September Corn Moon Worksheet

September's Full Moon is known as the Corn Moon, Barley Moon, Wine Moon, and sometimes the Harvest Moon if it falls close enough to the Fall Equinox. Corn, barley, and grapes are the main plants being harvested this time of year, hence the name. Mabon, being the second harvest festival and a time of giving thanks, gives September or October the name Harvest Moon. As the wheel continues to turn, the days are growing shorter and the nights longer. The Corn Moon marks a time of abundance, thanksgiving, and most of all preparation. Spend this Full Moon giving thanks for the abundance in your life, giving to others, calling abundance to you, and planning ahead for the Winter months. Stockpile your witch's cabinet and meditate on what to keep and what to leave behind as we transition to Winter. 

This month's Full Moon worksheet contains the usuals of my past Full Moon worksheets, including a to release and cleanse section, a box for your intuition, and a tarot spread. Unlike past worksheets, however, this one can be used every September, as it is based on the correspondences of the moon itself and not other astrological events. The tarot spread for this month features 4 cards focusing on what you should harvest at this time and where you should go in the future.

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Book Review: Elemental Magic by Nigel Pennick

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 was provided a copy of this book for an honest review.

Hey everyone! I am sorry for the long leave of absence. I needed to take a step back from the blogging world for a little while to get things sorted in my personal life and work on myself. It's been a long month and a half and if I am honest, things are not going very well. Despite this, I have definitely been missing blogging and connecting with my readers and enjoying the world of witchcraft. If I am completely honest, I took a step back from everything witchy the past month, except a little bit of light reading here and there. I'm glad I took the break as I simply couldn't handle another thing on my plate. Hopefully, the rest of the year will go a little bit smoother than they have recently, but I digress. I am back today to share a very short book review on Elemental Witchcraft: Traditional Practice for Working with the Energies of the Natural World by Nigel Pennick.

Honestly, this book was extremely disappointing. It is Wicca in disguise but doesn't cover anything in great detail. Furthermore, there were several statements that were judgemental or dismissive of those that are trying to perform witchcraft on a budget. For example, he says you can't use tap water because it's magically void, but there is nothing to substantiate this claim. I use tap water all the time for magical workings; it is not magically void and is the only source of affordable water for many witches. We have to recognize the privilege in claims like these and that not everyone has access to the same goods and services. To add insult to injury he misuses several common witchcraft terms, including fetch and familiar. A fetch is NOT an animal guide. A fetch is usually a human spirit, often a doppelganger, that assists in various things. A familiar, on the other hand, is not an animal that works with you such as your pet cat. Familiars are spirits that CAN take the form of an animal but are generally not your pet. This is the most common misconception in witchcraft and its disappointing to see this misinformation spread by such a prolific author. Finally, he calls snakes poisonous....they are not poisonous. They are venomous. This is the section book I have reviewed recently that lacks scientific accuracy. It's extremely disappointing that in this day and age we are still running into people claiming snakes are poisonous. 

 Despite the many, many issues I had with this book, the section on trees is good. I would have liked to see more herbs covered as it mostly covers mandrake, but it was still enjoyable to read and accurate, both magically and scientifically. I have never heard the year broken up into two halves known as The Flower Year and Harvest Year, but I am intrigued by their roots. Further research will give me a better idea of how accurate this information is. 

Overall, I was very disappointed in this book, especially by the title. I was hoping to learn more about the actual elements, not green Wicca. However, I recognize that this book may help others on their path, especially those looking for a brief introduction to the elements of witchcraft, not to be confused with the Elements (earth, air, fire, water, and spirit). Pennick's book, Elemental Witchcraft: Traditional Practice for Working with the Energies of the Natural World will be available on October 6, 2020, and can be preordered now.

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August Sturgeon Moon Worksheet

August's Full Moon is known as Sturgeon Moon, Green Corn Moon, Barley Moon, Fruit Moon, or Grain Moon. Sturgeon Moon comes from the number of sturgeon present in the Great Lakes at this time, which was a staple food source of the Algonquin tribes in the Midwest. The other names, however, originate from the crops being harvested at this time. Corn, barley, fruits, and grain harvests begin at this time, providing food for the upcoming winter months. As such, this is a time to start preparing for the future, harvesting what you can now in preparation for what is to come. Check on your spiritual and physical health, getting rid of what you no longer need and cultivating what will bring you happiness and prosperity in the future. 

This month's Full Moon worksheet contains the usuals of my past Full Moon worksheets, including a to release and cleanse section, a box for your intuition, and a tarot spread. Unlike past worksheets, however, this one can be used every August, as it is based on the correspondences of the moon itself and not other astrological events. The tarot spread for this month features 5 cards focusing on what you should harvest at this time and where you should go in the future.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE COPY

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Lammas Altar 2020

Lammas or Lughnasadh is the first of the harvest festivals. Corn is quickly ripening in the field, fruits are being plucked at peak ripeness, and farmer's markets are bursting with colorful produce. This is one of my favorite times of year because there is plenty of locally-grown fresh produce just waiting to be enjoyed. Lammas is also a bread holiday, celebrating the harvesting of wheat to be made into bread or stored away for the upcoming winter months. Being the first of the harvest festivals, the Sun is still hanging brightly in the sky, bathing the crops in nourishing sunlight to help bring the harvest to fruition. As such, I have honored the harvest and the Sun in this altar by focusing on some of the major themes of the sabbat.

1. Corn Dolly- Corn dollies are a central theme in harvest folklore across Europe. Traditionally, they were made from the husks of the last corn harvest and remained in the home until the following year where they were plowed into the first furrow of the season. As such, the Spirit of the Harvest would be returned to the soil to ensure a bountiful crop the following year. While I am not planning on burying my corn dolly anytime soon, the sentiment remains and represents the Spirit of the Harvest or the Corn-Maiden. (Where did I get it: Subscription Box; Cost: $2)

2. Candles in Holders-  The candles in their golden-hued holders represent the Sun who brings life to the harvest and helps ripen the fruits. Without the Sun, our crops would remain unfruitful. Furthermore, the candles act as sympathetic magic to encourage the Sun to remain strong until the last of the harvest has been brought it. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2020; Cost: $3 for candle holders and white candles)

3. Wheat Stalks and Berries- Wheat is harvested and ground into flour to make breads, cakes, and other pastries. Flour was a crucial staple of our ancestors, as it could be easily stored and used throughout the winter months to provide nourishing food. The wheat stalks honor this tradition and encourage a bountiful harvest. Mixed with the wheat stalks are some berries, which are ripening quickly under the heat of the Sun. Blackberries, in particular, are prevalent at this time, providing a sugary treat for all who encounter them. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $2, $1 each)

4. Carnelian, Bloodstone, Quartz, and Citrine- The four crystals I picked correspond with the energy of the sabbat. Carnelian represents the Sun, strength, and vitality, the quartz amplifies the power of the altar and represents change, while the bloodstone represents health and vitality. Citrine, also a Sun crystal, represents the soothing, life-giving energies of the Sun that are beginning to wane. I placed them in a crystal grid pattern to give the Sun continued strength through the remainder of the growing season. (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Stores; Cost: ~8)

5. Sunflowers- The sunflowers, which were also featured on my Litha altar, 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. These unique flowers follow the Sun throughout the day, and are thought to lend Him strength. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $1)

6. Silk Ivy and Grapes- The silk ivy represents wealth, abundance, and fertility while the grapes also represent fertility and abundance as well as gratitude and the harvest. Grapes are just ripening on the vine at Lammas and will later be turned into wines and jams to be enjoyed throughout the year.  (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $2, $1 each)

TOTAL COST: ~$18

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 break down helpful, especially those of you looking to create Instagram perfect altars on a budget!

How did you celebrate Lammas this year?

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Elemental Magic: Fire Spells and Rituals

I apologize for taking some time to get this post out. My life has drastically changed in the past week and a half and I am still processing said changes. The good news is, this elemental series has seriously allowed me to cope with things better than I could have ever imagined. Such loss and heartbreak would have been met with anger, resentment, and a lot of scream crying, but I have been surprisingly calm and collected thanks to the healing energies of Water and the stable, loving embrace of Earth. However, Fire plays a key role in loss and new beginnings, so today I focus on spells and rituals that use Fire to start over, reignite your passion, and pave the way for a brighter future. 

Cord-cutting rituals are designed to help you cut ties with a person, place, or thing to help you move on with your life. While generally designed to help you separate from a relationship, usually a love interest, it can also be used to help you cut ties with a job or traumatic events. It's important to be specific in this ritual as well as prepared for the consequences. Once cords are cut, it will be extremely difficult to undo so make sure this is what you really want. This particular ritual uses Fire to burn the connection between you and the person, place, or thing you wish to part from. While Fire is destructive, remember it paves the way for new life.

What You'll Need

• 9-inch black string
• 1 Candle (white or black)
• Candleholder
• Picture of yourself and the other person/place/thing or paper to write names
• Matches or lighter
• Dried Yarrow flowers (optional) & anointing oil or olive oil (optional)
  
  

What to Do

Begin by dressing the candle with the oil and dried yarrow flowers if you please. Yarrow is not necessary for this spell but will enhance the effects as yarrow is deeply associated with cutting ties and soul bounds as well as setting boundaries. Next, roll up the pictures or the paper with names and tie one end of the string to each. Nine is the number of magic and power, which will enhance the power of the spell significantly. Light the candle and visualize yourself whole, well, and happy, your heart healed of past traumas. When ready, use the candle flame to cut the cord between the two objects, again visualizing yourself whole and happy. Take a deep breath and exhale any final feelings, emotions, or tension you may still have. Allow the candle to burn down while meditating on your future.

When it comes to getting things done, Fire is the element of passion and strength. This simple carnelian Sun charm is the perfect charm to give you the courage and strength needed to move forward, no matter what stands in your way.

What You'll Need

• Carnelian
• Jewelry wire
  
  

What to Do

When the Sun is highest (around Noon), cleanse and charge the carnelian using sunlight. Do not allow the carnelian to sit in direct sunlight for more than an hour as the stone will begin to fade. Once charged with the power of the Sun, wrap the carnelian in jewelry wire to create a pendant or keychain. As you do so, say "Carnelian, strong and proud, give me the strength to face the future with courage. Bring me the strength to face the unknown and the will to demand change. Help me remove all barriers to bring me happiness and good fortune." Wear or carry the carnelian on your person to bring you strength and courage.

Banishing spells are a great way to remove something or someone from your life that you absolutely do not want to return. Unlike cord-cutting, this removes the person completely, not just severs the tie between you. However, use with caution. Banishing spells are nearly impossible to undo and can backfire if not done properly. You must be absolutely clear in your intent and specific in your wording, otherwise, you could end up removing something you want. This spell uses a purple or black candle to banish an unwanted person or entity. 

What You'll Need

• Purple or black candle
• Paper & Pen
  
  

What to Do

Begin by writing the name of the person or entity you wish to remove from your life then write your name over their name, effectively crossing it out. You may need to write your name several times to completely obscure the first name. As you do so chant, "I cover you. I cross you. I remove you from my life. I command you; I compel you, get out of my life." Place the paper under the candle and light the candle. Allow it to burn down completely. Dispose of the spell ingredients away from your property, effectively removing them from your life.

Love spells are some of the most misunderstood spells in witchcraft. You cannot force someone to fall in love with you, but you can attract someone to you, usually by making yourself more desirable. This specific spell works to draw a person to you, whether it be romantically or completely plutonic. It can be used to attract a lover or a friendship. Heck, you could probably even use it to attract a new job!

What You'll Need

• Two strips of paper
• Pen
• Fireproof bowl
• Matches or Lighter
• Orange Zest or Orange Blossoms
• Spell bottle
• Wax
  
  

What to Do

Begin by writing the goal of the spell on the first strip of paper. Make sure you are clear in your intent and use positive language. You shouldn't say you don't want something, instead, say what you want. This will be most effective if written as an "I" statement as if you already have the object of your desire. On the second strip of paper, write the object of your desire. You can be as specific or vague as you wish. If you want a specific person or job, use their name, but if you want to attract love or a job in general, write the characteristics of the person you are looking for or a job description. Next, write your name over the object of your desire, thus linking you to the object. Place both strips of paper and the orange zest or blossoms in a fire-safe bowl and burn. Place the ashes in a spell bottle and seal with wax. Place on your altar or store in a safe place. If you no longer desire the object, break the seal on the spell bottle and throw the ashes into the wind.

Sometimes we want to get things done, but something continues to hold us back whether it be fear, doubt, or frustrations. This unblocking spell will help remove those blocks using Fire to burn them away. This spell is best followed up with a bath to help wash away any residual energies.

What You'll Need

• 1 white candle
• Whole cloves
  
  

What to Do

Hold the white candle in your hands and envision all your fears, frustrations, and doubt transferring from you to the candle. Feel it warm between your hands as you do so. Next, dress the candle with the whole cloves and light the candle. As the candle burns, envision all those fears, frustrations, and doubts vanishing into the thin air, dissipating with the smoke. Finish the spell with a cleansing bath and change into clean clothes, symbolizing your new beginning. 

Many of us struggle with confidence issues, especially after a breakup or great loss. This spell is designed to help boost your self-confidence by focusing on what you are good at, using Fire to ignite that confidence through the use of an orange candle which is associated with confidence.

What You'll Need

• Orange candle
• Matches or lighter
  
  

What to Do

Light the orange candle and stare into the flames. As you do so, complete the following sentences:

I am proud of...

I am good at...

My greatest asset is...

I feel strong and capable when I...

People love me because I'm...

Complete these sentences using positive affirmations. Repeat them at least three times, feeling their power deep within your soul. Allow the candle to burn down or snuff out when ready.

Spell reversal is an important utility spell, especially for those wishing to reverse a spell cast upon themselves or a spell that has backfired that you didn't build an easy undoing into. There are dozens of ways to reverse spells, but Fire is able to burn away the magical energies of a spell quickly, leaving nothing behind. This particular spell is designed to reverse a spell cast against you by another witch. 

What You'll Need

• White candle
• Dried patchouli or oil
• Dried vetiver or oil
• Dressing oil (if using dried herbs)
  
  

What to Do

Cut the top off the white candle, forming a flat base then flip the candle over and carve the bottom until the wick is exposed. You are reversing the spell by reversing the candle. Dress the candle in patchouli, vetiver, and oil which will reflect the spell back to its source. If you know the source of the spell, carve their name into the candle as well. Light the candle and say, "Candle burning bright and warm; let the evil (or spell) done against me be reversed just as I have reversed you." 

***

These spells are just some of the many uses of Fire, some of which you can find elsewhere on my blog. Again, I tried to include several spells to help us navigate the current social climate, but there are several spells that can be used whenever you need them. How do you use Fire in your practice? Share your spells and ideas in the comments below!

Interest in the rest of the series? Here's what's to come!

Elemental Magic Series

Introduction to the Elements
Water
Water Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Water Ritual
Tools of Water
Water Spells and Rituals
Earth
Earth Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Earth Ritual
Tools of Earth
Earth Spells and Rituals
Fire
Fire Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Fire Ritual
Tools of Fire
Fire Spells and Rituals
Air
Air Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Air Ritual
Tools of Air
Air Spells and Rituals
Spirit
Spirit Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting with Spirit Ritual
Tools of Spirit

Putting It All Together

Looking for more information on the elements? Check out my posts on the topic:

Representing the Elements with Crystals
Infograph: Water
Infograph: Earth
Infograph: Fire
Infograph: Air

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