Month: May 2015

Let’s Talk Witch – Getting Those Herbs Gardens Ready, How About Planting By The Moon

Egyptian Comments & GraphicsGetting Those Herbs Gardens Ready, How About Planting By The Moon

A lot of gardeners, even those who aren’t witches, plant and harvest by the phases of the Moon. You can still find old almanacs that list what to plant and when in line with astrological timings. Think how much the Moon affects the sea and her tides, so it must affect the earth and how things grow too.

A Waxing Moon is good for planting. Fruit ready for eating straight away should be picked on a Waxing Moon; a Waning Moon is good for planting plants that fruit below ground such as potatoes. A Waning Moon is also good for pruning, weeding and harvesting food to be stored.

Just after a New Moon plant leafy vegetables and herb seeds.

Waxing Moon gardening activities include potting cuttings, re-pottting house plants and picking herbs, fruit and vegetables for eating straight away.

On a Full Moon plant vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and onions (any type of ‘watery’ vegetables and fruit). Fertilise your plants on a Full Moon too.
Just after Full Moon plant tuber vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, also biennials and perennials.

On a waning Moon start a compost heap, weed, cut and prune, pick fruits and flowers, herbs and vegetables that will be stored.

Close to the Dark Moon cut timber and spray any fruit trees (preferably with eco friendly spray).

Then you have the categories for the astrological signs; a list of each type of energy is show below, either barren, productive, semi-fruitful or fruitful:

Moon in Aries: Barren
Moon in Taurus: Productive
Moon in Gemini: Barren
Moon in Cancer: Fruitful
Moon in Leo: Barren
Moon in Virgo: Barren
Moon in Libra: Semi fruitful
Moon in Scorpio: Fruitful
Moon in Sagittarius: Barren
Moon in Capricorn: Productive
Moon in Aquarius: Barren
Moon in Pisces: Fruitful

Another useful guide is:

Above Soil-Level Plants: These are the plants that will produce crops above the ground; these should be sown the day after the New Moon up until the first quarter, preferably in a fertile or semi-fertile astrological sign.

Annuals: Plant the day after the New Moon up until the day before the first quarter, preferably in a fertile or semi-fertile astrological sign.

Below Soil-Level Plants: These are the plants that crop under the ground. These should be planted during the day after the Full Moon, preferably in a fertile or semi-fertile astrological sign.

Biennials and Perennials: This category includes shrubs and trees. Begin planting the day after the Full Moon and up to the day before the last quarter preferably in a fertile or semi-fertile astrological sign.

Seed Collection: This is best done at the Full Moon when the Moon is in a fire or air astrological sign such as Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Libra, Gemini or Aquarius.

Harvesting: Picking fresh flowers and smaller harvests for magical use straight away, can be done in the early evening. If you want to dry and store the flowers and herbs, cut them mid morning, after the dew has evaporated. Fruit and vegetables are best harvested during the Waning Moon and when the Moon is in a barren or semi-barren fire or air sign such as Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Libra, Gemini or Aquarius.

Pagan Portals – Moon Magic
Rachel Patterson

Celebrating Other Spirituality 365 Days A Year – Oak Apple Day

Egyptian Comments & Graphics29 May

Oak Apple Day

This popular British festival is held annually on May 29 and commemorates the return of King Charles II from exile. It was on this day in 1660 that Charles made his triumphant return to London, thus ending the English Republic and Cromwell’s puritanical horrors. Celebrations include the ringing ing of bells, church services, bonfires, and the tossing of eggs at anyone not wearing an oak leaf.
From the very beginning, the essential elements of this festival have rested with the boughs of oak leaves-a representation sentation of the oak in which Charles had hidden from Parliamentary troops after his defeat at Worcester (in 1651). However, it is also possible that much of the tradition that is still held comes from a far older time, when worship of the oak was perpetuated by various Pagan cults.

 

Friday & The Perfect Corresponding Spell

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Friday & The Perfect Corresponding Spell

For many, Friday is the last work day of the week. It’s considered the fifth day of the work week and, also, the “cut loose” day. By Friday night, people are out having a party. That makes Friday the perfect day for lust, banish, fast-grant, and find spells . This day is so powerful (energy wise). That’s why whatever you do on this day will, usually, have a strong effect. If you want things out of your life, the darkness and power, associated with this day, bring the energy you need for that. If you need strong, immediate results, this is your day, as well.

A Tarot Spell for Pregnancy and Childbirth

Frigga is the Norse goddess that is associated with childbirth, motherhood, and the home. She is a powerhouse of maternal energies and gentle wisdom, which makes her the perfect goddess to call on for this type of spell. Gather the following supplies:
1 green or white candle with matching holder or a plain seven-day candle
The Empress and the Two of Cups tarot cards
Grains (dried barley or stalks of wheat, or a bit of whole wheat flour)
A cauldron, cup, or small bowl to hold the grains
An item of sympathy for the baby, like a baby bootie or an ultrasound photo
12 inches pink and baby blue satin ribbon to tie around the candle holder
An item of sympathy for the mother, such as a small lock of her hair or a photo of her or the two of you taken while she’s pregnant
Fresh flowers in a vase (use whatever is in season, in the garden, or affordable)

If your due date is fast approaching, you might want to set up this spell where you can see it every day-try the top of your dresser or on a shelf in the living room. If you prefer, try one of those large seven-day types of candles (you know, the kind that comes in a tall glass jar). That way, you can light and relight the candle as the mood suits you. If you are working this spell for your partner, make sure to get their permission sion and try working the spell together as a couple about to become a family.

Set up this spell in an arrangement that pleases you. Place the grains or the flour inside of the cauldron to keep the area tidy. Try propping up the tarot cards and photo against the candle, cup, or cauldron. During the pregnancy, I would repeat the spell once a month. As you get into the last week of the pregnancy, I would repeat it every day. (The seven-day candle will come in handy for that.) If you are working this together as a couple, then adjust the words accordingly.

Frigga I do call, protect and watch over me today
Bless this child that I carry as it grows stronger each day
Tokens of fertility are the grains and the flowers
Candles and cards are symbols of a new mother’s power
Guard us both during the labor and delivery
Help me to be strong and to have a healthy baby.
Close the spell with this line:
By the Mother Goddess, the moon and sun
By the power of love, this spell is done.

Allow the candle to burn for as long as you wish, just be sure to keep an eye on it. Replace the grains and flowers with fresher ones as needed. Good luck to your family, and best wishes for a safe delivery and a happy, healthy baby!

Book of Witchery – Spells, Charms & Correspondences For Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

The Witches Almanac for Friday, May 29th

Egyptian Comments & GraphicsThe Witches Almanac for Friday, May 29th

Friday(Venus): Love, friendship, reconciliation and beauty.

Royal Oak Day (English)

Waxing Moon
The Waxing Moon is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.

Moon Phase: Second Quarter

Moon Sign: Libra
Libra: Favors cooperation, social activities, beautification of surroundings, balance, and partnership.

Incense: Thyme

Color: Pink

 

Must Do’s For Friday

Egyptian Comments & GraphicsMust Do’s For Friday

Fridays are days of loving enchantments and passionate emotions.

See how many ways you could add a little loving enchantment into your life and the lives of your loved ones. If you wish to explore the topic of love and romance witchery even further, then check out my book How to Enchant a Man: Spells to Bewitch, Bedazzle &Beguile. If cat magick has tickled your fancy, then for further study read my book The Enchanted Cat: Feline Fascinations, Spells &Magick.

In the meantime, try sharing red berries with your partner some enchanted evening. Work that meditation, and see what other mysteries Freya has to teach you. Wear a Venus planetary color and call on the Goddess for a little inner sparkle. Burn some floral incense, light up some rosy candles, and set a romantic mood. Try wearing a little copper jewelry, and see how it affects you and your Friday magick. Get those potpourri and philter recipes going, and see what you can conjure up.

Advancing your magickal skills takes drive, ambition, and passion. Work with Eros to discover just how much enthusiasm, inspiration, and drive he can bring into your days, for the imagination is a place where dreams flourish and ideas come to fruition.

Call on these fertile and romantic powers, and create your own unique spells and charms. Just think of all the magickal information that you can now add to your repertoire of witchery. Lastly, remember this: when you combine imagination and a loving heart with magick, you’ll succeed every time.

 

Book of Witchery – Spells, Charms & Correspondences For Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

 

Friday’s Witchery

Egyptian Comments & Graphics
Friday’s Witchery

 

Love magick is a perennial popular topic. However, there is more to this topic than meets the eye. There are many enchanting layers here for us to explore on this day of the week. What about creating a loving home, or producing a loving and nurturing family? What about keeping your intimate relationships vital and on track? How about promoting happy, healthy, and eduring friendships? See, there is more to be considered than just the “You shall be mine….” type of fictional love spell.

Don’t forget that many of the deities associated with Fridays are also parents. So, yes, while this is the day to work on romance, sex, and love spells, there is additional magick to be considered here, which makes Fridays a more well-rounded and bigger opportunity for witchery than many folks ever truly realize. The truest, strongest magick always comes from the heart.

 

Book of Witchery – Spells, Charms & Correspondences For Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

Friday

Egyptian Comments & GraphicsFriday

 

Friday: Is associated with Venus and the colors of – Green, Pink and White

Friday is the best time to deal with such matters as: Affection, Alliances, Architects, Artistic Ability, Artists, Balance, Beauticians, Beauty, Change , Chiropractors, Cosmetics, Courage, Courtship, Dancers, Dating, Decorating, Designers, Engineers, Entertainers, Fashion, Fertility , Friendship , Gardening, Gifts, Grace , Harmony, Herbal Magick, Household Improvements, Income, Luck, Luxury, Marriage, Material Things, Music, Painting, Partners, Peace, Physical Healing, Planning Parties, Poetry, Prosperity, Relationships, Romantic Love, Shopping, Social Activity, Soul-mates, Success<left

Practical Magick for the Penny Pinching Witch
Carol Moyer

 

It Is Finally Friday! TGIF! Wishing Everyone A Super, Fantastic Friday & A Very Blessed Weekend!

Egyptian Comments & Graphics

The Goddess is Alive

Moon shines down upon a sea of Light,
Shifting sands lay singing in the Heart of the Night.
I looked upon a scene that gripped me to the core,
White-clad maidens below were dancing on the shore.

Sweet sounds slipped from moon-lit throats,
Wind whipped hair abound,
Lit by the light within and without,
The Women circled ’round.

As I stood, water engulfed my feet,
My body swayed to your Heavenly Heart beat.
Wind and wave and fire light,
Paled in my mind Earthly delight.

Time slipped by me as you held your embrace,
And windblown spray covered my face.
Protected deep within your Womb,
I could feel the tender pain of Life’s bloom.

Candles flared high as the Dance progressed,
Deep inside with a healing touch you blessed.
All around, wind, wave and fire shouted of your life,
Your light speared deep within, soothing my strife.

Divine Mother, Goddess of Light,
To you I come seeking protection from the night.
Come home to shelter within your arm,
Surrounded by Love, hidden from harm.

Holy Mother, Queen of Heaven and Earth,
From you we all trace our Birth.
Heavenly Goddess, light from above,
Shine down upon us, we pray for your Love.

—-Pagan Library

Jar of Stones Spell

Jar of Stones Spell

 

A magic spell of protection and power for the home. This simple spell provides both protection and energy for your home. It is a spell that constantly grows in strength and can actually be done daily.

You will need:

A glass jar
A small amount of clean sand
A beeswax candle

Find a glass jar that you would like to use for your spell (a quart canning jar is a good choice). Wash the jar thoroughly inside and out with warm water and soap. Dry the jar completely. Light your beeswax candle and drop a few drops of molten wax onto the interior bottom of the jar. Next, place about one inch of sand in the jar.

Place the jar near an entrance door to your home. Every time you find a small stone, drop it in the jar. Any type of stone will do, so feel free to be creative with the stones used. You do not have to put a stone in daily, they can be added as frequently as you wish. It is important though that you put them in one at a time and the spell works best if you put no more than one stone in per day.

As you add each stone, speak the following words aloud:

Snare the evils, bring them woe,
Where they wish, don’t let them go,
Evil from this place be banned,
By this wish, by this command!

Once the bottle has been filled, put the lid on and leave it by the door. You can make as many of these as you like and place them by every door. Touch the jar and repeat your chant at least once a week to reinforce the power of the spell. This spell will help defend your home and family from the negative energy that uninvited visitors and negative thoughts can produce. It also introduces power and energy into the home and revitalizes a family’s strength.

River Spell

River Spell

A cleansing spell – This powerful spell is used to wash away bad memories and cleanse the mind of sorrow and pain.

You will need:

A beeswax candle
Two bowls
Water from a flowing river or stream
A small stone from the river or stream
A piece of white cloth (a handkerchief will do)

Fill the bowls half-full with the river or stream water.

Light the candle and place the bowls on either side of it. Holding the stone in your left hand, bring to mind those memories you wish to be diminished and finally swept away. Still using your left hand, pass the stone through the candle’s flame and speak aloud the following words:

Memories I wish to leave,
River, wash them clean,
In your power I believe,
Power I have seen.

Place the stone in the bowl to your left and rub the stone, as if cleansing it, using only your left hand. Remove the stone and speak the following words aloud:

Memories, like darkness fade,
In the morning’s sun,
And leave but shadows in the shade,
Where the river runs.

Move the stone to your right hand and place it in the bowl of water to your right, allowing it to rest at the bottom of the bowl. With your right hand, gently swirl the water in the bowl. When the water stops moving, extinguish the candle, remove the stone from the bowl using your right hand, place it on the white cloth and allow it to dry in the air. Once thoroughly dry, the stone should be placed under your pillow while you sleep. Keep the stone under your pillow until the memories have sufficiently faded.

Three Red Leaves Protection Spell

Three Red Leaves Protection Spell

 

Begin by gathering 3 red leaves from any plant, bush or tree. Lay the leaves on a flat surface to form a triangle. In the center of the triangle of leaves, place a lighted candle. On each leaf, place a few drops of chrysanthemum oil.

Speak aloud the following words three times:
Red leaves, gift from earth,
Birth to death and death to birth,
Keep all evil far away,
Day to night and night to day.

When you have spoken the words three times, extinguish the candle and wrap the leaves in a white cloth or place them in a white pouch. Place the packet under your mattress or near your bed within three feet of your head for protection against nightmares and invasions of evil.

A Spell for Protection of Your Home

A Spell for Protection of Your Home

You will need:

Salt & Water
Incense
Milk & Honey
Oil
Wine
Bells, Pots, Pans, Whistles, etc.

Cast a circle in the main room and after casting, visualize the circle expanding to include the entire house. Call upon the spirits and energies living in the house (or apartment). Invite those who will be harmonious with the new household and its energies to remain. Invite/ask those who will be happier elsewhere to depart. Release all “energies” not compatible with the new household.

Note: This may be expressed as a “release” in order to unbind anything that may be stuck.

Then call upon, greet, and invite ancestors, patron deities, and all harmonious spirits and energies to dwell in the house as they please.

Gather up the pots, pans, and all the noise-makers. Go to each door and window, not forgetting the fire-place and dog-door, making as much racket as humanly possible–to drive out the unwanted.

Go again throughout the house and at each portal (door, window, etc.) sprinkle salt-water and incense, saying: “By the Elements I purify and charge this portal.”

Then anoint the portal with milk and honey, saying: “By Milk and Honey I ensure prosperity and peace within this place.”

Finally, anoint the portal with oil, saying: “With Oil I seal this portal and protect all within.”

At the front door a special prayer is said, asking the guardian deities to freely grant entry to all friends and loved ones, and to prevent passage (turn aside) to any who would do harm.”

Then, if it’s a house–pour wine across the width of the threshold; if it’s an apartment anoint the threshold with light touches of wine.

The house-holders then each take a sip of wine, leaving some as an offering to the Gods, and the Circle should be closed. The remaining wine, milk, and honey should be offered to the Gods which can be accomplished by pouring over the ground.

Protection Spell Ritual To Receive The Protection Of The Moon

Protection Spell Ritual To Receive The Protection Of The Moon

 

Place a jewel, that you regularly carry on you, in a cup of spring water a day before the full moon. The following day, on the evening of full moon, stir the water three times with your finger in a clockwise motion. Take the cup in your hands and in a clockwise, stirring motion, move the cup in a clockwise, circular, stirring motion three times.

Then, repeat these words aloud:
O LIGHT OF THE MOON,
WRAP ME,
PROTECT ME,
KEEP ME FROM HARM.

Raise the cup towards the sky and drink the water. Remove the jewel from the cup. You must carry it on your person to the next full moon in order to ensure your protection.

Repeat this ritual every month to benefit from its influence.

Magical Day of the Week Correspondences

Magical Day of the Week Correspondences

 

SUNDAY: Yellow, the Sun and solar deities. It is associated with magic dealing with: authority, divine power, friendships, healing, learning, reason and world leaders.

MONDAY: White, the Moon and lunar deities. It is associated with magic dealing with: cooking, dreams, family, the home, intuition, medicine, spiritual growth and the ocean.

TUESDAY: Red, the planet Mars and the god Tiw. It is associated with magic dealing with: athletics, competitions, conflicts, courage, hunting, legality, logic, physical strength, politics, vitality and war.

WEDNESDAY: Purple, the planet Mercury and the god Woden. It is associated with magic dealing with: communication, divination, education, mystical insight, resourcefulness and self-improvement.

THURSDAY: Blue, the planet Jupiter and the god Thor. It is associated with magic dealing with: dedication, endurance, faithfulness, legal matters, loyalty, luck and money matters.

FRIDAY: Green, the planet Venus and the goddess Frigg. It is associated with magic dealing with: art, fertility, love, music and pleasure.

SATURDAY: Black, the planet and god Saturn. It is associated with magic dealing with: banishing, change, death, motivation, reincarnation, understanding and wills.

 

Astral Color Correspondences for Astrology, Spells & Magick

Astral Color Correspondences for Astrology, Spells & Magick

 

Color correspondences are just one more valuable ingredient in any astrological reading of a horoscope or interpretation of zodiac influences, but they are equally important when combining astrology with a magic spell or ritual. The appropriate colors for a particular astrological sign, zodiac sigil, or horoscope chart when combined with a spell or incantation can be included to symbolize the intent or purpose of the spell being cast. The traditional associations for particular colors as listed below are intended to provide the historical, traditional correspondences of color as employed over the last few centuries.

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18): Sky Blue

Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20): Lavender

Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19): Red

Taurus (Apr 20-May 20): Green

Gemini (May 21-Jun 21): Pink

Cancer (Jun 22-Jul 22): Silver

Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22): Gold

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22): Navy

Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22): Green

Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21): Red

Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21): Navy

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan19): Brown

Magical Animal Correspondences

Magical Animal Correspondences

These seemingly ordinary animals carried great significance in the Ancient world and still do today.

All birds are messengers from the divinities.

Badger: Tenacity and courage. The badger will teach you perseverance and endurance in the face of adversity. The badger is a powerful protector of both material possessions and ideals held close to your heart.

Bat: The bat is a messenger. The bat may bring a message from either the otherworld or your subconscious.

Bear: Strength and stamina.

Bee: The bee is industriousness, hardworking and very family/clan oriented.

Boar: The boar is sacred. It is both cunning and ferocious.

Bull: Strength and potency, the bull is a symbol of mobile power.

Butterfly: If a butterfly is seen while vision questing, no negative energy will be in the immediate area.

Cat: The cat is a strong protector in confrontational situations. As a prowling animal, the cat is also a strong guardian of inner powers.

Crane: The crane is the bird of the Moon, magick, shamanic travel, secrets and reaching deep mysteries. The crane also represents the logical mind as well as patience while healing occurs.

Crow: The Crow is a symbol of conflict, war and death. Its skill is wisdom with trickery. It is also a protector of scared records.

Deer or Stag: The white Stag is a messenger from the otherworld, following the animal often leads to a quest through the Otherworld. The deer represents grace, swiftness and gentleness.

Dog: Underworld hounds are white with red ears, they hunt and punish the guilty, they represent tracking skills and companionship as well as Loving protection.

Dolphin: They represent harmony, balance and traveling from rough to smooth waters.

Dragon (lizards): Wealth, raw powers of nature, the treasures of the unconscious mind.

Eagle: Wisdom and long life, Keen sight, Knowledge of magick and swiftness, the eagle is a strong ally when traveling into new territory.

Eel: Adaptability, Wisdom, Inspiration and defense.

Fox: Cunning, slyness, Perceptive. Madra-rua makes fools of those who chase it.

Frog: Shamanism, Magick, Nasty illusion with something wonderful hidden inside.

Hawk: Clear sightedness, teaches how to receive and interpret inner and outer signals.

Heron: Of the Moon and magick, shamanic travel, secrets, the logical mind, through the heron one can find magick in nature.

Horse: Stamina, endurance, and faithfulness, the horse was a faithful guide to the otherworlds.

Magpie: Omens and prophecies.

Mouse: Secrets, cunning, shyness, the ability to hide. If you see a mouse in a vision quest–pay attention to details.

Otter: Enjoying life, recovering from a crisis, faithfulness, friendliness, and being helpful to others. The otter provides valuable assistance in the otherworlds.

Owl: Teaches us to silently observe life, and gather information to gain understanding.

Raven: The battle cry of an upcoming life crisis, it is a powerful protector if one can gain its favor.

Snakes: Wisdom, reincarnation and cunning. If you see a snake while vision questing, be prepared for the power of transformation to enter your life. The snake represents the life-death-rebirth cycle. For more on reincarnation and the afterlife, visit Lites of Heaven.

Swan: Helps to interpret dream symbols, smoothes transitions and spiritual evolution.

Wren: The wren’s song was used in divination, the power of strengthening and cleansing.