Hello my lovelies,
With your BoS only needing the final touches it is time to start walking through those small things, thats right after some deliberation I have decided to tackle the process of not just writing a spell, but of recording it in a way that will allow you to reproduce results.
I will try to go through the alphabet, one specific kind of spell for each letter, this will be a challenge for both of us. Considering the possibility of redundancy.
I start with the New Year, November 1st!
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
The Magick Touch
With your Book of Shadows essentially complete you probably have at least 50 pages still blank. You can fill in the rest with the essentials for actual magick, since as Witches magick is what we do. First allow me to recap.
Your Book of Shadows is a Temple in Miniature, a concentrated reference to everything that you believe and know to be true. It begins in the physical as a blank book, and in the course of its creation becomes a part of the veil, not separating the worlds but acting as a gateway between them.
When you consecrated your Book of Shadows it started taking on the spirit of a magickal object, this imbued spirit has a personality and a need to be fed. If it goes unfed then your Book may decide to find someone willing to give it the dedication it deserves.
So we structure a bit of ritual, so that every time we make an entry into the Book it will draw in a little more power. We bind ourselves and our own power to the Book of Shadows with the use of our own blood making it a part of us, so that the time and ritual will continue to feed the Book as well as ourselves.
At this point the Book of Shadows has become hollowed ground, Priest included. So we erect the Temple, call the gods, celebrate the Sabbats and embrace the Esbats. We live our faith. Part of our faith is Magick.
Magick is the art of bringing about change in conformity to our will. As some define it. I like it, its succinct. But for those who need more:
"Magic is the art of affecting the manifest through the Unmanifest. The
manifest is all that can be seen, touched, perceived, manipulated,
imagined, or understood. The Unmanifest is none of these things. It is
the place, or rather the non-place, from which everything issues. All
that comes into being comes from the Unmanifest. All that passes away
goes back to the Unmanifest."
Essentially Magick is Change, the most basic of changes brought about by our interactions with the world around us.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Unrelated Update
Hey everyone,
Since May I have had problems accessing my Blogger account, this has just been resolved. My sincere apologies for the duplicate posts, I am back tracking to fix the contents of said posts. Mabon (May 12th) has just been fixed. Bare with me, I will get everything back up, then the Blog will pick up where I left off.
Thank you.
**Place Holder**
Mabon - Fixed 11-07-2014
September New Moon - Fixed 15-07-2014
September Full Moon - Fixed 20-07-2014
October New Moon - Fixed 21-07-2014
October Full Moon - Fixed 29-07-2014
~Personal Note~ This originally posted as Lughnasadh again, this is because I copied and pasted it in order to schedule the post, that I might edit it from my smartphone. Please forgive me it has been edited and fixed, albeit two months after it posted.
Since May I have had problems accessing my Blogger account, this has just been resolved. My sincere apologies for the duplicate posts, I am back tracking to fix the contents of said posts. Mabon (May 12th) has just been fixed. Bare with me, I will get everything back up, then the Blog will pick up where I left off.
Thank you.
**Place Holder**
Mabon - Fixed 11-07-2014
September New Moon - Fixed 15-07-2014
September Full Moon - Fixed 20-07-2014
October New Moon - Fixed 21-07-2014
October Full Moon - Fixed 29-07-2014
~Personal Note~ This originally posted as Lughnasadh again, this is because I copied and pasted it in order to schedule the post, that I might edit it from my smartphone. Please forgive me it has been edited and fixed, albeit two months after it posted.
Monday, June 9, 2014
October Full Moon
Originally Posted as July's Full Moon. I have written and re-written this post now four times only to have blogger not post it.
--------------------------------
Actually called "The Blood Moon" This is a time to prepare for the coming months and return to our roots.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
This is October, in the time since the Equinox we are now noticing the darkness. The time when we are called back to school or to our families for the comfort that comes from familiarity. Its also a time of mystery and power as the veil begins to shimmer at our peripheral and the nudge of power teases at our senses. Enjoy ancestral magick and divination. Cast spells for justice and balance, and to overthrow anything oppressive which may be blocking your path to success. Ambition is highlighted, use magic to increase the potency of your own, or cast magic to contain ambition that may have run amok. This is also the perfect time to step into the dark shadows and take advantage of the vibrations found there.
The Besom
The besom is the traditional witch's broom. It's associated with all kinds of legend and folklore, including the popular notion that witches fly around in the night on a broomstick. The besom is a great addition to your collection of magical tools - in fact in a few traditions it is an apprentices first tool after their BoS- it's used in many traditions as a method of cleansing or purifying a space. In some cultures, the rite of jumping the broom was considered an important part of a marriage ceremony. This ritual has seen some resurgence in popularity as more and more Wiccan and Pagan couples celebrate Handfastings.
Getting your besom is no great tiring task these days, but in days of old its the broom was used to hide a magicians staff, which as many of us know is not just a walking stick. Today it's easy to just buy a broom, it's also pretty easy to make one of your own out of different types of wood. Although the items that follow are for the more traditional style of besom, you can use nearly any types of branches available to you.
You'll need:
A length of ash or oak for the handle. (I like Elm for this purpose, magically)
Thin branches of birch for the bristle part (you can substitute a woody herb like mugwort or thyme for the bristles if you like)
Lengths of willow or heavy cord to bind everything together
Whatever you'll be using for the bristles -- whether it's birch, an herb, or some other wood -- should be soaked in the warm water overnight to make them pliable, as should the willow binding, if you're using it. The best detailed instructions can be found here.
--------------------------------
Actually called "The Blood Moon" This is a time to prepare for the coming months and return to our roots.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
This is October, in the time since the Equinox we are now noticing the darkness. The time when we are called back to school or to our families for the comfort that comes from familiarity. Its also a time of mystery and power as the veil begins to shimmer at our peripheral and the nudge of power teases at our senses. Enjoy ancestral magick and divination. Cast spells for justice and balance, and to overthrow anything oppressive which may be blocking your path to success. Ambition is highlighted, use magic to increase the potency of your own, or cast magic to contain ambition that may have run amok. This is also the perfect time to step into the dark shadows and take advantage of the vibrations found there.
The Besom
The besom is the traditional witch's broom. It's associated with all kinds of legend and folklore, including the popular notion that witches fly around in the night on a broomstick. The besom is a great addition to your collection of magical tools - in fact in a few traditions it is an apprentices first tool after their BoS- it's used in many traditions as a method of cleansing or purifying a space. In some cultures, the rite of jumping the broom was considered an important part of a marriage ceremony. This ritual has seen some resurgence in popularity as more and more Wiccan and Pagan couples celebrate Handfastings.
Getting your besom is no great tiring task these days, but in days of old its the broom was used to hide a magicians staff, which as many of us know is not just a walking stick. Today it's easy to just buy a broom, it's also pretty easy to make one of your own out of different types of wood. Although the items that follow are for the more traditional style of besom, you can use nearly any types of branches available to you.
You'll need:
A length of ash or oak for the handle. (I like Elm for this purpose, magically)
Thin branches of birch for the bristle part (you can substitute a woody herb like mugwort or thyme for the bristles if you like)
Lengths of willow or heavy cord to bind everything together
Whatever you'll be using for the bristles -- whether it's birch, an herb, or some other wood -- should be soaked in the warm water overnight to make them pliable, as should the willow binding, if you're using it. The best detailed instructions can be found here.
Monday, June 2, 2014
October New Moon
~ Again originally posted as Alder.
-------
On the Celtic Tree Calendar this is the Vine Moon and a time of resurrection, transformation and reflection.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
The Vine moon is a time of transition as the earth prepares for winter’s rest and we prepare for our journey through the dark of the year. At night there’s a chill in the air. The leaves of trees have blazed to their full autumn splendor and are drifting away on the wind. This is the of the Dark Mother who stands alone. This is the time to contemplate the cycle of life, death and rebirth.
Vine is a a "tree" that can be overshadowed by the lore of other cultures. Grapevines typically come to mind when discussing vines, we can thank the Romans for this, but it was more likely the blackberry vines that captured the hearts of the ancient Celts. Descriptions of the Vine have it as wrathful, that lends that it is capable of great harm. When I was growing up in the Northwest the tenacity of the blackberry and its indomitable nature made us hate it, it took over acres of forest, hornets nested in their tangled shoots. It was like the thorny vines that kept Prince Philip from Sleeping Beauties tower. The vine earned its symbolism from its growth patterns. They recognized the vine grows opportunistically, and would dig in wherever feasible in order to gain a strong foothold to assure its own growth. The vine is a theme repeated over and over in Celtic art. Interconnections and winding vines are commonly seen on tapestries, writings,knot work and carvings. This indicates the symbolism of connection, eternity, and diversity as we expand in new directions. The Vine teaches us, in spite of the philosophical urgings to take things as they may come, the thorns of these vines are symbolic of defending or protecting ourselves when necessary. The Celts referred to this month as Muin.
.
Vine is mentioned in the Welsh tale "The Battle of Trees" as having gone to ground, holding the line. The last bastion of defense, the kings own champion.
The Vine Moon is associated with the healing God of the Tuatha de Danann: Dian Cecht. It was Dian Cecht who once saved Ireland, and was indirectly the cause of the name of the River Barrow. The Morrígan, the heaven-god's fierce wife, had borne a son of such terrible aspect that the physician of the gods, foreseeing danger, counselled that he should be destroyed in his infancy. This was done; and Dian Cecht opened the infant's heart, and found within it three serpents, capable, when they grew to full size, of depopulating Ireland. He lost no time in destroying these serpents also, and burning them into ashes, to avoid the evil which even their dead bodies might do. More than this, he flung the ashes into the nearest river, for he feared that there might be danger even in them; and, indeed, so venomous were they that the river boiled up and slew every living creature in it, and therefore has been called the River Barrow, the ‘Boiling’ ever since.
As a the time for inner cleansing. Meditate on the laws of Karma and thoughts of reincarnation. This is the time of letting go, justice, balance, and inner harmony.
Scrying a Past Life
You will need:
1 white Candle
1 black mirror or scrying bowl (With spring water)
A cup of blackberry tea or raspberry zinger.
Set the candle next to the mirror so the light from it can hit your face, but so that you will not see the candle in the mirror. Turn off the lights and sit in front of the mirror look into your eyes and say these words:
"Oracle of lunar light, Send me the second sight"
Stare into your eyes and try not to blink. Your reflection will dissolve and another will appear. Try to look at the face, body, clothing and surroundings. Coming back to yourself write down what you saw, drink the tea for help in grounding any wayward emotions.
-------
On the Celtic Tree Calendar this is the Vine Moon and a time of resurrection, transformation and reflection.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
The Vine moon is a time of transition as the earth prepares for winter’s rest and we prepare for our journey through the dark of the year. At night there’s a chill in the air. The leaves of trees have blazed to their full autumn splendor and are drifting away on the wind. This is the of the Dark Mother who stands alone. This is the time to contemplate the cycle of life, death and rebirth.
Vine is a a "tree" that can be overshadowed by the lore of other cultures. Grapevines typically come to mind when discussing vines, we can thank the Romans for this, but it was more likely the blackberry vines that captured the hearts of the ancient Celts. Descriptions of the Vine have it as wrathful, that lends that it is capable of great harm. When I was growing up in the Northwest the tenacity of the blackberry and its indomitable nature made us hate it, it took over acres of forest, hornets nested in their tangled shoots. It was like the thorny vines that kept Prince Philip from Sleeping Beauties tower. The vine earned its symbolism from its growth patterns. They recognized the vine grows opportunistically, and would dig in wherever feasible in order to gain a strong foothold to assure its own growth. The vine is a theme repeated over and over in Celtic art. Interconnections and winding vines are commonly seen on tapestries, writings,knot work and carvings. This indicates the symbolism of connection, eternity, and diversity as we expand in new directions. The Vine teaches us, in spite of the philosophical urgings to take things as they may come, the thorns of these vines are symbolic of defending or protecting ourselves when necessary. The Celts referred to this month as Muin.
.
Vine is mentioned in the Welsh tale "The Battle of Trees" as having gone to ground, holding the line. The last bastion of defense, the kings own champion.
The Vine Moon is associated with the healing God of the Tuatha de Danann: Dian Cecht. It was Dian Cecht who once saved Ireland, and was indirectly the cause of the name of the River Barrow. The Morrígan, the heaven-god's fierce wife, had borne a son of such terrible aspect that the physician of the gods, foreseeing danger, counselled that he should be destroyed in his infancy. This was done; and Dian Cecht opened the infant's heart, and found within it three serpents, capable, when they grew to full size, of depopulating Ireland. He lost no time in destroying these serpents also, and burning them into ashes, to avoid the evil which even their dead bodies might do. More than this, he flung the ashes into the nearest river, for he feared that there might be danger even in them; and, indeed, so venomous were they that the river boiled up and slew every living creature in it, and therefore has been called the River Barrow, the ‘Boiling’ ever since.
As a the time for inner cleansing. Meditate on the laws of Karma and thoughts of reincarnation. This is the time of letting go, justice, balance, and inner harmony.
Scrying a Past Life
You will need:
1 white Candle
1 black mirror or scrying bowl (With spring water)
A cup of blackberry tea or raspberry zinger.
Set the candle next to the mirror so the light from it can hit your face, but so that you will not see the candle in the mirror. Turn off the lights and sit in front of the mirror look into your eyes and say these words:
"Oracle of lunar light, Send me the second sight"
Stare into your eyes and try not to blink. Your reflection will dissolve and another will appear. Try to look at the face, body, clothing and surroundings. Coming back to yourself write down what you saw, drink the tea for help in grounding any wayward emotions.
Monday, May 26, 2014
September Full Moon
~ Originally posted as a copy of the July Full Moon
--------------
Actually called "The Singing Moon" Now, after the seasonal harvests are complete comes a time for acceptance, mellowing, and rest after labor. Many believe this moon to possess great magickal powers, and numerous superstitions are connected with it.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
This is September, we have had our first autumn rains blanket us in relief of the summer heat, the bleached greens and ambers are becoming crimson and brilliant gold before fading to rust. A time when we retreat to well loved past times and out dearest and oldest friends.
The Singing Moon is a time of protection, prosperity, and abundance. This is the time of year when the grains are being harvested, and it is a good time for magick involving your prosperity, abundance, and the nurturing of others. If you have had a long illness, this is the time to finally come back to full health again. This is also the time to obtain that higher paying position at work. The energy of the Harvest Moon will help along any magick that is geared to bring you or someone else abundance. The power that has been filling your batteries is ready for some direction.
Corn Dolly
Many preserve the Corn Dolly Tradition as a Lughnasadh activity. To me it makes more sense to create you Dolly under the magick of the Singing Moon. The corn dolly really represents the spirit of the harvest. Many witches use corn dollies in spell work they make exceptional Poppets when done right, made on the moon, kept on your altar and then burned or tossed in open water during the Ice Moon or.at Imbolc.
Be careful when splitting, buying, or bind the corn stalks. The corn stalks are pretty sturdy but can easily rip with excessive or rough handling.
You will need:
two small bunches of corn stalks
green/yellow strips of wool or cotton
a grape vine
4) Bend the stalks that make your corn dolly’s arms and bind carefully with the yellow cotton strip.
5) Take a longer strip of cotton and tie it around the neck of your corn dolly. Bind the body pieces together and crisscross the yellow cotton strips around the body. The body should be around 4 inches in length. Take the green cotton strips and tie it around the base of your corn dolly’s middle and body section.
6) Split the bottom of your dolly to form the legs, just as you formed the arms. Bind with the green cotton.
7) Ask for blessing for your corn dolly. You should ask an agricultural deity. You might say: God of plenty, bless now this image of your fertility.
8) Decorate with the grape vines, other greenery and the ribbons that represent your celebration or festival.
To make the corn dolly representative of a female deity just leave the bottom section to free so that it looks like a dress or skirt.
--------------
Actually called "The Singing Moon" Now, after the seasonal harvests are complete comes a time for acceptance, mellowing, and rest after labor. Many believe this moon to possess great magickal powers, and numerous superstitions are connected with it.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
This is September, we have had our first autumn rains blanket us in relief of the summer heat, the bleached greens and ambers are becoming crimson and brilliant gold before fading to rust. A time when we retreat to well loved past times and out dearest and oldest friends.
The Singing Moon is a time of protection, prosperity, and abundance. This is the time of year when the grains are being harvested, and it is a good time for magick involving your prosperity, abundance, and the nurturing of others. If you have had a long illness, this is the time to finally come back to full health again. This is also the time to obtain that higher paying position at work. The energy of the Harvest Moon will help along any magick that is geared to bring you or someone else abundance. The power that has been filling your batteries is ready for some direction.
Corn Dolly
Many preserve the Corn Dolly Tradition as a Lughnasadh activity. To me it makes more sense to create you Dolly under the magick of the Singing Moon. The corn dolly really represents the spirit of the harvest. Many witches use corn dollies in spell work they make exceptional Poppets when done right, made on the moon, kept on your altar and then burned or tossed in open water during the Ice Moon or.at Imbolc.
Be careful when splitting, buying, or bind the corn stalks. The corn stalks are pretty sturdy but can easily rip with excessive or rough handling.
You will need:
two small bunches of corn stalks
green/yellow strips of wool or cotton
a grape vine
1)Take one bunch of the corn stalks and with the yellow cotton strips, bind the stalks just below the top and tie them tightly.
2)Around a half inch to and inch below your first knot, do the same.
3)Split the bundle into four strands. This will make the arms and body for your corn dolly. The middle two will become the body and the outer two strands will become the arms.4) Bend the stalks that make your corn dolly’s arms and bind carefully with the yellow cotton strip.
5) Take a longer strip of cotton and tie it around the neck of your corn dolly. Bind the body pieces together and crisscross the yellow cotton strips around the body. The body should be around 4 inches in length. Take the green cotton strips and tie it around the base of your corn dolly’s middle and body section.
6) Split the bottom of your dolly to form the legs, just as you formed the arms. Bind with the green cotton.
7) Ask for blessing for your corn dolly. You should ask an agricultural deity. You might say: God of plenty, bless now this image of your fertility.
8) Decorate with the grape vines, other greenery and the ribbons that represent your celebration or festival.
To make the corn dolly representative of a female deity just leave the bottom section to free so that it looks like a dress or skirt.
Monday, May 19, 2014
September New Moon
~Personal Note this was mis-posted as the Alder Moon (April) which I was using as a template, again posted automatically while I was having issues with Blogger. Edited with corrections.
-------
On the Celtic Tree Calendar this is the Hazel Moon and a time of manifestation and Spirit Contact.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
The Hazel moon is a period that leads up to and often includes the Autumn Equinox. Falling at the end of summer, this is the best time of year to focus on gaining wisdom and absorbing knowledge. The hazel might be said to be the quintessential Celtic tree because of its legendary position at the heart of the Otherworld the embodiment of spiritual change or crossroads. As might be expected from their legendary reputation for bestowing prophetic powers, hazels have been used for divination throughout the centuries. Druidic wands were made from the wood, and it has always been the preferred wood for water divining and dowsing. Hazel Lore is a steady lesson on how all things are connected. The alder teaches us the price and value of knowledge hard won. The Celts referred to this month as Coll.
.
Hazel is mentioned in the Welsh tale "The Battle of Trees" as having been at the back, associated with Cerridwen and her Cauldron, a guiding hand or strategist.
The Hazel Moon is associated with the story of Mabon in the Song of Taliesin, the journey all begins with the Hazelnut falling into the Cauldron.
Use this time to start on a journey or craft ritual tools.
The Wand
Hazel wood is excellent for making all purpose magickal wands. Wands made of this wood symbolize white magick and healing.
Take a naturally hewn branch (Wind broken, not touched by blade) of Hazel, you may or may not choose to strip the bark, if you strip the bark sand it smooth. As a note I brand all my tools, so using a wood burner mark the hilt with the Kenaz Rune or other symbol of power.
Kenaz: (K: Beacon or torch.) Vision, revelation, knowledge, creativity, inspiration, technical ability. Vital fire of life, harnessed power, fire of transformation and regeneration. Power to create your own reality, the power of light. Open to new strength, energy, and power now. Passion, sexual love. Kenaz Reversed or Merkstave: Disease, breakup, instability, lack of creativity. Nakedness, exposure, loss of illusion and false hope.
If your path doesn't make use of runes (I am a Scottish American with Pictish ancestry and a bit of Sweden/Belgium) then you may omit this or use another similar symbol of your path. Set the wand with a crystal if you like.
Combine, 1 tbsp base oil, 1/4 tsp melted beeswax, three drops of your own blood and a drop of lemon essential oil, when cooled it will look vaguely like vasoline. Massage into your wand while visually the wands purpose in the most dramatic fashion you can.
If you want to at this point you can wrap the hilt (yes even if it obscures Kenaz, you know its there.)
-------
On the Celtic Tree Calendar this is the Hazel Moon and a time of manifestation and Spirit Contact.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
The Hazel moon is a period that leads up to and often includes the Autumn Equinox. Falling at the end of summer, this is the best time of year to focus on gaining wisdom and absorbing knowledge. The hazel might be said to be the quintessential Celtic tree because of its legendary position at the heart of the Otherworld the embodiment of spiritual change or crossroads. As might be expected from their legendary reputation for bestowing prophetic powers, hazels have been used for divination throughout the centuries. Druidic wands were made from the wood, and it has always been the preferred wood for water divining and dowsing. Hazel Lore is a steady lesson on how all things are connected. The alder teaches us the price and value of knowledge hard won. The Celts referred to this month as Coll.
.
Hazel is mentioned in the Welsh tale "The Battle of Trees" as having been at the back, associated with Cerridwen and her Cauldron, a guiding hand or strategist.
The Hazel Moon is associated with the story of Mabon in the Song of Taliesin, the journey all begins with the Hazelnut falling into the Cauldron.
Use this time to start on a journey or craft ritual tools.
The Wand
Hazel wood is excellent for making all purpose magickal wands. Wands made of this wood symbolize white magick and healing.
Take a naturally hewn branch (Wind broken, not touched by blade) of Hazel, you may or may not choose to strip the bark, if you strip the bark sand it smooth. As a note I brand all my tools, so using a wood burner mark the hilt with the Kenaz Rune or other symbol of power.
Kenaz: (K: Beacon or torch.) Vision, revelation, knowledge, creativity, inspiration, technical ability. Vital fire of life, harnessed power, fire of transformation and regeneration. Power to create your own reality, the power of light. Open to new strength, energy, and power now. Passion, sexual love. Kenaz Reversed or Merkstave: Disease, breakup, instability, lack of creativity. Nakedness, exposure, loss of illusion and false hope.
If your path doesn't make use of runes (I am a Scottish American with Pictish ancestry and a bit of Sweden/Belgium) then you may omit this or use another similar symbol of your path. Set the wand with a crystal if you like.
Combine, 1 tbsp base oil, 1/4 tsp melted beeswax, three drops of your own blood and a drop of lemon essential oil, when cooled it will look vaguely like vasoline. Massage into your wand while visually the wands purpose in the most dramatic fashion you can.
If you want to at this point you can wrap the hilt (yes even if it obscures Kenaz, you know its there.)
Monday, May 12, 2014
Mabon
~Personal Note~ I was having problems accessing my Blogger account so this originally posted as Lughnasadh again, this is because I copied and pasted it in order to schedule the post, that I might edit it from my smartphone. Please forgive me it has been edited and fixed, albeit two months after it posted.
---------
Mabon, the Autumn Equinox.
September 21st, It is the time of the autumn equinox, and the harvest is winding down. The fields are nearly empty, because the crops have been plucked and stored for the coming winter. Mabon is the mid-harvest festival, and it is when we take a few moments to honor the changing seasons, and celebrate the second harvest. For many traditions it is a time of giving thanks for the things we have, whether it is abundant crops or other blessings.
As a spiritual holiday, Mabon represents the balance between light and dark, a thresh-hold holiday, personifying "A time that is not a time." In a more practical aspect it is a time to give thanks for the harvest that there is enough to carry your family through the dark months of winter. It is customary to give an offering to the earth that the next harvest be plentiful.
Title
the page, you can write it in English or Witches Alphabet. Mabon or Autumn Equinox. Whichever you
prefer.
To start this page, draw a bundle of wheat.
We are not writing a Ritual, some things should be taught and not written down. But if you choose you can record a ritual after the rest.
For detailed information read here.
First and Foremost it is a feast and celebration
Make notes on your Altar, herbs you use. Deities.Incense recipe or Anointing oil.
For me the strongest connections to marigold, sage and nuts. But that won't be the same for everyone. Put some thought into it. Here is another post that is a great reference.
---------
Mabon, the Autumn Equinox.
September 21st, It is the time of the autumn equinox, and the harvest is winding down. The fields are nearly empty, because the crops have been plucked and stored for the coming winter. Mabon is the mid-harvest festival, and it is when we take a few moments to honor the changing seasons, and celebrate the second harvest. For many traditions it is a time of giving thanks for the things we have, whether it is abundant crops or other blessings.
As a spiritual holiday, Mabon represents the balance between light and dark, a thresh-hold holiday, personifying "A time that is not a time." In a more practical aspect it is a time to give thanks for the harvest that there is enough to carry your family through the dark months of winter. It is customary to give an offering to the earth that the next harvest be plentiful.
To start this page, draw a bundle of wheat.
We are not writing a Ritual, some things should be taught and not written down. But if you choose you can record a ritual after the rest.
For detailed information read here.
First and Foremost it is a feast and celebration
Make notes on your Altar, herbs you use. Deities.Incense recipe or Anointing oil.
For me the strongest connections to marigold, sage and nuts. But that won't be the same for everyone. Put some thought into it. Here is another post that is a great reference.
Monday, April 28, 2014
August Full Moon
Full Moon Post written and posted on time? What?
Actually called "The Dispute Moon" This is a time to relax and enjoy the warmth of the days and nights the heat of the nights synchronizes well with the spark of life within us all, slow and sensual leads to passionate.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
At this time of the year, the Full Dispute Moon brings us the opportunity to release any anger that we may be holding onto. Ending anger at the beginning of August is Lughnasah, the Sabbat of the first harvest. Mother Earth is beginning to give birth to the bounty which will support Her creatures through the winter. This is a good time to finish unfinished business in preparation for the introspection that the fall and winter bring.
Anger is a destructive emotion, which does far more damage to the one who is angry than the one who "caused" the anger. Releasing our hold on our anger allows us to take the energy that we have been using to keep it going and use that energy for more productive things.
As the times of the Waxing and Full Moon are most commonly used for attracting, rather than banishing, energies, this ritual is designed to help us release anger so that there is room in us for peace to take its place. Spirit will not remove that which we are holding onto. Our release of anger is necessary before it can be removed by Spirit and replaced with something better.
The Mending
Smudge both parties and embrace.
Actually called "The Dispute Moon" This is a time to relax and enjoy the warmth of the days and nights the heat of the nights synchronizes well with the spark of life within us all, slow and sensual leads to passionate.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
At this time of the year, the Full Dispute Moon brings us the opportunity to release any anger that we may be holding onto. Ending anger at the beginning of August is Lughnasah, the Sabbat of the first harvest. Mother Earth is beginning to give birth to the bounty which will support Her creatures through the winter. This is a good time to finish unfinished business in preparation for the introspection that the fall and winter bring.
Anger is a destructive emotion, which does far more damage to the one who is angry than the one who "caused" the anger. Releasing our hold on our anger allows us to take the energy that we have been using to keep it going and use that energy for more productive things.
As the times of the Waxing and Full Moon are most commonly used for attracting, rather than banishing, energies, this ritual is designed to help us release anger so that there is room in us for peace to take its place. Spirit will not remove that which we are holding onto. Our release of anger is necessary before it can be removed by Spirit and replaced with something better.
The Mending
Smudge both parties and embrace.
Monday, April 21, 2014
August New Moon
This is week 52, and as you may have sorted out I am going to keep this Blog rolling. As a small note that I neglected on the 14th, on April 15th with the Full moon was a Lunar Eclipse, part of what is called "The Blood Moon" which is a series of four lunar eclipses expected in a single year, an occurrence roughly every 20 years and something to make note of in timing spells.
On the Celtic Tree Calendar this is the Holly Moon, a Warrior Moon to promote inner strength.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
The Holly moon is one of water. For our ancestors, water was vital to ensure a bountiful harvest, which would secure their future, their survival. This is true for us too, but if we have a drought in our area, food can be brought in (and usually is anyway) from other areas. Summer showers give us respite from hot afternoons, and water more than anything else, deeply quenches our thirst. In this ritual the chalice is used to enjoy a drink of cool, clear spring water. The Celts referred to this month as Tinne.
.
In the Ogham, it was stated that the Holly was "best in the fight," since it helped balance both the positive and negative aspects of the self, thus revealing a new direction. It was believed to restore lost energy, bestowing the strength needed to continue toward a resolution.
The Holly Moon is associated with the recent coronation of the Holly King at Midsummer.
Talismans
As with most other trees the Holly was revered for its protective qualities. When planted around the home it protects the inhabitants and guards against lightening, poisoning and mischievous spirits. When confronted by wild animals throwing a stick of Holly at them would make them lie down and leave you alone. A piece of Holly carried on your person is said to promote good luck, particularly in men for the Holly is a male plant (the Ivy its opposite female). As a charm to enhance dreams, nine Holly leaves gathered on a Friday after midnight, wrapped in a clean cloth to protect against its needles, and tied up using nine knots was placed under a pillow to make dreams come true.
On the Celtic Tree Calendar this is the Holly Moon, a Warrior Moon to promote inner strength.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
The Holly moon is one of water. For our ancestors, water was vital to ensure a bountiful harvest, which would secure their future, their survival. This is true for us too, but if we have a drought in our area, food can be brought in (and usually is anyway) from other areas. Summer showers give us respite from hot afternoons, and water more than anything else, deeply quenches our thirst. In this ritual the chalice is used to enjoy a drink of cool, clear spring water. The Celts referred to this month as Tinne.
.
In the Ogham, it was stated that the Holly was "best in the fight," since it helped balance both the positive and negative aspects of the self, thus revealing a new direction. It was believed to restore lost energy, bestowing the strength needed to continue toward a resolution.
The Holly Moon is associated with the recent coronation of the Holly King at Midsummer.
Talismans
As with most other trees the Holly was revered for its protective qualities. When planted around the home it protects the inhabitants and guards against lightening, poisoning and mischievous spirits. When confronted by wild animals throwing a stick of Holly at them would make them lie down and leave you alone. A piece of Holly carried on your person is said to promote good luck, particularly in men for the Holly is a male plant (the Ivy its opposite female). As a charm to enhance dreams, nine Holly leaves gathered on a Friday after midnight, wrapped in a clean cloth to protect against its needles, and tied up using nine knots was placed under a pillow to make dreams come true.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Lughnasadh
Lughnasadh, one of the ancient Celtic Fire Festivals.
August 1st the celebration of Lughnasadh a time of games and dance, honors the Celtic hero and Sun God Lugh. Lugh is the solar deity of the Irish Tuatha de Danaan. This is his festival day, and the first of the harvest festivals. Without Lugh (the Sun) shining on the fields, there would be no harvest and no food for one's family or community during the winter months. So Lugh is a very important deity to the Celts; born of Ethniu, the daughter of the one-eyed King of Giants - Balor. His father was the Dagda, the 'Lord of Perfect Knowledge'. Lugh was schooled in the arts, crafts, magikal ways. This festival celebrates Lugh's marriage to the "Sovereignty of Ireland", the Goddess Eriu. Eriu, a hag, is transformed into a beautiful Goddess by the marriage and personifies the land of Ireland in her every feature and character. Some Celtic traditions view Lughnasadh as the moment when the Sacred King dies as a sacrifice to ensure the fertility of the next year's crops.
As a spiritual holiday, Lughnasadh represents the time of honoring the summer and sun, giving thankfulness for the start of the harvest season and the bounty to be provided. These are the themes of preparation, getting ready for the waning year and end of life. It is also a time to honor Elders, both in the clan,and in the family. At this time, honoring the knowledge you have gained during the year is acknowledge. But honoring the wisdom given to you or received from your Elder is paramount.
Title
the page, you can write it in English or Witches Alphabet. Lammas, Lughnasadh, or Lughnasa. Whichever you
prefer.
To start this page, draw the Solar Cross.
We are not writing a Ritual, some things should be taught and not written down. But if you choose you can record a ritual after the rest.
For detailed information read here.
First and Foremost it is a feast and celebration
Make notes on your Altar, herbs you use. Deities.Incense recipe or Anointing oil.
For me the strongest connections to strawberries, blackberries, sunflowers, roses and sage. But that won't be the same for everyone. Put some thought into it. Here is another post that is a great reference.
August 1st the celebration of Lughnasadh a time of games and dance, honors the Celtic hero and Sun God Lugh. Lugh is the solar deity of the Irish Tuatha de Danaan. This is his festival day, and the first of the harvest festivals. Without Lugh (the Sun) shining on the fields, there would be no harvest and no food for one's family or community during the winter months. So Lugh is a very important deity to the Celts; born of Ethniu, the daughter of the one-eyed King of Giants - Balor. His father was the Dagda, the 'Lord of Perfect Knowledge'. Lugh was schooled in the arts, crafts, magikal ways. This festival celebrates Lugh's marriage to the "Sovereignty of Ireland", the Goddess Eriu. Eriu, a hag, is transformed into a beautiful Goddess by the marriage and personifies the land of Ireland in her every feature and character. Some Celtic traditions view Lughnasadh as the moment when the Sacred King dies as a sacrifice to ensure the fertility of the next year's crops.
As a spiritual holiday, Lughnasadh represents the time of honoring the summer and sun, giving thankfulness for the start of the harvest season and the bounty to be provided. These are the themes of preparation, getting ready for the waning year and end of life. It is also a time to honor Elders, both in the clan,and in the family. At this time, honoring the knowledge you have gained during the year is acknowledge. But honoring the wisdom given to you or received from your Elder is paramount.
To start this page, draw the Solar Cross.
We are not writing a Ritual, some things should be taught and not written down. But if you choose you can record a ritual after the rest.
For detailed information read here.
First and Foremost it is a feast and celebration
Make notes on your Altar, herbs you use. Deities.Incense recipe or Anointing oil.
For me the strongest connections to strawberries, blackberries, sunflowers, roses and sage. But that won't be the same for everyone. Put some thought into it. Here is another post that is a great reference.
Monday, April 7, 2014
July Full Moon
Full Moon Post written and posted on time? What?
Actually called "The Claiming Moon" This is a time to relax and enjoy the warmth of the days and nights the heat of the nights synchronizes well with the spark of life within us all, slow and sensual leads to passionate.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
This is July, the hottest month of the year. The time when we are drawn to public markets and passionate, temporary, relationships. A time for divination and meditation. The energy is slowing down, the first harvests are about to begin. July is an excellent time for prosperity spells and for planning for the immediate future. As sunlight slants across fields of golden grain, we do rituals in the sultry heat of high summer to celebrate sacred fire. Fire has great powers of destruction, but it also has powers of healing and transformation. Shimmering waves of heat rise skyward during the day, and night does not always bring cooling relief. The Moon of Fire reminds us that her brother, Sun, is at his peak. Bask in the heat of this season and think of the sacred flame that burns within us all.
Think of this as the time when human's are batteries, draw in from the natural world.
The Reaping
As Drawing Down the Moon draws the Goddess energies of the moon into you, a Reaping pulls the energies of the Earth into you. This is essential because in working Magick you are putting your hands on the same forces that move the tides and create tornadoes. And that by doing so, you have the potential to harm yourself or others. If you are working magick regularly then your resources will gradually diminish, you must take the time to pull energy back into you.
You will need:
A Place in Nature (where you will not be disturbed, it may sound morbid but I recommend an OLD cemetery, and this is not to be creepy, people will leave you alone, and its as close to nature as you can get in some cities.)
A Bottle of Water (or 2)
Athame
Incense (Stick is best for this, Sandalwood or Dragons-blood)
An Offering (I recommend an old piece of jewelry, a necklace or ring)
A Crystal Point (Most of my magick uses crystals)
Bring a blanket, and go get settled in, then take a swallow of water before pouring the rest of the bottle on the ground around you in a circle. Light your incense and poke the sticks into the ground, lift a piece of sod (or dig a hole) and place your offering into the hole, covering it say:
"I give of myself, that I may receive, by the power of three times three, may what I have sent out return to me. With harm to none as jobs are done, as I will it so mote it be!"
This is calling energy into you. After you speak hold your Athame aloft and visualize a vortex forming in the clouds above you, then stab it into the ground as you feel the energy pummel you. Hold the visualization as long as you can then using your Crystal point position the tip to your heart and allow it to flow into you as the visualization fades. It is common to get a headache.
Actually called "The Claiming Moon" This is a time to relax and enjoy the warmth of the days and nights the heat of the nights synchronizes well with the spark of life within us all, slow and sensual leads to passionate.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
This is July, the hottest month of the year. The time when we are drawn to public markets and passionate, temporary, relationships. A time for divination and meditation. The energy is slowing down, the first harvests are about to begin. July is an excellent time for prosperity spells and for planning for the immediate future. As sunlight slants across fields of golden grain, we do rituals in the sultry heat of high summer to celebrate sacred fire. Fire has great powers of destruction, but it also has powers of healing and transformation. Shimmering waves of heat rise skyward during the day, and night does not always bring cooling relief. The Moon of Fire reminds us that her brother, Sun, is at his peak. Bask in the heat of this season and think of the sacred flame that burns within us all.
Think of this as the time when human's are batteries, draw in from the natural world.
The Reaping
As Drawing Down the Moon draws the Goddess energies of the moon into you, a Reaping pulls the energies of the Earth into you. This is essential because in working Magick you are putting your hands on the same forces that move the tides and create tornadoes. And that by doing so, you have the potential to harm yourself or others. If you are working magick regularly then your resources will gradually diminish, you must take the time to pull energy back into you.
You will need:
A Place in Nature (where you will not be disturbed, it may sound morbid but I recommend an OLD cemetery, and this is not to be creepy, people will leave you alone, and its as close to nature as you can get in some cities.)
A Bottle of Water (or 2)
Athame
Incense (Stick is best for this, Sandalwood or Dragons-blood)
An Offering (I recommend an old piece of jewelry, a necklace or ring)
A Crystal Point (Most of my magick uses crystals)
Bring a blanket, and go get settled in, then take a swallow of water before pouring the rest of the bottle on the ground around you in a circle. Light your incense and poke the sticks into the ground, lift a piece of sod (or dig a hole) and place your offering into the hole, covering it say:
"I give of myself, that I may receive, by the power of three times three, may what I have sent out return to me. With harm to none as jobs are done, as I will it so mote it be!"
This is calling energy into you. After you speak hold your Athame aloft and visualize a vortex forming in the clouds above you, then stab it into the ground as you feel the energy pummel you. Hold the visualization as long as you can then using your Crystal point position the tip to your heart and allow it to flow into you as the visualization fades. It is common to get a headache.
Monday, March 31, 2014
July New Moon
On the Celtic Tree Calendar this is the Oak Moon this a time of Sacrifice.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
The Oak moon falls during a time when the trees are beginning to reach their full blooming stages. The mighty Oak is strong, powerful, and typically towering over all of its neighbors. The Oak King rules over the summer months, and this tree was sacred to the Druids. The Oak is connected with spells for protection and strength, fertility, money and success, and good fortune. Carry an acorn in your pocket when you go to an interview or business meeting; it will be bring you good luck. If you catch a falling Oak leaf before it hits the ground, you'll stay healthy the following year. The Celts called this month Duir, which some scholars believe to mean "door", the root word of "Druid".
Oak is a symbol of security, protection and strength. Its roots go as deep into the ground as the branches reach into the air. Good month for working magic of all positive purposes. Root word thought to be the same as that of "Druid", hence the Druids' strong association with this tree as their symbol. Merlin was thought to have practiced magic in an oak grove, with an oak wand. The sacrifice intended with this moon in Ancient times would have been a very real sacrifice, it was when the old King would have been bound and bled before being given back to the land to become a bog mummy today. Now the month of Duir is a time like the Catholic tradition of Lent, a time to give up something dear to you.
Sacrifice
1 Saffron (Colored) Candle
Live Echinacea flowers
Red Apple
Green Apple
A Large Pot and Potting Soil.
Light the candle (Saffon is a color of Nobility and Sacrifice). Decide on what you are going to give up for the next twenty 28 days, or year and a day. If it is an Action, write it on paper and place it at the bottom of the pot, if its an item (credit card, pipe, jewelry...) you can seal it in a freezer bag and place it at the bottom of the pot. Cut the apples in two and place them on top saying something about what it means to you. Then cover it with soil and plant the echinacea (Carrying Echinacea will provide inner strength during trying times. It can also be grown around the house or brought into a house and placed in a vase to draw prosperity into the home and protect the family from suffering from poverty.)
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
The Oak moon falls during a time when the trees are beginning to reach their full blooming stages. The mighty Oak is strong, powerful, and typically towering over all of its neighbors. The Oak King rules over the summer months, and this tree was sacred to the Druids. The Oak is connected with spells for protection and strength, fertility, money and success, and good fortune. Carry an acorn in your pocket when you go to an interview or business meeting; it will be bring you good luck. If you catch a falling Oak leaf before it hits the ground, you'll stay healthy the following year. The Celts called this month Duir, which some scholars believe to mean "door", the root word of "Druid".
Oak is a symbol of security, protection and strength. Its roots go as deep into the ground as the branches reach into the air. Good month for working magic of all positive purposes. Root word thought to be the same as that of "Druid", hence the Druids' strong association with this tree as their symbol. Merlin was thought to have practiced magic in an oak grove, with an oak wand. The sacrifice intended with this moon in Ancient times would have been a very real sacrifice, it was when the old King would have been bound and bled before being given back to the land to become a bog mummy today. Now the month of Duir is a time like the Catholic tradition of Lent, a time to give up something dear to you.
Sacrifice
1 Saffron (Colored) Candle
Live Echinacea flowers
Red Apple
Green Apple
A Large Pot and Potting Soil.
Light the candle (Saffon is a color of Nobility and Sacrifice). Decide on what you are going to give up for the next twenty 28 days, or year and a day. If it is an Action, write it on paper and place it at the bottom of the pot, if its an item (credit card, pipe, jewelry...) you can seal it in a freezer bag and place it at the bottom of the pot. Cut the apples in two and place them on top saying something about what it means to you. Then cover it with soil and plant the echinacea (Carrying Echinacea will provide inner strength during trying times. It can also be grown around the house or brought into a house and placed in a vase to draw prosperity into the home and protect the family from suffering from poverty.)
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
June Full Moon
First my apologies for the late post, real life hasn't been accommodating. This is the second full moon post that has had to be posted late.
Actually called "The Horse Moon" This is also the time for lovers. Before the height of summer use this time to strengthen your weaknesses.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
This is June, we enjoy the longest days, especially before the Summer Solstice. This is a time to be active, to feel sensuous and to be aware of our bodies and the life-force energy that flows through us. As the Wheel of the Year moves into summer, we raise the heat of this new season with both a drumming circle and a circle dance are both traditional favorites.
This is a primal time, a good time for magick, and working with all the elements, as psychic energy flows freely under this moon. It also is a time for maintaining and enhancing what we already have, such as our jobs, education, camping, relationships with friends and family, and our gardens.
The Cunning
Herbs have been part of the Craft going back forever. Midsummer's heightened energies are often mentioned in the ceremonial harvesting, at the full moon the energies are at there height and at night the dews and essential oils are most intact. The harvesting procedures have been formulated over hundreds of years. You can read biology texts to confirm that the varying magnetic effects of the moon on living things actually does draw active chemistry into upper and lower parts of plants. Our ancestors knew much without the scientific research we have used to verify these truths. There ceremonial harvest is referred to as Cunning.
The Moon waxes and wanes, pulling with her the seas of the Earth and producing its tides. So, too, does this influence manifest in all living things, including herbs.
During the waxing of the Moon, vital energies flow upward into the leaves and stalks and flowers of the plant.
As the Moon wanes these energies flow like a receding tide- down to the roots. To obtain herbs that are highly energized, pick them according to the Moon’s phases. Leaves, flowers, and seeds should be picked during a waxing Moon, when has grown from well past Dark, to Full. All root crops should be picked during a waning Moon, from well past Full, to Dark. Night is the Moon’s domain. Most herbs are picked after sunset on a clear and dry night.
You need:
Bolline
Pitcher of Water
A white cloth bag (white pillow cases work well)
An Offering for the Garden, Tree or Plant. (a piece of bread home-made if possible, beer, if you are harvesting roots, bring seeds of the same ilk).
Wear a white robe or fresh clean clothes, take your tools to where your will harvest. Before you approach to harvest the plant, bare hands are appropriate, beware of thorns when it applies. You are stepping into nature and should be in touch with the earth when handling living herbs. When you find your plant use the tip of your knife to draw a circle clockwise in the earth around the plant, this is a supplication to nature. Your actions are the intercession between you and nature when taking something for your use. Stand, and touch the blade of the knife to the herb, then recite a few words of thanks.
Now you can gently cut a few sprigs, a few branches, or whatever amount you need. Never cut more than 25% of the growth (avoid cutting a very young plant), or the plant might not recover. After removing the leaves, blooms, or stalks, bury a small piece of the bread near the base of the plant. This is in payment to the Earth for what is taken in a traditional approach to encourage new growth. Then walk the circle around the plant again and gently distribute the water around the plant.
Actually called "The Horse Moon" This is also the time for lovers. Before the height of summer use this time to strengthen your weaknesses.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
This is June, we enjoy the longest days, especially before the Summer Solstice. This is a time to be active, to feel sensuous and to be aware of our bodies and the life-force energy that flows through us. As the Wheel of the Year moves into summer, we raise the heat of this new season with both a drumming circle and a circle dance are both traditional favorites.
This is a primal time, a good time for magick, and working with all the elements, as psychic energy flows freely under this moon. It also is a time for maintaining and enhancing what we already have, such as our jobs, education, camping, relationships with friends and family, and our gardens.
The Cunning
Herbs have been part of the Craft going back forever. Midsummer's heightened energies are often mentioned in the ceremonial harvesting, at the full moon the energies are at there height and at night the dews and essential oils are most intact. The harvesting procedures have been formulated over hundreds of years. You can read biology texts to confirm that the varying magnetic effects of the moon on living things actually does draw active chemistry into upper and lower parts of plants. Our ancestors knew much without the scientific research we have used to verify these truths. There ceremonial harvest is referred to as Cunning.
The Moon waxes and wanes, pulling with her the seas of the Earth and producing its tides. So, too, does this influence manifest in all living things, including herbs.
During the waxing of the Moon, vital energies flow upward into the leaves and stalks and flowers of the plant.
As the Moon wanes these energies flow like a receding tide- down to the roots. To obtain herbs that are highly energized, pick them according to the Moon’s phases. Leaves, flowers, and seeds should be picked during a waxing Moon, when has grown from well past Dark, to Full. All root crops should be picked during a waning Moon, from well past Full, to Dark. Night is the Moon’s domain. Most herbs are picked after sunset on a clear and dry night.
You need:
Bolline
Pitcher of Water
A white cloth bag (white pillow cases work well)
An Offering for the Garden, Tree or Plant. (a piece of bread home-made if possible, beer, if you are harvesting roots, bring seeds of the same ilk).
Wear a white robe or fresh clean clothes, take your tools to where your will harvest. Before you approach to harvest the plant, bare hands are appropriate, beware of thorns when it applies. You are stepping into nature and should be in touch with the earth when handling living herbs. When you find your plant use the tip of your knife to draw a circle clockwise in the earth around the plant, this is a supplication to nature. Your actions are the intercession between you and nature when taking something for your use. Stand, and touch the blade of the knife to the herb, then recite a few words of thanks.
Now you can gently cut a few sprigs, a few branches, or whatever amount you need. Never cut more than 25% of the growth (avoid cutting a very young plant), or the plant might not recover. After removing the leaves, blooms, or stalks, bury a small piece of the bread near the base of the plant. This is in payment to the Earth for what is taken in a traditional approach to encourage new growth. Then walk the circle around the plant again and gently distribute the water around the plant.
Monday, March 17, 2014
June New Moon
On the Celtic Tree Calendar this is the Hawthorn Moon this Moon is used as a time of Dedication, either one for a personal dedication rite, dedicating sacred space or a tool.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
The Hawthorn Moon like the other New Moon's takes its lessons and guides action as the Hawthorn tree of old lore. Its essence represents the energy of cleansing and preparation. It clears the mind of negative thoughts and mental confusion, offering clarity. Known to be both a sign of fertility and death, it was said to contain the knowledge of both reproduction and transformation. Both of these processes take time - and if you were born under the sign of the hawthorn, you have an innate understanding of both the importance of process and the necessity for change. The Celts referred to this month as Huathe.
The hawthorn is closely linked to witches due to an ancient belief that it was created from witches who had been transformed into trees. Magick performed beside the hawthorn during its month is though to be twice as powerful. Hawthorn wood was traditionally used in amulets and charms. The wood grows into many twisted patterns, thought to be the origin of the love knot charm. As an amulet, the flowers were thought to ward off depression. The Romans placed such amulets in cradles to protect babies from curses.
Anointing Oil
1 tbsp Hawthorn Berries
3 Whole Cloves
1 Acorn
1 tbsp of Elder Flowers
Pinch White Ash Bark
1/2 cup Carrier oil
9 Drops Orange oil (2 tbsp zest)
9 Drops Lemon oil (2 tbsp zest)
In cheese cloth gather your loose ingredients. with room to allow them to expand as they may puff while hydrating from the oil, bind the edges up with butchers string or hemp twine and place in a small glass bowl. Over the top of the herbs pour your carrier oil. Cover and allow it to steep in a warm dark place for up to 6 weeks or heat the oil below boiling/smoke point for 20 minutes. You may use a double boiler process, we are looking to extract the herbal essence or infuse the oil without evaporating the essential oils from the herbs, essential oils evaporate at a very low temp, so the long process will make a better end product. After it has steeped transfer the oil to a new glass bowl, squeeze as much as you can from your sachet, you will have less than you started with, a little more than 1/3 cup at this point. Dispose of the sachet, it will make a good offering if you have an out door sacred space. To the new bowl add the essential oils if you did not use zest, swirl it with a stick (I use crafting Popsicle sticks. And at this point I imbue the oil magically.) then divide into Cobalt Blue Glass
bottles these usually come with an eye dropper but you can get a screw cap easily enough.
To Imbue your Oil while stirring raise a cone of power and chant three times:
"By Sun and Moon,
An ancient Rune.
Stirring, growing manifesting
Mark of the Witch
I charge thee,
Blessed Be.
I summon the power so mote it be!"
Once you have worked through the chant the third time funnel the energy directly into the oil.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
The Hawthorn Moon like the other New Moon's takes its lessons and guides action as the Hawthorn tree of old lore. Its essence represents the energy of cleansing and preparation. It clears the mind of negative thoughts and mental confusion, offering clarity. Known to be both a sign of fertility and death, it was said to contain the knowledge of both reproduction and transformation. Both of these processes take time - and if you were born under the sign of the hawthorn, you have an innate understanding of both the importance of process and the necessity for change. The Celts referred to this month as Huathe.
The hawthorn is closely linked to witches due to an ancient belief that it was created from witches who had been transformed into trees. Magick performed beside the hawthorn during its month is though to be twice as powerful. Hawthorn wood was traditionally used in amulets and charms. The wood grows into many twisted patterns, thought to be the origin of the love knot charm. As an amulet, the flowers were thought to ward off depression. The Romans placed such amulets in cradles to protect babies from curses.
Anointing Oil
1 tbsp Hawthorn Berries
3 Whole Cloves
1 Acorn
1 tbsp of Elder Flowers
Pinch White Ash Bark
1/2 cup Carrier oil
9 Drops Orange oil (2 tbsp zest)
9 Drops Lemon oil (2 tbsp zest)
In cheese cloth gather your loose ingredients. with room to allow them to expand as they may puff while hydrating from the oil, bind the edges up with butchers string or hemp twine and place in a small glass bowl. Over the top of the herbs pour your carrier oil. Cover and allow it to steep in a warm dark place for up to 6 weeks or heat the oil below boiling/smoke point for 20 minutes. You may use a double boiler process, we are looking to extract the herbal essence or infuse the oil without evaporating the essential oils from the herbs, essential oils evaporate at a very low temp, so the long process will make a better end product. After it has steeped transfer the oil to a new glass bowl, squeeze as much as you can from your sachet, you will have less than you started with, a little more than 1/3 cup at this point. Dispose of the sachet, it will make a good offering if you have an out door sacred space. To the new bowl add the essential oils if you did not use zest, swirl it with a stick (I use crafting Popsicle sticks. And at this point I imbue the oil magically.) then divide into Cobalt Blue Glass
bottles these usually come with an eye dropper but you can get a screw cap easily enough.To Imbue your Oil while stirring raise a cone of power and chant three times:
"By Sun and Moon,
An ancient Rune.
Stirring, growing manifesting
Mark of the Witch
I charge thee,
Blessed Be.
I summon the power so mote it be!"
Once you have worked through the chant the third time funnel the energy directly into the oil.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Litha
Litha, the Summer Solstice.
June 21st is the longest day of the year. Traditionally, Summer Solstice marks the onset of the Sun's dying strength, the season itself is one of abundance. Flowers, herbs, and fruit are in full bloom and heavy with the weight of their fruit, much as the Earth Goddess herself. While the goings on at Beltane have a playfull nature, the parched heat of Midsummer creates in us a breathless fiery passion. The need to explore new things, the anticipation of what the world has to offer in the later months. Midsummer in an erotic, sexy time of year, as the sun blazes hot upon us in full flower and the Summer skies collide with flashes of heat lightning and thunderclouds, fire dancing and throwing fire wheels has long been a surviving custom, as have Midsummer weddings.
As a spiritual holiday, the Mid-Summer festival is a time to honor your elders. Education provides each of us with great knowledge, but experiences begets wisdom and it is time to prepare for the late summer growing season. Place a rooting plant in a new pot with fresh soil allowing it to settle into a new home before the cold months arrive. For me this feels like the combination of energies of the God and Goddess. The plant represents the birthing of the Goddess who is bearing her first child at this time. Where as the soil and potting process represent the grounding and cultivating energies of the God.
Title
the page, you can write it in English or Witches Alphabet. Litha, Midsummer or Summer Solstice. Whichever you
prefer.
To start this page, draw the Sun.
We are not writing a Ritual, some things should be taught and not written down. But if you choose you can record a ritual after the rest.
For detailed information read here.
First and Foremost it is a feast and celebration
Make notes on your Altar, herbs you use. Deities.Incense recipe or Anointing oil.
For me the strongest connections to fresh fruit and Sun Flowers, Sage and Coriander. But that won't be the same for everyone. Put some thought into it. Here is another post that is a great reference.
June 21st is the longest day of the year. Traditionally, Summer Solstice marks the onset of the Sun's dying strength, the season itself is one of abundance. Flowers, herbs, and fruit are in full bloom and heavy with the weight of their fruit, much as the Earth Goddess herself. While the goings on at Beltane have a playfull nature, the parched heat of Midsummer creates in us a breathless fiery passion. The need to explore new things, the anticipation of what the world has to offer in the later months. Midsummer in an erotic, sexy time of year, as the sun blazes hot upon us in full flower and the Summer skies collide with flashes of heat lightning and thunderclouds, fire dancing and throwing fire wheels has long been a surviving custom, as have Midsummer weddings.
As a spiritual holiday, the Mid-Summer festival is a time to honor your elders. Education provides each of us with great knowledge, but experiences begets wisdom and it is time to prepare for the late summer growing season. Place a rooting plant in a new pot with fresh soil allowing it to settle into a new home before the cold months arrive. For me this feels like the combination of energies of the God and Goddess. The plant represents the birthing of the Goddess who is bearing her first child at this time. Where as the soil and potting process represent the grounding and cultivating energies of the God.
To start this page, draw the Sun.
We are not writing a Ritual, some things should be taught and not written down. But if you choose you can record a ritual after the rest.
For detailed information read here.
First and Foremost it is a feast and celebration
Make notes on your Altar, herbs you use. Deities.Incense recipe or Anointing oil.
For me the strongest connections to fresh fruit and Sun Flowers, Sage and Coriander. But that won't be the same for everyone. Put some thought into it. Here is another post that is a great reference.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
May Full Moon
First my apologies for the late post, real life hasn't been accommodating.
Actually called "The Bright Moon" It is time for communication with other beings and recommitting yourself to the Gods and the Earth.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
This is May, the time of opening, the time of blossoming. The world is gently wrapped in a sweet blanket of flowers. Fruit trees bloom and carry the promise of abundance to come. Newly arrived birds sing in the warmth of the strengthening sunlight. We do ritual in this soft part of the year to open our spirits to receive. Flowers, a gift from the Lord and Lady, beckon to our souls. Their endless varieties give us beauty and fragrance to enjoy. Some flowers, such as lavender, can be used for healing and others, such as geraniums, can be used to enhance the flavor of food. Like flowers, we are children of Mother Earth, and in this time of blossoming, we too need to open. Flowers are delicate and beautiful and serve to remind us that we need to be gentle with ourselves and to be able to find the beauty within.
This is the time for working with Faeries and nature spirits. For those not in the know each plant, animal, rock, and other entity has a spirit awareness and sometimes a sprite who is dedicated to that plant, animal, rock etc. These spirits can join together, in a hive-mind, as a spirit of an area. Nature spirits include real biological intelligences, are psychically powerful, and are much less abstract and controllable than the Elementals that many magical people who perform all of their rituals indoors are familiar with. They can be extremely powerful allies. It is possible to sense nature spirits, to determine if they are receptive to a ritual planned, and to have them actively participate in magical workings if they are.
The Sight Ointment
Many a legend has accounts of an ointment used to bless people with the second sight. This is the time to use it.
*Grease Free Recipe*
1/3 cup flax seeds.
1 cup Spring or Rain water
In a glass pan, boil them until the liquid starts to thicken then set a timer for 5 minutes as the gelatin extracts, remove it from the heat and carefully strain it into a crystal bowl Allow it to cool for about a half hour. While it is cooling prepare your vessel, this can be cobalt glass or crystal it should have a wide mouth, rinse it in spring water and then smudge it, placing inside it three chips of fluorite and a quartz crystal point a rosebud and a small piece of Mistletoe.
Into your gel add 9 drops each Thyme Essential oil and Yarrow Essential Oil. Then 3 drops of Chamomile Essential Oil. The ointment itself will be a pale green color.
Makes 1/3 cup (approximately) Fill your container and chill for 3 days before use. Refrigerated it will keep about 3 months.
*Greasy Recipe*
Herbs Fresh (double when dried):
1/4 cup Thyme
1/2 cup Roses
1 tbs Eyebright
1 tbs Lavender
1 tbs Mistletoe
Any fresh herbs you use should be bruised in a mortar and pestle.
Fill a glass jar, like a canning jar or a ceramic container, and cover the herbs with your carrier oil to about a half inch above the herbs themselves this should be a little more than 1 cup, traditionally this was reduced animal fat, olive oil, jojoba oil or vegetable oil work, the type of oil you choose affects the shelf life. Tightly seal and store in a dark place, inverting and alternating its position daily, consider storing it on its side and rolling it, for one lunar month to allow the herbs to infuse the oil. Strain with cheese clothe, press and squeeze it to get full extraction, floating flotsam from the herbs is fine, the oil should be slightly green.
You will have about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of infused oil as your end product. You can use this oil by itself or continue to craft it into an ointment:
2 Tbsp of Beeswax, grated or granules.
Melt your wax over low heat, or in a double boiler until transparent (this will help protect the integrity of your extracted essential oils as they diffuse at a relatively low temperature.), remove from heat and work quickly stirring widdershins with a wooden, bone, ceramic or mother of pearl spoon (symbolic to parting the veil, it's important to avoid exposing your ointment to metal.) add your oil. This will start to set the wax immediately. Continue to blend it for about 9 minutes it will cream slightly, then transfer it to your container and store it in a cool dark place for another lunar month when ready the ointment will have a texture similar to shoe polish once it sets up.
Either recipe makes enough to share with a friend, the greasy formula is the traditional blend that I recommend, it works better. If you are lucky enough to already have some fraction of the Sight then the gelled recipe will work fine.
Actually called "The Bright Moon" It is time for communication with other beings and recommitting yourself to the Gods and the Earth.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
This is May, the time of opening, the time of blossoming. The world is gently wrapped in a sweet blanket of flowers. Fruit trees bloom and carry the promise of abundance to come. Newly arrived birds sing in the warmth of the strengthening sunlight. We do ritual in this soft part of the year to open our spirits to receive. Flowers, a gift from the Lord and Lady, beckon to our souls. Their endless varieties give us beauty and fragrance to enjoy. Some flowers, such as lavender, can be used for healing and others, such as geraniums, can be used to enhance the flavor of food. Like flowers, we are children of Mother Earth, and in this time of blossoming, we too need to open. Flowers are delicate and beautiful and serve to remind us that we need to be gentle with ourselves and to be able to find the beauty within.
This is the time for working with Faeries and nature spirits. For those not in the know each plant, animal, rock, and other entity has a spirit awareness and sometimes a sprite who is dedicated to that plant, animal, rock etc. These spirits can join together, in a hive-mind, as a spirit of an area. Nature spirits include real biological intelligences, are psychically powerful, and are much less abstract and controllable than the Elementals that many magical people who perform all of their rituals indoors are familiar with. They can be extremely powerful allies. It is possible to sense nature spirits, to determine if they are receptive to a ritual planned, and to have them actively participate in magical workings if they are.
The Sight Ointment
*Grease Free Recipe*
1/3 cup flax seeds.
1 cup Spring or Rain water
In a glass pan, boil them until the liquid starts to thicken then set a timer for 5 minutes as the gelatin extracts, remove it from the heat and carefully strain it into a crystal bowl Allow it to cool for about a half hour. While it is cooling prepare your vessel, this can be cobalt glass or crystal it should have a wide mouth, rinse it in spring water and then smudge it, placing inside it three chips of fluorite and a quartz crystal point a rosebud and a small piece of Mistletoe.
Into your gel add 9 drops each Thyme Essential oil and Yarrow Essential Oil. Then 3 drops of Chamomile Essential Oil. The ointment itself will be a pale green color.
Makes 1/3 cup (approximately) Fill your container and chill for 3 days before use. Refrigerated it will keep about 3 months.
*Greasy Recipe*
Herbs Fresh (double when dried):
1/4 cup Thyme
1/2 cup Roses
1 tbs Eyebright
1 tbs Lavender
1 tbs Mistletoe
Any fresh herbs you use should be bruised in a mortar and pestle.
Fill a glass jar, like a canning jar or a ceramic container, and cover the herbs with your carrier oil to about a half inch above the herbs themselves this should be a little more than 1 cup, traditionally this was reduced animal fat, olive oil, jojoba oil or vegetable oil work, the type of oil you choose affects the shelf life. Tightly seal and store in a dark place, inverting and alternating its position daily, consider storing it on its side and rolling it, for one lunar month to allow the herbs to infuse the oil. Strain with cheese clothe, press and squeeze it to get full extraction, floating flotsam from the herbs is fine, the oil should be slightly green.
You will have about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of infused oil as your end product. You can use this oil by itself or continue to craft it into an ointment:
2 Tbsp of Beeswax, grated or granules.
Melt your wax over low heat, or in a double boiler until transparent (this will help protect the integrity of your extracted essential oils as they diffuse at a relatively low temperature.), remove from heat and work quickly stirring widdershins with a wooden, bone, ceramic or mother of pearl spoon (symbolic to parting the veil, it's important to avoid exposing your ointment to metal.) add your oil. This will start to set the wax immediately. Continue to blend it for about 9 minutes it will cream slightly, then transfer it to your container and store it in a cool dark place for another lunar month when ready the ointment will have a texture similar to shoe polish once it sets up.
Either recipe makes enough to share with a friend, the greasy formula is the traditional blend that I recommend, it works better. If you are lucky enough to already have some fraction of the Sight then the gelled recipe will work fine.
Monday, February 24, 2014
May New Moon
On the Celtic Tree Calendar this is the Willow Moon this Moon is used to fortify your home and self.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
The Willow Moon teaches you to release pent-up emotions and experience your grief. Tears are linked to healing, and as you express difficult and painful feelings, you are able to purge yourself of subconscious fears. The Willow Moon offered a healing month to the Celts, who literally spring-cleaned themselves in steamy saunas, known as sweat lodges, in readiness for the Beltane festival at the start of May. The Celts referred to this month as Saille.
As the New Moon is its Dark phase preparing for growth so as an act of healing you are drawing into yourself, like taking Vitamins to insure future well being. Do workings related to improving yourself.
The willow is imbued with the power of the Moon, and so it has always been particularly linked with witchcraft. The traditional witches’ broom is bound with a willow branch, and lunar wands used specifically for Moon magic are made of willow wood.
Protection Spell
Planting a willow tree in your yard will banish bad luck from your home.
You Will Need:
Willow branch
Spring water
A clear quartz crystal
A lock of your hair
On the new Moon, dig a hole and place the quartz crystal inside it:
“Earth to earth, in power and love grow.”
Add the lock of your hair, to bring your own energies to the spell, and say,
“I welcome you.”
Place the willow branch in the hold and refill the earth around it. Shower the covered earth with the spring water while saying this chant:
“Water to water, in power and love grow.”
Water the buried branch each day until it is strong.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
The Willow Moon teaches you to release pent-up emotions and experience your grief. Tears are linked to healing, and as you express difficult and painful feelings, you are able to purge yourself of subconscious fears. The Willow Moon offered a healing month to the Celts, who literally spring-cleaned themselves in steamy saunas, known as sweat lodges, in readiness for the Beltane festival at the start of May. The Celts referred to this month as Saille.
As the New Moon is its Dark phase preparing for growth so as an act of healing you are drawing into yourself, like taking Vitamins to insure future well being. Do workings related to improving yourself.
The willow is imbued with the power of the Moon, and so it has always been particularly linked with witchcraft. The traditional witches’ broom is bound with a willow branch, and lunar wands used specifically for Moon magic are made of willow wood.
Protection Spell
Planting a willow tree in your yard will banish bad luck from your home.
You Will Need:
Willow branch
Spring water
A clear quartz crystal
A lock of your hair
On the new Moon, dig a hole and place the quartz crystal inside it:
“Earth to earth, in power and love grow.”
Add the lock of your hair, to bring your own energies to the spell, and say,
“I welcome you.”
Place the willow branch in the hold and refill the earth around it. Shower the covered earth with the spring water while saying this chant:
“Water to water, in power and love grow.”
Water the buried branch each day until it is strong.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Beltane
At Beltane, the Opposite Fire Festival to Samhain,the veil is again thin.
May 1st or the first Full Moon in Taurus. Is also the word for May's Eve and Fire of Bel in the Irish language. The Festival of Beltane is a celebration of the beginning of the second half of the ancient Celtic year, and the return of the harvest season in Gaelic culture. It is the beginning of the Mother's rule, and is one of the two most important Sabbats of the year. This is the compliment of Samhain, or All Hallow's Eve, the other time in the year that the veil between the Earth and the Otherworld is thinnest. At Samhain the Otherworld visits us, at Beltane we can visit the Otherworld.
Title
the page, you can write it in English or Witches Alphabet. Spelling
either Beltane, Beltaine, also spelled Beltine, Belltaine, also known as Cétamainor. Whichever you
prefer.
To start this page, draw an BaleFire or Maypole.
We are not writing a Ritual, some things should be taught and not written down. But if you choose you can record a ritual after the rest.
For detailed information read here.
First and Foremost it is a feast and celebration
Make notes on your Altar, herbs you use. Deities.Incense recipe or Anointing oil.
For me the strongest connections to Ostara are Lilacs, Meadow-sweet and Rosemary. But that won't be the same for everyone. Put some thought into it. Here is another post that is a great reference.
May 1st or the first Full Moon in Taurus. Is also the word for May's Eve and Fire of Bel in the Irish language. The Festival of Beltane is a celebration of the beginning of the second half of the ancient Celtic year, and the return of the harvest season in Gaelic culture. It is the beginning of the Mother's rule, and is one of the two most important Sabbats of the year. This is the compliment of Samhain, or All Hallow's Eve, the other time in the year that the veil between the Earth and the Otherworld is thinnest. At Samhain the Otherworld visits us, at Beltane we can visit the Otherworld.
To start this page, draw an BaleFire or Maypole.
We are not writing a Ritual, some things should be taught and not written down. But if you choose you can record a ritual after the rest.
For detailed information read here.
First and Foremost it is a feast and celebration
Make notes on your Altar, herbs you use. Deities.Incense recipe or Anointing oil.
For me the strongest connections to Ostara are Lilacs, Meadow-sweet and Rosemary. But that won't be the same for everyone. Put some thought into it. Here is another post that is a great reference.
Monday, February 10, 2014
April Full Moon
Actually called "The Growing Moon" It is time to look at your life and restore its' balance.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
In April, the thunderstorms of March are beginning to subside, and the wind picks up. Seeds are being blown about on the breezes, spreading life all around from one place to the next. In fact, this lunar cycle is often known as the Seed Moon. Trees have buds on them, spring daffodils and tulips abound, and the birds are nesting once more. Much like March, this is a time of conception and fertility and new growth.
This is the time to do those workings that release your energy out into the universe. It's the time to stop planning, and start doing. Take all those ideas you've had brewing for the past couple of months, and make them come to fruition.
Growth
Paint or draw magickal runes on your flower pots, on markers, or in the soil. The rune Berkana is particularly well suited for planting. Put crystals and stones in the soil to energize plants. Moss agate is the gardener's stone. Charged and placed in the soil, it will assure the abundant growth of your garden. Other agates and quartz crystals work fine as well.
Magickally charge the water used to nourish your plants. This can be as simple as saying an incantation over the watering can or setting water out under the full moon to charge. Sprinkle a few fertility herbs or a moss agate in the water while charging. Again, draw fertility runes on your watering can and charge it with abundance. Plant Marigolds as a good multipurpose magical plant.
MARIGOLD
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.
Magical attributes: Prophesy, legal matters, the psychic, seeing magical creatures, love, clairvoyance, dreams, business or legal affairs and renewing personal energy.
"I bless this leaf, I bless this flower,
I bless this root, For I endow.
From root and bough
As you thrive and flower
So too shall my power."
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
In April, the thunderstorms of March are beginning to subside, and the wind picks up. Seeds are being blown about on the breezes, spreading life all around from one place to the next. In fact, this lunar cycle is often known as the Seed Moon. Trees have buds on them, spring daffodils and tulips abound, and the birds are nesting once more. Much like March, this is a time of conception and fertility and new growth.
This is the time to do those workings that release your energy out into the universe. It's the time to stop planning, and start doing. Take all those ideas you've had brewing for the past couple of months, and make them come to fruition.
Growth
Magickally charge the water used to nourish your plants. This can be as simple as saying an incantation over the watering can or setting water out under the full moon to charge. Sprinkle a few fertility herbs or a moss agate in the water while charging. Again, draw fertility runes on your watering can and charge it with abundance. Plant Marigolds as a good multipurpose magical plant.
MARIGOLD
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.
Magical attributes: Prophesy, legal matters, the psychic, seeing magical creatures, love, clairvoyance, dreams, business or legal affairs and renewing personal energy.
"I bless this leaf, I bless this flower,
I bless this root, For I endow.
From root and bough
As you thrive and flower
So too shall my power."
Monday, February 3, 2014
April New Moon
On the Celtic Tree Calendar this is the Alder Moon and a time of Spring Cleaning, and purification.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
The Alder moon is a period that includes the Spring Equinox. Falling at the start of spring, this period symbolizes the reawakening of the Earth Mother’s fertility. Alder is a tree that can make one drunk with its lore. The Alder is a tree that supports and protects physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Its associations with both weapons and shields reminded the ancient Celts that part of the skill of the warrior lies in knowing when to take up the sword and when to take up the shield. Although an alder shield will protect you and give you courage and an alder-forged weapon will help you defend yourself, ultimately the most important aspect of the warrior is his or her intent. This is the key to success or failure. They alder reminds us of the need to blend strength and courage with generosity of spirit and compassion. There is a time to challenge things and a time to hold our peace. The alder teaches us this discrimination and the need to see beneath the surface of things. It combines the desire for self-preservation with the desire to serve and emphasizes the need for a firm foundation to stand on. The Celts referred to this month as Fearn.
.
Alder is mentioned in the Welsh tale "The Battle of Trees" as having been on the front lines, Associated with the God Bran and interestingly enough when cut this pale wood slowly turns red as though bleeding.
The Alder Moon is associated with A master of the Isle of Britain, a cauldron-God, associated with a cauldron of regeneration which would revive the slain while leaving them voiceless. His cauldron destroyed, he was mortally wounded in a war to rescue his sister Branwen, he instructed his adherents to decapitate him, after many travels, bear the head to London and bury it (the site of the modern Tower of London.) where it would become a defense and a protection to the whole Isle.
"If the Tower of London ravens are lost or fly away, the Crown will fall and Britain with it.".
As a time for purification, burn all old Magical Implements that may no longer be used. (Candle leavings, herbs well past their use, unlabeled incense.. etc)
Talismans
Alder wood talismans provide strength to the words of the Witch. The wood provides the authority of her verbal skills and strengthens spell casting.
Take a naturally hewn (Wind broken, not touched by blade) piece of Alder and drill it for stringing on a cord.
Ceremony of the Raven
Work within the ways of the partner totem of this night. The Raven. Raven magick is a powerful and can give you the courage to enter the darkness of the void, which is the home of all that has not yet taken a form. The void is called the Great Mystery. Great Mystery existed before all things came into being. The Gods/Great Spirit live in the void and emerge from the Great Mystery. Raven is a messenger of the void.
In your circle, position a black mirror and a single candle, visualize the Ravens wings closed around your torso and allow your eyes to unfocussed on the mirror.
"I am the Voice of the Raven Upon the Wind. My harsh cry echoes long upon the Earth and Air: Nothing is forever. Not life, not love, not death, nor loss. Only change is eternal, and only in destruction can the seed of creation form. My wings bear me between Darkness and Light, Land and Sky, the Garden and the Wildwood. I perch upon the Threshold of the Worlds, both flesh and spirit, gifting the Brave Seeker with the Visions and Magic of the Otherworld. To face me is to face your greatest terror, the Shadow of yourself, the unknown and dangerous. In chancing destruction, your fear loses its power to destroy. For only in acceptance of mortality will you learn the Secrets of Immortality as I, the Raven, possess. "
Tilt your head back and light your smudge stick on the candle. As it smokes and smoulders walk the circle:
"Mother Earth, Fire, Wind, Water and Spirit; I ask thee to Cleanse my home of all negative energies."
Walk the circle again:
"Mother Earth, Fire, Wind, Water and Spirit; I ask the to Free and heal my body from all negative forces."
Walk the circle a third time and while doing slowly speak your spell if you have magick that needs working. If not:
"Smoke that rises take away
Negative energy—
These thoughts can’t stay.
Anger, misery,
Worry and doubt,
Smoke, please carry them
Out, out, out!"
Extinguish the lone candle, and dispose of the smudge.
Throughout time and many cultures and traditions, Raven has carried magick. It is sacred, in the medicine ways of the Native Tribes, to honor Raven as the bringer of magick. If the magick is bad medicine, the carrier may be honored out of fear rather than respect. Those who fear Raven may do so because they have been dabbling in areas which they had no knowledge, and a spell may have backfired on them. Rather than analyzing the dark side of sorcery, realize that you will fear Raven only if you need to learn about your inner fears or self created demons.
In Native teachings the color black means many things, but it does not mean evil. Black can mean the seeking of answers, the void, or the road of the spiritual or nonphysical. The blue-black Raven contains an iridescence that speaks of the magick of darkness, and a changeability of form and shape that brings an awakening in the process.
Raven is the guardian of ceremonial magick and in absentia-healing. In any healing circle, Raven is present. Raven guides the magick of healing and the change in consciousness that will bring about a new state of wellness from the Void of Great Mystery and the field of plenty.
Raven is the messenger that carries all energy flows of ceremonial magick between the ceremony itself and the intended destination. For instance, if a ceremony is being performed to send energy to a disaster area where people need courage and strength, Raven would be the courier for that energy flow. The intention could be to allow the people of the devastated area to feel the concern and support of the participants of the ceremony.
Citation
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
The Alder moon is a period that includes the Spring Equinox. Falling at the start of spring, this period symbolizes the reawakening of the Earth Mother’s fertility. Alder is a tree that can make one drunk with its lore. The Alder is a tree that supports and protects physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Its associations with both weapons and shields reminded the ancient Celts that part of the skill of the warrior lies in knowing when to take up the sword and when to take up the shield. Although an alder shield will protect you and give you courage and an alder-forged weapon will help you defend yourself, ultimately the most important aspect of the warrior is his or her intent. This is the key to success or failure. They alder reminds us of the need to blend strength and courage with generosity of spirit and compassion. There is a time to challenge things and a time to hold our peace. The alder teaches us this discrimination and the need to see beneath the surface of things. It combines the desire for self-preservation with the desire to serve and emphasizes the need for a firm foundation to stand on. The Celts referred to this month as Fearn.
.
Alder is mentioned in the Welsh tale "The Battle of Trees" as having been on the front lines, Associated with the God Bran and interestingly enough when cut this pale wood slowly turns red as though bleeding.
The Alder Moon is associated with A master of the Isle of Britain, a cauldron-God, associated with a cauldron of regeneration which would revive the slain while leaving them voiceless. His cauldron destroyed, he was mortally wounded in a war to rescue his sister Branwen, he instructed his adherents to decapitate him, after many travels, bear the head to London and bury it (the site of the modern Tower of London.) where it would become a defense and a protection to the whole Isle.
"If the Tower of London ravens are lost or fly away, the Crown will fall and Britain with it.".
As a time for purification, burn all old Magical Implements that may no longer be used. (Candle leavings, herbs well past their use, unlabeled incense.. etc)
Talismans
Alder wood talismans provide strength to the words of the Witch. The wood provides the authority of her verbal skills and strengthens spell casting.
Take a naturally hewn (Wind broken, not touched by blade) piece of Alder and drill it for stringing on a cord.
Ceremony of the Raven
Work within the ways of the partner totem of this night. The Raven. Raven magick is a powerful and can give you the courage to enter the darkness of the void, which is the home of all that has not yet taken a form. The void is called the Great Mystery. Great Mystery existed before all things came into being. The Gods/Great Spirit live in the void and emerge from the Great Mystery. Raven is a messenger of the void.
In your circle, position a black mirror and a single candle, visualize the Ravens wings closed around your torso and allow your eyes to unfocussed on the mirror.
"I am the Voice of the Raven Upon the Wind. My harsh cry echoes long upon the Earth and Air: Nothing is forever. Not life, not love, not death, nor loss. Only change is eternal, and only in destruction can the seed of creation form. My wings bear me between Darkness and Light, Land and Sky, the Garden and the Wildwood. I perch upon the Threshold of the Worlds, both flesh and spirit, gifting the Brave Seeker with the Visions and Magic of the Otherworld. To face me is to face your greatest terror, the Shadow of yourself, the unknown and dangerous. In chancing destruction, your fear loses its power to destroy. For only in acceptance of mortality will you learn the Secrets of Immortality as I, the Raven, possess. "
Tilt your head back and light your smudge stick on the candle. As it smokes and smoulders walk the circle:
"Mother Earth, Fire, Wind, Water and Spirit; I ask thee to Cleanse my home of all negative energies."
Walk the circle again:
"Mother Earth, Fire, Wind, Water and Spirit; I ask the to Free and heal my body from all negative forces."
Walk the circle a third time and while doing slowly speak your spell if you have magick that needs working. If not:
"Smoke that rises take away
Negative energy—
These thoughts can’t stay.
Anger, misery,
Worry and doubt,
Smoke, please carry them
Out, out, out!"
Extinguish the lone candle, and dispose of the smudge.
Throughout time and many cultures and traditions, Raven has carried magick. It is sacred, in the medicine ways of the Native Tribes, to honor Raven as the bringer of magick. If the magick is bad medicine, the carrier may be honored out of fear rather than respect. Those who fear Raven may do so because they have been dabbling in areas which they had no knowledge, and a spell may have backfired on them. Rather than analyzing the dark side of sorcery, realize that you will fear Raven only if you need to learn about your inner fears or self created demons.
In Native teachings the color black means many things, but it does not mean evil. Black can mean the seeking of answers, the void, or the road of the spiritual or nonphysical. The blue-black Raven contains an iridescence that speaks of the magick of darkness, and a changeability of form and shape that brings an awakening in the process.
Raven is the guardian of ceremonial magick and in absentia-healing. In any healing circle, Raven is present. Raven guides the magick of healing and the change in consciousness that will bring about a new state of wellness from the Void of Great Mystery and the field of plenty.
Raven is the messenger that carries all energy flows of ceremonial magick between the ceremony itself and the intended destination. For instance, if a ceremony is being performed to send energy to a disaster area where people need courage and strength, Raven would be the courier for that energy flow. The intention could be to allow the people of the devastated area to feel the concern and support of the participants of the ceremony.
Citation
Monday, January 27, 2014
March Full Moon
Actually called "The Wind Moon" Now is the time to be realistic when making life decisions.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
The earth awakens as the bonds of winter loosen. This windy month blows away the staleness of winter and with it we cast away the things we need to remove from our lives. Holding on to things that no longer belong in our lives can keep us from moving forward. Just as our homes need a spring-cleaning, so, too, do our emotional and spiritual lives.
The Witches Ladder
A witch's ladder is one of those things we sometimes hear about but rarely see, perhaps especially in the United States. Its purpose is similar to that of a rosary - it's basically a tool for meditation and ritual, or it may be imbued as a charm and used to bless or hex. Depending on the intentions of the Creator. Different colors are used as symbols for one's intent, as well as tokens (Runes, Bells, Feathers, Beads, Crystals, Buttons, Shells, etc.), as well as a varying number of knots.
At its heart though the Witches Ladder is Knot Magick and as such It may be used as a counting tool, because in some spell workings there is a need to repeat the working a particular number of times. You can use the ladder to keep track of your count, running the feathers, shells or beads along as you do so.
Once completed the ladder should be hung from the branch of a tree.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
The earth awakens as the bonds of winter loosen. This windy month blows away the staleness of winter and with it we cast away the things we need to remove from our lives. Holding on to things that no longer belong in our lives can keep us from moving forward. Just as our homes need a spring-cleaning, so, too, do our emotional and spiritual lives.
The Witches Ladder
At its heart though the Witches Ladder is Knot Magick and as such It may be used as a counting tool, because in some spell workings there is a need to repeat the working a particular number of times. You can use the ladder to keep track of your count, running the feathers, shells or beads along as you do so.
Once completed the ladder should be hung from the branch of a tree.
Monday, January 20, 2014
March New Moon
On the Celtic Tree Calendar this is the Ash Moon an excellent for making Talismans..
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
The Ash moon rolls in at the end of Winter. In the Norse eddas, Yggdrasil, the world tree, was an Ash. The spear of Odin was made from the branch of this tree. This is one of three trees sacred to the Druids (Ash, Oak and Thorn), and this is a good month to do magic that focuses on the inner self. Associated with ocean rituals, magical potency, prophetic dreams and spiritual journeys, the Ash can be used for making magical (and mundane) tools -- these are said to be more productive than tools made from other wood. If you place Ash berries in a cradle, it protects the child from being taken away as a changeling by mischievous Fae. The Celts referred to this month as Nuin.
As the New Moon is its Dark phase preparing for growth so as an act of healing you are drawing into yourself, like taking Vitamins to insure future well being. Do workings related to improving yourself.
Five trees stood guard over Ireland, in mythology, and three were Ash. The Ash is often found growing near holy wells and sacred springs. Interestingly, it was also believed that crops that grew in the shadow of an Ash tree would be of an inferior quality.
Early in the season this is a great time to find those bits of old growth you may be able to utilize as a tool or talisman.
Protections
Words have power and by default so does each character, the Ogham for Ash is in itself a Protection.
You can also draw a single Ogham letter on a slip of paper and put it in a magick amulet or talisman.
Healing
The buds of the ash grow in a spiral formation symbolic of regeneration, healing, and rebirth. Therefore, an ash wand can be an important healing tool. To make a wand, search in spring until you find an “even ash,” or an ash tree with an even number of branches on each side. Cut a branch approximately twenty-four inches long, and say:
“Sacred ash, healing tree, give this magic wand to me.”
Then pass the branch through a candle flame, sprinkle with water, and touch it to the earth, saying:
“Through fire, air, water, and earth, I consecrate this wand in the names of the Lord and Lady. Blessed be.”
Use the wand to channel power in healing spells and rites.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
The Ash moon rolls in at the end of Winter. In the Norse eddas, Yggdrasil, the world tree, was an Ash. The spear of Odin was made from the branch of this tree. This is one of three trees sacred to the Druids (Ash, Oak and Thorn), and this is a good month to do magic that focuses on the inner self. Associated with ocean rituals, magical potency, prophetic dreams and spiritual journeys, the Ash can be used for making magical (and mundane) tools -- these are said to be more productive than tools made from other wood. If you place Ash berries in a cradle, it protects the child from being taken away as a changeling by mischievous Fae. The Celts referred to this month as Nuin.
As the New Moon is its Dark phase preparing for growth so as an act of healing you are drawing into yourself, like taking Vitamins to insure future well being. Do workings related to improving yourself.
Five trees stood guard over Ireland, in mythology, and three were Ash. The Ash is often found growing near holy wells and sacred springs. Interestingly, it was also believed that crops that grew in the shadow of an Ash tree would be of an inferior quality.
Early in the season this is a great time to find those bits of old growth you may be able to utilize as a tool or talisman.
Protections
You can also draw a single Ogham letter on a slip of paper and put it in a magick amulet or talisman.
Healing
The buds of the ash grow in a spiral formation symbolic of regeneration, healing, and rebirth. Therefore, an ash wand can be an important healing tool. To make a wand, search in spring until you find an “even ash,” or an ash tree with an even number of branches on each side. Cut a branch approximately twenty-four inches long, and say:
“Sacred ash, healing tree, give this magic wand to me.”
Then pass the branch through a candle flame, sprinkle with water, and touch it to the earth, saying:
“Through fire, air, water, and earth, I consecrate this wand in the names of the Lord and Lady. Blessed be.”
Use the wand to channel power in healing spells and rites.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Ostara
At Ostara, the Vernal Equinox, the light is equal to the darkness
March 21st, Ostara may have represented many complex, interrelated beliefs to our ancestors. The sun, or Maiden Goddess, was reborn from its winter banishment to thaw the earth, making it ready for the plow, or handfastings at Beltane. People felt reborn as well, escaping from close, snow-bound confinement into the new warmth. The Gods and Goddesses of fertility were active once again in the land, causing new growth everywhere. Ostara is the brightest and most joyful ceremony of the year. It is the time in which we celebrate the renewed presence of the Gods and Goddesses among us, and their marriages which ensure the fertility of the land.
Title the page, you can write it in English or Witches Alphabet. Spelling either Ostara or Ēostre can also be used. Whichever you prefer.
To start this page, draw an Egg or Flower.
We are not writing a Ritual, some things should be taught and not written down. But if you choose you can record a ritual after the rest.
For detailed information read here.
First and Foremost it is a feast and celebration
Make notes on your Altar, herbs you use. Deities.Incense recipe or Anointing oil.
For me the strongest connections to Ostara are Buttercups, Crocus, and sweets. But that won't be the same for everyone. Put some thought into it. Here is another post that is a great reference.
March 21st, Ostara may have represented many complex, interrelated beliefs to our ancestors. The sun, or Maiden Goddess, was reborn from its winter banishment to thaw the earth, making it ready for the plow, or handfastings at Beltane. People felt reborn as well, escaping from close, snow-bound confinement into the new warmth. The Gods and Goddesses of fertility were active once again in the land, causing new growth everywhere. Ostara is the brightest and most joyful ceremony of the year. It is the time in which we celebrate the renewed presence of the Gods and Goddesses among us, and their marriages which ensure the fertility of the land.
Title the page, you can write it in English or Witches Alphabet. Spelling either Ostara or Ēostre can also be used. Whichever you prefer.
To start this page, draw an Egg or Flower.
We are not writing a Ritual, some things should be taught and not written down. But if you choose you can record a ritual after the rest.
For detailed information read here.
First and Foremost it is a feast and celebration
Make notes on your Altar, herbs you use. Deities.Incense recipe or Anointing oil.
For me the strongest connections to Ostara are Buttercups, Crocus, and sweets. But that won't be the same for everyone. Put some thought into it. Here is another post that is a great reference.
Monday, January 6, 2014
February Full Moon
Actually called "The Ice Moon" The time of growth and looking ahead towards the future.
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
The growing light gives us hope, but there are still hard days of winter ahead. Even with the icy grip still upon the world, you feel the life-force awakening and know that your life must begin to quicken. Many things can unfold this year, but which way should you go? This is the time of the “seer” within. This month is touched by the rowan and ash. The Rowan brings magic and the protection of Brigid. As the Goddess who governs crossroads, Brigid can see all possible paths for the traveler.
The Seers Moon
Fill a cauldron or a large iron pot full of fresh water. Add Buttercup and Marigold petals (Calendula). Light incense of Rowan Berries, Wormwood and Thyme. Stir the pot gently three times (deosil) then float three red strings on the waters surface while saying:
"Into the threads of time I cast my thoughts
One to become the Veil..
To catch a glimpse of what has been...
Another to conjure the seeming
Bring into my mind what will be...
And Lastly for that which will never be..
Gods of the Silver Oracle Light
In this iron pond I part the veil
Know me...
Show me, show me..."
Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.
The growing light gives us hope, but there are still hard days of winter ahead. Even with the icy grip still upon the world, you feel the life-force awakening and know that your life must begin to quicken. Many things can unfold this year, but which way should you go? This is the time of the “seer” within. This month is touched by the rowan and ash. The Rowan brings magic and the protection of Brigid. As the Goddess who governs crossroads, Brigid can see all possible paths for the traveler.
The Seers Moon
Fill a cauldron or a large iron pot full of fresh water. Add Buttercup and Marigold petals (Calendula). Light incense of Rowan Berries, Wormwood and Thyme. Stir the pot gently three times (deosil) then float three red strings on the waters surface while saying:
"Into the threads of time I cast my thoughts
One to become the Veil..
To catch a glimpse of what has been...
Another to conjure the seeming
Bring into my mind what will be...
And Lastly for that which will never be..
Gods of the Silver Oracle Light
In this iron pond I part the veil
Know me...
Show me, show me..."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)