from you, you are sending the energy out away from you. This acts is both protective and activating, directing the energy into the universe instead of toward you. Banishing and binding energies as sent away (folded out) while abundance and prosperity energies are drawn in (folded toward you).

The tag is placed in a lemon to sour the life of the recipient. Cayenne pepper, red chili flakes, or chili powder is used to heat up the spell, burn the recipient, and sew general discord and discomfort. Poppy seeds, on the other hand, sew discord between people, making it difficult to come to an agreement. Whole cloves, which look like pins, are used to prick and poke, making the recipient uncomfortable, as well as to tear down their walls, making them susceptible to the curse. This is all then wrapped five times with twine or black yarn to fully bind the person from causing further harm. Black is associated with banishment and binding, while the number five is associated with discord, struggle, and conflict.

The bound lemon is then placed in a jar to contain and stop the recipient's actions further. It's covered in vinegar to further sour their life, while the three pins or nails prick and poke, the wasp/wasp nest stings, Spanish moss sends bad luck, and the black onyx brings mental strife, nightmares, and breaks up relationships and bonds. All of this is sealed in black wax, black yarn, or twine to bind.

By storing the jar in a dark place, you are bringing darkness to the recipient's life, making it difficult for them to see clearly and make decisions. Shaking the jar empowers the spell and promotes turmoil by shaking up whatever plans the recipient had.

Finally, this spell is best performed on the waning or dark moon, which is associated with cursing and binding. However, this spell can be performed during any moon phase. If performing during the waxing or full moon, put more emphasis on bringing something into the person's life, in this case, discord and strife. The great thing about spells is that they can be performed successfully in any moon phase, you just have to get a little creative.

Wish to break this spell? Simply dismantle the spell jar, unbind the lemon, and remove the tag while saying, "This curse is broken. It shall no longer hold sway over [insert name]." Dispose of the remains in the trash.

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

***

In all of my years of practicing witchcraft, I have only ever cast two curses. Know that I do not take such work lightly, and spend a considerable amount of time weighing my options before taking such actions. Again, I am not a love-and-light witch, nor do I believe in the Rule of Three. I do, however, believe strongly in justice and using the necessary means to fight systems of oppression. I am a Libra after all and I will not sit idly by as our rights are stripped away from us. I hope you won't either as this is so much larger than whether or not abortion should be legal. Stay safe out there.

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Rose & Chocolate Love Potion

Love spells, rituals, and potions are a hotly debated topic in the world of witchcraft. Some witches believe that all love spells, including the one in this post, are wrong as they work against someone's free will. I do not subscribe to that thinking. Instead, I believe love spells, rituals, and potions work on what already exists, but that doesn't necessarily make all love spells ethical. There are certainly situations where manipulating the odds in your favor may not be entirely ethical, but that is for you to decide.

This love spell is designed to ignite passions and promote lust, whether it be in you or your lover. If you are in a relationship, I highly encourage you to drink this sipping chocolate with your lover, with their consent of course. Double the recipe to make enough for two people and serve as a dessert or whenever you are ready to take things to the bedroom. Today being Lupercalia, a pastoral pagan festival celebrated February 15th in Ancient Rome designed to purify and prevent infertility, I can see no better time to partake in this potion. 

What You'll Need

• 1 cup milk of choice (I used creamy oat milk)
• 1 teaspoon rose petals
• 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate or sipping chocolate (I used French Board Chocolate's Sipping Chocolate)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  
  

What to Do

Combine milk and rose petals in a saucepan and heat until steaming but not boiling. Stir continuously to avoid scorching the milk and do not let it come to a boil. You may need to remove from heat and reheat several times. Allow the milk and rose to infuse for about 5 minutes. Strain and reheat the milk and rose infusion to steaming. Remove from heat and add chocolate, cinnamon, and chili powder. Whisk clockwise to draw love until well combined. As you stir, visualize your intention filling the love potion with pink and red light. Serve warm.

Why You Did It

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

For this spell, we combine milk, rose, chocolate, cinnamon, and chili powder to create a potent love potion. Milk is magically associated with fertility and abundance, as it provides nourishment for growing babies. I personally used oat milk in my potion, which is also associated with fertility and abundance. Roses are the quintessential flower of love and are used to encourage love and lust in this potion. Chocolate, cinnamon, and chili powder are all mild aphrodisiacs, thus promoting sexual energies and lust. Like roses, chocolate is also associated with love, while cinnamon and chili powder add some heat to the spell to spice things up and get your blood pumping.

Wish to break this spell? Unfortunately, this is not a spell to be undone. You have to let it work through your system.

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

***

I hope everyone has a wonderful Lupercalia, whether you are celebrating alone or with others. May your future be full of love.

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Wolf Moon Social Justice Spell Jar

This year, I want to focus on regularly practicing witchcraft, including honoring the Full and New Moons. For a while there, I was, but the pandemic hit, and, well, everything fell by the wayside. I know I am not alone in that feeling and probably not the only one whose practice has suffered as a result. While we are still in a pandemic, I feel compelled to take back control of my life and my magical practice, and this starts with spell work.

Tonight is the first Full Moon of 2022 and, in the States, MLK Day. Known as the Wolf Moon, this is a time for protection magic, action, and social justice, which is exactly what today's spell jar is all about. However, this spell jar alone is not enough. At the end of the spell, I include resources and actions you can take to empower this spell and ensure its success. All spells require mundane work, this one more so than others. Creating this spell jar without taking real-world action is the equivalent of posting a black photo on your social media page and then going about your normal content routine the next day. It's performative activism and has no place in this very real fight.

What You'll Need

• Jar with lid or cork
• Red Jasper
• Garnet or Hematite
• Rose Quartz
• Peppermint
• Chamomile
• Jasmine
• Rose
• Cinnamon
• 2x2 inch square of paper
• Pen
• Orange Candle
• Justice Tarot Card
  
  

What to Do

Begin by cleansing and consecrating your space using your preferred method. Before starting on the creation of your jar, meditate on what social justice means to you. Conjure up images and feelings relating to social justice issues. Think about systemic racism, trans- and homophobia, the patriarchy, inequalities, xenophobia, etc. Remember the countless innocent lives snuffed out too soon by a biased 'justice' system. Remember the laws and regulations being pushed through our government to limit the human rights and voting rights of specific groups. Call up all the emotions you can possibly muster. If this means you are crying at the end of the meditation then so be it. If you are angry, all the better. You should be fired up, ready to pour all of that into this spell.

Now that you are ready, begin awakening your ingredients and adding them to your spell jar. Begin with the red jasper. Say, say, "Red jasper, bringer of justice, courage, and inner strength. Awaken my inner warrior. Bring balance where there is none. Give me the strength and courage to speak out against injustice and fight for what is right." 

Next awaken the garnet or hematite by saying, "Garnet [or Hemitite], ground me in this moment. Help me remember what I am fighting for. Help me make just decisions and protect me and those I fight for from the evil." 

Now awaken the rose quartz by saying, "Rose quartz, crystal of unconditional love and empathy. Help me love thy neighbor as myself. Help me love unconditionally and listen empathetically. Light the way to a world full of radical self-love." 

Next peppermint: "Peppermint, bringer of protection, abundance, and clarity. Help me see the situation clearly. Be a call to action, not only tonight but all nights. Ignite the fires of my soul and aid me in my task." 

Next chamomile: "Chamomile, bringer of justice and introspection. Help me confront my own biases so I may change and encourage change in others. Remind me to be gentle and caring." 

Next jasmine: "Jasmine, flower of healing and communication. Help heal the wounds caused by an inequitable system. Open the doors for communication and help the oppressors hear our message." 

Next rose: "Rose, flower of love and compassion. Encourage empathy and help me realize I do not need to understand everything; that by letting go of this need I can better show compassion and empathy. Bring love and compassion to a world fraught with hatred and divisiveness." 

Finally, cinnamon: "Cinnamon, bringer of warmth and success, lend this spell your aid. Bring forth abundance and speedy results. Warm the hearts of those shrouded in ice so that they may see the error in their ways. Uncross an oppressive system and break down barriers. Ensure the success of this spell." 

On the piece of paper create a SATOR square on one side and draw the Tiwaz rune on the other. To create a SATOR square write SATOR, AREPO, TENET, OPERA, ROTAS as seen below:

Roll up the paper and place it in the bottle. Seal the jar and place the orange candle on top. Light it and allow the wax to melt down over the sides, sealing the jar completely. As it melts, recite one of the following: Psalm 35, Psalm 58, Psalm 137, Psalm 109, or the following incantation invoking Hekate. 

"Hekate, Guardian of Children and the Marginalized, Keeper of the Keys and Crossroads, Guardian of the Gate, Tocherbearer, hear my plea. Bring justice now, I ask of thee. Right the wrongs that have been done and avenge the oppressed O Mighty One. Bring swift justice to a broken system and punish those who continue oppression. Bear your torch and wield your knife to remove barriers on this night. Hasten, Dark One, hear my pleas, this is what I ask of thee." 

If you chose a Psalm, before closing the prayer with Amen, tell God, the story of oppression and social inequality and ask for justice to be served. Continue chanting until the candle goes out. Place the jar on top of the Justice card and allow the jar to charge in the moonlight overnight. Follow up the spell by getting involved in social justice. Below are several resources and suggestions to help you fight the good fight.

*Follow BIPOC content creators such as Alexis Williams (@lelegenevieve), Toby Nabors (@racialequityinsights), Brando (@anish_no_bae), Clare Brown (@clarabellecwb and @claarabelletoks), and Levert Blout (@levertthebassman)

*Donate to charities supporting social justice such as Black Voters Matter Fund, American Civil Liberties Union, Black Lives Matter, The Equal Justice Initiative, NAACP's Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Color of Change, Hopi Relief Fund, Indigenous Media Freedom Alliance, Indigenous Roots, etc.

*Write to your representatives about issues related to social justice. PB-Resources.com has a wonderful list of actions you can take this MLK day and includes scripts and links to email or call your representatives.

*Learn. Read books and content about systems of oppression such as Savage Inequalities, White Fragility, The New Jim Crow, The Color of Law, Killing the Black Body, Policing the Black Man, Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race, American Prison, Democracy in Black, and Radical Self Love.

*Call out your friends, family, and strangers when they say or do something that continues to upload the standard of oppression.

This spell requires constant action. Recharge the jar each Full Moon by recounting what you have done to fight social injustice. This jar must be fed at least once a month. I suggest keeping this jar for at least one year before dismantling. At the end of the year, break the jar's seal and bury the remains at a crossroads, thanking Hekate or God for their help. If you wish, recreate the jar the following January and continue your social justice journey. You'll likely find yourself changed for the better by the end.

Why You Did It

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

For this spell/ritual, the spell is performed during the Full Wolf Moon which is associated with protection, action, and social justice. Furthermore, it was done on or around MLK Day, further empowering the spell with social justice energies. The Full Moon is also associated with manifestation, which we are trying to do with this spell jar.

The crystals and herbs we used in this spell are each associated with an issue related to social justice. Red jasper is associated with balance, stamina, courage, inner strength, and right wrongs, making it perfect for social justice work. Rose quartz promotes love and therefore empathy, promoting a more understanding, empathic, and loving world, especially in regards to yourself and your view of others. 

Wish to break this spell? Unfortunately, this is not a spell to be undone. If you really wish for the negative energies to come back, invite them back. Garnet and Hematite are both associated with grounding, decision-making, and protection. They lend protection to both the caster of the spell and those suffering from an inequitable system while opening your heart and mind to the task of dismantling the oppressive system. Peppermint promotes action and brings mental clarity, while chamomile and jasmine promote justice, introspection, healing, and communication. Rose, like rose quartz, promotes love and empathy while cinnamon ensures success, heats up the spell, and brings protection.

The SATOR Square is a four-way palindrome that is associated with protection and diminishing the power of oppressive forces. It has historically been used to create protection charms and amulets and is used in the same way in this spell jar, to protect marginalized groups. The Tiwaz rune symbolizes justice, balance, and sacrifice. This spell requires constant 'sacrifice' in order to continue feeding it. By sacrifice, I mean donating to charities, taking time to read and learn, and otherwise doing the work necessary to dismantle inequities in our society.

If you chose to recite a Psalm, the ones listed ask God to bring swift justice, making them perfect for this sort of ritual. If you chose to use the Hekate invocation, Hekate is associated with marginalized groups and bringing justice. She is an impartial judge and swift in her punishments. She is also a barrier breaker and perfect for dismantling systems of oppression.

Finally, the spell jar is sealed with an orange candle and charged by the Justice card and Full Moon. I think the Justice card and Full Moon are obvious here, but the orange candle may not be. Orange is the color of justice, attraction, and removing blockages.

If you wish to break the spell, simply dismantle the jar and dispose of the remains. However, I encourage you to feed this jar for at least one full year. At the end of the year, break the jar's seal and bury the remains at a crossroads, thanking Hekate or God for their help. If you wish, recreate the jar the following January and continue your social justice journey. You'll likely find yourself changed for the better by the end. I cannot stress this enough.

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

***

I highly encourage all of my readers to create such a spell jar this Full Moon. I know the pandemic has caused many of us to take a step back from the things that matter most and this is a great way to start taking small, manageable steps in the right direction. I focused almost entirely on BIPOC social justice, but this jar can and should be used to fight ALL oppression, including homophobia, transphobia, fatphobia, xenophobia, and the patriarchy. Each month I am picking a different issue to focus on using Bettie's Pages's #ChallengeYourShelf as a starting place. I hope you will join me this year as we work together to fight for real justice. 

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New Year New Moon Banishing Bath Tea

Ok, so it isn't technically the New Moon, but the wordplay was fun anyway. Today is the first Dark Moon of 2022, the time when the Moon is no longer visible in the sky. While some witches believe no magic should be performed during this time, I strongly disagree. The Dark Moon is deeply associated with banishment, cleansing, and protection, as well as baneful magics such as cursing and binding. This makes it a perfect time to remove unwanted energies, bind negativity, and let go of the past in order to have a fresh start. While most witches were talking about performing banishing rituals on December 31st, I usually wait until the first Dark Moon closest to the upcoming year to fully shed the past year as the magical correspondences are greater during this time. One of my favorite ways to do this is with a bath tea. The following recipe is made using commonly found items in your pantry to ensure you can do this last-minute tonight if you so desire.

What You'll Need

• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary or 2 tbsp dried
• 2 cinnamon sticks or 2 tbsp ground
• 1 tbsp whole cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 cup Epsom salt or sea salt
• Obsidian, black tourmaline, or smoky quartz (optional)
• White towel (optional)
  
  

What to Do

Combine rosemary, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, and 2 orange slices with 3 cups water in a saucepan and bring to a bowl. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until fragrant. Cool slightly before straining. Meanwhile, run a hot bath. Combine salt, tea mixture, and remaining orange slices and stir counterclockwise.

As you stir counterclockwise and say, "Through my will and through my might, I banishing all negativity from my sight. With salted water, I shall be free. Past be gone, let me be. I release all burdens from my life. And ask for a future without strife. A new me I shall become. So I will it, so shall  my spell be done." 

If using a crystal, charge it with your intention, asking it to help banish negativity and the previous year.

Slide into the bath and soak for at least 30 minutes, feeling the warmth of the water wash away the preview year, leaving you refreshed and renewed. When finished, drain the bath and rinse off with clean, warm water. Air dry or lightly pat yourself dry with a white towel. Finish the ritual with some light food and a cool glass of water to ground and rehydrate your body.

Why You Did It

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

For this spell/ritual, the spell is performed during the Dark Moon, which is the perfect time for banishing rituals. This ritual can also be performed during the Waning Moon, which is also associated with banishment.

Rosemary, cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves are all associated with banishment, cleansing, purification, and protection and therefore help to remove all unwanted energies from the past year while simultaneously protecting you, leaving you with a clean slate for the future. Cinnamon is also associated with success, money, and luck, thus replacing the removed energies with more positive ones. Bay, like cinnamon, is also associated with success but is also associated with healing, allowing you to heal from the traumas of the past year, which have likely been great. Orange, however, is uplifting and is associated with happiness, courage, and success. In this ritual, orange ensures that all the energies you banish are replaced with positive ones.

Finally, the salt in this spell is for purification and protection. Salt is a known deterrent of negativity and is even strong enough to deter wanted spirits. Not only does it remove spiritual impurities, but also bodily ones as well, helping the body naturally detox. As mentioned above, you will want to drink a glass of water after this ritual to rehydrate as salt is naturally dehydrating, especially when coupled with a hot bath.

If you chose to use a crystal in this spell, obsidian, black tourmaline, and smoky quartz are all associated with banishment and grounding. They help remove the negativity from you, either storing it within them or helping transfer it safely into the Universe or Earth. 

Wish to break this spell? Unfortunately, this is not a spell to be undone. If you really wish for the negative energies to come back, invite them back.

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

***

I like to combine this type of ritual with a few other magical steps to make it really effective. First, I make sure I clean and cleanse my home. My Deep Cleaning House Ritual is a really good one to use this time of year. I follow up the cleaning with a bath and often light a black candle for further banishment. Etch what you wish to banish on the candle, such as 2021, anoint it with oil, and roll in some slightly ground rosemary. Follow up the entire ritual with replacing the wards and protections around your home and do a tarot or rune reading for the year to come.

I hope everyone has a wonderful 2022. I know things are not looking that bright at the moment, but we will get through this. You are strong and capable of so much greatness. 

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Strawberry Freezer Jam Love Spell

Strawberry season is well on its way here in Georgia, and as such, we ventured out to the local farm to pick us some delectable, juicy strawberries. Picking fresh strawberries is my favorite part of Spring, although in most places strawberries don't ripen until Summer. Either way, heading out to the country for a morning out in the fresh air is on the top of my list of things to do as soon as the strawberries are ready. I try to make it out every year, and each time I come home with more strawberries than before; they are just that good! I love to eat them fresh or dehydrated where they turn into gummies, but my all-time favorite way to enjoy strawberries is through strawberry freezer jam. It also happens to be my father's favorite, so I am also sure to bring him some once it's ready. And every year, I am sure to fill each jar with love, a simple kitchen witch spell I am passing on to each of you today.

Now I know love spells get a lot of flack, but this one isn't going to make anyone fall madly in love with you against their will. It's designed to let them know you love them and can be "spiced" up, if you will, to induce amorous feelings if you so wish. However, I usually make this for my dad and co-workers, so I'm not looking to do anything other than let them know I care about them. If you are worried about free will, this isn't a spell that will infringe on that right.

What You'll Need

• 4 Cups Strawberries (2 cups crushed)
• 4 cups sugar
• Sure Gel Pectin
• 3/4 cup water
• Freezer-safe jars
• Cinnamon (optional)
  
  

What to Do

The recipe I use to make freezer jam is the one featured in the Sure Gel Pectin recipe. Make sure you follow it exactly as stated, otherwise your freezer jam will not set and you will be left with a syrupy mess!

During the Waxing or Full Moon, mix your crushed strawberries with your sugar. Stir the mixture clockwise to draw love in. As you do, envision the people you wish to share the jam with. See them delighted and thankful for the wonderful gift, smiles adorning their faces. Remember how much you love and care for them and pour this energy into the mixture. See it filling with pink, red, and golden light as you infuse it with your love. Continue stirring and say, "Strawberries red and sugar sweet, let those close know how much they mean to me." Allow this mixture to sit for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In a saucepan, mix your water and pectin and bring to a rolling boil for one minute. Stir constantly then combine with the strawberry-sugar mixture. Stir clockwise to combine the two completely while saying, "Pectin bind this spell together, seal in the love that shall not weather." Immediately jar and allow to sit at room temperature for 24 hours before refrigerating or freezing.

If you wish to add a little spice to your love life and conjure some amorous feelings from a partner, add a pinch of cinnamon to the recipe, while saying, "I add this cinnamon to spice up my love life. Bring me the passion I seek."

Why You Did It

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

For this spell/ritual, you have two options for the Moon phase, giving you ample time to make your freezer jam before your strawberries sour. Both the Waxing and Full Moons are about manifestation, especially if you are looking to bring something new into your life, such as spicing your love life up a bit. These are also the perfect Moon phases for love spells, whether you are promoting friendship or seeking a new relationship. 

The main ingredient in this spell is the strawberries! Strawberries, which are red, heart-shaped, and governed by Venus, have long been associated with love. They are considered a fruit of passion and according to Roman mythology, are said to have arisen when Venus wept for the death of Adonis, her lover. Furthermore, the idea of strawberries being a symbol is so engrained in modern society that on Valentine's Day, chocolate cover strawberries are commonly exchanged as a token of love. Due to their color, shape, and mythological and modern associations,  strawberries the perfect fruit for a love spell, especially a freezer jam. 

The sugar is added to sweeten the spell, enhancing the feeling of love, as well as to stabilize the mixture so it can set up properly. It's more than just a bit of spellwork here. The ingredients were combined by stirring clockwise to bring things to you and those partaking of the jam, while your visualization and energy raising infused your love and kind feelings into the strawberries and sugar. Finally, the pectin was added to bind the ingredients together, including binding your intentions into the spell so they don't wander off. Energy has a habit of dissipating and the pectin is able to bind this energy to the spell, as well as bind the ingredients so you end up with a jam instead of syrup.

If you added cinnamon to your jam, this was done to "spice" up your love life. Cinnamon is associated with love and sexual desire due to it being a "hot" herb. The spiciness of cinnamon is said to heat things up and therefore explains cinnamon's association with the element Fire. The powers of cinnamon were so potent, it is believed the Egyptian queen Cleopatra included cinnamon in her famous seductive oils to increase her allure.

Wish to break this spell? Toss the jam out! 

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

I hope each of you enjoys the first fruits of Spring and Summer!

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Seed Blessing Ritual

Spring is well on its way here in Georgia. We had what was likely the last cold snap last week, sometimes referred to as Dogwood Winter, so it's time to start planting those little baby plants outside. Usually, people have started seeds by now, but it's honestly not too late to start them. I just finished putting in raised beds in my backyard and in the upcoming weeks I am going to be filling them with loads of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, some of which I am going to start from seed thanks to all the large amount of seeds I've received through Apothecary At Home. With that being said, to ensure my seed's success, I put together this lovely little seed blessing ritual that combines all the elements together.

What You'll Need

• Seeds
• Seed Starters (water already added) or Potting Soil
• Spring Water
• Sun
  
  

What to Do

This ritual can be performed during the Full Moon (fruition), Waxing Moon (growth), or New Moon (new beginnings). Place the seeds in the palm of your hand Feel the life force radiating from each seed. If any seeds do not radiate with energy, discard them. For those that remain, clasp both of your hands together, warming the seeds with your body heat. Feel the seeds' energy and your own melding together. Welcome the seeds to your life and begin establishing a relationship with them. Ask them if there is anything they need or would like you to know. Give pause and listen. When you are finished speaking with the spirits of the seeds, say "My energy is your energy. Your energy is mine. We are one and the same; a relationship established, a life bond created."

Gently plant the seeds in the soil and say, "With this Earth, I encourage your roots to run deep and your stalk grow tall. May it nourish you and bring you strength."

Using your fingers, gently sprinkle some water over each of the newly planted seeds. Since the soil is already moist, you are not looking to soak the seeds, but symbolically unite and bless them with water. As you gently sprinkle the newly planted seeds with water say, "With this Water, I bless your growth. May it quench your thirst and strengthen your cell walls." (getting a little science in there!)

Next, blow on each seed and then say, "With this Air, I give you breath. May it bring you to life and infuse you with energy."

Place your seeds in a sunny area where they will be undisturbed while saying, "With this Fire, I give you warmth. May the Sun bring you life and encourage your growth."

And you're done! I encourage you to talk to your seeds each day to encourage their growth and continue developing your relationship with the seeds. When they are large enough, transplant your new seedlings into pots, your garden, or raised beds. Be sure to continue providing for your new plants and developing your relationship with them by giving them offerings of water, natural fertilizers, crystals, and other biodegradable offerings such as your own urine.

Why You Did It

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

For this spell/ritual, you have a couple of options for the moon phase used. This spell is rather flexible and depending on exactly what you want, you can change your timing around. The Full Moon is most commonly used for fruition and manifestation. Since you are trying to bring about new plants, the Full Moon is a possible moon phase to use. If you are looking more at growth, go with the Waxing Moon. The New Moon, on the other hand, is for new beginnings. Since you are starting something new, the New Moon is another excellent phase to use. I went with the Full Moon earlier this week because I am hoping to manifest more than just some healthy plants for my garden. I also want to manifest and foster deeper relationships with these plants.

In the first portion of the spell, you made a connection with the seeds by holding them in your hands. In doing so, energy was transferred from you to the seeds and from the seeds to you. This allows you to establish a bond and open the doors to communication. It also helps to awaken them. Many of these seeds have been dormant for quite some time. The heat of your hands gently wakes them up and prepares them for what is to come.

Finally, we combined the 4 elements in this spell to bless the seeds and help them grow. First and foremost, seeds need all 4 elements in order to grow in the first place. The absence of one ingredient causes the seeds to fail to survive, sometimes even to germinate. Furthermore, too much of one element throws the entire system out of balance, leading to a failure to thrive as well. Earth provides the seedling with vital nutrients in the form of minerals. These nutrients help strengthen the seedling, allowing it to grow strong. Furthermore, the soil acts as an anchor, tying it to the life force that is Mother Earth. Next, we blessed our seeds with a quick drink of Water. Water is required for all life, providing our cells and that of the plant with the basic components needed for survival. Magically, Water is used to cleanse and bless, making it the perfect element to use when blessing the seed with a bountiful future. After Water, we infused the seed with our own breath. Breath, which is representative of Air, is folklorically associated with the breath of life, being used to breathe life into otherwise dead, dominant, or inanimate objects, which is the desired effect in this spell. From a scientific point of view, however, our breath is composed almost entirely of carbon dioxide, which is needed by plants to carry out photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, the plant makes glucose, which it then uses as an energy source for growth. By blowing on the seeds, not only are you strengthen your connection to the plant by offering them something from you, but you are quite literally breathing life into the plant by providing them with carbon dioxide. Finally, we planed the plants in the Sun, our representative of Fire in this spell, to activate growth and give them life. Sunlight is the final ingredient in the recipe, providing the catalyst for continued plant growth. While seeds do not need sunlight to begin germinating, they do need it to sustain growth, as the energy from sunlight energizes the electrons needed to carry out the first steps of photosynthesis. Magically, sunlight is a purifier as well as a life-giver. Combined, the four elements unite to ensure successful growth and a bountiful harvest.

Wish to break this spell? There is nothing to break in this spell, so just leave it be. However, if you no longer want to grow the seeds, you can remove them prior to sprouting or discard the seedlings in a compost pile. I find this to be very rude after you attempted to form a relationship with the plant but to each their own.

Remember to record this ritual on your ritual/spell worksheet!

I hope each of you has a prosperous Spring and an even more bountiful Summer! May all your seeds bear fruit.

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Honey & Lavender Imbolc Posset Ritual

At Imbolc, we celebrate the slow return of the Sun and Spring. It marks the mid-way point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox and is deeply associated with the lambing season, which is where the name Imbolc may originate. Depending on the source, Imbolc may be from the Old Irish for "in the belly" which refers to the pregnancy of ewes and as such the production of milk, from Old Irish imb-fholc which means "to wash or cleanse oneself," or from the folk oimelc meaning "ewe milk." No matter the actual etymology of the word, Imbolc is known as both a celebration of lambing season and milk and ritual cleansing. This honey and lavender posset combines both of these celebrations into one delightful dessert recipe.

What You'll Need

• 4 cups heavy or regular whipping cream (I am using Silk Heavy Cream to make this vegan which did not sit up very well)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon lavender + 1 teaspoon for garnish

What to Do

Bring the cream and honey to a boil over medium heat. Stir continuously for 3 full minutes in a clockwise direction. As you stir, visualize the milk and honey mixture filling with purifying golden light while chanting, 

"With golden honey, shining like the Sun,

This spell of cleansing and celebration is begun.

Milk so white and pure,

Cleanse my soul so I am no longer unsure.

Bring me serenity and clarity,

Your warmth soothing all insecurities.

Honey and milk combine,

To honor the union of the divine.

May the Sun return and heat the Earth,

And from His rays, we shall witness rebirth."

Remove from the heat and add the lemon and lime juice. Stir to combine. Place the 1 tablespoon of lavender into a tea ball and submerge it in the mixture. Stir clockwise while saying,

"With citrus and lavender purple,

Awaken dear Sun so life may come full circle."

Allow the lavender to steep for between 10 and 20 minutes string occasionally. The longer the lavender is allowed to steep, the stronger the flavor. When it's time, remove the tea ball of lavender and pour the mixture into small ramekins or custard dishes. Top with the remaining lavender and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Chill for at least 2 hours in the fridge or in the freezer for 30-40 minutes until it sets. When it's ready, enjoy by yourself or with friends. Remember to leave some for the Earth and genius loci as an offering.

Why You Did It

Understanding the why's of a ritual are just as important as performing it. It helps you understand the process so you can modify the spell or ritual to suit your needs and helps guide you to write your own.

For this spell, we only used a couple of simple ingredients to make a fantastic cleansing dessert in honor of the season. First, honey, being golden in color, is associated with masculine solar energies and warmth. By combining with milk, traditionally associated with Earth and feminine energies, we are creating a union between two heavenly bodies or divine beings, depending on your beliefs, to represent rebirth and renewal. Both rebirth, renewal, milk, and honey are central themes and feast foods of Imbolc. Furthermore, milk and honey are known for their healing properties. Honey is naturally antibacterial and aids in treating bacterial infections. Milk, vegan or otherwise, is full of vital nutrients that help stave off infections and prevent brittle bones. Together they help cleanse the body and prevent illness as well as boosts your stamina, which is needed after a long rest, and reduces insomnia.

Lemon, like milk and honey, is also antimicrobial thus increasing the healing and cleansing properties of the dessert. The bright yellow color is also associated with the Sun, adding additional solar energies to the spell as a way to encourage the Sun's return through sympathetic magic. Furthermore, lemon is associated with purification and rejuvenation, making it the perfect addition to an Imbolc spell. The lime, being green, is representative of Earth, which is just beginning to wake during Imbolc, hence the lesser amount. 

Finally, we have lavender. Lavender is the culmination of the fruits of the Sun and Earth's labors, the rebirth of life. While it's not the first flower to bloom in the Spring, it does bloom earlier than many, dotting the landscape with beautiful purple hues. Lavender is also associated with love, being used by prostitutes to attract customers or by young women to attract a future husband. Because Imbolc is lambing season and the beginning of the union between Sun and Earth, it seems only fitting to use lavender in this spell to represent the love that creates new life.

Wish to break this spell? There is nothing to break in this spell, so just leave it be. You can always throw the posset out instead of eating it if you decide you don't want to cleanse yourself and celebrate the season.

Remember to record this ritual on your ritual/spell worksheet and have a wonderful Imbolc! How do you plan to celebrate this year?

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Hedge Riding Tea to Aid in Reaching an Altered State of Consciousness

I think by now it's pretty obvious I have a thing for tea. I think most witches do, partly for the experience and flavor, and partly due to the magical and medicinal properties that come with it. Tea is a great way to use herbs in your practice with many of them offering so much more than their magical correspondences. Tea magic is incredibly simple and can be used to manifest and banish pretty much anything if done correctly. However, tea also heals and relaxes, and, depending on the recipe, can be used to help you reach an altered state of consciousness required for hedge riding. Use this tea recipe below to help you do just that!

Hedge Riding Tea

1 tsp dried lavender 

1 tsp dried rosemary 

2 tsp dried mugwort 

honey or another sweetener to taste 

Begin by grinding the dried herbs together. Place in a tea ball and combine with 1 cup hot water and sweetener. Let steep for 10 minutes, stirring clockwise occasionally. As you do so, chant "draught of night, bring me flight." Consume prior to hedge riding. 

Lavender helps you relax and be open to traveling, rosemary enhances memory to help you recall the journey and improves circulation, allowing the herbs to work faster, and mugwort is a known mild psychedelic that will help you reach an altered state of consciousness. Mugwort is the key ingredient here. This isn't the best-tasting tea in the world, but it works.

Let me know if this tea works as well for you as it does for me in the comments below!

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