Category: Daily Posts

The Witches Magick for the 15th Day of December – A Solitary Goddess Ritual for Yule


Yule Comments & Graphics

 A Solitary Goddess Ritual for Yule

Yule is the time of the Winter Solstice, and for many Pagans, it’s a time to say goodbye to the old, and welcome the new. As the sun returns to the earth, life begins once more. This ritual can be performed by a solitary practitioner, either male or female. It’s also easily adaptable to a small group of people.

Perform this ritual on the evening of the Winter Solstice. If you normally wear a ritual robe or ceremonial gown, do so — and feel free to embellish for the season!

Consider a crown of holly, a special Yule-themed robe, or adding holiday bling to your existing robe. Sparkly is good! Decorate your altar with a Yule log or tree (although obviously the tree might have to go on the floor, rather than the altar itself), lots of seasonal symbolism, and candles — after all, Yule is a celebration of light.

You’ll also want to have some holiday incense on your altar. Frankincense, cinnamon, myrrh — all are appropriate to the season; don’t light it just yet, though. Finally, have two candles in seasonal colors.

If you normally cast a circle, do so now.

To begin the ritual, sit on the floor near your altar — don’t light the candles just yet.

Take a few moments to remember what it was like for our ancestors at this time of year. The harvest had been brought in, and they knew that in a few months, their stockpiles of food would be running low. It was the season of Death, the time when the earth went dormant once more, sleeping until the spring returned. Our ancestors knew that despite the darkness of this night, soon the light would return to the earth, bringing with it life.

This night, the Winter Solstice, welcomes back the Sun, the ultimate giver of light.

Light the first candle, and say:

Tonight is the night of the Solstice, the longest night of the year. As the Wheel turns once more, I know that tomorrow, the Sun will begin its journey back to us. With it, new life will begin, a blessing from Earth to her children.

Light the second candle, and say:

It is the season of the winter goddess. Tonight I celebrate the festival of the winter solstice, the rebirth of the Sun, and the return of light to the Earth. As the Wheel of the Year turns once more, I honor the eternal cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth.

Light the remaining candles on the altar at this time, and if you have decorative holiday lighting, turn it on. Return to your place at the altar, and face the holiday tree or Yule log. Raise your arms up to the tree, and say:

Today I honor the god of the forest, the King of nature, who rules the season. I give my thanks to the beautiful goddess, whose blessings bring new life to the earth. This gift I offer you tonight, sending my prayers to you upon the air.

Light your incense, and if you’d like to make an offering of food, bread, or something else, do so now. As the smoke of the incense rises to the night sky, meditate on what changes you’d like to see before the next Sabbat. Reflect upon the time of the season. Although winter is here, life lies dormant beneath the soil. What new things will you bring to fruition for yourself when the planting season returns? How will you change yourself, and maintain your spirit throughout the cold months? When you are ready, either end the rite, or continue on with additional rituals, such as Cakes and Ale or Drawing Down the Moon.

Tips:

If you don’t have a ritual robe, you can take a cleansing bath before the rite, and then wear a simple cotton or other organic material. Another option would be to make a robe as a Yule gift to yourself!

Author: Patti Wigington

Article published on & owned by About.com

 

Prayer to the Winter Goddess


Yule Comments & Graphics

Prayer to the Winter Goddess

Despite the fact that some people hate cold weather, it does have its advantages. After all, a good cold day gives us an opportunity to cuddle up indoors with the people we love the most. If your magical tradition honors a seasonal goddess, offer up this prayer in her honor at Yule.

O! Mighty goddess, in silvery ice,
watching over us as we sleep,
a layer of shining white,
covering the earth each night,
frost on the world and in the soul,
we thank you for visiting us.
Because of you, we seek warmth
in the comfort of our homes and hearths.

By Patti Wigington

Article published on & owned by About.com

Let’s Talk Witch – A Guide to Using Herbs

A Guide to Using Herbs

 

Herbs are commonly used within Wicca and Magick due to the essences they contain, it is believed that herbs are considered sacred as they have their own energy and identity such as genders and elements, it is often considered good practice to grow your own herbs as then you have your own energy running through a plant you have nurtured and brought to life since its seed form.

Herbs can be used in many different ways, particularly in spell work, one of the most popular and shown methods is using herbs within sachets, this is because you effectively create a wearable, portable charm which can be worn, carried or placed depending on the contents and intended spell. Other methods include burning the herbs as a form of incense, drinking tea brewed from the herbs, using them in baths in pure or oil form and lastly smoking.

The good thing about the herbs used in Wicca is that many of them are in lurking in your kitchen right now! The herbs and spices found within a spice rack are commonly used when practicing Wicca and for use in spells, not only does this make certain aspects of Wicca easier for those starting out, it also makes material gathering that little bit cheaper plus most are very tasty on food!

All of the herbs and spices mentioned here are easily accessible from any good supermarket, some of the rarer herbs can easily be found from any Wicca shop or from various online stores such as eBay and Amazon.

Below are number of common and slightly rarer herbs which can be found in most kitchen cupboards:

– Garlic: Most commonly used in spells that are protection based, garlic has great healing power within the body as it has both antifungal and viral properties.

– Dill: A multiuse herb used in protection, love, money and lust spells, typically used in baths or hung in the doorway of your home.

-Cumin(both seeds and powder): A strong herb used for protection particularly against evil spirits, commonly used with frankincense.

– Bay leaves: Said to once be chewed on by the priestesses of Delphi to induce visions, bay leaves are considered to bring on visions and ward off evil.

– Cayenne pepper: Typically used to make or break a hex, or used in love or rejection spells, this is a very powerful spice with varying effects, can also be used to treat joint pains and high blood pressure.

– Nutmeg: Commonly used in spells focusing in wealth, health and good luck, it is also believed to boost psychic powers, toxic in large doses.

– Rosemary: Popularly used as incense, this herb is typically used for exorcisms and used in love and healing potions, drinking this herb in the form of tea can heighten the senses.

– Star Anise: Used for protection against evil and keeping nightmares at bay, a very powerful herb in smell that is great for incense, used in protection and purification spells.

– Thyme: Has 3 main uses, is either burned as incense for purifying areas, worn to boost clairvoyance and used in many health or healing potions and rituals.

– Vanilla beans: Considered a very powerful aphrodisiac, vanilla beans are popular choices for a variety of different love and seduction spells, it is also considered to boost brain activity.

– Ginger: Typically consumed before performing rituals or spells to boost their effectiveness and power, ginger is commonly used in love and power potions.

 

–Pamela Taylor, Wicca Witch of the West: A Beginner’s Guide to Wicca, Spells, Herbs, Runes, and Rituals

 

Celebrating 365 Days of Legends, Folklore & Spirituality for December 15th & 16th – Halcyon, Sophia

December 15th & 16th

Halcyon, Sophia

 

In ancient Greece, December 15 began the Halcyon Days-the the seven days before and the seven days after the Winter Solstice. It was during this time that the sea was calm and the kingfisher, a magickal bird and symbol of the Goddess Alcyon, could lay her eggs. Legend has that it was the bird nesting upon the waters that made them calm, thus creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

December 16 is dedicated to the Goddess Sophia. According to Hebrew philosophy, Sophia is the personification of wisdom, the inner wisdom that functions of itself. Many Greek churches were dedicated to Sophia, and, in the Sistine Chapel’s painting of God reaching out a finger to touch Adam, she appears behind God. A Gnostic Aeon, Sophia was so filled with the desire to generate out of herself, without a spouse, that she gave birth to the whole cosmos, including a daughter Sophia Akhamoth, who in turn began to generate, but on a lower denser plane. It is Sophia Akhamoth who brings wisdom to humankind.

 

Wednesday Is Ruled By Mercury

Wednesday Is Ruled By Mercury

 

Wednesdays are wild and wacky days. They are for communication, change, cunning, and the arts. This is a Mercury day, and just its patron god this day is full of contradictions, change, and excitement. Some suggestions for Wednesday enchantments would include:

Pulling a little Wednesday color magic into your life by wearing purples or orange

Carrying a multipurpose agate with you and tapping into its various charms

Working with magical plants such as the fern for protection. This plant will also boost the power of any other magical plants with which it is arranged.

Incorporating lavender into charms and spells for transformation

Using the charming scent of lily of the valley to improve your memory, or working with the aspen tree for communication

Calling on Athena, patron of arts and crafts, for inspiration for a new project

Fanning out a Tarot spell to increase you creativity

Calling on Hermes on a Wednesday night to bring movement and good luck into your life

The Witches Correspondences for Wednesday, December 16th

WEDNESDAY CORRESPONDENCES

Mercury/Neptune/Air/North/West/Southwest/Female/Male/Gemini/Virgo

 

Magickal Intentions: Communication, Divination, Writing, Knowledge, Business Transactions, Debt, Fear, Loss, Travel, Money Matters

Color: black, light blue, brown, gray, green, magenta, orange, peach, purple, red, silver, turquoise, violet, white, yellow; orange is the primary color

Number: 3, 5

Metal: mercury

Charm: distaff, rod, runes, staff, iridescent garments

Stone: moss agate, amethyst, bloodstone, emerald, hematite, lapis lazuli, lodestone, pearl, ruby, sapphire, sodalite, all blue stones

Animal: bear, dog, fox, magpie, swan, weasel

Plant: almond, bayberry, chamomile, cherry, cinnamon, cinquefoil, clove, coltsfoot, ginger, hazel, hazelnut, jasmine, lavender, millet, oak, peppermint, periwinkle, rosemary, sage, St. John’s wort, sweet pea, tamarind, lemon verbena, violet

Incense: cassia, cedar, cinnamon, clove, frankincense, jasmine, lavender, mastic, mint, rosemary, sage, sandalwood, storax, dried and powdered citrus peel, and all incense made from aromatic bark, wood, and seeds

Goddess: Carmenta, Hecate (Queen of Crossroads), Hel, Ishtar, Ma’at, the Morrigan, Nike

God: Anubis, Bragi, Elath-Iahu. Enki, Garuda, Hermes, Maximon (Black Magician), Mercury, Nebo (Wise God of Wednesday), Odin, Shango, Ullr, Vishnu, Wayland, Woden

Evocation: Agrat Bat Mahalat, Michael, Miel, Raphael, Seraphiel, Tiriel

 

Courtesy of Moonlight Musings

Wednesday Witchery

Wednesday Witchery

 

Be bold and daring today! Expand your knowledge of the Craft by working with the planetary energies of Mercury on this multifaceted day of the week. Consider the Greco-Roman gods Mercury and Hermes and all of the many lessons they have for you. Embrace change and movement, and work on your communication techniques. Conjure up a little good luck for yourself with that Mercury dime spell. Call on Athena to inspire you to try magickal arts and crafts and to be more creative in your own spellwork and witchery.

Meditate on Odin and see what you can discover about him. I wonder what sort of fabulous and fascinating magickal wisdom you will uncover? Odin is a shaman, after all; he may appear in many guises and faces. I guarantee that he will make you laugh at yourself before he is through with you, but you will learn. It’s up to you what you do with that knowledge. Will you let it shapeshift into wisdom?

Wednesday is the wild and wily day of the week, so try to go with the flow; don’t fight the quirky energies of the day. Most importantly, follow your heart, and always keep a good sense of humor, because of Wednesdays you will really need it.

 

Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week

Ellen Dugan

Wednesday

Wednesday

 

Ruler: Wodin, Mercury

Colors: Orange, light blue, and gray

Power Hours: Sunrise and the 8th, 16th, and 24th hours following

Keywords: Success, creativity, communication

The word Wednesday is reminiscent of the Norse wind god Wodin, which is referenced in the popular rhyme verse “Wednesday’s child is full of woe.” This does not mean that those born on this day are full of sorrow or trouble. To be full of Wo (Wodin) means to be full of wind, to be spirited. Woden was such a powerful pagan god that the German church fathers changed the name of his day to Mittwoch, meaning midweek, in an attempt to exorcise his influence.

In the Spanish word for Wednesday, miercoles, we clearly see its connection to Mercury. Under the guidance of Mercury; Wednesday is a day of swift activity, communication, correspondence, and phone calls. This is a good day for journalists, writers, poets, bargaining, hiring employees, and visiting friends.

On Wednesdays, the hour of sunrise and every eight hours after that are also ruled by Mercury, making these times of the day doubly blessed. These are the strongest four hours for ritual work. Check your local newspaper, astrological calendar, or almanac to determine when sunrise occurs.

Source:

Gypsy Magic

The 16th Day Before Yule – Las Posadas (‘Inn/ Shelter’)


Yule Comments & Graphics

Las Posadas (‘Inn/ Shelter’)

(Mexico)

During the nine nights before Christmas, children dress up and process from house to house, looking for shelter in intimation of Mary and Joseph. The procession is led by a child dressed as an angel, followed by two clad as Mary and Joseph. The others carry lighted candles. They sing a carol at each house and beg for shelter, but they are always told to move on until they reach a house where the family sing “Let the chosen one enter”. On entering, they place their candles around the nativity scene and say a prayer and a blessing for their hosts.

Pastorelas (shepherd’s plays) are also performed. In them, a group of shepherds travel towards Bethlehem, but are tempted by devils. Angels rush in to rescue the shepherds and drive off the devils. These plays feature singing, dancing and satire, similar to medieval English mummer’s plays which were often performed during this season.

Official start of the MINCE PIE SEASON.

—Anna Franklin, Yule (The Eight Sabbats)

Good Wednesday Morning To All Our Loved Ones! Have A Very Blessed Day!

DANCING IN A WICCAN WONDERLAND

 

Pagans sing, are you listenin’,

Altar’s set, candles glisten,

It’s a Magickal night,

we’re having tonight,

Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland

 

Blades held high, censer smoking,

God and Goddess, we’re invoking,

Through Elements Five,

we celebrate life,

Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland,

 

Queen of Heaven, is in Her place,

Triple Goddess, now the Crone Face,

Above and Below,

She’s the Goddess we know,

Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland

 

Now the God, is the Provider,

Supplying game for our Fire,

Above and Below,

He’s the Horned One we know,

Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland

 

In a Circle we can light a Yule Fire,

And await the rising of the Sun,

It’s the Great Wheel turning for the new year,

loaded with abundance and great fun.

Later on, by the fire, Cone of Power, gettin’ higher

It’s a Magickal Night we’re having tonight,

Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland

 

Authors: Alexander & Aarcher

Astronomy Picture of the Day – Colorful Arcs over Buenos Aires

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2015 December 15

Colorful Arcs over Buenos Aires
Image Credit & Copyright: Sergio Montúfar (Planetario Ciudad de La Plata, pna)

 

Explanation: What are those colorful arcs in the sky? Like rainbows that are caused by rain, arcs of sunlight broken up into component colors can also result when ice crystals floating in Earth’s atmosphere act together as a gigantic prism. The top color arc is more typical as it is part of the 22 degree halo surrounding the Sun when hexagonal ice crystals refract sunlight between two of the six sides. More unusual, though, is the bottom color arc. Sometimes called a fire rainbow, this circumhorizon arc is also created by ice, not fire nor even rain. Here, a series of horizontal, thin, flat ice crystals in high cirrus clouds refract sunlight between the top and bottom faces toward the observer. These arcs only occur when the Sun is higher than 58 degrees above the horizon. The featured sky occurred to the northwest in the early afternoon last month over a street Diagonal of La Plata City, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Your Daily Influences for December 15

Your Daily Influences
December 15, 2015

 

Five of Cups
That which was expected to bring joy may bring sorrow. Disillusionment with relationships. The loss of friends, partners and lovers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thurisaz
Thurisaz embodies the polarity of life and death and the struggle to keep them in balance. Expect conflict, hardship and obstacles, but be assured that remaining focused and in touch with your inner strengths will see you through whatever comes your way. This Rune may also represent protection from your enemies, which is never a bad thing.

 

 

Abraxas
A powerful force will rule you within aspect for the duration of a year. Your will be given few choices to make as most will be made for you. This force is malevolent in nature and the end result will be negative.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Daily Influences represent events and challenges the current day will present for you. They may represent opportunities you should be ready to seize. Or they may forewarn you of problems you may be able to avoid or lessen. Generally it is best to use them as tips to help you manage your day and nothing more.

 

Let’s Get A Little Crazy, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for the Day Using The Animal Spirit Oracle Cards

Your Past, Present, Future Reading

The three Animal Spirits in this reading represent your past, present and future situations. Your Past Animal Spirit represents an influence that still has considerable sway over your present situation. Your Present influence indicates a force that has powerful effect on your current situation. Your future card represents an influence that will come into effect sometime in the future.

That Which is Behind You

Buffalo
Buffalo has come snorting into your life today to bring a message of great hope. Buffalo sacrificed every part of his physical body to support those who hunted him—but he also gave his spirit. And, it’s that spirit of hope, abundance, and a bright future that he brings to you today. If you are experiencing a troubled journey, help is here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Current Place

Turtle
Turtle carries his home on his back, and his question to you today is whether your life is weighed down with “things” that serve no purpose. Everyone loves buying stuff, but do you use shopping, spending, and the acquisition of “things” as a substitute for passion, conviction, commitment? It’s worth thinking about, isn’t it?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That Which is before You

Ant
Ant is dutiful, patient, industrious and focused. If you ever put an obstacle in the middle of an ant trail, you’ll notice that ant will go over it, around it, or even under it—but ant will NOT let the obstacle drive him backwards. Above all, ant is a team player, and knows that if each member of the team does his assigned task, the team will succeed. Do you have goals that are best met by team effort? If so, get the other players off the bench and let them into your game.

 

Your Animal Spirit for December 15th is The Bear

Your Animal Spirit for Today
December 15, 2015 

Bear

Bear represents a time of reflection and stillness—a time of entering the inner cave of Self to contemplate life’s challenges. Bear often appears during times of confusion and unrest—those unsettling moments when you turn to everyone you know for answers—everyone except yourself. Go within, ask the hard questions—then listen.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Dec. 15th is Altruism

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

Altruism



Altruism denotes the noble act of giving to those in need without the expectation of a return. The act of giving has been seen as one of humankind’s greatest attributes throughout history. It is honored in nearly every culture. To give is a gift to both those who receive and those who give. Giving is usually associated with addressing the material needs of others, but the gift given can take many forms such as wisdom or protection or simply a shoulder to cry on.

As a daily card, Altruism suggests there are those around you in need of things you can give them. It is a time for you to address the needs of another, or others without regard of profit or acknowledgement of your contribution.