Month: August 2013

Broomstick Weddings

Broomstick Weddings

“To marry over the broomstick,” “jump the besom”, was an old-time form of
marriage, in which both parties jumped over a broomstick to signify that they
were joined in common-law union. Also in the Netherlands, one can still find the
old saying “over de bezem trouwen” (marrying over the broomstick). At gypsy
wedding ceremonies, the bride and groom jump backwards and forwards over a
broomstick. A besom used to be placed before the doorway, the married couple
had to jump over it without dislodging the broom, from the street into their new
home. At any time within a year, this process could be reversed to dissolve the
marriage by jumping backwards. All this had to take place before several
witnesses.

In folk-belief, like that in Yorkshire, it was unlucky for an unmarried girl to
step over a broomstick because it meant that she would be a mother before she
was a wife. Light-hearted wags used to delight in putting broomsticks in the
path of unsuspecting virgins.

Where Did All The Myths About the Besom Come From?

Where Did All The Myths About the Besom Come From?

Some authors claim that the oldest known source of witches flying on broomsticks is a manuscript called Le Champion des Dames by Martin Lefranc, 1440. This might be one of the oldest images representing a hag on a broomstick, but it is certainly not the first. A wall painting from the 12th century in Schleswig Cathedral (Germany) shows the Norse deity Frigg riding her staff.

If we really dig a bit deeper into history, we’ll find that from the Roman world
there are reports that mention witches flying on broomsticks as well as having
used ointments, as early as the first century. They were called Straigae (Barnowl) and the Lamiae from Greek culture had similar characteristics. Later in Roman history, the goddess Diana was the leader of the Wild Hunt:

“It is also not to be omitted that some wicked women, perverted by the Devil,
seduced by illusions and phantasm of demons, believe and profess themselves in
the hours of the night to ride upon certain beasts with Diana, the goddess of
pagans, and an innumerable multitude of women, and in the silence of the dead of the night to traverse great spaces of earth, and to obey her commands as of
their mistress, and to be summoned to her service on certain nights”.

Similar beliefs existed in many parts of Europe. From Norse mythology, we know
that the army of women, lead by Odin (Wodan), called the Valkyries, was said to
ride through the skies on horses, collecting the souls of the dead. In continental Germanic areas, the goddess Holda or Holle was also said to lead the Wild Hunt and is connected to chimneys and witchcraft. Berchta or Perchita, another Germanic goddess, which can be identified with Holda, has similar characteristics.

Again in Celtic Traditions, the Horned God Cernuous, and/or Herne the Hunter
was leader of the Wild Hunt and the Scottish Witch Goddess Nineveh was also
said to fly through the night with her followers. Eastern Europe sources also
have a wealth of folklore about witches flying through the air. So flying
through the air, evidently, was a deeply rooted mythological theme, associated
with the free roaming of the spirit, the separation of soul and body.

The Broomstick

The Broomstick

The traditional companion of the witches was the enchanted broomstick, used for their wild and unholy flights through the night and probably to some distant
Witches’ Sabbat. This is one of the first images you get to see as a child and
this was doubtlessly believed by the prominent rulers of Europe. The number of
actual confessions of witches doing so is remarkably small. Usually confessions
state that they went to the Sabbat on foot or on horseback.

Legends of witches flying on brooms goes back as far as the beginning of the
Common Era. The earliest known confession of a Witch flying on a broom was in
1453, when Guillaume Edelin of St. Germain-en-Laye, near Paris, stated that he
had done so. In 1563, Martin Tulouff of Guernsey said to have seen his aged
mother straddle a broomstick and whisk up the chimney and out of the house on
it, saying “Go in the name of the Devil and Lucifer over rocks and thorns”. In
1598 Claudine Boban and her mother, witches of the province of Franche-Comt, in eastern France, also spoke of flying up the chimney of a stick. The belief of
flying off though the chimney became  firmly embedded in popular tradition,
although only a few people ever mentioned doing so. It has been suggested that
this idea was connected with the old custom of pushing a broom up the chimney to indicate the absence of the housewife. The Germanic Goddess Holda or Holle is also connected with the chimney.

Other indications that lead to the popular belief that witches actually flew on
broomsticks can be found in an old custom of dancing with a broom between the
legs, leaping high in the air. In Reginald Scot’s book, The Discoverie of
Witchcraft, published in 1584, we find a similar description:

“At these magical assemblies, the witches never failed to dance; and in their
dance they sing these words, ‘Har, har, divell divell, dance here dance here,
plaie here plaie here, Sabbath, Sabbath’. And whiles they sing and dance, ever
one hath a broom in her hand, and holdeth it up aloft.” Scot quoted these
descriptions of Witch rites from a French demonologist, Jean Bodin, who made
observations of a kind of jumping dance, riding on staffs. These customs might
have contributed to the popular picture of broomstick-riding witches through the
air.

In 1665, from the confession of Julian Cox, one of the Somerset coven, mentioned “that one evening she walks out about a Mile from her own House and there came riding towards her three persons upon three Broom-staves, born up about a years and a half from the ground. Two of them she formerly knew, which was a Witch and a Wizard”.

Laugh-A-Day: Redneck Pagan Giggles

Redneck Pagan Giggles

1.  Does your Ceremonial Garb consist of cutoffs and a tube top?

2  Do you think “Family Tradition” is a dating club?

3.  Have you reached 3rd degree, but not 3rd grade?

4.  Is your coven’s secret names for the God and Goddess “Cooter” and”Sweet Cheeks”?

5.  Does your ceremonial Chalice say “Budweiser” on it?  (2 pts if it says “Pabst”)

6. Do you consider chewing tobacco a sacred herb?

7.  Does your circle dance include the words “dosey-do”?

8.  Is your altar pentacle a photo of John Wayne’s star on the Hollywood Walk
of Fame?

9.  Did your coven choose its High Priest at a belching contest?

10.  Did your coven choose its High Priestess at a wet t-shirt contest?

11.  Does your anointing oil smell like “Old Spice”?

12.  Have you ever refilled your chalice from a keg?

13. Does your outdoor circle have defunct washing machines for quarter altars?

14. Do you do your cakes and ale with a can of Pabst and Little Debbies?

15. Does your Pantheon include Yukon Jack, Jim Beam and St. Pauli Girl?

16. Does your ritual music include Johnny Cash singing “Ring of Fire”?

17. Do you think the Wiccan Rede is good for making twig furniture?

18.  Do you believe that the Pentagram is a Western Union message to 5 people?

19.  Does your altar cloth say “Holiday Inn” or “Howard Johnson’s”?

20. Does your Goddess picture say “Miss September” at the bottom?

21. Does your God statue look a little too much like Elvis Presley?

22.  Have you ever written a spell on the back of a Denny’s menu?

23.  Have you ever canceled a coven meeting to watch Pay-per-View wrestling on TV?

24.  Have you ever called the National Enquirer because you raised a potato that looked like the Willendorf Goddess?

25.  Have you EVER cast a love spell on livestock?

Feng Shui Tip for August 25 – 'Kiss and Make Up Day!'

Pucker up, because today is ‘Kiss and Make Up Day!’ But before pursing those lips you might want to first make them kissably soft. Mix a bit of white and brown sugar and ground coffee (for plumpness) with olive oil and honey. Rub this blend over your lips and scrub with your fingers in a circular motion. Be gentle. Wash off with warm water and then apply a thin coat of vitamin E to your lips. Whether you’re making up or not, once you use this all-natural lip softener you’ll be good and ready to get good and kissed.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Charm for August 25 is Taurus – The Bull

Your Charm for Today

Today’s Meaning:   

This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is patient, reliable, warmhearted, loving, persistent, determined, placid and security loving. This is a person you respect.

General Description:

Second sign of the Zodiac, April 21st to May 22nd. Ruling planet Venus; correct metal Copper. Those born under Taurus were thought to be endowed with mental and physical strength, strong minded, clever, fearless and emotional. The correct Taurus gem is the Sapphire. The sapphire is of a deep blue color, and the darker the blue the greater its value. The ancients wore Sapphire charms for protection from poison, plague, fever, diseasses of the skin, and to bring peace and happiness upon its wearer. The eyes were rubbed by a Sapphire to preserve them from injury by smallpox. King Solomon’s seal is said to have been a Sapphire.

Your Animal Spirit for August 25 is The Loon

Your Animal Spirit for Today
    August 25, 2013 

Loon

Loons mate for life, and their medicine is about loyalty, family, and deep caring for one another. If you’re experiencing a relationship fraught with power struggles, you are NOT practicing Loon medicine. If your relationship has BECOME a power struggle, Loon has appeared to remind you that this is a time of equal sharing and equal happiness. Something is amiss and Loon thinks you already know what it is.

Today's Tarot Card for August 25 is The Sun

The Sun

Sunday, Aug 25th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

What has traditionally been known as the Sun card is about the self — who you are and how you cultivate your personality and character. The earth revolves around the sun to make up one year of a person’s life, a fact we celebrate on our birthday.

The Sun card could also be titled “Back to Eden.” The Sun’s radiance is where one’s original nature or unconditioned Being can be encountered in health and safety. The limitations of time and space are stripped away; the soul is refreshed and temporarily protected from the chaos outside the garden walls.

Under the light of the Sun, Life reclaims its primordial goodness, truth and beauty. If one person is shown on this card, it is usually signifying a human incarnation of the Divine. When two humans are shown, the image is portraying a resolution of the tension between opposites at all levels. It’s as if this card is saying “You can do no wrong — it’s all to the good!”

Daily Cosmic Calendar for Sunday, August 25

Interactions become muddled today as communicator Mercury opposes murky Neptune. Although we aim for precision in our words since Mercury is now moving through exacting Virgo, we lose clarity as the mists of Neptune descend to bring confusion. Analysis is more difficult, but imagination takes center stage. Thankfully, the Moon shifts into pragmatic Taurus at 9:13 am EDT, anchoring us to Earth and preventing us from drifting off into fantasyland.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You are eager to finish up old business today, even if only in preparation for the coming week. You may be confident that you can accomplish all the tasks that are on your current list. Nevertheless, concentrating on your work is a struggle now; you want to spend your time daydreaming about more creative pursuits. Don’t get sidetracked; stick to your agenda and you will be rewarded for what you do rather than for what you think.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Even if you choose your words carefully today, there’s still plenty of room for your friends to misinterpret what you say. You may believe you are being specific, but others still miss your point. Perhaps you require additional time to fully develop your ideas, even though you might not realize it yet. There’s no need to judge yourself harshly; it’s okay to unfold your perspective slowly. You really don’t need to be in such a hurry to share your story.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

You may be unclear as to what you should be doing today, even if your responsibilities have been spelled out in great detail. Nevertheless, you want to know how your part integrates with the big picture before you carry out your job. Although it isn’t easy to stop asking questions, it’s smarter now to simply do exactly as instructed without attempting to understand how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together. Let go and watch everything magically fall into place.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Although you’re in a contemplative mood today, your thoughts are slightly out of focus. It’s as if you are under a spell that intensifies the magic while preventing you from seeing things as they truly are now. Luckily, you have the ability to conjure up an ideal situation in your mind and then step into it by using your powers of active imagination. This meditative trick may not be useful for making a practical decision, but it’s quite helpful for exploring creative pursuits.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Something unusual is unfolding today yet you can’t seem to put your finger on it. Nevertheless, you are lured toward investigating beyond the obvious in the hope of finding magic hiding in the shadows. Unfortunately, too much searching might actually distract you from the amazing beauty that is right under your nose. For now, the devil may really be in the details.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

It’s quite a feat to cleverly embellish your story so much today that others actually believe you’re telling the truth. Uncharacteristically, you aren’t as worried about the facts now as you are in keeping people interested in your message. There’s nothing wrong with letting your imagination run wild as long as you practice full disclosure, so everyone knows that you’re just sharing a dream.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

It’s easier to be a follower today rather than a leader, even if you have a very specific goal in mind. You can certainly turn on the charm in order to attract someone’s attention, but it may be harder to demonstrate the authority that it takes to be in charge. There’s no shame in letting someone else be the boss now while you relinquish control and recharge your batteries. Being a team player improves your chances for success.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You may express your feelings and present your ideas in a very seductive way today. Although others might not be interested at first, you are adept at drawing them into your story by conjuring up mythical images and fantastic characters. Once you have a captive audience, you can cleverly pull them in even further. However, subtle manipulation of the facts leads to trouble, especially if you’re motivated by fear or greed. There’s nothing wrong with painting a beautiful picture but it’s still safer to simply stick with the facts.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You inspire others today with your grand visions and your carefully orchestrated words. Your gift of gab allows you to string together one idea after another as if each is a pearl on a necklace. However, weaving too many threads of thought into an enchanting tapestry of concepts grows overly complicated, leaving your friends confused, rather than motivated. You may be tempted to play the role of a muse, but it’s wise to balance your creative side by also being practical. Leading by example is your most effective approach.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

If furthering your education is on your mind, start nailing down some of the details right away. Thankfully, you have the patience to focus on the specifics, without losing sight of the big picture now. However, you must be careful not to concentrate too much effort in the wrong direction. Making preliminary decisions today is an excellent idea as long as you leave some options on the table for another few weeks. No matter what your current plans are, expand your vision of the future.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Unrealistic expectations about a recent investment or a large purchase involving others could get you into trouble now. Although you might be able to make money or acquire something of value, you need to take plenty of extra time to separate your hopes from reality. Avoid getting swept up in someone’s idealism today; it’s not wise to believe everything you are told. Diligently check the facts if you want to ensure success.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You’re exceptionally receptive to other people’s ideas today, making you also susceptible to deception. Thankfully, this magical aspect can also awaken your spirituality, inspire your creativity and increase your fascination with music and art. It’s challenging to distinguish between your fantasies and reality now; mischievous Mercury’s opposition to seductive Neptune suggests that you should ask a few questions before you wander down a garden path. Follow your bliss, not someone else’s.

Current Moon Phase for Aug. 25 – Gibbous Moon

Gibbous Moon

(waning /66% 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.

Let's Talk Witch – Two Goodies for Your Chakras

Pentagram Book of Shadows

Let’s Talk Witch – Two Goodies for Your Chakras

 

Chakra Meditation

You can do this meditation either standing or lying down, however it is important to not cross your legs or arms since this will close your energy loop.

Center yourself. Hold your right hand a few inches above your Root Chakra. Focus on this spot and hold this focus for a moment. Picture energy coming down from the Universe and flowing through your hand, into the chakra.

Each time you inhale, feel more energy being drawn into the chakra. When you feel a comfy warmness in this area, move onto the next chakra and keep doing so until you have charged all of your chakras.

This exercise is very helpful for when you are feeling out of balance. It also helps during times of physical illness. YOU SHOULD STILL SEE A DOCTOR IF YOUR CONDITION IS SERIOUS. This is not a substitute for a doctor’s care, it is an aid to help strengthen the healing process.

If you wish, you can hold crystals/stones in your hands while doing this or place the appropriate stone on the appropriate chakra. The corresponding stones are:

Red Jasper–Root Chakra
Carnelian–Sexual Chakra
Tiger’s Eye–Solar Plexus Chakra
Aventurine–Heart Chakra
Sodalite–Throat Chakra
Lapis Lazuli–Third Eye Chakra
Amethyst–Crown Chakra

=====================

Balancing And Clarifying Your Chakras

Here are some chakra color treatments to put you back in balance.

For the following, visualize each specific color penetrating and cleansing that chakra. This is a good way to balance yourself in the morning before getting up and starting your day.

Root Chakra:
A very bright shade of red.

Sexual Chakra:
A clear shade of orange.

Solar Plexus Chakra:
A bright and sunny yellow.

Heart Chakra:
You can visualize a bright green or a bright pink. Both are seen as the color of this chakra.

Throat Chakra:
A light shade of blue.

Third Eye Chakra:
A transparent indigo.

Crown Chakra:
Violet or white are both seen as the color of this chakra.

The Witches Correspondence for Sunday, August 25

witchs-blank-book-of-shadows

 

 The Witches Correspondence for Sunday, August 25

 

Magickal Intentions: Growth, Advancements, Enlightenment, Rational Thought, Exorcism, Healing, Prosperity, Hope, Exorcism, Money
Incense: Lemon, Frankincense
Planet: Sun
Sign: Leo
Angel: Michael
Colors: Gold, Yellow, Orange and White
Herbs/Plants: Marigold, Heliotrope, Sunflower, Buttercup, Cedar, Beech, Oak
Stones: Carnelian, Citrine, Tiger’s Eye, Amber, Clear Quartz and Red Agate
Oil: (Sun) Cedar, Frankincense, Neroli, Rosemary

The first day of the week is ruled by the Sun. It is an excellent time to work efforts involving business partnerships, work promotions, business ventures, and professional success. Spells where friendships, mental or physical health, or bringing joy back into life are an issue work well on this day, too.

The Witches Almanac for Sunday, August 25th

double-dragon-leather-blank-book-of-shadows

The Witches Almanac for Sunday, August 25th

Sunday (Sun): Healing, spirituality, success, strength and protection.

Feast of the Green Corn (Native American)

Waning Moon

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

Moon Sign: Aries

Aries: Good for starting things, but lacks staying power. Things occur rapidly, but quickly pass. People tend to be argumentative and assertive.

Moon Phase: Third Quarter

Moon enters Taurus 9:13 am

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: Heliotrope

Color: Amber

A Very Magickal & Blessed Sunday To All Of The WOTC!

Witchy Comments & Graphics
Blessings to you on this Sunday morning! I will try to be as brief as possible. Today is the last day to get your raffle tickets for the 4 Books of Shadows. I have said it several times and I will say it again. There is no where you can purchase a BOS for $5.00.

Take one more look at them because tonight at 12:00 they will be gone. We will also have a winner. That lucky person will have the BOS of his/her choice rushed to them. Besides it’s for a good cause.

Thank you everyone who have already entered the raffle.

Good Luck! https://witchesofthecraft.com/raffle-for-a-cause/

 I don’t believe Lady A would look good in stripes, lol!

THINK ON THESE THINGS for August 23

THINK ON THESE THINGS
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Chief Standing Bear talked of his Lakota people. He said they loved to worship and the contact was immediate and personal and that blessings flowed over them like rain showered from the sky.

Can worship really produce such blessings? Indeed, yes. Indian people were born to believe and they have long proved that the “vanishing American”is so much high talk that came to nothing.

To the Indian, Spirit is not aloof, not a figment of the imagination but real life and real power. How sad that lukewarm attitudes silence those who do not want to be known as religious. It is not religion at all, but faith, Spirit, and something to rely on when life goes dry.

*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

Available online! ‘Cherokee Feast of Days’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler.

Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones……and also for those who don’t have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com
Click Here to Buy her books at  Amazon.com

Elder’s Meditation of the Day
By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site:http://www.whitebison.org

Elder's Meditation of the Day – August 23

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – August 23

“They also learned, and perhaps this was the most important thing, how to look at things through the eyes of the Higher Powers.”

–Fools Crow, LAKOTA

Our eyes can only see our beliefs. Our beliefs cause us to make assumptions, draw conclusions and cause confusion. Our five senses are very limiting. The Creator has a way of allowing us to see or know in the spiritual world. This is called the Sixth Sense. The Sixth Sense is like a radar system; our personal radar system. It will help us “see” opportunities and help us avoid disaster. This Sixth Sense is controlled by God. We must learn to listen to it. We must learn to trust it. We must learn to act on it even if our head says differently. We must learn to look at things through the eyes of God.

My Creator, guide me today. If my eyes cause confusion, let me close them and see through Your eyes. If my ears
Hear confusion, let me listen to my heart. Let me let You guide me.