Litha Legends and Lore – Myths and Mysteries of the Midsummer Solstice

Litha Legends and Lore

Myths and Mysteries of the Midsummer Solstice

Litha, or Midsummer, is a celebration that has been observed for centuries, in one form or another. It is no surprise, then, that there are plenty of myths and legends associated with this time of year!

In England, rural villagers built a big bonfire on Midsummer’s Eve. This was called “setting the watch,” and it was known that the fire would keep evil spirits out of the town. Some farmers would light a fire on their land, and people would wander about, holding torches and lanterns, from one bonfire to another. If you jumped over a bonfire — presumably without lighting your pants on fire — you were guaranteed to have good luck for the coming year.

After your Litha fire has burned out and the ashes gone cold, use them to make a protective amulet. You can do this by carrying them in a small pouch, or kneading them into some soft clay and forming a talisman. In some traditions of Wicca, it is believed that the Midsummer ashes will protect you from misfortune. You can also sow the ashes from your bonfire into your garden, and your crops will be bountiful for the rest of the summer growing season.

It is believed in parts of England that if you stay up all night on Midsummer’s Eve, sitting in the middle of a stone circle, you will see the Fae. But be careful – carry a bit of rue in your pocket to keep them from harassing you, or turn your jacket inside out to confuse them. If you have to escape the Fae, follow a ley line, and it will lead you to safety.
Residents of some areas of Ireland say that if you have something you wish to happen, you “give it to the pebble.” Carry a stone in your hand as you circle the Litha bonfire, and whisper your request to the stone — “heal my mother” or “help me be more courageous”, for example. After your third turn around the fire, toss the stone into the flames.

Astrologically, the sun is entering Cancer, which is a water sign. Midsummer is not only a time of fire magic, but of water as well. Now is a good time to work magic involving sacred streams and holy wells. If you visit one, be sure to go just before sunrise on Litha, and approach the water from the east, with the rising sun. Circle the well or spring three times, walking deosil, and then make an offering of silver coins or pins.

Sun wheels were used to celebrate Midsummer in some early Pagan cultures. A wheel — or sometimes a really big ball of straw — was lit on fire and rolled down a hill into a river. The burned remnants were taken to the local temple and put on display. In Wales, it was believed that if the fire went out before the wheel hit the water, a good crop was guaranteed for the season.

In Egypt, the Midsummer season was associated with the flooding of the Nile River delta. In South America, paper boats are filled with flowers, and then set on fire. They are then sailed down the river, carrying prayers to the gods. In some traditions of modern Paganism, you can get rid of problems by writing them on a piece of paper and dropping them into a moving body of water on Litha.

William Shakespeare associated Midsummer with witchcraft in at least three of his plays. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, and The Tempest all contain references to magic on the night of the summer solstice.

Source:
Author: Patti Wigington
Website: Article found on & owned by About.com

Enjoying the Holidays With Children – Make Reindeer Food for Yule c.2015

(SIDE NOTE: I love this recipe but make sure you do it somewhere in your home where if glitter falls it is not going to bother you when it still shows up in June even after repeat vacuuming or mopping)

Make Reindeer Food for Yule

If your family still gets visits from Santa Claus, it’s traditional to leave out a plate of cookies and some milk for him — after all, it’s hard work flying around the whole world in one night. But what about his reindeer? They do most of the work, so why not leave a treat for them too? You can scatter it on the lawn before your kids go to bed, or leave it in a bowl near the stockings.

Traditional reindeer food includes glitter with the ingredients.

Glitter is very pretty and sparkly, but it’s also a synthetic that doesn’t biodegrade. Instead, you can use other, earth-friendly ingredients to give your reindeer food some sparkle. Here’s what you’ll need:

Plastic baggies or baby food jars

Dried oatmeal

Chopped nuts

Raisins

Red and green sugar crystals

Ribbon

Cardstock

Place a scoop of oatmeal in each baggie or baby food jar. Add a handful of raisins, and then some sugar crystals. Shake well. Seal the bag or jar, and add a ribbon around the top. Print out a card that says:

Reindeer, Reindeer, pulling the sleigh,
We’ve left you something nice today!
Oats and raisins and sugar so sweet,
It’s a tasty reindeer treat!
Have a Merry Yule!

and attach it to the jar of reindeer food so you can share it with friends.

Source: Published on & owned by About.com By Patti Wigington

A Yule Story Just for Your Children – The Year’s Longest Night

The Year’s Longest Night

It was dark and cold within the middle of the forest. It was not a forest on this plain, but one in the hearts of our souls and in the chambers of our minds. Within the middle of this dark cold forest was a old log cabin blanketed by snow and frost. With in the cabin was a roaring fire and lighted candles, the cabin was warm and dry and full of warm animal furs spread about on the floor and bed. The cabin smelled of pine and spices and a touch of warm rum.

The old women sat at the dressing table looking into the mirror slowing brushing her long white hair. The Crone’s hands were pale and wrinkled and her face as pale and cold as the snow outside. She closed her eyes and breathed in the smell of pine from the tree she had brought in from the winters cold and the incense burning and smoking on the Yule log gave her soft warm visions. The Crone saw her future; she saw her hair turning a light brown and her eyes giving off a bright twinkle. Youth would return and the Wheel would turn and spin–turn and spin. With her hands still brushing through her hair she saw herself young again a Maiden–waiting to dance with the young Lord Bright Sun/Son and Lord of the Dance.

Mama Crone saw her Maiden belly swell with life and as the Mother gave birth to the spring– to flowers and trees and animals and to the very heavens gave it a new shine. This future was to be soon, but not too soon. The longest night must come and Winter must play it’s self out as the Sun grows stronger day by day. The Dark Mother looked to her crown of thorns and bones and in her mind’s eye saw the green of spring a yellow of flower spring from it. The Old One rose from her chair and thought “not yet” and put on her crown of thorns and bones and pulled her cloak closed and pulling up the hood tight around her face she went to the cabin door. She pushed open the door and went to the forest clearing taking slow steps chanting as she walked and sat by a prepared bon fire. Mama Crone sat in front of the fire and slowly rocked calling to the Sun–calling to the Light Of The World to return–calling for the new beginning to come and the new cycle to come–the wheel to spin– the seasons to move–the dark to retreat and the light to come. The blessings to come.

May in the forest of your heart the old cry out to the new the old change with the coming Sun–the coming of the new. Blessings called from your heart for yourself and others. Cry out to the new with hope and prayers and good tidings. Blessings to you and yours in this season of joy and change.
by Endora

Yules Lessons from Days of Yore: Perfect Love, Perfect Trust

Yules Lessons from Days of Yore: Perfect Love, Perfect Trust
Author: Morbek

This is the season to celebrate! Over one third of the people on our planet celebrate the birth of a God around winter solstice. Point-two percent of the world’s population celebrate a major holiday of light during this time and twenty-two percent of our brothers and sisters in the family of man have a celebration of new beginnings and, a week or so later, another holy day, which commemorates freedom. All of this celebrating occurs around the Yuletide season. For Wiccans and Pagans, we celebrate the birth of the God and the waxing of his power as the days from Yule will get longer which leaves the night less frightening because it is getting shorter and less intimidating.

So, why even think about other religions during our holy season of Yule? I can sum it up in two words… Available Energy! With all the positive vibes roaming around think of the amazing magic that can happen if we harness and direct that energy for the good of our home. Well over half of mother Earths population considers this time of year sacred and, in western countries; those that are not religious still exude positive energy due to the consumer driven need to present gifts to one another in the spirit of Santa. That is a lot of people putting out positive vibrations!

Merry making is, indeed, infectious. Think of the community events, the parties that are held both in our workplace and our homes, the carols that are played twenty four seven by various media outlets, decking the halls and dressing up our pets that goes on in our culture. I will diligently search every year (and then be sure to watch) for Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer and A Charlie Brown Christmas because it’s not the same on DVD as it is on commercial TV. The deeply held traditions anyone who celebrates during the Yule tied season adds a type of power boost to the energy already being exuded into the environment.

Do I feel that we should greedily gather up all of this energy and use it for our selfish ends? Absolutely not…no way! That point may be moot anyway. A great deal of the sentiment in our surroundings is that of giving and loving nature. I would be hard pressed to manipulate it so that it would become egocentric. I am a lazy person by nature and that sounds to me like way too much work just to attain something that I could have acquired with other magic or by simply going to a store. The attempt would leave me way too exhausted to trim the Yule tree. What, then, do I think we should do with it and why?

Let’s examine the basis of the season and discuss what drives human beings to celebrate our planets personal star’s return into our lives. The apparent reason for the season is the New Year aspect. Back in the day, thousands of years ago when knowing the seasons was a matter of life and death for the entire group, not just an individual, people had to know when the shortest day of the year was so that they could allocate their remaining resources in order to survive until mother Earth, once again, shared her bounty with all. But there must be more to it than that. After all, in a season where ancient man had to be frugal out of necessity, traditions of benevolent works arose and persist to this day!

From an anthropologic point of view, we could discuss all manner of reasons for this to be occurring but the most likely one is, in my mind, the need to draw closer to each other. We need love and acceptance. What better way to foster those emotions in others than by kindness? I expect that when humans were still nomadic or just beginning to settle into an agricultural lifestyle, kindness was a rare commodity. I find it hard believe that (wo) man didn’t desire to be kind; I just don’t think that there was a lot of time and opportunity to exhibit philanthropically motivated deeds. Life was short and hard what with procuring food and water, internal and external tribal struggles as well as trying to understand the greater world around an individual.

In a time of meager reserves, giving to another from what is essential rather than what is surplus without expecting payment of any kind would be seen as the ultimate act of perfect love and perfect trust. The act would have made a deep impression upon the receiver and any bystanders in the immediate area. It would have caused quite a commotion and, as we all know, humans love to gossip. There is no way that anyone can convince me that thousands of years ago, even before the advent of the city, (wo) man didn’t enjoy telling and retelling of an event that profoundly touched them. Every time the story was told, the original emotions were felt and the deed was imprinted a little deeper into the person’s psyche. The next thing you know, that person is committing similar acts of kindness and the circle begins again.

In order for my theory to be valid, one must recognize that there is an inherent and ancient respect for the concepts of perfect love and perfect trust. The people that walk upon this planet have known for millennia that if you live by those philosophies, you will live a wonderful life filled with more joy than sorrow.

Back to all that mirth filled energy! If you intend to do something for our world this Yule, as I do, take hold of as much of that joyous stuff as you can handle and visualize healing. Our planet needs to be healed from pollution, over grazing from stock animals and way too much concrete and blacktop. The animals that are supposed to continue evolving need healing in order to adapt and progress along the paths that are intended for them. They need proper habitat and to be untouched, as much as possible, by the hands of (wo) man. Last but not least, the amazing creatures that can ponder the problems and devise solutions need healing as well. Humans are struggling to become more than just a flesh sack that reacts to stimuli.

I have noticed throughout the years that spirituality is becoming, more and more, a central focus of many of my brothers and sisters in this very large family. The wounds that need healing are immense gashes in our spirits: fear, jealousy, hypocrisy, greed and loneliness. Those wounds lead to behaviors such as; addiction, selfishness, emotional pain that must be countered with physical pain and a worldwide economy that is in such a horrific state of hopelessness that the innocents among us are the ones who are paying the price. And that price is very high! It includes hunger, illness, illiteracy and homelessness. Saddest fact of all: Our children are the ones who are paying the largest percentage of that bill.

That list has been around for as long as we have been able to acknowledge ourselves as spiritual beings in a material world. We strive, generation after generation, to lessen the effects that those infections of the soul have on our lives. Now, with a little help from the witches, that healing can begin in earnest because the available energy that we will be using is already imprinted with the best desires that we have deep within ourselves.

Feel the amazing power that surrounds us this time of year, remember that it is borne from perfect love and perfect trust, visualize what you believe to be remedies for a planet and its’ inhabitants who are ill and send all of that imprinted energy out into the universe to work the amazing miracles that we know are just waiting in the wings for someone who respects, understands and strives to live within the construct of perfect love and perfect trust to give those miracles the cue to enter the stage and start dazzling all of us with the healing and understanding that we all need.

May you have a blessed Yule Tide season!

Let’s Have Some Fun – 2 Coloring Pages

WS 2

WS 3

WS 4

A Yule Drink and Litha Cake – Combined Them for Brunch or a Snack for a Solstice Feast – Flashback to 2012

I know I have been doing separate posts for Yule and Litha things but when I came across these two recipes, in Llewellyn’s Witches’ Datebook 2012, one for each season of the year the two hemispheres are going into, they sounded yummy to me to have together. I apologize in advance for not calculating from American measurements to other parts of Mother Earth. I just found this website https://www.europeancuisines.com/ while it says European Cuisines it covers other countries measuring styles as well.

SIDE NOTE if you do not have a Sun shaped disc to pour the batter in use cookie cutters for whatever shapes remind you of the Sun or use a knife to cut out a shape. Even a young child could use cookie cutters with the child’s caregivers supervising. Then either eat the scraps from the cut outs or put them outside for the wildlife in your area to celebrate the Solstice with your family. This is a good day to have breakfast for dinner/supper/tea or use for part of your feast after your families Solstice ritual

Sun God Supreme

1 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

2 Tablespoons of melted butter or oil

1 egg

3/4 cup yogurt

Garnish with 3 cups cubed fruit, all colors

Sift dry ingredients together. Then separately whisk wet ingredients together. Combined wet and dry ingredients, mixing for no more then 20 strokes, one for each day in June (or December) until the Solstice. Let mixture sit for 10 minutes while you prepare the fruit, set the table, and heat the frying pan lightly coated with oil or butter on a medium heat.

(SIDE NOTE Depending on the ages of the people attending your celebration feast designated cutting the fruit, setting and clearing the table, and doing dishes along with wiping the table and kitchen surfaces. If you allow a child of 3 to cut up their pancake with a plastic knife this can also be used to slice bananas or other soft fruit. This is a family celebration so let the family help with the work and as you are your homes’ Priestess or Priest you can relax and enjoy the feast and time together with a lot less stress)

Pour batter into sun-shaped discs (or pour batter from a measuring cup with a lip to get lovely round pancakes.) cook until bubbles that have formed in the batter burst and make little dry craters. Flip one and briefly cook the other side. Serve on brighly colored plates surrounded by fruit of all colors, which represent the abundant growth and glory of the Earth Goddess. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup and enjoy.

Pancakes combine the traditional foods of Litha — butter, milk, cakes, and honey — represent the Sun God at the height of his reign.

Magical Mulled Cider

(SIDE NOTE This cider contains no alcohol so the whole family can enjoy it. If you want to spike it for the adults I have used dark rum measured to taste of the person drinking it. It is also good cooled to room temperature but I did not like the taste after being chilled in the refrigerator)

1 quart (or 1 liter) apple cider

6 orange, sliced to look like the sun

12 whole cloves

1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

6 cinnamon sticks

Honey to taste

Toast the return of the Sun God, and the holy rebirth, with this warming drink when you gather with friends and family on the longest night of the year, Best made over an open fire, but easily concocted on a stove indoors will warm the hearth, heart, and home. Sip this and know anything is possible.

In a large pot combine apple cider which represents the Sun God, cloves, nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. Simmer for at least half an hour to make your house smell wonderfully festive, or longer for a stronger mulled taste. This simmering symbolically brings the God and Goddess together. and adds a little “spice” to the mix. Pour into a mug, carefully an orange slice into each cup. Add cinnamon stick and serve. Makes 6 servings.

Flashback 2005 – Litha

The Summer Solstice, the zenith of the sun, is an excellent time to do spells for abundance and prosperity. Take three green candles and three gold or bright yellow candles and put them in gold-colored or brass candlesticks. Arrange them in a circle on your altar or on a table, alternating colors. In the center of the candles, arrange money and symbols of money. Coins are good, for example, and dollar coins work especially well because they are gold colored. You might also put pictures or drawings of what form you want your abundance to take, like a new car, a bill paid, or stocks and bonds and other symbols of wealth and security.

cast a circle as you usually would. Then chant, “Sun so high, bring me your bounty, warmth, and prosperity, bring me success. Bring me the means to fulfill my desires, enough and some to share.” Repeat this chant and imagine the pile of coins on the altar growing, and the pictures and symbols becoming real. Hold the thought as long as you can, and as soon as your attention begins to waver, say, “So mote it be,” and quickly blow out all the candles. End your circle in the usual manner.

Source: Magenta Griffith in Llewellyn’s Witches’ Datebook 2005 Page 79

Flashback 2005 – Yule

Gather with friends at sunrise, or as soon after as possible, on the Winter Solstice. Meditate on the idea that this is the darkest time of year, but that light will return. As it is the circle of the year, so may it be in the world: that as the light grows, illumination and warmth extend through-out the globe. Concentrate on the idea of peace, understanding, and harmony between all peoples spreading as the light of the Sun spreads. Resolve to be a more peaceful person in the coming year and think of ways you could promote understanding. Feel in your heart of hearts that peace is not only possible be inevitable, that the time of war is over, that the human race is evolving past such foolish pursuits. Then sign a song of peace, like “Imagine” or “Give Peace a Chance” by John Lennon; “Universal Solider” by Donovan; or “Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream” which has been recorded by Joan Baez, the Weavers, Pete Seeger, among others. If you are alone and don’t wish to sing, play a peaceful selection of music – either folk songs or music like Pachebel’s Cannon or Dubussy’s La Mer –while concentrating on the same idea.

Source: Magenta Griffith in Llewellyn’s Witches’ Datebook 2005 Page

9one Person’s View Point) 10 Wiccan Symbols Every Witch Should Know

The Power of Symbols

Symbols are one of the most prevalent and powerful things that human beings have ever created. They take big ideas and abstract concepts and present them in a way that we can better understand and internalize.

Most of us immediately recognize this symbol as a heart.

However, this isn’t just a simple representation of a bodily organ—a symbol has depth and layers beyond its most obvious meaning. In this particular example, the symbol probably conjures up ideas of love and romance.

For many of us, this symbol also has specific connotations of young love and youthful crushes. Who among us in middle school didn’t scribble a heart in their notebook with the name of whichever classmate had caught our eye that week?

All of this meaning and association from one simple, unbroken line! And that’s where the true importance of symbols resides—in their ability to condense complex meaning into something simple.

They say a lot without saying much at all.

Symbols in Wicca

Like most religions, Wicca has its fair share of important symbols. We frequently incorporate them into spells and rituals as a way to link the ethereal, mysterious power of magick with the physical world.

Symbols are the place where spiritual energy and a witch’s will meet and become one.

In this article, we’ll be taking a look at ten of the most important Wiccan symbols within the religion. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but these are the ones that you will encounter the most on your journey into the world of magick.

First, we’ll explore the symbols themselves, what they represent, and how they were created. Then, we’ll conclude with some suggestions on how to incorporate the symbols you’ve learned into your own magickal practice.

Source: explorewicca.com

Witchcraft Symbols, Terms and Definitions – Receptive Hand

(You may print out or store these definitions on your computer to place in your Book of Shadows/Grimoire for personal use only.)

Being able to use both of my hands interchangeably for most things, even though I do more writing with my right hand I find myself using my left hand in spells and rituals when I want to send something away and my right hand when doing spells and rituals to bring things to me and healing for others.

Source: moonlitpriestess.com

Projective Hand

Dominant hand; generally used to send energy from the body in magick.

Receptive Hand

Opposite of the projective hand; generally used to receive energy or sense information in the body in magick.

(My View Point) Witchcraft Bare Basics Part 5 – How to Write a Spell

When writing a spell or doing any type of magick always keep in mind that your intention for what you want to happen is 95% of it. If you go into writing a spell or ritual and you allow others things to come into your mind and start thinking about them your spell and/or ritual will be fractured and there is no telling what might happen. It can also cause the spell and/or ritual to have the complete opposite effect than what you wanted to happen. So remember INTENTION is the most import part of any spell or ritual!!!

For beginners I suggest strongly that you cast a sacred circle to write your spell or ritual in. Why? You should always center and ground yourself before you start writing as this gives you a chance to focus your mind on what you are about to do. The sacred circle will help keep all mundane everyday things away from you thus allowing your focus and intention to be more in tune with what you want you spell or ritual to do. (I will be writing a simple ritual for anytime, another for the Esbats, and lastly for a Sabbath to be posted within the next month)

Do spells have to rhyme? To me this is up to the person casting it. There are many who feel the rhyming makes the spell stronger. While others, including myself, feel the intention it is written and cast with is more important. I suggest to you try a rhyming spell still with focus on your intention than try one that does not rhyme with the soul focus being on your intention. See which way works best for you.

Important Parts to Every Spell

You need to be very clear on the following aspects of every spell you write. Otherwise it will not turn out the way you first imagined it to when you deiced to write a spell for a specific purpose. A spell should always have only one specific reason not a mixture of many things. Remember intention toward one specific topic is much easier than having it splintered into different topics.

1) Who is the spell for? Do not do a spell for others until you have a good foundation of writing spells for yourself

2) Why am I doing this spell? This is one of the place where intention has to be the strongest.

3) What is this spell for? This is the other place where your intention has to be the strongest.

4) When do I want this spell to come to fruition? Is this a spell to happen in the next day or two or at another time? Can you do this specific spell at anytime of the day or night?

5) How do I want to want this spell to work? Is it going to be in a full ritual or just ma sacred circle? Do I want to do it alone, with other witches I know or with my coven?

6) Where do I want to do this spell? Do you want to do it indoors. or outdoors? Do you want to do when the Sun is out? Do you want to do it under a specific Moon phase is happening?

7) Wording of all spells should include numbers 1 through 5

Example Spell for Self Protection for an Empaths (non-rhyming)

Who: Yourself

Why: To keep yourself safe from being bothered

What: To keep unwanted energy away from you

When: Today

How: Surround you in a rubber type of bubble

Where: Indoors during a Wanning Moon

Example Spell:

I cast this spell to protect me from all negative people’s energy.

I surround myself with a bubble that bounce the energy back from where it came.

I want this spell to begin as soon as right now.

If you have any questions about this post, please ask in the comments or email LCB at ladybeltane@witchesofthecraft.com.

Copyright 2021 by Lady Carla Beltane All rights reserved. This post cannot be reblogged, copied and pasted or in any other way be reproduced for any purposes without express written permission from Lady Carla Beltane. Any violation of copyright laws will be dealt with through legal means.

Witchcraft Bare Basics book due out in 2026

(My View Point) Witchcraft Bare Basics Part 4 – Casting a Simple Sacred Circle and Calling the Watchtowers/Directions

I understand that all witches do not believe in the Law of Three, but I suggest as you are starting out to keep it in mind.

LCB works with clients one on one writing and casting spells and/or doing some type of ritual for them. She also writes spells for clients that they can cast themselves. Before writing a spell for anyone else to cast LCB will ask them questions to know if the spell will be casted safely or not. If LCB will not be casted responsibly she will not write the spell for you. While working with some clients she has become aware that some of the spells and rituals I or Lady Abyss and others have posted are not safe for people who know nothing about how to safely practice witchcraft or have only pick out some book(s) to read and think they can cast spells and/or do rituals without any consequences or safety measures. Because of this there will be no books on witchcraft recommend on this website that LCB or someone she fully trusts, is practicing The Craft safely, have read. This post is definitely direct at those new to dabbling in (which no one should ever just dabble in The Craft) or are serious about learning how to practice The Craft through any tradition safely.

If you have not read on here or another reliable source on how to cast a sacred circle and what its purpose is, do so as quickly as you can! To me and most other practitioners doing spellwork or rituals outside of a sacred circle is dangerous for many reasons. Casting a spell and/or doing a ritual raises energy that if you do not ground it or send it out to the Universe for positive use will just bounce around your home or wherever you have done your magick. This energy builds up with every spell and/or ritual you do. The energy will build up causing strange things to happen which can be anything from a light turning on and off by itself to one or more of your electronic things to quit working properly or at all to entities manifesting usually ones that would mean harm you and anyone else living in your home including pets or someone outside of your home to be hurt to… well the list is endless.

Just about everything in The Craft needs to be done three times for the most potency do come out of what you are doing.

You may not know or have read an unreliable source on how to cast a simple circle with or without Watchtowers/Calling the Directions to cast your spell or do your ritual in this Part 1 post LCB will explain a very simple circle and how to call the Watchtowers/Directions with explanations of the reason behind both to LCB’s understanding and how she does them. She is not saying this website, or the books that are recommended are the only reliable sources on how to practice The Craft safely only that everything she, Lady Abyss, and others has posted on this website has been thoroughly vetted for safety and proper knowledge.

Never cast a spell or do a ritual for someone else without their permission even a healing spell unless it is to break a spell or hex or curse you may think has been put on you. LCB recommends never casting a love or friendship spell on another person as you will never know if the person you cast the spell on is only with you or befriends you because of the spell you cast as you are taking away the person’s free will. Controlling someone else’s free will in any way is to LCB is on the side of dark/black magick.

CASTING A SIMPLE SACRED CIRCLE

(Casting a sacred circle should be done for all spellwork and/or rituals.)

The best way I have found to make sure my sacred circle is big enough: I stand about 6 inches away from the longest or widest part of my altar than put either my wand, atheme, or finger of my power hand (normally this is the hand that you write with) pointing outwards at arms length as I walk around my altar. If you are using a circle surface for your altar still stand about 6 inches away from it. I always start my sacred circles in the East. Why? Because that is what feels right for me. You can start your circle at any point that feels right for you. After you have been casting a sacred circle for a while you will know where the perimeter of your circle should be. I suggest to try walking around your altar at different distances until you find the right one for you.

I do not just cast my circle at floor level. I do the first time around I cast the circle above my head. The second time around I cast the circle at waist level. The third time I cast the circle towards the floor. I do, do more intricate circles when working alone and with my coven.

For something to come to you will cast your sacred circle in a clockwise direction in the northern hemisphere. (The reason for opposite directions in the hemispheres is because of the direction the Sun and Moon rise and fall in. East to West in the north hemisphere and West to East in the southern hemisphere.) Make sure you overlap the ends of your circle so no energy can escape it. Make sure your circle is large enough to include your altar (A simple altar will be Part 2) and for you to walk around in. If you do not make it big enough and cross the circle at any point while inside of it the circle it will shatter allowing any energy and unfinished spellwork or ritual to go out into your home and basically the Universe at large and there is no telling what it might do.

Casting the Sacred Circle

For the northern hemisphere turn clockwise. For the southern hemisphere turn counterclockwise.

First time around: I cast this circle for protection

Second time around: I cast this circle to contain all energy I raise

Third time around: I cast this circle to contain the spell I am casting

Calling the Watchtowers/Directions

When I call the Watchtowers I start in a different direction for each of the four seasons in the northern hemisphere. The suggestion below is for Summer. In the Spring I start in the South, Fall is West, and Winter is North. You should start calling your Watchtowers/Directions in which ever direction seems the right one to you. I stand at he side of my altar for the Watchtower I am calling. I have always used a compass in any new home I move into so I know where each compass point is before doing any circles and calling of the Watchtowers.

This part will have two different ways of calling the elements for each Watchtower/Direction. The first one is for the northern hemisphere and the second on is for the southern hemisphere again because of the direction the Sun and Moon rise and fall.

Northern Hemisphere

Turn clockwise to each watchtower/direction

I call Air into the Watchtower/Direction of the East to help power my spell and to protect me.

I call Fire into the Watchtower/Direction of the South to help power my spell and to protect me

I call Water into the Watchtower/Direction of the West to help power my spell and to protect me

I call Earth into the Watchtower/Direction of the North to help power my spell and to protect me

Southern Hemisphere

Turn counterclockwise to each watchtower/direction

I call Air into the Watchtower/Direction of the East to help power my spell and to protect me.

I call Earth into the Watchtower/Direction of the South to help power my spell and to protect me

I call Water into the Watchtower/Direction of the West to help power my spell and to protect me

I call Fire into the Watchtower/Direction of the North to help power my spell and to protect me

Do the Spell and/or Ritual

Ground or send the extra energy raised to the Universe

Dismiss the Watchtowers/Directions

Opening the Sacred Circle

When you are ready to open your sacred circle the Watchtowers/Directions are dismissed first than you will open your circle. You will walk counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere to face each Watchtower/Directions and uncasting your sacred circle. Start dismissing your Watchtowers/Directions from the watchtower/direction in the North for both hemispheres.

Northern Hemisphere

I dismiss Earth from the Watchtower/Direction of the North with my thanks for helping to power my spell and protecting me.

I dismiss Water from the Watchtower/Direction of the West with my thanks for helping to power my spell and protecting me.

I dismiss Fire from the Watchtower/Direction of the South with my thanks for helping to power my spell and protecting me.

I dismiss Air from the Watchtower/Direction of the East with my thanks for helping to power my spell and protecting me.

Southern Hemisphere

You will walk clockwise to face each Watchtower/Directions and uncasting your sacred circle. Start dismissing your Watchtowers/Directions from the watchtower/direction in the North.

I dismiss Fire from the Watchtower/Direction of the North with my thanks for helping to power my spell and for protecting me

I dismiss Water from the Watchtower/Direction of the West with my thanks for helping to power my spell and for protecting me

I dismiss Earth from the Watchtower/Direction of the South with my thanks for helping to power my spell and for protecting me

I dismiss Air from the Watchtower/Direction of the East with my thanks for helping to power my spell and for protecting me

Opening the Actual Sacred Circle

First time around: I thank this circle for its protection

Second time around: I thank this circle for containing all energy I raise

Third time around: I this this circle for containing the spell I am casting. I let the spell go out to the Universe to do what I casted it for

If you have any questions about this post, please ask in the comments or email LCB at ladybeltane@witchesofthecraft.com.

(One Person’s View Point) How to Cast a Circle for a Pagan Ritual

Why Cast a Circle?

Do you need to cast a circle every time you perform a spell or ritual?

Much like many other questions in modern Paganism, this is one where the answer really depends on who you ask. Some people opt to always cast a circle prior to formal rituals, but usually do spellwork on the fly without the use of a circle — and this is something that’s doable if you keep your entire home designated as sacred space. That way you don’t need to cast a brand new circle each time you do a spell. Obviously, your mileage may vary on this. Certainly, in some traditions, the circle is required each and every time. Others don’t bother with it at all.
It’s important to remember that traditionally, the use of a circle is to delineate sacred space. If that’s not something you require before spellwork, then it’s not necessary to cast a circle.

If on the other hand, you think you might need to keep some icky stuff away from you during your working, then a circle is definitely a good idea. If you’re not sure how to cast a circle, try the method below. Although this ritual is written for a group, it can easily be adapted for solitaries.

How to Cast a Circle for Ritual or Spellwork Click here to read the rest of this article Source: learnreligions.com

Tips

Have all your tools ready ahead of time — this will save you from scrambling around during the middle of the ritual looking for things!

If you forget what you mean to say when casting the circle, improvise. Talking to your deities should come from the heart.

If you make a mistake, don’t sweat it. The universe has a pretty good sense of humor, and we mortals are fallible.

Creating Magickal Amulets C 2012

Creating Magickal Amulets

by Rev. Paul V. Beyerl

Rev. Paul V. Beyerl has published several books, including The Master Book of Herbalism, and heads The Hermit’s Grove and The Rowan Tree Church, located in Bellevue. This article is an excerpt from A Compendium of Herbal Magick, a work in progress covering the documented historical uses of herbs in folklore, ritual and religions.

The making of an amulet could easily take up the space of a small book, but I will attempt to distill a seven-hour workshop into a few paragraphs.

The words “amulet” and “talisman” are frequently used as if interchangeable. Many years ago, in order to distinguish between them, we adopted the following definitions: An amulet is a container that may be filled with herbs, stones or other things to promote magick. A talisman may be a disk, pendant or solid item, upon which may be depicted sigils or images. These definitions are used in this context only within The Hermit’s Grove and The Rowan Tree Church. It is not suggested that other uses of these words are either wrong or inappropriate.

An amulet is a tool created to help bring about changes within your life. It is a small container that, when completed, has energy or power and is quite magickal. We believe that amulets may be among the oldest forms of herbal magick, when the village wise one, sensing that a plant or stone had power within it, placed it in a pocket or container to carry about.

A “traditional” amulet (traditional outside my community) is one that has a purpose. All aspects of its design and creation are oriented toward the attainment of that goal. The amulet is assembled and constructed within the context of ritual, made very carefully and considered every bit as powerful and sacred as any of your ritual tools. An amulet is given a specific blessing or consecration toward that purpose, just as a novice may be initiated and ever after be considered a priest or priestess.

One of the mysteries of an amulet is that it is a microcosm of yourself, of the person for whom it is made, or of the situation that is the focus of the goal. It is like a small energy cell or battery, containing physical ingredients and focused energies providing a steady flow of energy. An amulet can be designed so that it will continually provide access to the infinite power of the universe throughout its existence. To understand a traditional amulet, give thought to the concept of the cauldron of Cerridwen, that infinite womb of creativity that is the core of the universe. From another perspective, an amulet is somewhat like a black hole, drawing energy from throughout the universe but holding it within, focused, directed solely toward the image that encompasses all aspects of your goal.

Our custom is to begin with a circle cut of leather. It should be at least six or eight inches in diameter. This flat circle is symbolic of a pentacle, that flat, round ritual tool that represents earth, or manifestation within the physical world.

To the practitioner, leather represents a gift of the creatures of the earth, representing elements of sacrifice, touching the mysteries of life and death, and is the material we can find that most closely corresponds to your physical body, which is the temple of your soul. The use of leather should never be taken lightly but is a very sacred and profound choice.

Around the perimeter of the leather circle, a series of holes should be pierced using either a leather punch or, as we have often done, a simple paper punch. A cord (chosen so that the length, color and type of thread enhance your magickal desires) is then threaded through the holes, creating a small drawstring bag.

Choose your herbs carefully. Any herb, including those too dangerous to ingest, can be included. You may also select small gemstones, add a personal piece of jewelry or lock of hair and even scribe sigils, images or words that will focus your will to bring your magick into manifestation. We recommend assembling your ingredients over a period of time. When my leather is complete, I set up a small altar. I lay the leather upon my copper pentacle or upon my altar stone and upon it I set a hand-carved, round wooden container with a flat lid. On days I consider important, I add one herb, replace the lid and set a votive candle upon the top. Sometimes I might cast a formal circle, and at other times I go about my activities, the light from the candle a constant reminder that there is magick brewing and an amulet in the works.

The final day should be one with natural power, whether a Full Moon or a birthday. Your amulet will be more powerful if all aspects of the work have power. Within an intricate ritual both formal and playful, the leather is cleansed and all ingredients placed within it. All movement and sound within the ritual is designed to draw upon the natural forces and connect the amulet with their power. And then, with ritual poetry and song, the leather circle is drawn closed and special candles are used to drip wax upon the opening so it is sealed.

Once an amulet is sealed, it should never again be opened. It is not medicine pouch. When your goal has been accomplished or the patterns of time have reached completion, the amulet must be returned to the universe. My preference is to bury it as a gift to the Mother, but there have been times when one has been placed into a flaming cauldron until reduced to ash, the ash then strewn upon sacred soil. Amulets are a wonderful way to develop your magickal skill, but they should be made rarely. The more lightly you treat this magickal use of herbs, the less likely they are to assist you with their magick. I have an amulet hanging in my truck. We have a household amulet, and I can’t imagine magickal life without a few of these sources of change.

Herbal Amulets c 2014

Herbal Amulets

For Negative forces in the home

At the front and back door of your house, hand two
bunches of clover upside down. As you hang each bunch,
feel the negative energy around you and direct it to each
bunch. The cloves will then set out to fight the negativity
around your house.

Protection for the house

Get a fresh, whole coconut, drain it, then, cut it in half. In a
bowl mix fresh rosemary, basil, and half a cup of uncooked
rice. Blend these together, then cover both halves of the
coconut with the mixture. Fit the coconut together and wrap
a white ribbon around it to keep it shut. Go outside on a
Sunday night and bury it in the backyard. It will protect
your home and backyard.

Another Protection for the house

With a red ribbon tie a bunch of garlic to the corner of your
front door. It will protect you and your loved ones from
negative vibes that may enter your house. Never let
anyone use the garlic for anything else.

To improve the mind

In a little yellow drawstring bag carry vanilla beans, fresh
rosemary and petals of a lily of the valley and place it
around your neck. With each breath visualize your mind
becoming stronger, remembering dates you will not want
to forget.

For a Job Interview

Fill a jar with crushed pecans, add three drops of rose oil
and keep a luck hand (root of an orchid)inside with the lid
shut tight. After three nights, place your lucky hand and
seven pecans in a little red drawstring bag and take it with
you to job interviews. With this little bag, you will feel
confident while questions are being asked and will have a
good chance of getting the job you want. Don’t let anyone
else, see the red drawstring bag.

Fertility (Male)

If you want to enhance your fertility chances, eat lots of
carrots, carrot seeds and bananas in, groups of threes. It will
aid performance like never before with sperm count levels
way up.

Fertility (female)

Find some fresh mistletoe and leave it indoors to dry until it
becomes brittle. Place it inside a little orange drawstring bag.
It will strengthen the female reproductive system. Carry it
with you everywhere you go and at night place it under
your pillow.

For spiritual awareness and psychic strength

In a medium size jar half filled with almond oil, add a
teaspoon of dry yerba santa, damiana and spearmint leaves
with seven drops of lime essential oil. Mix together with a
plastic spoon and screw the lid on top. This is be used
before spiritual healings, or for divination purposes. Place
three drops on your hands before you start rub them gently
together and place on your forehead. Then take them to the
back of your neck, breathe deeply and start your work. You
may even like to use this blend in your bath.

For astral traveling

In a little purple drawstring bag, place two teaspoons each
of dry angelica and crushed peppermint leaves and add a
smoky quartz that has been cleansed with lavender essential
oil. As you do this visualize what you would like from the
astral realm and very night before you go to bed rub the
drawstring bag on the bottom of your feet. This will take
you where you want to go and protect you along the way.

Protection from evil

Make four little blue drawstring bags, each the same size.
Mix in a bowl dry angelica, Solomon’s seal and balm of
Gilead buds. As you do this visualize your house protected
from evil. Divide the mix into four equal amounts and fill
each bag with it. Hang them or hide them in the four,
corners of your house.

For sleeping problems

Make yourself a little purple drawstring bag and as you do
this think of a having a good night’s sleep. Inside add a
teaspoon of valerian and each night hold it in your hand
while you lay in bed. Before you know it you will be
soundly asleep and when you awake the little bag will be
somewhere in your bed.

For Courage

Sprinkle dry yarrow and thyme in your shoes. It will not
only give you courage but it will stop the fear so you can
accomplish what you have set out to do.

For money in your purse or wallet

If you find yourself without a cent, sprinkle dry sassafras in
your purse or wallet and you will always have enough for
the things you need to buy.

For Money

In a green bowl mix equal parts of ginger, Irish moss and
sesame seeds. Crush together to form a powder and as you
crush it visualize your money needs. Light a charcoal tablet
(cube) and on top add a quarter of a teaspoon of your
money powder. Concentrate, inhaling deeply. Do this for
ten minutes every night for seven nights, beginning on a
Thursday night just after the sun goes down.

For prosperity

Sprinkle fresh alfalfa sprouts in the front and back of your
house. As you do this visualize your most wanted needs and
recite the following: “May the ground take this offering I
give. May it bring me prosperity which is in great need” Do
this, seven times every Thursday and don’t be shy
sprinkling plenty of alfalfa sprouts.

AMULETS c2016

AMULETS

Amulets have been worn for protection for thousands of years. Early peoples lived in a world where strange and frightening things occurred that defied explanation. Consequently, amulets were used to protect homes, families, and livestock.

Amulets were also used to protect people from the “evil eye.” The belief that a person or animal could harm another by staring at them with an evil eye dates back at least five thousand years, and ancient clay tablets have been found that describe the damage that the evil eye can inflict. The Sumerian god Ea spent most of his time fighting the evil eye. Even today, in many parts of the world, the evil eye is considered a major threat, and various kinds of amulets are used to avert it.

Amulets were originally natural items, such as an animal’s tooth or a semi-precious stone. However, you can choose anything you like. Medals, bells, keys, and photographs can all be used as amulets. Many police officers in early twentieth-century New York carried St. Jude medals with them for protection. St. Jude is the patron saint of policemen.

Knots make effective amulets because they are believed to catch evil spirits. My grandmother tied knots on all her kitchen aprons to protect both her and the food she was preparing.

Take your time when choosing an amulet. Think about your purpose in wanting one, and how you will wear or carry it. On several occasions, amulets seem to have found me when I needed them. On one occasion, a man I met at an airport gave me a small piece of hematite. I was on my way to see someone to discuss a business proposition. The hematite protected me from his overpowering manner.

Reference

Lady Ishtar’s Complete Guide to Wicca Protection Spells

Different View Points for New Moon Symbolic Meanings

The new moon symbolizes new beginnings, transformation, and the opportunity for personal growth, inviting individuals to set intentions and release what no longer serves them.

Key Symbolic Meanings

Conclusion

The new moon serves as a powerful symbol of potential and renewal, inviting individuals to embrace change, reflect on their inner desires, and set intentions for the future. By harnessing the energy of the new moon, one can align with the natural cycles of life and foster personal growth and transformation.

Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondence for Friday and Spell For Tomorrow – Love Potion

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY CORRESPONDENCES POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY)

LOVE SPELL WARNING: Love spells such as this one take the person who you want to love you free will/spirit away. What happens with a spell like this is the person will become obsessed with you to the point of possibly losing their job, which in turn can make them lose their home, automobile, friends, their family, etc. I have heard of people under love spells dying from not eating or drinking when they are not in the presence of the spellcaster 24/7/365. So, unless you want some who only loves you because of a spell you put on them then go for it. But if you want someone to love you because they feel that emotion towards you then please do not do this spell. The same warning goes for animals, birds, reptiles, or anything else that has a heart and can create a bond with someone.

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.)

Herb of the Day for May 11 is Ginseng c 2016

Disclaimer: No flower or plant or herb should be used for medicinal purposes until you have checked with your health care professional to ask if it is safe for you to use it for any reason. The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of negative reaction when using this flower or plant for any reason.

Magical Workings for The Full Moon c. 2017

Magical Workings for The Full Moon

For many Pagans, the cycles of the moon are important to magical workings. It’s believed in some traditions that the waxing moon, the full moon, the waning moon and the new moon all have their own special magical properties, and so workings should be planned accordingly. If your tradition follows these guidelines — or if you think you’d like to time your magic based upon the phase of the moon — here are some tips on what sort of magic to perform during the various lunar stages.

The Full Moon

The full moon is the point at which we can see an entire side of the moon. For magical purposes, many modern Pagans consider the full moon to include the day before and the day after a full moon, for a total of three days. If your tradition requires you to follow the phases of the moon for your magical workings, this is a good time to do rituals focused on personal growth and spiritual development. Some examples would include:

Spells related to increasing your intuitive awareness
Healing magic
Rituals that connect you closely with deity, such as Drawing Down the Moon
Any magic related to developing your magical skills

For many Pagans, this is also a time to celebrate with an Esbat ritual. Dorinda is an eclectic witch who lives in Nevada, and she says, “Once a month, during the full moon, I drive out to the desert about half an hour away. There’s a spot that I go that’s really off the beaten path, and I can stand up on a hillside and watch the moon rise, and it’s just magnificent, because there’s no one out there but me. It’s always a very meditative experience, and I can really feel the connection that my body has to the full moon, as well as connecting on a spiritual level. This is when I call upon the gods of my tradition, ask for intuitive guidance, that sort of thing. I always feel so refreshed and aware afterwards, it’s almost hard for me to get to sleep when I get back home.”

Author

Patti Wigington

Published on ThoughtCo

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