Category: Articles

Your Year & A Day Studies Should Include….

Your Year & A Day Studies Should Include….

  • Know what magick is.

  • Know different ways to raise, direct and ground energy.

  • Know how to cast a magick circle.

  • Know how to open a circle.

  • Know the basic outline of a spell.

  • Know the Intent or Purpose

  • What is it you are trying to do? Heal an illness? Increase your concentration? Bring love into your life? Sell a house? Celebrate a Sabbat? Before you begin any magickal working, you should have a firm grasp on what outcome you are seeking.

  • Know the Best Time to Work the Spell

  • Do you know what type of magick should be worked during the waning moon and what type during the waxing moon?

  • What type of magick is best worked on the full moon? The new moon?

  • What days of the week are best for what types of magick?

  • Learn how the moon phases and days of the week affect magickal workings so you will know when to work your spell.

  • Know Correspondences

  • Learn which colors will bring what results.

  • Learn a little about herbalism, which herbs can be used for what magickal purposes.

  • Learn about image magick and how it works.

  • Learn about elemental magick, which elements can be used for what types of magick.

A Little Humor for Your Day – 'Any Gators?'

Any Gators?

While sports fishing off the Florida coast, a tourist’s boat capsized. Although he could swim, his fear of alligators kept him clinging to the capsized craft. Finally spotting a beachcomber on the shore, he shouted out to him, “Hey, are there any ‘gators around here?”

“Nope,” the man yelled back. “Ain’t been any ‘gators ’round these parts for years!”

Feeling more at ease, the tourist commenced swimming leisurely towards shore.

When he was about halfway there, he shouted out to the beachcomber again, “How’d you get rid of the ‘gators?”

“Oh, we didn’t do nothin’,” the beachcomber yelled back. “The sharks got every last one of ‘em!”

Calendar of the Moon for July 17th

Calendar of the Moon

Holly Tree Month

Colors: Iron-grey, red, and dark green.
Element: Fire
Altar: Upon cloth of dark grey set many sprigs of holly, real or created, four red candles, a spear and a sword.
Offerings: Honor your inner warrior, including examining the areas where s/he overreacts.
Daily Meal: Red food. Meat of any kind.

Tinne Invocation

Call: Hail the month of the Holly King!
Response: Hail the King of the waning year!
Call: Hail, sharp leaves and sharper eye!
Response: Hail, white flowers that give way to blood-red berries!
Call: Hail the month of the starling’s flock!
Response: For the starlings move together as one!
Call: Like them, we defend what is dear to us!
Response: Like them, we do not let each other stand alone against opposition!
Call: Hail the color of cold iron!
Response: Hail the sword and the spear!
Call: For our sword is Reason….
Response: And our spear is the death of Illusion!
Call: Hail the color of cold iron!
Response: Hail the armor and the shield!
Call: For our armor is Hope….
Response: And our shield is Love.
Call: The Oak King gives way to the Holly King…
Response: For all things have a time of increase, and a time of decrease.
Call: For all things wax and wane.
Response: For all things rise and fall.
Call: This is the moment just beyond the year’s apex!
Response: This is the time of the beginning of the end!
Call: May we take courage with every passing morning!
Response: May courage fill us with every breath!

Chant:
Spear of truth, find me,
I open myself to you.
Chains of honor, bind me,
Bound, I am free to hold true.

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for July 17th

Calendar of the Sun

Solstitium

Colors: Green and gold
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon cloth of green and gold set flowers and herbs in pots, a bowl of rainwater, a large pitcher of manure tea, and several empty baskets.
Offerings: Water and fertilizer, to be added to the garden.
Daily Meal: Vegetarian.

Solstitium Invocation

Earth, you begin to give forth your bounty!
Like the maiden blossoming into the mother,
Like the youth growing into the father,
You yield your children up to us
For our sustenance and health,
As we are also your children.
We will not waste your gifts!
We will nurture what you bring forth
With the labor of our hands,
That those gifts shall be sustained
Year after year, and that you shall
Never be exhausted.
We will not be ungrateful, O Earth whose life is ours,
But we will give back as much as we take,
For this is the way of balance.

Chant:
Life harnessed
Call the sun to us
Sacred harvest
You are one with us

(Two who have been chosen to do the work of the ritual take up the rainwater and the manure tea, and carry them out to the garden, where they are ceremonially poured around the roots of the herbs and vegetables. All others follow with the empty baskets, and harvest some thing from the garden, whether a token or a main part of the next meal. After this, each should do some part of the work of further watering, or fertilizing, or mulching, to give back to the earth as much as is taken away.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Little Known Facts About Your Besom

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Little Known Facts About Your Besom

The besom is a long-handled tool with a bundle at one end that once made from the broom plant, which grows on European heaths and pastures. Broom is characterized by yellow flowers and angular branches ideal for bundling. Thus, the instrument made of this plant came to be known as a broom.

Since Roman times, the broom has been associated with feminine power and magick. Prior to childbirth, women used a broom to sweep the threshold of a house both for protection and to prepare the way for the new spirit to enter. Gypsy marriage rituals included jumping over a broomstick to ensure the couple’s fertility; this ritual neatly marked the line between single and married life. The broom appears in the folklore of various countries and cultures, such as these:

In some parts of the Western world, a broom propped up outside a house identified it as a house of prostitution.

*In Madagascar, women danced with brooms while their men were at war in order to sweep away the enemy.

*In China, the broom represents wisdom and insight because it brushes away worries.

*In Japan, brooms are used during spring rituals to purify the ceremonial space.

*In Victorian-age America, a new broom would never be bought in May, “lest you sweep the family away.”

No, witches don’t fly on brooms–that’s just a colorful misconception. Instead, they use them to sweep away unwanted energies from sacred space.

The Witches Spell for July 17th – Spell for Personal Change

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Spell for Personal Change

This spell utilizes the transformative powers of fire for personal change.

What you need: Candle, Fire Proof Container, Paper, Pencil.

What to do: Relax. Light the candle. Sit down and write down ALL the things you want to change about yourself. Make sure they are things you truly wish to change. When you are done catch the paper on fire and when it first lights say to the paper:

“I BANISH THIS!”

Place the paper in fire proof container and gaze into the burning flames. Say:

“Transformation I call to me,
Blessed Fire answer my plea.
Banish the old and bring in the new,
Clear the way for what’s healthy and true.”

Keep saying it until the flames die down to nothing. Make a concerted effort to change your ways/habits/thoughts and fire will help you achieve success.

Let’s Talk Witch – Shapeshifting

Gothic Comments

Let’s Talk Shapeshifting

Mythology, fairy tales, and legends contain many tales of humans and deities assuming the bodies of animals temporarily. Zeus, for instance, changed himself into a swan in order to seduce Leda. Merlin instructed the young King Arthur in the art of shapeshifting, teaching him to take on the forms of a badger, hawk and bird.

Shapeshifting means changing your form into something else–an animal or another human being–for a particular purpose. Shamans often shapeshifts in order to acquire the powers of an animal during a journey. Witches might choose to shapeshift in order to explore, gain knowledge, or see things from a different perspective, or for healing purposes, or to conceal their true identities.

When you shapeshift, you don’t actually turn into an animal; you experience its energy as strongly as you can so you become like the animal. If you wish to practice this art, begin by meeting your power animal or totem during meditation. Ask permission to enter it briefly, to learn what it can teach you. Envision yourself entering into the animal’s body and becoming one with it. Try to see the world through the animal’s eyes. Feel yourself existing within its form; sense the world as the animal does. You may wish to actually move about in a manner that’s characteristic of the animal. When you’ve learned what you sought to learn, thank the animal and return to your usual human form.

Some people like to don animal masks or costumes as part of their shapeshifting practices. Others enjoy observing animal in their wild habitat. As you watch birds and animals in nature, try to communicate with them and listen to what they “say” to you. If you keep your heart and mind open, you can learn a great deal from the animal kingdom that will help you–and them–in the practice of magick and the process of evolution.

Celebrating Spirituality 365 Days A Year – July 17th, Turtle Day

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July 17th

Turtle Day

Snapping turtles weigh about 10 to 12 pounds and are generally active during Midsummer. It was around this time of the year in Churubusco, Indiana, that Gale Harris, a farmer, heard that a turtle the size of a tabletop lived in the lake on his property. While Harris was patching his roof with the help of his minister, the turtle was spotted at a distance. Upon a closer look, it appeared that the turtle was four to five feet wide and about six feet long–in short a monster! With significant effort, and help from his neighbors, Harris sought to capture the turtle.

It seems that Harris tried nets, grapples, homemade nets and pens, professional divers, and even a female turtle as a decoy. After articles appeared in local papers, crowds began to gather to watch the various efforts. But, the turtle who came to be known as Oscar always managed to escape unscathed. In 1950, the town needed to raise funds build a new meeting hall and decided to exploit the fame of Oscar, the so-called Beast of Busco, as its main attraction. The festival was such a success that the Midsummer pattern for Turtle Day was set and continues today.

The Turtle

Because of its slow and deliberate movement, the turtle is regarded as intelligent and prudent. Its ability to reach very old age assures it great respect. In most African legends, the turtle always comes away victorious and is usually associated with the God of rain, because of its ability to live both on land and in the water.

The Witches Correspondence for Wednesday, July 17th

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The Witches Correspondence for Wednesday, July 17th

Magickal Intentions: Communication, Divination, Writing, Knowledge, Business Transactions, Debt, Fear, Loss, Travel and Money Matters
Incense: Jasmine, Lavender, Sweet Pea
Planet: Mercury and Chiron (though this is a moon of Pluto)
Sign: Virgo
Angel: Raphael
Colors: Orange, Light Blue, Grey, Yellow and Violet
Herbs/Plants: Fern, Lavender, Hazel, Cherry, Periwinkle
Stones: Aventurine, Bloodstone, Hematite, Moss Agate and Sodalite
Oil: (Mercury) Benzoin, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Lavender

This day is governed by Mercury. Wednesday’s vibration adds power to rituals involving inspiration, communications, writers, poets, the written and spoken word, and all matters of study, learning, and teaching. This day also provides a good time to begin efforts involving self-improvement or understanding

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, July 17th

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The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, July 17th

Wednesday (Mercury): The conscious mind, study, travel, divination and wisdom.

Rivera Day (Puerto Rican)

Waxing Moon

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

Moon phase: Second Quarter

Moon Sign: Scorpio

Scorpio: Increases awareness of psychic power. Precipitates psychic crises and ends connections thoroughly. People tend to brood and become secretive.

Incense: Marjoram

Color:  Green

Have A Very Beautiful & Blessed Wednesday, dear friends & family!

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Full Moon Chant

By the one power

Acting for me and through me (us)

I hereby Draw Down The Moon

Into myself  (into us all)

According to free will and for the good of all.

Diane, Selene, Hecate, enter me now!

I hereby Draw Down the Moon for

(here you list specific work or desire, it’s equivalent or better)

Thank you, Diana,

Thank you Selene,

Thank you Hecate.

The power that moves the moon moves through me always- (us)

Through all time and all space

So mote it be

'THINK on THESE THINGS' for July 16th

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

There are many fears in the minds of man, but none so subtle, yet so effectual, as fear of failure.

We are so afraid we’ve been unwise and wasted valuable time and it makes us wonder how many times we’ve failed those who depended upon us, and how many times we’ve failed ourselves.

Time seems too short to make up and overcome the things long past. It seems sometimes that opportunities are there and gone before we’ve had time to make use of them. We condemn ourselves so much for the lack of knowledge when we most needed it. But if decisions were made on after thought, they might not be as wise as those made quickly, without time to think.

We should no longer think about past failures, nor give undue thought to our chances for future ones, but only begin now to do the very best we can.

True failure comes only to those who stop trying, for no age, no time, no place can stop the person who decides to try one more time. As Frederick William Farrar, English author, has written, “There is only one real failure in life that is possible, and that is, not to be true to the best one knows.”

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

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

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

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

Elder's Meditation of the Day July 16

Elder’s Meditation of the Day July 16

“Grandfather says…you must not hurt anybody or do harm to anyone. You must not fight. Do right always. It will give you satisfaction in life.”

–Wovoka, PAIUTE

The question one should ask themselves is: Do you want to be right or do you want to be happy? If you want to be right, this is a request from your ego. If you want to be happy then this is of the Great Spirit. The only meaning anything has is the meaning we give it. Maybe we should develop a philosophy of: Today is the last day of the rest of my life. If this were true, how easy it would be to let things go – how easy it would be to forgive.

Oh Great Spirit, let me live today as if it was my last. Let me express Your joy and be happy today. Let me see the joy and honor of living on the Red Road.

July 16 – Daily Feast

July 16 – Daily Feast

If time were a dollar – how careful we would be with how we spent it. We wouldn’t spend it on worry, for we know fretting is not profitable. Anything limited makes us conscious of what we do with it, whether it is time or money or the people in our lives. How we value what we have decides what we keep. The Cherokee doesn’t want many things, but they know the wise are, I yv da, careful or mindful of what is important. Such caution teaches us to think before we talk, to slow our pace and find peace of mind. It eventually gives us more resources, and more time to enjoy them.

~ If we could have spared more, we would have given more…. ~

CANASSATEGO

‘A Cherokee Feast of Days’, by Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Daily Motivator for July 16th – Get Better and Better

Get better and better

Every moment is a choice, and every day is a consequence of all the choices  you have made. To achieve different consequences, make different choices.

Each experience is a learning experience. Continue to learn what works and  what doesn’t, what fulfills you and what doesn’t, and use that knowledge to  great benefit.

Find valuable insight in what has been, and make use of that insight right  now when choosing what to do. That’s a surefire way to improve what will be.

As life goes on, you have every opportunity to get better and better at it.  With each joy, each disappointment, each success and each setback, your choices  can become more powerful and effective.

Life generously teaches, so learn. Life demonstrates, inspires, and gives  priceless feedback, so pay close attention and eagerly apply its ongoing  lessons.

You’re truly blessed with the opportunity to continue getting better. Take  that opportunity, now and always, and delight in continuing to discover all the  good you can do.

— Ralph Marston

Daily Motivator

Daily OM for July 16th – Recognizing Our Own Greatness

Recognizing Our Own Greatness

The Greatness in Others

by Madisyn Taylor

We are all moved by greatness when we see it we know the feeling of it and have it within ourselves.

A person who is said to possess greatness stands apart from others in some way, usually by the size or originality of their vision and their ability to manifest that vision. And yet those who recognize that greatness, whether they display it themselves or not, also have greatness within them; otherwise, they could not see it in another. In many ways, the achievements of one person always belong to many people for we accomplish nothing alone in this world. People who display greatness rely upon others who are able to see as they do, to listen, encourage, and support. Without those people who recognize greatness and move in to support it, even the greatest ideas, works of art, and political movements would remain unborn.

We are all moved by greatness when we see it, and although the experience is to some degree subjective, we know the feeling of it. When we encounter it, it is as if something in us stirs, awakens, and comes forth to meet what was inside us all along. When we respond to someone else’s greatness, we feed our own. We may feel called to dedicate ourselves to their vision, or we may be inspired to follow a path we forge ourselves. Either way, we cannot lose when we recognize that the greatness we see in others belongs also to us. Our recognition of this is a call to action that, if heeded, will inspire others to see in us the greatness they also possess. This creates a chain reaction of greatness unfolding itself endlessly into the future.

Ultimately, greatness is simply the best of what humanity has to offer. Greatness does what has not been done before and inspires the same courage that it requires. When we see it in others, we know it, and when we trust its presence in ourselves, we embody it.

Insect Repellent

INSECT REPELLENT

2 oz. vegetable oil or vodka
1/4 tsp each citronella and eucalyptus essential oils
1/8 tsp each pennyroyal, cedar and rose geranium essential oil,

Combine ingredients and apply mixture directly to all exposed skin. Keep oil
away from eyes and mouth – take care not to rub your eyes right after applying
the repellent with your fingers

Insect Bite Oil

I don’t know if you have the same problem that we do. You can’t sit out at night without the bugs trying to carry you off.  Then while you are swaying at this one, there is another one biting the crap out of you. Then you scratch yourself to death the rest of the night. This oil recipe below is simple but it good. It takes the itch right out of those bites.

INSECT BITE OIL

1 tsp Lavender Essential Oil
1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil

Combine essential oil and vegetable oil and dab mixture directly on bite as
needed. Store in a bottle with a tight lid.

Finding The Right Crystal

FINDING THE RIGHT CRYSTAL

Special care should be taken when selecting a personal crystal. Try and obtain a
single point with an intact point and all six facets visible on its surface. If
the point is chipped, the energy emitted will not be as focused. It should also
be small enough to hold in one hand. The suggested sizes can range from less
than two inches to five inches in height and diameter. If you are right-hand
dominant, the quartz’s vibrations can be tested by holding the crystal point up
toward the head in your left hand.

The Point is placed up rather than down in order to direct the energies into
your brain. The left hand is preferred as it is connected to the opposite side
of the brain. This is the right hemisphere, the intuitive portion of our mind.
For those people who are left-handed dominant, the holding process should be
reversed.

After holding the stone for a few minutes some people may experience energy
vibrations in the form of body temperature changes, colors flashing through the
mind, or a feeling of peaceful compatibility. If any uncomfortable sensations
are experienced, choose another crystal and repeat the same process. It is
important that you synchronize with its energies.

Often a stone will choose us by projecting strong vibration. It is not uncommon
to walk away from such a crystal only to discover a compulsion to return and
purchase it.

The most aesthetically pleasing is not necessarily the correct crystal.