Category: Articles

Am I a Witch? All the Telltale Signs c.2019

Am I a Witch? All the Telltale Signs

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Am I a Witch? Well this is a very tricky and difficult question. What defines a ‘natural witch’ from a ‘self-taught witch’ or a believer of magic? To answer all this we have to go way back and define the essence of the Witches.

Lore and the Arcane Truth

There are so many things surrounding the lore, the reality and the legends regarding the Witches. Sometimes information is deliberately insufficient only because witches have always tried to scare the naive, from messing with their stuff. Only the wise, the brave and the righteous ones were allowed to learn the Craft. Why because with Great Power comes great responsibility! For example when Magical Recipes demanded the ‘five fingers‘ they certainly didn’t mean to cut off the fingers of a living human. They just demanded cinquefoil, a powerful Mercurial herb used for Healing and Money.

What is a Witch?

Let’s be clear. When we talk about Witches we are using a genderless term. Witches can be both males and females. Historically, this term has been used to identify the person who uses the Arcane Arts. Moreover, it has been used to falsely accuse women for ‘devil worshipping’ or ‘followers of the pagan gods’.

Am I a Witch?

So… Let’s see the most important traits.

1. Have You heard the ‘Calling’ ?

This is probably the most important of all the Signs. Once you’ve heard it, it’s impossible to un-hear it. Although you can always turn your back at your true nature and stick with the material Realm, you will always know who you are and who you are meant to be.

The ‘Calling’ is a revelation, a moment of extreme spiritual clarity when you somehow realise your are a Witch and get a glimpse of your true Magical Nature. This usually happens by accident, during times of intense anxiety, desperate need for help, sadness or troubles. However, the Calling may be heard in a very young age or when the ‘time is right’. Sometimes it’s a vision, a sure feeling that you are magical, or a dream or someone who enters your life unexpectedly revealing to you the truth. Other times, it’s an actual magical experience, when supernatural phenomena occur, or even an interaction with spirits of nature or ghosts or maybe deities.

There are many witches who actually plan to hear ‘the calling’ during their next lives by arranging the proper circumstances. Of course this is rarely the case as this kind of spell demand advanced levels of Magical Power.

So have you heard the calling? Good! Let’s proceed!

2. Do you feel Connected with Nature?

The relationship between you and Nature can easily tell how magical you are. Although there are other sources of Magic, Nature is the most common one. So let’s see if you are familiar with these traits, commonly attributed to ‘Natural Born Witches’ :

  • You feel the Energy Shift inside you as the Seasons change.
  • Moon Cycle affects you.
  • Also, you feel connected to the Woods, the herbs and the trees.
  • Natural phenomena like strong winds, rain, thunderstorms charge you and raise your energy and awareness.
  • There is something about you that wants to be around with animals all the time.
  • Likewise, animals are attracted to you.
  • Since you remember yourself, you loved crystals!

3. Do you have Dreams, Memories or Visions of being a Witch?

Well, this may explain a lot. Unfortunately, many Witches suffer from the suppression of their Witchiness due to the ‘demonisation’ of the term. As we’ve all know, a Witch can be a synonym of an evil and envious person who uses his/her power to manipulate and abuse others.

However, most Witches are actually Empaths who suffer a lot when others hurt. Therefore they suppress their magical nature, denying it strongly for months, years or even their whole lives. However, there are times, when they are relaxed, or asleep, when vision and images of Witchcraft and spellcasting pop up to their minds.

This can also be memories from their early childhood, when you were ‘practicing’ your magic with an innocent mind and heart, before the essence of magic gets corrupted by the ‘system’.

4. Do you Think ‘out of the box’?

Do you despise those who censor your Thoughts? Witches are untamed creatures who love Wisdom and dare to reach for it. If you continuously find yourself doubting ‘the truth’ or the ‘religious teachings’ while you realise there is some truth in them, then this is a Witchy Traits. Witches don’t hate religion, as they believe in the existence of Higher entities. Yet they do like to think for themselves.

One of the great saying of Witchcraft is ‘to dare, to do and to keep silent’. The first two part of this saying mirrors the essence of a true, untamed, uncensored witch! One whose spirit is stronger than shallow teaching and hypocrisy.

5. Do you feel your Thoughts, your Emotions and your Words have power?

Most Witches know deep inside that their emotions and what they say actually shape reality. It’s funny as the first time they realise it is when they lie about something, and then suddenly it becomes true. For example, have you lied to your boss of being sick just to get a day-off, and after a while you indeed raise fever or something?

Witches influence and alter reality as they speak or they feel. And this exactly what defines them from all others. Thy might don’t even believe they have this ability but they discover it as they grow older. Of course, it needs practicing in order to learn how to focus this energy and not get drained.

6. Do you Collect Unusual Items?

One of the most ‘weird’ traits of witches is that they’ve always collect things that others think as trash. For example, seashore pebbles, or feathers or shells washed out from the ocean. Witches somehow sense the energy that surrounds these items and instinctively pick them up. Therefore, in most houses of Witches, you can see collections of these Weird items, which are usually considered absurd or useless by their visitors.

7. Do you frequently Observe Synchronicities?

As we’ve talked before about synchronicities, this is a very clear sign that something magical or spiritual is at work. It’s the language of the Universe. How the Spiritworld affects our Realm. You see repeating numbers, or maybe you repeatedly see animals who act as spiritual messengers. The list is endless. However, in most cases these patterns are acknowledgeable solely from the Witch as the message usually intends to have one receptor.

Defining the Untamed nature.

Although we’ve seen some of the most common traits of Witches, there are many different kinds of witches and there are definitely many different traits. However, Being a Witch is most commonly something we strongly believe and follow. Because it’s not the ‘omens’ that make us witches. It’s our Fiery Passion for Magic!

 

Are You a Witch?

(Seperate Article from 2016)

There are many ways to define how good you are in each types of Magic. One is astrology. You Zodiac sign can say many things about you especially when it comes to what you like and how your personality is prone to certain types of magic. Types of Witches can be categorized according to their Zodiac Signs as the Sun’s position in the Natal Chart shows the energy of the newborn child.

The Zodiac Circle and Types of Witches

On the other hand I would also advice you to search for the Zodiac Sign your natal Moon is placed in order to get a more personalised view on how Astrology can define the source of all your magic.

Aries: Blood Witch.

Witches born under the sign of Aries are blessed with the ability to cast powerful Candle Magic spells and tame the currents of energy. They don’t need much to empower their magic, just their fiery passion!

This comes from the fact the the first sign of the Zodiac is when Fire gets its power back. The Sun enters the Spring Equinox and nature is reborn. In their blood, waves of energy is ready to ignite their passions. If you are an Aries try this! Read all about colour correspondences of Candles and cast a simple Candle magic spell tonight! Come on!

Witches born under the sign of Taurus are very well attuned with the power of Earth and Nature. They gladly explore and exploit the powers of Herbs and most importantly the powers of their sexuality.

The first of the Earth Signs hide all the power of Nature in them. They’ve got this magnificent ability to make everything fertile, like flowers blooming. This is the real Elf power. Bringing the Life of Nature everywhere around them. If you are a Taurus try this. Search here for you favourite crystal which meets your needs and charge it with your passion!

Zodiac Signs and types of Witches

Taurus: Elf Witch.

Witches born under the sign of Taurus are very well attuned with the power of Earth and Nature. They gladly explore and exploit the powers of Herbs and most importantly the powers of their sexuality. The first of the Earth Signs hide all the power of Nature in them. They’ve got this magnificent ability to make everything fertile, like flowers blooming. This is the real Elf power. Bringing the Life of Nature everywhere around them. If you are a Taurus try this. Search here for you favourite crystal which meets your needs and charge it with your passion!

Gemini: Energy Witch.

Witches born under the sign of Gemini have a natural ability to sense changes in energy levels around them. They got extremely sensitive intuition and they can easily send & receive energy to past, present and future.

From all the Types of Witches they are the ones with the most versatile nature. Energy is like the wind and it always changes direction. Like their mood swings they can turn up-side-down of all energy. They can transmute negative to positive energy and vice versa depending on their emotional background. Their adventurous nature make them great in manipulating astral energy. If you are a Gemini try this.

Cancer: Kitchen Witch.

Witches born under the sign of Cancer are prone to work their magic indoors by harnessing the energy provided by home supplies like food and remedies. Cancers are typical kitchen witches always brewing their potions with lost of love and affection.

As we already saw the stomach of the Cancers are really sensitive as it is the part of the body which dilutes and transmutes energy – just like the kitchen. They have the amazing ability to give their lunar blessings to everything they want and touch. The Tides of the moon enchant their potions and their spells. If you are a Cancer try this.

Leo: Enchanter Witch.

Witches born under the sign of Leo have a natural ability to catch the attention of others making them extremely talented illusionists. They can easily hypnotise people / animals and charm them.

From all the Types of Witches, Leo is blessed by the Sun. The Sun is their governor and as the planets move around the Sun so do people around Leos. They got this amazing ability to attract what they want – providing they focus their energy. If you are a Leo try this.

Virgo: Hermit Witch.

Witches born under the sign of Virgo have are extremely potent in magical practice as long as they can remain focused. They tend to re-invent their magical self in the silence of Nature, whether this is the Green Woods or the peaceful Emerald Seas.

Virgo – as the name implies – the Virgin / the Untouched, needs time for themselves. From all the Types of Witches, they are the ones who need to find a way to explore the richness of their powers by their own. Only when alone they find their true potential

Once they do they can get back to being awesome in their social circles. If you are a Virgo try this. Grounding can help them banish negativity. Go somewhere you feel secure and lonely (preferably in a Forest or near the Sea). Breathe for few minutes and cast a spell.

Libra: Music Witch.

Witches born under the sign of Libra are blessed with inspiration and are usually extremely talented in arts and crafts. Libra Witches can easily compose spells and even sing them empowering their magical vibes.

From all the Types of Witches, this is what defines them: art and inspiration. Of course they need balance and harmony in order to work their magic. To do so, the need to find a way to center themselves. Only bey this way they will learn how great they are. If you are a Libra try this. Compose tonight a simple spell and cast it with music of your own!

Scorpio: Nocturnal Witch.

Witches born under the sign of Scorpio feel inspired and “enlightened” during the midnight hours, when silence prevails and darkness asserts its dominance. Do not confuse darkness with evil. Scorpios are just great perceiving what’s hidden.

What is hidden and secret ignites their curiosity and wakes up their powerful instincts. They have this amazing ability to scratch the surface in order to find what’s hidden underneath. This is how they learn so many things. From all the Types of Witches astrology defines them as the Wisest of the Zodiac. They may fear but they try to push fear behind. If you are a Scorpio try this. In the Midnight, go outside in a safe and lonely place. Look up the skies and talk to the night about your desire!

Sagittarius: Thunder Witch.

Witches born under the sign of Sagittarius are the children of Zeus / Jupiter / Thor, the God of Thunder. They have a great ability to direct a very “thick” and focused current of energy towards whatever they desire. They are wise and fair and they can cast really powerful magic.

From all the Types of Witches, Thunder Witch is the one who can push further and break the chains throughout wisdom and optimism. Where thunder strikes everything is possible. If you are a Sagittarius try this. Focus on your hands and think and re-think your desire over and over again. When you feel ready express your desire like a thunder bursting from you hands towards your target. Here you will find how to direct energy.

Capricorn: Green Witch.

Witches born under the sign of Capricorn are the ones who can equally easily assert their magical dominance both in Nature and in Urban Territory at the same time. They can tap into nature’s power and direct them in their career and everyday life.

Saturn the so called “Planet of Witches” governs Capricorn giving them the ability to command elemental forces with love and discipline.  If you are a Capricorn try this. Go out for a long walk and search for that “special tree” you feel connected with. Embrace the tree and become one with it and once you are ready send some magical energy to the future in your career / shop or wherever you work. Here you can learn more about grounding!

Aquarius: Star Witch.

Witches born under the sign of Aquarius are very well attuned with the orbs of the planets and stars. Once they look up in the night sky they just know that they are a part of something greater and although they know a little about it they can successfully direct star energy into this World.

The Stars is like a giant web where they a part of it. By looking at the stars, Aquarius knows and feels s/he is never alone. All are connected. Past, Present and Future. Thus, everything is possible. If you are an Aquarius try this. During the night, got out and talk to the stars about your desires!

Pisces: Fairy Witch.

Witches born under the sign of Pisces can easily meddle with the Fairy World and transcend the Physical plane. Those sweet Witches can easily invite fairies in their lives and establish a firm and fruitful connection with the spirit of nature.

From all the Types of Witches, a Fairy Witch is the one who live in this world but definitely belongs to another one. Not a single Pisces actually feels 100% ok with the material world. They all know deep inside that they are missing the greater truth. Thus from a really young age are trying to visualise and locate the world they really fit in. If you are a Pisces try this. Plant some Foxglove near your house and every morning invite the spirit of nature to come and live.

 

Adding Magic to Your Daily Routine More Information

Source: exemplore.com/wicca-witchcraft

Adapt and Adopt Spells

The most powerful magick is when you devise it yourself. Performing someone else’s spell is exactly that, a performance. Whereas if you put thought, effort and creativity into designing your spell, it’s yours and only yours. So I encourage you to use these ideas as mere frameworks, upon which you’ll hang your own unique touches.

You can write them into your Book of Shadows and each time you use them, you can change them a little bit.

Using Spells in Daily Life

What’s so good about using spells and magick in everyday life? Well, because you can. Once you have mastered the trick of tapping into your emotions and desire at will to raise the energy, then you might as well make the most of it and live an enhanced, enchanted, always surprising, lovely witchy life.

Now that doesn’t mean that you won’t have to deal with bad stuff occasionally. We all have to. No one can sail through unscathed or untouched by negativity. And I promise you, you wouldn’t want to. The contrast of the not-so-nice times helps you appreciate the great times. Without the dark, you wouldn’t be grateful for the light.

That Old Universal Energy

I just have to mention once more, that any spell will not be effective unless you put the effort of energetic emotion into it. So before you start, make sure you know what emotion is necessary. Think about what you want to achieve and feel it into reality. Hold that feeling and work your magick.

Famous Witches In History: Marie Laveau c. 2018

Famous Witches from History

Marie Laveau

(1801 – 1881)

Marie Laveau was a Louisiana Creole practitioner of Voudou (or Voodoo) in New Orleans. Shrouded in mystery, she has become over time the archetypal image of the “Voodoo Queen”, and managed to combine the roles of Voodoo priestess and devoted Catholic. Her character has since appeared in many works of fiction and popular music. Her daughter Marie Laveau II (c.1827 – c.1895) also practiced Voudou, and accounts often confuse the two women.

She was born free in Louisiana on 10 September 1801 (or, according to other sources, some time in the 1790s), the daughter of a white planter and a free Creole woman of colour. She moved to the French Quarter of New Orleans in her youth and was raised a devout Catholic. In 1819, she married Jacques (or Santiago, in other records) Paris, an emigrant from Haiti. After Paris’ death, Marie Laveau became a hairdresser, catering to wealthy white families, and took a lover, Christophe Glapion, with whom she lived in a common-law relationship until Glapion’s death in 1835. She reportedly bore fifteen children, including Marie Laveau II, who was born around 1827 and who apparently bore a striking resemblance to her mother.

Other than these biographical details, little is known with any certainty about the life of Marie Laveau, but it appears that she and her daughter between them established and nurtured a “Voodoo Queen” reputation. She is said to have had a large snake (named Zombi, after an African god) which many believed possessed great powers itself, and she would dance with the snake wrapped around her. The occult part of her magic mixed Roman Catholic beliefs (including saints) with African spirits and religious concepts. She frequently visited the sick in New Orleans’ prisons, and at one point she was called upon by the city’s elite to help combat the Yellow Fever epidemic of the 1850’s.

Some believe that the mother was more powerful, while the daughter arranged more elaborate public events, but it seems clear that they received varying amounts of financial support. There are contemporary reports of as many as twelve thousand spectators, both black and white, swarming to the shores of Lake Pontchartrain to catch a glimpse of Marie Laveau II performing her legendary rites on St. John’s Eve (June 23 – 24).

One of Laveau’s best documented exploits involved the murder trial of a young Creole gentleman, which seemed almost certain to end in a guilty verdict for the young man. His father approached Marie and promised her anything if she could rescue his son, and Marie agreed, asking for the man’s New Orleans house in return. Marie secretly placed several charms throughout the courtroom and, when the young man was declared not guilty, the father gave her his house as promised, and Laveau gained the instant attention of the city’s elite.

Some believe that her feared magical powers were actually based on her network of informants in the households of the prominent citizens of New Orleans, which she developed while working as a hairdresser. Others assert that she owned her own brothel and developed informants that way. Either way, she appears to have excelled at obtaining inside information on her wealthy patrons by instilling fear in their servants, whom she “cured” of mysterious ailments.

The New Orleans newspapers announced the death of Marie Laveau on June 16, 1881, and official New Orleans records indicate that a “Marie Glapion Laveau” died on June 15, 1881 (although giving her age as 98). Many people also claimed to see her in town after this date, although she did have several daughters who may have been mistaken for her. She was reportedly buried in Saint Louis Cemetery #1 in New Orleans, and the Glapion family tomb continues to attract visitors, some of whom draw three x’s (XXX) on its side in the hopes that Laveau’s spirit will grant them a wish.

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The Real Story of the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans

Known as the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, according to many eyewitness accounts, this was a title Marie Laveau not only earned, but to this day has not relinquished. In fact, the crypt where she’s buried St. Louis Cemetery #1 is believed ot be the most haunted cemetery in America. Visitors claim to have seen the ghost of the Voodoo Queen herself, inside the cemetery, walking around tombs, in her trademark turban, while whispering a Santeria Voodoo curse to disrespectful gawkers. If you visit her grave, you’ll notice that people still leave offerings, candles, flowers, Voodoo dolls, all in the hopes that Laveau will bestow her supernatural blessings. When people make a wish at her tomb, they return if their wish comes true and leave three X marks as a sign of their gratitude.

So, who was the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans? How did a freeborn Creole woman rise to become one of the most powerful, influential and feared women in 19th century Louisiana? Here’s the truth behind the legend…

Slave ships from West Africa first brought Voodoo to Louisiana. Practicioners knew which plants and herbs could heal and which could bring about hallucinations, sickness, and death.

Upon arrival, the slaves were christened Catholic and were orally taught the faith. In Catholicism the slaves found parallels in their own belief systems and in conjunction with their own religious practices involving naturalism, spiritualism and herbalism, voodoo practitioners would create amulets that had the power to heal or cause harm and perform rituals involving drums, prayer and dances designed to bring about a desired effect. Marie Laveau was one such voodoo practitioner. – Strange History

As a free woman of color, Marie Catherine Laveau was born in New Orleans on September 10, 1801. She was the illegitimate daughter of a free man of color and a Creole mother. Historians believe that Marie’s mother and grandmother were voodoo practitioners. In 1819, at the ripe young age of 18, Laveau married Jacques Paris, with whom she had two children, both of which are believed to have died young. Her husband also passed away under mysterious circumstances. By the time she was in her 20s she was known around town as the Widow Paris. This name would also be etched onto her tomb, which has become quite the popular tourist attraction.

After the death of Jacque, Marie became a hairdresser, most of her clients were wealthy white socialites, which allowed her to be privy to the myriad of rumors and gossip that floated around the French Quarter. Because Laveau had access to a wealth of information from both the elite women she serviced, to their servants and slaves, she was able to convince people that she was a Voodoo priestess with mystical powers. She was basically a 19th century Miss Cleo. Laveau then entered into a common-law marriage with Louis Christophe Dominick Duminy de Glapion (say that five times fast!) and they had seven children together. Unfortunately, only two of her children survived past childhood. In all, it’s believed Marie gave birth to 15 children, of which one lived to adulthood.

Of Laveau’s magical career, there is little that can be substantiated, including whether she had a snake she named Zombi after an African god, whether the occult part of her magic mixed Roman Catholic saints with African spirits, or whether her divinations were supported by a network of informants she developed while working as a hairdresser in prominent white households and in a brothel she ran. She appeared to excel at obtaining inside information on her wealthy patrons by instilling fear in their servants whom she either paid or cured of mysterious ailments.

People from each strata of society sought out Marie’s assistance with spells and potions.

It has been said that the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans had the power to put a person into or out of City Hall. She nurtured the sick through multiple epidemics, stood on the gallows ministering to the condemned and was accused of causing the deaths, through voodoo, of both a lieutenant governor and a governor. Many condemned her as a witch while others praised her as a saint. – Strange History

By the 1860s, Marie ceased practicing voodoo in public, however according to folklore she continued to practice foro well into old age. Her daughter Marie Laveau II actually picked up the mantle her mother left behind and was known for her “wild rituals in the swamps around New Orleans.” It’s believed that she drowned in Lake Pontchartrain.

Marie Laveau died on June 15, 1881. The New Orleans Daily Picayune printed the following obituary:

“Those who have passed by the quaint old house on St. Ann, between Rampart and Burgundy streets with the high frail looking fence in front over which a tree or two is visible, have been within the last few years, noticed through the open gateway a decrepid old lady with snow white hair, and a smile of peace and contentment lighting up her golden features. For a few years past she has been missed from her accustomed place. The feeble old lady lay upon her bed with her daughter and grand children around her ministering to her wants.”

The paper went on to write that she died with a smile on her face, and was buried in the family tomb at 5PM, in St. Louis Cemetery #1. Her funeral was attended by throngs of people.

Marie’s beauty and wisdom were also recounted in her obituary, however, her voodoo practices were referred to as being “skilled in the practice of medicine” and being “acquainted with the valuable healing qualities of the indigenous herbs.” The paper touched upon stories of her healing abilities as a “very successful nurse.”

“In yellow fever and cholera epidemics she was always called upon to nurse the sick, and always responded promptly. Her skills and knowledge earned her the friendship and approbation, of those sufficiently cultivated, but the ignorant attributed her success to unnatural means and held her in constant dread. Notably in 1853 a committee of gentlemen, appointed at a mass meeting held at Globe Hall, waited on Marie and requested her on behalf of the people to minister to the fever stricken. She went out and fought the pestilence where it was thickest and many alive today owe their salvation to her devotion. Not alone to the sick man was Marie Laveau a blessing. To help a fellow citizen in distress she considered a priceless privilege.”

The paper was very explicit in providing every minute detail of Laveau’s life. Noting that she lived in an “unassuming cottage”, built by French settlers, and was in a state of decay, but Marie welcomed people into her home, day or night, and provided them food and a warm place to spend the night.

Marie also made herself available to condemned men, providing them counsel before they were they were executed. In fact, Marie became a folk hero of sorts, fighting on behalf of the condemn. It was reported that she’d beg for mercy for prisoners, and she was reportedly very anti-capital punishment. In her obituary, the local paper noted her pious nature, and her devotion to Jesus and the church:

“All in all Marie Laveau was a most wonderful woman. Doing good for the sake of doing good alone, she obtained no reward, oft times meeting with prejudice and loathing, she was nevertheless content and did not lag in her work. She always had the cause of the people at heart and was with them in all things. During the late rebellion she proved her loyalty to the South at every opportunity and fully dispensed help to those who suffered in defense of the “lost cause.” Her last days were spent surrounded by sacred pictures and other evidences of religion, and she died with a firm trust in heaven. While God’s sunshine plays around the little tomb where her remains are buried, by the side of her second husband, and her sons and daughters, Marie Laveau’s name will not be forgotten in New Orleans.”

Reference: Tatiana Danger Roadtrippers

Smells like witch spirit: How the ancient world’s scented sorceresses influence ideas about magic today

Most perfume ads suggest that the right scent can make you sexy, alluring and successful. A blend by Black Phoenix Alchemy Labs, meanwhile, offers to make you smell like Hecate, the three-faced Greek goddess of witchcraft.

As a classics scholar who studies both magic and the senses in the ancient world, this idea of a witch-inspired perfume fascinates me – and “Hecate” is just one of many magic-inspired fragrances available today.

What does a witch smell like, and why would you deliberately perfume yourself like one?

Smells are impossible to see or touch, yet they affect us emotionally and even physically. That’s similar to how many people think of magic, and cultures around the world have connected the two. My current research is focused on how magic and scent were linked in ancient Rome and Greece, ideas that continue to shape views of witches in the West today.

Greeks and Romans of all walks of life believed in magic and used spells ranging from curses to healing magic and garden charms. Magical handbooks from the time show that Greco-Egyptian magicians used fragrance extensively in their rituals, even scented inks, and doctors believed strong-smelling plant species to be more medically effective than others. The gods themselves were thought to smell sweet, and places they touched retained a pleasant odor, making scent a sign of contact with the divine.

Witches wielding perfumes

Professional magicians in the ancient world claimed they could curse enemies, summon gods, heal the sick, raise ghosts, tell the future and accomplish various other miraculous feats. Surviving descriptions suggest that a majority of them were men, although certainly not all.

When it comes to Greek and Roman fiction, however, most magicians are women.

Witches in ancient literature use smells even more … Click here to read the rest of this article

What Are Glamour Spells?

With so many types of spells out there, it’s tough to figure out where to start. Glamour spells have been used by witches for centuries, but they aren’t the most well-known types of spells by any means.

Because glamour spells are generally underground, there aren’t many spells on Google or Pinterest that are readily available. I’m hoping that this post will provide you with some simple glamour spell ideas that work.

What Are Glamour Spells?

In magic, a glamour is a veil that hides what’s underneath. A glamour spell brings out one’s natural beauty while hiding those less-than-desirable aspects.

When you’re casting a glamour spell, you can either personally choose the aspects that you want to enhance or you can simply visualize beauty and let the spell choose.

A glamour spell typically doesn’t last that long. I find that most glamour spells I cast will last for a full day or so. I tend to cast glamour spells when I really need them which is mainly for special events.

I personally use glamour spells to appear more like who I truly feel I am inside. I don’t use them to run from myself, but I do have specific aspects of myself that I like more than others, and enhancing those aspects gives me confidence.

When Should You Cast Glamour Spells?

I recommend casting a glamour spell anytime you want to enhance your natural beauty. This might be when you feel a bit down, when you want to attract someone, when you’re going into a social situation you feel nervous about, or before a big night or event.

Sometimes, you may just want to cast a glamour spell for fun. All 3 of these glamour spells are relatively harmless, so go for it!

I don’t recommend that you cast a glamour spell if you feel at odds with yourself. A glamour spell is most effective when you harness your inner power and believe in yourself, but you first need to have some level of self-love.

A glamour spell isn’t likely to cause any type of negative karma, but it can bring out the effects you most hate in yourself if it’s cast with a negative or self-deprecating attitude.

A History Of Glamour Spells:

Glamour spells have been around for a long time. Before makeup and cosmetic modifiers were available to everyone, glamour spells were primary method of beauty modification.

In fact, makeup, botox, hair products, etc. are all forms of glamour spells. While witches in the 1200’s used herbs or chants for increase beauty, we use cosmetics.

Glamour spells are timeless and well-practiced for a reason: they work!

3 Easy Glamour Spells For Enhanced Beauty:

Here are 3 very simple glamour spells that are effective for both beginner and advanced students of witchcraft. If you choose to cast a circle during your practice, make sure to go ahead and do that before beginning these spells.

Click here to read the rest of this article Source: teaandrosemary.com

Witchcraft for Kids? Pros & Cons

In the dim, flickering glow of campfires and bedtime lanterns, tales of enchantment, witches, and spells have been passed down through generations. The allure of the mystical, with its blend of the familiar and the arcane, naturally piques the curiosity of young minds. Is it then a wonder that they’d want to explore the world of the occult? But when it comes to the reality of the occult, is it a realm too profound for youthful exploration? Is witchcraft for kids? Or should it be off-limits?

Remember when you were told not to play with Grandma’s tarot cards or found an old, dusty tombstone with esoteric symbols in the graveyard? Were you not curious?

Unveiling the Mysteries

To start, let’s dispel the clouds surrounding ‘occult.’ Rooted in Latin, ‘occultus’ simply signifies “hidden.” Over time, it has evolved to include practices like witchcraft, astrology, and alchemy. Far from mere shadows, these are imbued with cultural and historical relevance. But, is this a realm for children?

A Harmless Game … or Witchcraft for Kids?

I remember playing “Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board” at sleepover parties when I was a child (in the 70s, long before it was featured on any TV show). Anyway, one time, it actually worked, which of course both delighted us and freaked us out at the same time.

Such games, though seemingly innocuous, often straddle the line between innocent fun and deeper, misunderstood practices.

So, the next day, I came home and decided to play it with my little brother and our cousins. Unfortunately, our fanatically religious Christian parents caught us and turned the whole thing into something akin to a witchcraft trial rather than just chalking it up to a little harmless fun.

Isn’t it odd how people are always afraid of the ones accused of witchcraft rather than… Click here to read the rest of this article Source: grandmasgrimoire.com

Little Pagan Acorns

Searching for new and interesting things to post I came across this website geared towards helping children learn about paganism. They have many wonderful and interesting things you can print out or download as a PDF. I wish this was available when my children were growing up because maybe more than one of my five would have accepted my chosen path better. In case you are wondering no none of my children practice witchcraft and its spiritual as well as magickal path as a whole.

Click here to go to Little Pagan Acorns

How Glamor Magic Works

Glamor spells are a fascinating and often misunderstood form of witchcraft. This form of spell work can be very intimidating to newer witches. It can seem very complex, unpredictable, or intangible, and many witches avoid them entirely simply because they don’t know enough to feel comfortable performing this kind of magic. Some witches consider glamor spells to be immoral, almost like lying, while others consider glamor to be more like magical makeup, in other words, not immoral at all. And then there are the misconceptions about what glamor spells even do and how they work. Does it change how you look? Does it change what other people are seeing? Are the changes permanent?

Not to worry. Today we’re going to clear up all of this confusion and take a look at what glamor spells are, how they work, how you can use them in your craft, plus three new glamor spells that you can add to your grimoire today.

What Are Glamor Spells?

A glamor spell is any spell that changes how you are perceived by other people. This might be a change in how you look to other people, it might be a change in how you sound to other people, it could even be a change in the emotional response that you create in other people. Often when we hear the phrase glamor spell, we think of it as a purely physical type of magic, focused entirely around the visual presentation that you have, but this is not always the case. And glamor spells are not just for making yourself look more attractive!

This kind of magic is excellent for adjusting not only how people see you visually but also how confident your voice sounds, how competent you seem, how your gender presentation is being perceived, how put-together you seem, how much people feel like they can empathize with you, and much more. If you can think of a way to adjust how someone else is perceiving you, you can probably achieve that with a glamor spell.

That said, you can use glamor spells for vanity! There’s nothing wrong with that. If I’m going out on a date and I want to feel more confident and attractive on that date, a glamor spell can give me a little boost and help me feel much better going into my evening. If I’m going to a job interview and I want to impress the interviewer, I can use a glamor spell to make myself seem more competent, or professional, or trustworthy. As long as the magic adjusts how other people perceive you, then it’s a glamor spell.

How Glamor Spells Work

The big thing to know about glamor spells is that they do not actually change anything about you. Using spells that make you look more attractive to your date does not change your physical appearance. A spell to change how your gender presentation is perceived will not change your gender. Hell, a spell that’s designed to make you seem competent and trustworthy will not make you competent and trustworthy if you’re not. All a glamor spell does is change how people are perceiving you.

This means that if you cast a glamor spell to make yourself more attractive, your appearance is not changing. Instead, people are going to be more inclined to be attracted to you exactly as you are. If you cast a glamor spell to seem more confident, it’s not giving you confidence, all this spell is doing is making it so that the people you encounter feel like you are a confident person.

Some of you may be disappointed by this, but this is an excellent way to approach this kind of magic. It might take ten times the amount of magical energy to give you a boost in confidence, as it would to just make you appear more confident. And the amount of energy it would take to create actual physical changes to your body would be astronomical, to the degree that it’s practically impossible, compared to simply changing how other people perceive you. Not only that, but creating real, tangible changes takes time. Remember, we have to work within the bounds of the reality that we live in. Physics still exists. Time still exists. If you’re going to change something big about yourself, that change will take time. Usually, by the time you realize you need the change, it’s too late to cast a spell to do something that big. Glamor spells are a quick, relatively energy-sparing form of magic that can give you the result of making the change without having to spend a ton of effort making that change first.

You should also keep in mind that glamor spells can only do so much. You can’t make yourself look totally different from how you are. You probably won’t be able to make someone who hates you suddenly feel positive toward you. These spells are for creating subtle shifts in perception, not for making you into someone totally different!

Is Glamor Magic Immoral?

Okay, this brings us to the next question. Isn’t this kind of like lying to people? While I can’t give you a definitive answer as far as morality is concerned, since morals are highly relative and very much dependent on your individual beliefs, I can give you my perspective on the matter. Using glamor is no different from pretending that you are more confident than you are or putting on makeup to make yourself feel more attractive. And we do these things every day! Almost everyone pretends to be more confident than they are in a job interview. Everyone takes steps to make themselves look and feel more attractive before going on a date. These things aren’t lying, it’s natural to want to present yourself in the best light.

Often, glamor spells are used on special occasions. They’re used for that first date or they’re used for that job interview or they’re used for meeting your spouse’s parents. Usually, we use them in situations where we want a little boost to help things go our way or to help us feel more comfortable going into a situation. Now, if you were to use a glamor spell every single day, at that point it might tip into being morally questionable. For instance, if you use a glamor to make yourself more attractive on a first date and then you continue to use that same spell every single day for the entirety of your relationship, that could be seen as lying to them or manipulating them with magic.

Again, it’s not my job to tell you what’s right and wrong for you to do. But if you feel you have to use a glamor spell every single day, you should consider making real tangible changes to your life instead. Ask yourself, why do you feel like you need a glamor spell every single day? Do you feel like this person wouldn’t like you without the spell? Do you really want someone in your life who doesn’t like you unless you greatly alter their perception of you? Is this a change that you would want to make in your life, and would that change be worth the effort?

Only you can answer these questions for yourself and it’s going to vary depending on your circumstances. The bottom line is that glamor spells themselves are not immoral, but how you use glamor magic may or may not conflict with your moral compass. It’s up to you to figure out what feels right and wrong in your practice.

Using Glamors In Your Craft

Okay, so you have a better understanding of what glamor really is and how it works, and hopefully, you’ve taken a bit of time to figure out what feels right to you in terms of using this magic in your own life. Now how do you go about using glamor spells in your practice?

The good news is that glamor magic is just like any other spell. Provided you are following a quality spell and you’re comfortable and confident in your spell casting, there’s very little difference between casting a glamor spell and casting weather spells or love spells or money spells. The end goal is simply different. Here are three of my favorite glamor spells that you can use to try out this kind of magic for yourself.

Source: thetravelingwitch.com

History of Christmas

Christmas is celebrated on December 25 and is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. December 25—Christmas Day—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870.

The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.

How Did Christmas Start?

In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year.

The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe. At that time of year, most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking.

In Germany, people honored the pagan god Oden during the mid-winter holiday. Germans were terrified of Oden, as they believed he made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, and then decide who would prosper or perish. Because of his presence, many people chose to stay inside.

Table of Contents

How Did Christmas Start?

Saturnalia and Christmas 

Is Christmas Really the Day Jesus Was Born?

When Christmas Was Cancelled

Washington Irving Reinvents Christmas in America

‘A Christmas Carol’

Who Invented Santa Claus?

Christmas Facts

Click here to read the rest of this article Source: history.com

The Coming of Litha

 

The Coming of Litha

Litha is the Wiccan Sabbat that marks the Summer Solstice and usually occurs around December 21 in the Southern Hemisphere. It marks the first day of summer on traditional calendars, but it is actually the Midsummer mark for Pagans.

Litha marks the longest day of the year, the day when the sun reaches its apex and is aspected to zero degrees Cancer. This is a day that celebrates the God in all his glory. It is also the time of year when the Goddess is glowing with motherhood in her pregnancy.

In Wiccan lore, once again the Holly King and the Oak King battle. This time, it is the Holly King who is victorious, and from this point on, the days grow shorter.

For those of you familiar with Shakespeare, you might remember the play centered around the Solistice: “A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream”. It is believed that Midsummer Night’s Eve is a special time for those who believe in the Faerie traditions. Like Samhain, this is a day where the veils are thin between the realms of the Sidhe (the Faerie realm) and the world of mortals. It is a time for merriment and the making of wishes.

Litha marks the first of three harvest celebrations. This is the time to gather the herbs from your garden. Tradition suggests using your boline or a scythe to cut the plant by the moonlight. Some suggest chanting the use of the planet while doing so.

As we’ve seen happen in the past, Christianity has tried to hone in on our holiday. They have declared it John the Baptist’s birthday. I’ve read that other Saints in the Church are remembered on the day they’ve died. But not so with John the Baptist. He is the only Saint recognized on his birthday. They celebrate the Solstice with the Jack-in-the-Green to the Feast of St. John the Baptist, often portraying him in rustic attire, sometimes with horns and cloven feet (like Pan).

Published on Witchery

Litha Correspondences c.2018

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY COROSPONDENCES POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

Yule Log – It’s a Cake That Doubles as a Stunning Centerpiece

Chocolate Yule Log Recipe

Yields: 12 serving(s)
Prep Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours

The yule log is a classic Christmas dessert that not only looks pretty, it’s darn delicious, too. I remember seeing this traditional treat in the pages of cooking magazine for years, but it took years for me to try it myself. It turns out, it’s really not hard to make. If you doubt your ability to make one, just give it a shot. I promise you can do it. Just bake a cake, fill it with a sweet filling, roll it up, frost it, and ta da! It looks like a gorgeous woodland log straight out of a fairy tale.

What’s the tradition behind a yule log cake?

Over the history of Christmas, yule logs date back to the 1600s when families would burn the real log on Christmas Eve to symbolize the coming of the new year and good luck. Then, they were popularized in French bakeries during the 19th century where they get their other common name, Bûche de Noël. Many of these lovely cakes are garnished with elaborate meringue mushrooms or other edible woodland creatures, but you’ll love the simplicity of this one.

What’s the difference between a Swiss roll and a yule log?

While both desserts feature a thin layer of cake and fluffy filling rolled into a log, the difference between a yule log and a Swiss roll is how the two are decorated. Swiss rolls are typically kept plain while yule logs are cut, frosted, and adorned to look like, well, logs! Some versions are artfully topped with meringue mushrooms and other intricate things, but simple garnishes like pomegranate seeds and fresh rosemary work perfectly.

How do you roll a yule log without it breaking?

The key is to roll the cake, unfilled, fresh out of the oven. Cake is much more pliable when it’s hot, which means you can easily roll it up and shape it into a log without fear of it cracking and breaking. Once the cake has completely cooled, you’ll carefully unroll it, fill it, and roll it up again! If you do end up with any cracks, don’t worry—the frosting will cover them!

How do you decorate a yule log?

This is the fun part: Once you get the log in place, slather the whole thing in the chocolate frosting. Then run the tines of a fork over the frosting to create a bark-like appearance. Stick a few sprigs of rosemary around the log and top with pomegranate seeds. If you don’t want to use pomegranates, sugared cranberries look pretty! A sprinkle of powdered sugar is great, too.

How do you store a yule log?

Wrap it tightly in plastic and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Wait to add the pomegranate seeds and rosemary until just before serving.

Ingredients

Cake

4 Tbsp. salted butter, melted, plus more for the pan

6 large eggs, separated

1/4 tsp. cream of tartar

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

3/4 c. granulated sugar

3/4 c. all-purpose flour

1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1/4 c. strong brewed coffee, at room temperature

1/4 c. powdered sugar

Filling

4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature

1/2 c. powdered sugar, sifted

1 c. heavy cream

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Frosting

12 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped

3/4 c. heavy cream

1 Tbsp. light corn syrup

Rosemary sprigs and pomegranate seeds, for garnish

See Nutritional Information

Directions

    1. To make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 12-by-17-inch rimmed baking sheet. Line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides. Butter the parchment.
    2. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until frothy. Add 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar and beat on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 2 minutes.
    3. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. In a separate large bowl, combine the egg yolks, the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, and the vanilla. Beat on high speed until thick and creamy, 3 to 4 minutes. Beat in the melted butter and coffee until combined.
    4. Add the flour mixture to the yolk mixture and beat on low speed until well combined. Fold a spoonful of the beaten egg whites into the batter until no streaks remain. Gently fold in the remaining egg whites until combined.
    5. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, gently nudging the batter so it fills the corners. Give the pan a little shimmy to even it out. Bake until the top just starts to spring back when gently pressed, 10 to 12 minutes (the top might still feel a little tacky). Do not over-bake or the cake will crack.
    6. Place a clean dish towel on a large wire rack. Dust the cake with 2 tablespoons of the powdered sugar. While the cake is still hot, loosen the edges from the pan, then turn out the cake onto the towel; carefully remove the parchment. Dust the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons powdered sugar.
    7. Starting at one of the long sides, use the towel to tightly roll up the cake with the towel inside. Position the cake seam-side down and let cool about 1 hour.
    8. To make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on low speed until just smooth. Add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually beat in the heavy cream 1/4 cup at a time, making sure the mixture is smooth before adding more cream. Increase the speed to medium high and beat until stiff peaks form, 2 to 4 minutes. Add the vanilla and beat for a few more seconds, just to combine.
    9. Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread evenly with the filling, leaving a 1/4- to 1/2-inch border on all sides. Re-roll the cake, using the towel to help you. Cover the cake roll with parchment paper and then tightly wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 2 hours.
    10. Meanwhile, for the frosting: To a medium bowl, add the chocolate. In a saucepan, bring the heavy cream and corn syrup to a simmer, then pour over the chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Let thicken at room temperature until spreadable, about 2 hours.
    11. Unwrap the cake on a cutting board. Cut off one-fourth of the cake on a sharp diagonal for the branch. Position the branch against the remaining cake roll on a platter. Cover the cake with the frosting using an offset spatula, then drag a fork through the frosting to create a bark-like texture. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and pomegranate seeds.

History of Friday the 13th

Long considered a harbinger of bad luck, Friday the 13th has inspired a late 19th-century secret society, an early 20th-century novel, a horror film franchise and not one but two unwieldy terms—paraskavedekatriaphobia and friggatriskaidekaphobia—that describe fear of this supposedly unlucky day.

The Fear of 13

Just like walking under a ladder, crossing paths with a black cat or breaking a mirror, many people hold fast to the belief that Friday the 13th brings bad luck. Though it’s uncertain exactly when this particular tradition began, negative superstitions have swirled around the number 13 for centuries.

While Western cultures have historically associated the number 12 with completeness (there are 12 days of Christmas, 12 months and zodiac signs, 12 labors of Hercules, 12 gods of Olympus and 12 tribes of Israel, just to name a few examples), its successor 13 has a long history as a sign of bad luck.

The ancient Code of Hammurabi, for example, reportedly omitted a 13th law from its list of legal rules. Though this was probably a clerical error, superstitious people sometimes point to this as proof of 13’s longstanding negative associations.

Fear of the number 13 has even earned a psychological term: triskaidekaphobia.

Why is Friday the 13th Unlucky?

According to biblical tradition, 13 guests attended the Last Supper, held on Maundy Thursday, including Jesus and his 12 apostles (one of whom, Judas, betrayed him). The next day, of course, was Good Friday, the day of Jesus’ crucifixion.

Though Friday’s negative associations are weaker, some have suggested they also have roots in Christian tradition: Just as Jesus was crucified on a Friday, Friday was also said to be the day Eve gave Adam the fateful apple from the Tree of Knowledge, as well as the day Cain killed his brother, Abel.

The Thirteen Club

In the late-19th century, a New Yorker named Captain William Fowler (1827-1897) sought to remove the enduring stigma surrounding the number 13—and particularly the unwritten rule about not having 13 guests at a dinner table—by founding an exclusive society called the Thirteen Club.

The group dined regularly on the 13th day of the month in room 13 of the Knickerbocker Cottage, a popular watering hole Fowler owned from 1863 to 1883. Before sitting down for a 13-course dinner, members would pass beneath a ladder and a banner reading “Morituri te Salutamus,” Latin for “Those of us who are about to die salute you.”

Four former U.S. presidents (Chester A. Arthur, Grover Cleveland, Benjamin Harrison and Theodore Roosevelt) would join the Thirteen Club’s ranks at one time or another.

Friday the 13th in Pop Culture

An important milestone in the history of the Friday the 13th legend in particular (not just the number 13) occurred in 1907, with the publication of the novel Friday, the Thirteenth written by Thomas William Lawson.

The book told the story of a New York City stockbroker who plays on superstitions about the date to create chaos on Wall Street, and make a killing on the market.

The horror movie Friday the 13th, released in 1980, introduced the world to a hockey mask-wearing killer named Jason, and is perhaps the best-known example of the famous superstition in pop culture history. The movie spawned multiple sequels, as well as comic books, novellas, video games, related merchandise and countless terrifying Halloween costumes.

What bad things happened on Friday 13th?

On Friday, October 13, 1307, officers of King Philip IV of France arrested hundreds of the Knights Templar, a powerful religious and military order formed in the 12th century for the defense of the Holy Land.

Imprisoned on charges of various illegal behaviors (but really because the king wanted access to their financial resources), many Templars were later executed. Some cite the link with the Templars as the origin of the Friday the 13th superstition, but like many legends involving the Templars and their history, the truth remains murky.

In more recent times, a number of traumatic events have occurred on Friday the 13th, including the German bombing of Buckingham Palace(September 1940); the murder of Kitty Genovese in Queens, New York (March 1964); a cyclone that killed more than 300,000 people in Bangladesh (November 1970); the disappearance of a Chilean Air Force plane in the Andes (October 1972); the death of rapper Tupac Shakur (September 1996) and the crash of the Costa Concordia cruise ship off the coast of Italy, which killed 30 people (January 2012).

Sources:

“The Origins of Unlucky Friday the 13th,” Live Science.
“Friday the 13th: why is it unlucky and other facts about the worst day in the calendar,” The Telegraph.
“13 Freaky Things That Happened on Friday the 13th,” Live Science.
“Here’s Why Friday the 13th is Considered Unlucky,” Time.
“Friggatriskaidekaphobes Need Not Apply,” New-York Historical Society.

The Enigma of Friday the 13th: Sacred Symbolism for Witches and Women

Friday the 13th is a date shrouded in mystery and superstition. It invokes both fear and fascination in the minds of many. While often associated with ill luck and dark omens, this peculiar day holds a sacred significance for witches and women alike. Delving into the depths of history, folklore, and cultural beliefs, we unravel the enigma behind Friday the 13th and explore its connection to witchcraft and the empowerment of women.

Origins and Historical Significance:

What are the origins of the superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th? It can be traced back to a convergence of various historical and cultural influences. The perceived unluckiness of Friday can be attributed to Christian beliefs. It is supposed as the day on which Jesus was crucified. Additionally, it was believed that Eve tempted Adam with the forbidden fruit on a Friday. This perpetuated the association of the day with misfortune.

The fear surrounding the number 13, known as triskaidekaphobia, has deep historical roots as well. Many ancient cultures considered the number 12 to be complete and harmonious, representing the twelve months, zodiac signs, and apostles. The number 13, therefore, disrupted this balance and was viewed as a symbol of chaos and disruption.

Sacredness in Witchcraft: Click here to read the rest of this article

THE ORIGIN OF FRIDAY THE 13TH AS AN UNLUCKY DAY

Being wary of Friday the 13th is much more than a quaint superstition observed by a few uneducated people in distant, unreachable towns and hamlets. In the United States alone, it is estimated that between 17 and 21 million people dread that date to the extent that it can be officially classified as a phobia.

So why is Friday the 13th considered such an “evil” day?

The origins aren’t perfectly clear, but we do know that both Friday and, separately, the number 13 have long been considered unlucky and it was around the late 19th century that the first documented instances started popping up of people putting the two together to form the unluckiest day of all.

Click here to read this rest of this article Source: todayifoundout.com

 

Some History about Friday the 13th

Source: history.com

Long considered a harbinger of bad luck, Friday the 13th has inspired a late 19th-century secret society, an early 20th-century novel, a horror film franchise and not one but two unwieldy terms—paraskavedekatriaphobia and friggatriskaidekaphobia—that describe fear of this supposedly unlucky day.

Table of Contents

The Fear of 13

Why is Friday the 13th Unlucky?

The Thirteen Club

Friday the 13th in Pop Culture

What Bad Things Happened on Friday 13th?

Sources

Can Poinsettias Kill Your Cat? (or Dog) c. 2011

Can Poinsettias Kill Your Cat? (or Dog)

  • Melissa Breyer

It’s possible that poinsettias get the bummest rap in all of the plant world. They’ve got a bad-girl reputation as deadly beauties, but is the ubiquitous holiday plant actually toxic? About 70 percent of the population will answer yes, and although every year there is a bumper crop of stories explaining otherwise–the myth persists. In reality, ingestion of excessive poinsettia may produce only mild to moderate gastrointestinal tract irritation, which can include drooling and vomiting–kind of like drinking too much brandy-spiked eggnog? The poor poinsettia, so misunderstood…

It all started back in the early part of the 20th century when the two-year-old child of a U.S. Army officer was alleged to have died from consuming a poinsettia leaf. As these things have a habit of doing, the toxic potential of poinsettia has become highly exaggerated–and many a cat-keeper now treat poinsettias as persona non grata (or, as the case may be, poinsettia non grata) in their households. Keeping this plant out of the reach of your pet to avoid stomach upset is still a good idea, but according to the ASPCA, you need not banish the poinsettia from your home for fear of a fatal exposure.

So poinsettias, consider yourself absolved. As for the other holiday fave? Mistletoe has the potential to cause cardiovascular problems (and not just from forced smooches)–however, mistletoe ingestion usually only causes gastrointestinal upset. But there are other common household plants that have been reported as having some serious systemic effects–and/or intense effects on the gastrointestinal tract on animals.

Lilies. Members of the Lilium family are considered to be highly toxic to cats. Many types of lily, such as Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Easter, Stargazer, and the Casa Blanca, can cause kidney failure in cats. While the poisonous component has not yet been identified, it is clear that with even ingestions of very small amounts of the plant, severe kidney damage could result.

Marijuana. Ingestion of Cannabis sativa by companion animals can result in depression of the central nervous system and incoordination, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, and even seizures and coma–even if they don’t inhale. But cats can get all the same fun without the buzz-killing side effects from marijuana’s cuz, catnip!

Sago Palm. All parts of Cycas Revoluta are poisonous, but the seeds or “nuts” contain the largest amount of toxin. The ingestion of just one or two seeds can result in very serious effects, which include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and liver failure.

Tulip/Narcissus Bulbs. The bulb portions of Tulips and Narcissus contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.

Azalea/Rhododendron. Members of the Rhododenron family contain substances known as grayantoxins, which can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system in animals. Severe azalea poisoning could ultimately lead to coma and death from cardiovascular collapse.

Oleander. All parts of Nerium oleander are considered to be toxic, as they contain cardiac glycosides that have the potential to cause serious effects–including gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.

Castor Bean. The poisonous principle in Ricinus communis is ricin, a highly toxic protein that can produce severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness and loss of appetite. Severe cases of poisoning can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma and death.

Cyclamen. Cylamen species contain cyclamine, but the highest concentration of this toxic component is typically located in the root portion of the plant. If consumed, Cylamen can produce significant gastrointestinal irritation, including intense vomiting. Fatalities have also been reported in some cases.

Kalanchoe. This plant contains components that can produce gastrointestinal irritation, as well as those that are toxic to the heart, and can seriously affect cardiac rhythm and rate.

Yew. Contains a toxic component known as taxine, which causes central nervous system effects such as trembling, incoordination, and difficulty breathing. It can also cause significant gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure, which can result in death.

Amaryllis. Common garden plants popular around the holidays, Amaryllis species contain toxins that can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia and tremors.

Autumn Crocus. Ingestion of Colchicum autumnale by pets can result in oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, multi-organ damage and bone marrow suppression.

Chrysanthemum. These popular blooms are part of the Compositae family, which contain pyrethrins that may produce gastrointestinal upset, including drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, if eaten. In certain cases depression and loss of coordination may also develop if enough of any part of the plant is consumed.

English Ivy. Also called branching ivy, glacier ivy, needlepoint ivy, sweetheart ivy and California ivy, Hedera helix contains triterpenoid saponins that, should pets ingest, can result in vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and diarrhea.

Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily). Spathiphyllum contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest.

Pothos. Pothos (both Scindapsus and Epipremnum) belongs to the Araceae family. If chewed or ingested, this popular household plant can cause significant mechanical irritation and swelling of the oral tissues and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

Schefflera. Schefflera and Brassaia actinophylla contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest.

What do do? Should your cat eat part of a poisonous plant, promptly bring your cat to your veterinarian. If you can, take the plant with you for ease of identification. If you think that your animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA 24-hour emergency poison hotline directly at 1-888-426-4435.

Magickal Goody of the Day – Make A Stone Sun Dial for Litha

Make a Stone Circle Sundial

Placing the Stones

Stonehenge is one of the world’s best known stone circles, and many researchers have noted that the structure functions as a giant astronomical calendar and sundial. Most people can’t build a Stonehenge replica in their back yard, but what you can do is create a sundial of your own using stones you’ve found. If you have children, this is a great science project to do, but even if you don’t have kids, it’s fascinating to create your own sundial.

If you can do this around Litha, at Midsummer, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to recognize the powerful energy of the sun!

You’ll need the following items:

  • A pole or straight stick
  • Several large stones
  • A clock or watch to calibrate your sundial

Making Your Sundial

Find a place in your yard that gets sun for most of the day. Although it’s ideal to do this in the grass of even a patch of dirt, if all you have is a sidewalk or driveway, then that’s fine too. Mount the pole by sticking it into the dirt. If you’re making your sundial on a hard surface like concrete, then use a block of clay or a bucket of soil to secure the pole.

Keep an eye on your clock. At each hour, take note of where the pole’s shadow falls, and mark the spot with a stone.

If you start this project in the morning, you’ll be able to mark most of the daytime spots – if you start later in the day, you may have to come back the next morning to figure out where your morning hours are.

To tell the time with your sundial, look for the pole’s shadow. Where it falls between the stones will give you the time.

Source: Article found on & owned by About.com

To My Fellow Poor Witches c.2018

Being A Witch c.2018