Month: August 2013

Let's Talk Witch – Magickal Talents of Each Birth Sign

Let’s Talk Witch – Magickal Talents of Each Birth Sign

 

Some witches examine their birth charts when planning important magickal events such as an initiation or eldership rite. They might also consider how their charts relate to the charts of other members in a spiritual group they wish to join. Each natal chart is unique, with special strengths and weaknesses that affect the individual’s magickal life as well as his mundane life.

Many good books exist that explain the personality traits of the twelve sun signs. The following paragraphs describe some magickal proclivities of people born under each sign. Look for your birth sign and read the generalized description. Does it ring true?

Aries

These independent people often become spiritual leaders and pioneers, seeking enlightenment in their own way rather than following established traditions. They may devise new magickal approaches or explore uncharted territory.

Taurus

People born under this sign love earth-oriented magick and make excellent druids. They also have a knack for expressing magickal ideas through art, food preparation, herbalism, gardening, and healing.

Gemini

These individuals may take an eclectic approach to witchcraft. Their quick minds and communication skills enable them to learn magick quickly and teach it to others. Chanting, incantations, and affirmations are among their favorite magickal practices.

Cancer

Intuitive Cancers frequently possess divination and dowsing skills. Many excel as kitchen witches and healers, for they enjoy nurturing and caring for other people.

Leo

People born under this sign have a strong sense of drama. These natural leaders enjoy performing rituals and may gravitate toward ceremonial magick. They may also turn their talents toward spiritual art or music.

Virgo

Natural healers, Virgos frequently apply their magickal abilities to herbalism and working with the plant kingdom. Let them handle the details of rituals and spellworking. Some are skilled artisans who craft lovely magick tools.

Libra

These sociable people like handling the logistics and atmospheric elements of ritual celebrations and spiritual events, especially the décor. Usually they prefer to work with a magickal partner or coven, rather than solo.

Scorpio

Scorpios are instinctively drawn to occult knowledge and the unseen realms. Many possess keen intuition and divination ability. Their strong wills can help them succeed in all forms of spellworking.

Sagittarius

Spiritual subjects and higher knowledge appeal to Sagittarians, who are often great students of magick as well as teachers. Many enjoy the drama of ritual and make colorful, inspired leaders.

Capricorn

Let the Capricorns in your magickal group handle the money. They also excel at planning, organization, and the practical aspects of the Craft. Prosperity magick, in particular, may appeal to them.

Aquarius

The ideal chaos magicians, Aquarians tend to be unconventional in life and in magick. These innovative people may reject the formality of high magick, preferring to create their own rituals and spells. Many have a natural proclivity for astrology.

Pisces

These sensitive individuals are adept at visualization and usually have highly attuned psychic abilities. Music or art may play a part  in their magickal work.

Although your sun sign is certainly important, it’s only part of your astrological makeup. Other factors in your birth chart will also influence your magickal talents and learnings. Consider the whole chart and all its distinctive features in order to understand the big picture.

Magickal Tip – Spelling on a Budget

Magickal Tip

Spelling on a Budget

As kids stock up on new supplies for back to school time, take advantage of all the broken crayons, old erasers, and short pencils that would otherwise be tossed aside or left on a shelf to collect dust. Melt and recycle broken crayons into customizable effigies and magickal candles to boost energy and creativity, and crumble up old erasers to use in diminishing, curse-breaking, and banishing powders. Keep a few short pencils in your car to use for written spells on the go, or grind the graphite into an energy-boosting dust to use in your wandcraft.

—Melanie Marquis

The Witches Correspondence for August 26

The Witches Correspondence for August 26

Magickal Intentions: Psychic Sensitivity, Women’s Mysteries, Tides, Waters, Emotional Issues, Agriculture, Animals, Female Fertility, Messages, Theft, Reconcilliations, Voyages, Dreams and Merchandise
Incense: African Violet, Honeysuckle, Myrtle, Willow, Wormwood
Planet: Moon
Sign: Cancer
Angel: Gabriel
Colors: Silver, White and Gray
Herbs/Plants: Night Flowers, Willow Root, Orris Root, Birch, Motherwort, Vervain, White Rose and White Iris
Stones: Carnelian, Moonstone, Aquamarine, Pearl, Clear Quartz, Flourite, Geodes
Oil: (Moon) Jasmine, Lemon, Sandalwood

Monday belongs to the Moon. Monday’s energy best aligns itself with efforts that deal with women, home and hearth, the family, the garden, travel, and medicine. It also boosts rituals involving psychic development and prophetic dreaming.

The Witches Almanac for Monday, August, 26th

phantasmal_familiar_by_rebelkitty-d5iar4f

The Witches Almanac for Monday, August, 26th

Monday (Moon): Peace, sleep, healing, compassion, friends, psychic awareness, purification, and fertility.

Pardon of the Sea (French)

Waning Moon

The Waning Moon is a time for study, meditation, and little magickal work (except magick designed to banish harmful energies).

Moon Phase: Third Quarter

Moon Sign: Taurus

Taurus: Things begun now last the longest, tend to increase in value, and become hard to alter. Brings out appreciation for beauty and sensory experience.

Incense: Clary sage

Color: Gray

Current Moon Phase for Aug. 26: Waning Gibbous

Gibbous Moon

(waning /60% illumination)

This is a tremendous time of transmutation. All of the prior elements are coming together for a final burst of creative output. You have seen a clear view of your own needs and the posture of significant others. Now the accumulation of that input is leading to a deep, core change within you. In this phase, you will naturally be inclined to seek higher guidance so that you can emerge from this transformation successfully. The Disseminting Moon favors sharing what you have learned (and are learning) with others.

Feng Shui Tip for August. 26: 'National Dog Day'

How apropos that ‘National Dog Day’ falls during the traditional dog days of summer. If you suspect that Fido is overheated, don’t immerse him in cold water. The water trapped in the haircoat will warm and act as insulation against the cooling intent, actually working in reverse. Rather, station him in front of a fan and mist him with ice cold water. Do this briefly and then stop all cooling efforts — the process continues even after you stop. I cannot emphasize this enough. A very brief effort is all it takes to get a dog’s temperature down. Obviously, the best way to prevent overheating is to keep Spot in a controlled and cool environment. You’ll be the coolest owner around if you just do that.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Animal Spirit for August 26 is The Horse

Your Animal Spirit for Today
    August 26, 2013 

Horse

When Horse came back to the Americas, he brought with him the ability to move rapidly from place to place—and it’s this rapid movement that he brings to you today. Get up, get out of the rut you’ve created. Grab Horse’s mane, pull yourself onto his back and let him carry you across the plains of your life. The time for being stuck is over.

Today's Tarot Card for Aug. 26 is The Moon

The Moon

Monday, Aug 26th, 2013

What has traditionally been known as the Moon card refers to a deep state of sensitivity and imaginative impressionability, developed within a womb of deep relaxation. Here we dream and go into trance, have visions and receive insights, wash in and out with the psychic tides, and experience deep mystical and/or terrifying realities beyond our ordinary senses. The full moon and/or eclipse cycle charted by the Magi (as in some of the earliest Moon card images) exemplify this as a mechanism that Nature uses to expand consciousness.

The variants of the courtly lovers (representing skillful use of the sex force) or the man sleeping it off under the tree (use of drugs to alter consciousness) are also traditional avenues for tapping this primal force. Human interest in higher states propels us to the frontiers of consciousness, where we cannot always control what happens. The Moon card represents the ultimate test of a soul’s integrity, where the membrane between self and the Unknown is removed, and the drop of individuality reenters the Ocean of Being. What transpires next is between a soul and its Maker

Your Daily Horoscopes for Monday, August 26th

We long for peace and quiet today, but the simplistic Taurus Moon isn’t enough to alleviate the cosmic tension that is agitating our lives. Romantic Venus in pleasure-seeking Libra opposes uncontainable Uranus in spontaneous Aries, encouraging reckless behavior that can upset the status quo. However, we still may be confused about what to do or say because the willful Sun and chatty Mercury are engaged in a tug-of-war with surrealistic Neptune.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Although you have responsibilities to fulfill today, it’s difficult to resist creating a bit of mischief, instead. You want to take a risk and break out of your normal routine, even if you realize self-indulgence isn’t the smartest course of action now. You may attempt to justify your behavior, yet your current judgment might not be very clear. Ask a trusted friend for a different perspective before doing something you will later regret. Following your whims is fine as long as no harm comes to others.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

You feel as if you’re wired for pleasure today since your ruling planet Venus opposes electric Uranus. Nevertheless, your intense desires might create an emotional short circuit if you think that satisfaction is out of reach. Your fantasies may be quite unrealistic, but it really doesn’t matter if you believe in your daydreams or not. You don’t need to follow through with every wish. What’s important now is to give yourself permission to imagine what would bring you happiness if anything was possible.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

You may hope to float through the day on a cloud of romantic illusions, but an unexpected event can shock you out of your reverie. Even if you quickly adapt to a change of plans, you still might overlook the significance of what is happening. Although you could be surprised by what you learn, it’s still wise to contemplate what the cosmos is attempting to tell you. Taking time to interpret your dreams reveals secrets you could otherwise miss.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Someone’s reaction to your request at work today might not be what you expect; however, you can take nearly anything in stride with the right attitude. At first, you may be anxious because you don’t want to confront the unknown, but you’re relieved to learn the truth now, even if it catches you off guard. Don’t let your subconscious motivations mislead you into pushing the information away; integrate the new data and alter your plans as needed before moving on.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You are super excited about someone or something new in your life now, but you’re afraid that your current enthusiasm won’t last. You may be overly cautious about letting completely go and enjoying yourself because you believe that your sense of freedom will quickly be restrained by limiting circumstances. Change is inevitable, but worrying about the future doesn’t have to interfere with today’s pleasures. Enjoy the present moment while it lasts.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You might be surprised by someone’s selfish behavior today and you could even be offended by people’s lack of compassion. Rational analysis won’t help you to understand their actions because logic is not the motivating factor now. Unexplainable changes are to be expected if tension is stressing a relationship. But don’t over-analyze anyone’s motives; simply respond with kindness and honesty. The storm will pass quickly if you keep your heart open and remain flexible in your thinking.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Previously hidden desires may float to the surface today. Your key planet Venus is visiting your 1st House of Self and her opposition to unorthodox Uranus in your 7th House of Relationships can uncover something about your partner that you didn’t previously know. But rather than waiting for anyone to surprise you with an unexpected revelation, take the initiative and be an agent of change, yourself. Embrace the shift proactively instead of resisting it.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You would like to let go of old expectations once and for all and express your current feelings spontaneously today as creative Venus opposes progressive Uranus in your 5th House of Romance. Unfortunately, you might not know exactly what you want. Your emotions are slippery now, making it difficult to choose any one course of action. Nevertheless, you have an amazing opportunity to learn something important about love if you’re willing to relinquish control and go with the flow.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You wish a friend or partner would make a straightforward decision today, but the clarity you seek may continue to be elusive. Instead of receiving a yes or no answer now, you’re required to live with someone’s uncertainty. However, it’s likely that other people’s ambivalence might simply be a reflection of your own, even if you believe that you already made your choice. Don’t push for resolution since it will take time for all the facts to fully emerge. A little patience gives inspiration a chance to strike.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You want to gather as much useful information as you can today, since you might mistakenly believe that the solution to your current dilemma is in having all the facts. Unfortunately, you may be in a hurry now, allowing you to make a wrong assumption and jump to an incorrect conclusion that’s based on your desires. Acknowledge what you want, but be smart and postpone any major decision until your energy settles down. Your path should begin to clear in just a few days, bringing success within your reach.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Your craving for connection pushes you one way today, while your need for independence pulls you another. You may long for more intimacy in your everyday life, yet still keep others at an arm’s length if you’re afraid of losing your autonomy. Thankfully, a sudden breakthrough in your awareness can zap your heart open and instantaneously intensify the dynamics of a relationship. If lightning strikes, set aside practicalities and be flexible enough to fully engage the magic of the moment.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Your perspective on a close relationship could be challenged today, making you weary of the familiar tensions you feel. You don’t want to argue with your partner over another misunderstanding; nor do you want to waste energy justifying your desires. Your needs are simple now; you just want your heartfelt disclosure to be heard and acknowledged. Avoid ultimatums; just share what you need in a gentle manner and then be patient. The dynamics are shifting quickly and you just may receive what you want.

Your Love Horoscopes for the Week of August 26

The week begins with a jolt when it comes to romantic matters, thanks to an erratic opposition between Venus and Uranus on Monday. If you’re in a relationship, this may reflect a sudden need to loosen any chokehold you feel your partnership restrains you with. Whether single or taken, there might also be a sudden new love interest. Then, on Tuesday Mars — the planet that rules our libido — will enter flamboyant and amorous Leo, where it remains until October 15. Love and sex are about to get loud and theatrical!
Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Expect no shortage of drama in your love life. On Monday, Venus — now in your 7th House of Partnerships — will oppose Uranus in Aries. There may be a see-saw feeling when it comes to your role in a relationship. On one hand you want to be partnered up, but on the other hand you refuse to do so at the expense of your individuality. On Tuesday, Mars will enter your 5th House of Love and Sex. For the next several weeks you can certainly anticipate more fun in bed.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

Your mental focus this week will decidedly revolve around matters of the heart. Mercury, the planet of communication, will continue to move through your 5th House of True Love. On Monday, Mercury will link up to Saturn, and you might have a serious conversation with your sweetheart about your commitment to each other. On Friday, you’ll likely make a positive decision together — possibly about a much-needed getaway. Your trip will likely be local and short (a long weekend perhaps), but it will surely be memorable.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

Sudden interference from a friend regarding your love life might unnerve you this week. On Monday, Venus will oppose Uranus, now in your 11th House of Groups and Friends. You might receive an unexpected opinion about someone you’re dating. Even worse, your pal might give you a vibe that he or she is attracted to your sweetheart! Be careful on Tuesday not to overspend on your love. With Venus square Jupiter, now in your 2nd House of Earned Income, it’s possible you’ll purchase an extra indulgent gift. Don’t break the bank!

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

Saturn continues to move through your 5th House of True Love, and if you’re single it may be difficult to get exactly what/whom you want in love. You might have found the perfect soul mate, but due to circumstances beyond your control, you find it’s difficult to be together — at least for now. Or, you might be in a relationship and you’re not feeling as if you and your love are having much fun anymore. Responsibility may weigh you down. Tuesday is a good day to discuss how you feel with your lover. The dialogue will help.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You and your partner might have an unexpected difference of opinion this week — one that proves to be more than just a slight disagreement. You’ll want to remain open to your partner’s viewpoint, but there is likely to be something that rubs you the wrong way on Monday. Do your best to remain gracious even if you blurt out something less than tactful on this day. On Tuesday, Mars will enter Leo — a once in every two-year event! Your stamina will be incredible until October 15 and you’ll passionately pursue anything — or anyone — you want!

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

The week is likely to start out in a relationship haze, thanks to Monday’s opposition between the Sun and Neptune. You’re in a phase now where the potential to hold your mate on a pedestal is extremely likely. While it’s wonderful to practice unconditional love, at the same time you might ignore a potentially large blemish in your relationship. Remember to take off the rose-colored glasses long enough to see any flaws in your union. Then, you’ll be equipped to make a decision about whether or not your partner still deserves that podium.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

An existing relationship is likely going through extensive change now. The parameters of your union will be revolutionized as you both challenge the traditional status quo of what a relationship “should be.” That definition simply does not work for you and your mate any longer and you’ll need to find your own way. The question is: Can you do this together? While you might begin to think that the grass is greener on the other side, consider what might happen if you take more time to water your own grass first.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You’re typically the one who can see right through anyone and uncover their true motivations. These days, however, nothing could be further from the truth — at least when it comes to a love interest. Neptune, the planet of unconditional love — but also confusion and potential disillusion — is moving through your 5th House of True Love. While this transit might bring your soul mate, at the same time you might go through at least one major disappointment in love. You’re so caught up in getting lost in a blissful union that you may choose to ignore a romantic entanglement.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

If you’re single, or even if you’re in a relationship, a love opportunity may arrive in the most unexpected ways these days. This potential is due to the influence of Uranus in your 5th House of Romance. On Monday, Venus will oppose Uranus, stimulating this energy in an extraordinary way. You might suddenly meet someone who gives you an uncontrollable physical reaction. This might even be a case of “love at first sight.” In addition, someone you thought was only a friend might surprise you with a declaration of love. Wow!

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Your erotic side is about to be stimulated! On Tuesday, Mars — the planet that rules our sex drive — will enter the most erogenous zone of your chart — the 8th House of Intimacy. You’ll have an opportunity to explore your deepest physical desires with your partner, which will last until October 15. You might even reach a new level of closeness as you find more courage to truly reveal yourself. Baring your body is one thing, but baring your soul is another altogether. Now, you’ll have the gumption to do both.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

On Tuesday, Mars will enter your 7th House of Partnerships, where it will remain until October 15. Over the next several weeks there might be a few loud and dramatic squabbles between you and your mate. Still, whatever conflict may occur you’ll feel motivated to resolve it. Just be aware of how fragile your partner’s ego is now, and how the smallest bruise to it may result in a major fallout. You might have little patience for this, but the truth is if you embarrass your mate in public, expect to pay hefty price for it in private.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You might feel more intellectually connected to your partner this week. On Friday, Mercury will be at a friendly angle to Jupiter, now in your 5th House of Romance. An extra special conversation between you and your mate will put you in a positive frame of mind. You might also decide to pursue a new academic or spiritual interest together. If single, this will be a great night for a first date with someone new. The Moon will also enter your 5th house on Friday evening, adding to the emotional romantic potential.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for August 26

[All times are calculated for the Pacific Daylight Zone. If you are living in a different time zone, add or subtract the necessary hours so that any timed alignment will be exact where you live.]  This day is as puzzling and disturbing as yesterday. Juno square to Saturn (5:32AM) is not a friend when it comes to creating harmonious, respectful relationships. You may want to slow down regarding holistic healing matters as Venus makes an off-kilter, 150-degree link to Chiron (9:14AM).  If shocks and surprises suddenly show up in the midst of one or more key partnerships, then you are responding to the annual Venus-Uranus opposition (10:57AM). Be pragmatic and sensible when it comes to dealing with loved ones and important friendships.  In the meantime, the cosmic confusion machine is deftly at work later on during the annual Sun-Neptune opposition (8:44PM) and a Mercury-Neptune contra-parallel (11:14PM). If you remember, it was only yesterday that Mercury opposed Neptune. Now the Sun is adding to the potential haziness and psychic cloud cover.  Of course, it is always possible to tweak these aspects in the direction of creating psychic sensitivity and utilizing your higher, creative imagination. Nevertheless, most people become more ensnared by the deceptions and illusions woven by fascinating, addiction-generating Neptune than by the enlightenment that this planet also emanates if you are living on a more exalted level of human spirituality.  Try to utilize a frictional, 45-degree tie between Mercury and Pallas (7:08PM) toward solving some of your current problems.

Crone Chant for Good Judgment

Goddess Comments & Graphics

Crone Chant for Good Judgment

Ancient Hag, Wise Grandmother,
You of Wisdom, like no other,
Help me weigh choices with precision,
To make a good and fair decision
Show me what I need to see,
Shed some light on what should be.
And should I turn a deafened ear
Open it so I can hear
Help me feel what I should know.
Show me now which way to go.    
Guide me in what I just do.
This, Old Crone, I ask of You.

Wonderful Day Wishes to Everyone At the WOTC!

 

Well the Raffle is over. And nobody won, lol! Just kidding? Everyone was marvelous to say the least. We raised enough money to buy our lawnmower. YES! Lady A isn’t going to jail now, lol!  In case you are wondering about the jail part. Lady A wasn’t going to pay the fines, thus you get go to jail. I have stopped to think about it. They probably would throw here out on her ear.

Now what you have all been waiting for…….

The Winner for one of those Beautiful Books of Shadows is…..

Lucille Cali

We are sorry we had to use your real name. But we didn’t want to give out your email addy. Now Ms. Cali, please email us and let us know which BOS you would like.

thewotcstrustfund@yahoo.com

Congratulations Again, Hun!

Handfasting and Marriage Broom Lore

HANDFASTING AND MARRIAGE BROOM LORE

As a Priestess and Wiccan Minister, I perform several Handfasting Rites per
year. One of the main things I encourage Wiccan engaged couples to do is to find
a broom together. This is the symbol of hearth and home. Once the broom has been found, then it is anointed as I stated above, then some of the broom brush is pulled from the stem. That brush is then woven together and placed upon the
wedding altar. The broom is present during our counseling sessions and then the
wife-to-be is usually the keeper of the broom until the wedding. This represents
that she is the keeper of the home and keeps peace and harmony while the man
goes out to work. It also means that she is the keeper of the Magickal power of
the home. As it seems in these modern times that this is wrong to have such
sexed roles, this is celtic lore from more than 600 years ago.

The night before the wedding, the couple will dress the broom by weaving 3
strand of colored ribbon around the handle. What this represents is the inter-
twining of their lives and they themselves are no longer individuals but are
part of each other. The broom is then placed either standing by the altar or
placed lying under the altar during the ceremony as the vows are said, the
promises made, that hands fasted. They are pronounced husband and wife and the broom is then put before them as the final test of love. The couple either
steps, or in old tradition, jumps, over the broom. This is the final end of the
ceremony. Then it is recommended that the couple takes the broom home and
makes love with the broom under the bed. This seals the marriage.

Your broom can be your best friend and your magickal ally. Treat your broom with honor, reverence and respect and you will have a life-long companion and ritual tool.

Sweeping Spells and Lore

SWEEPING SPELLS AND LORE

If you feel your life is in chaos, take a look around at your front porch and
front walkway. If the front walk is cluttered with leaves and dirt, then sweep
your walkway and front porch clean with your magickal broom and envision that
your life is in order and that all that comes to your will be clean and cleared.

When you move from one house to another, it’s always good to change your
workaday broom. Either burn your old one, or make sure that it is buried with
honor. Always bring a new broom into the new house, but sweep some dirt from the outside in before you sweep the dirt from the inside out. This is to bring in
good luck from the beginning and not push your luck out the door.

Always hang a broom by the front door for protection. Brooms will keep the bad
things out and the good things in. I have a broom at every door of my home. I
keep it in the corner. Always stand a broom on end with the brush facing up.
This helps the wear and tear on the brush  and it’s also said to bring love from
the earth through the broomstick and given up to the heavens through the brush.

If your broom falls from your hand while you are sweeping or doing other work,
make a wish before you pick it up. It’s also said that if a broom falls from it’s kept place, company is coming and it’s not good news. When you pick up your
broom after something like this happens, sweep the energy out the door and bid
it adue not to return again.

If you or your kin are having recurrent nightmares or night hauntings, sweep the
room clockwise while stating that all that lies between here and the other world
be gone and back whence you came.
Hither, hither, hither gone.
Hither, hither, hither gone
Hither, hither, thither gone
So Mote It Be.

Now stand the broom outside the bedroom door and place a piece of garlic under
the bed.

The Care and Feeding of a Magickal Broom

THE CARE AND FEEDING OF A MAGICKAL BROOM

When you first get your broom, always greet it by rubbing your hand over the
entire staff of the broom. Learn the body of your broom, inspect it’s divets and
curves. Use anointing oil to open and activate your broom. A good oil is made
from rosemary, thyme, myrrh and lavender in base oil. Make this oil by the full
moon and then open your broom on the first day of the new moon.

When getting a new broom, it’s always good to talk with it awhile. I usually
carry mine along with me in my car, and I sleep with it by my bed. Talk with
your broom, it’s amazing how much these magickal tools have to say to us and how lonely they become when cast to the side. When shopping for a new broom, always put out your intention on the day after the new moon, burn pink and white candles, and ask for the right broom to be shown to you. My preference is a
broom made with natural corn, or harvested brambles. I like to find a natural
handle for the broom. Elm, birch, ash, oak, sassafras, those are all really good
magickal woods to use as broom handles. If you are lucky to live in a natural
area, you can make your own from the Divine Goddess Garden. If you are a
city dweller, local shops sometimes carry natural brooms that are hand-tied.
Usually they are found at local gift shops or craft fairs. Also go to the local
Antique mall. Sometimes you’ll find an interesting retired broom that would like
to be put back into service. Nothing is worse then to have a wise old broom and
not have it in use.

After your broom has been chosen and spoken to, then start using it to call in
your circle. I point the broom in the direction that I’m casting and use this to
focalize the energy.

Once the circle is cast, then I lay the broom across the east to guard the
entrance until my magickal work is done. I also sprinkle salt in the east over
the broom to strengthen the seal, especially if I find myself doing some intense
spell casting.

Once I’m done with casting my magickal work, I thank my broom and lift it from
east and dismiss the quarters. A broom can also be used to cast a circle in a
hurry, much the same way a staff can be used. If I know I need immediate
protection, I point my broom to east and cast a circle with my broom pointed to
the earth, moving in a clockwise direction. This really works if you are in a
hurry and need to have some sacred space like NOW.

I also oil my broom handle with my anointing oil 4 times a year during each turn
of the wheel. This helps recharge the broom and helps you reconnect with it. It
likes to be stroked and caressed. Your broom is a sensuous creature and like to
be part of the Divine Feminine.

The Care & Feeding of the Wicca Broom

THE CARE AND FEEDING OF THE WICCA BROOM

As Witches, we need to be aware of the Ancient Broom Lore that has been passed
down to us from those wonderful Crones of the past.

1- Never leave home for long periods of time without telling your broom.

2- Treat your broom as you would any other member of your family, with honor,
reverence and respect.

3- Magickal Brooms are not regular cleaning brooms and should not be used for
such mundane tasks.

4- Never leave your Magickal Broom outside your cast circle.

5- Speak with your broom as you would speak to other members of your family or coven.

6- Never leave your Magickal Broom outside in the weather unless you ask the
Broom.

7- Oil your broomstick with every turn of the wheel.

Brooms have long been known for their magickal ways, probably due to it’s shape, use in purification rites and kinship with magickal wands and staffs. The common household tool has been known to be so sacred that in many parts of the world there are Broom Deities.

Sao Ching Niang – The lady with the broom who lives in the Broom Star. When
there is too much rain and the crops are threatened, it is not uncommon in China
to see pictures of Brooms hanging on the front door or fences to bring clear and
sunny weather to the field.

As this is invoking the Great Earth Goddess herself, the Broom Star is the
fertile womb of our Great Goddess, and thus she gives us life of the fields that
are represented by the Corn Fields. Hence the broom is brought into our homes
from the womb of the Goddess.

In Mexico, the Witch Goddess Tlazoiteotl is depicted riding on a broom. This
symbolizes the coming of the night, the dark part of ourselves, the growing
darkness of the winter.

The priests in South America hve been known to burn offerings of owls and
snakes. These were offered at the dark moon. Through these offerings, the people were calling upon the Broom Witch to sweep away their transgressions.

My grandmother was a Broom Witch. Here are some of the old magickal things that can be done with a broom. On a hot summers day, I would watch her go out on the front porch and swing the broom over her head. Grandma would just tell me to be quiet, the rain was coming. And if fact she was right. A few hours later we always had rain. So Granny would call the rain with her broom by swinging it
clockwise over her head.

In turn, if it was raining too much, she would go out and talk with her broom
for a while on the front porch. She would sing “Rain, rain, go away, come again
some other day”. Then she would raise her broom and swing it over her head
counter-clockwise to stop the rain, and again, a few hours later the rain would
stop.

With some practice, I know have mastered this little broomlore spell. I find it
handy to tell the broom what I want it to do before I do it, then I say my
incantation and swing the broom.

Brooms or Besoms

Brooms or Besoms

A broom is used by many Witches to cleanse an area of baneful* energies
before a rite. They can represent the air or fire element, depending on
each practitioner’s tradition. The staff or handle is considered masculine,
while the brush or broom part is considered feminine. This uniting and
balancing of polarities makes the besom a natural choice for Handfasting
rites. Brooms also represent purification, protection, fertility and
prosperity.

The classic images of Witches riding broomsticks may have originated from
ancient fertility rites. People would jump high in the air on brooms to
‘show’ the crops how high to grow. This is a form of sympathetic magick.

There are many other myths and associations of Witches with brooms. In
Ireland, the besom was sometimes called a “Faery’s Horse”. In medieval
times, the besom was equated with marriages outside of the church. So much
so, that it was recorded that weddings ‘by the broom’ were to be considered
illegitimate.

The broom eventually became a symbol of antiestablishmentarianism and and
sensuality. This led at one time to the word ‘besom’ becoming a slang term
for an easy woman. These associations may have been promoted by the church
to discourage marriages outside of the church.

Chapter 13 of “The Magical Household” by Scott Cunningham and “An ABC of
Witchcraft” by Doreen Valiente have additional information and lore about
besoms.

*Baneful in this instance is defined as energies that are not conducive to
the working at hand, are harmful, or are considered negative.