Tag: Gatherings
Samhain (Sow-en) – The Celtic roots of Halloween
As millions of children and adults participate in the fun of Halloween on the night of October 31st, few will be aware of its ancient Celtic roots in the Samhain (Samain) festival. In Celtic Ireland about 2,000 years ago, Samhain was the division of the year between the lighter half (summer) and the darker half (winter). At Samhain the division between this world and the otherworld was at its thinnest, allowing spirits to pass through.
The family’s ancestors were honoured and invited home whilst harmful spirits were warded off. People wore costumes and masks to disguise themselves as harmful spirits and thus avoid harm. Bonfires and food played a large part in the festivities. The bones of slaughtered livestock were cast into a communal fire, household fires were extinguished and started again from the bonfire. Food was prepared for the living and the dead, food for the ancestors who were in no position it eat it, was ritually shared with the less well off.
Christianity incorporated the honouring of the dead into the Christian calendar with All Saints (All Hallows) on November 1st, followed by All Souls on November 2nd. The wearing of costumes and masks to ward off harmful spirits survived as Halloween customs. The Irish emigrated to America in great numbers during the 19th century especially around the time of famine in Ireland during the 1840’s. The Irish carried their Halloween traditions to America, where today it is one of the major holidays of the year. Through time other traditions have blended into Halloween, for example the American harvest time tradition of carving pumpkins.
Two hills in the Boyne Valley were associated with Samhain in Celtic Ireland, Tlachtga and Tara. Tlachtga was the location of the Great Fire Festival which begun on the eve of Samhain (Halloween). Tara was also associated with Samhain, however it was secondary to Tlachtga in this respect.
The entrance passage to the Mound of the Hostages on the Hill of Tara is aligned with the rising sun around Samhain. The Mound of the Hostages is…
Beltane Correspondences
Flashback 2004 Samhain
Expect the unexpected if you celebrate Samhain – the Celtic New Year – on All Hallows Eve: the planets bring a lot of energetic talk and chaos, and the resultant noise will add exuberance to the ritual. Look for psychic dreams on astrological Samhain, November 6; your intuition will be in top form if you do readings at ritual. The power is the strongest it has been in several years.
This is the sabbat for wearing your witchy black. Clean the house, including the hearth, from top to bottom; the garden also needs to be prepared for the winter by this date. Lay new fires. Fest with your family and set places for your ancestors. Cleanse divination tools (cards, crystals, runes) and rededicate them to the Goddess. For the last harvest festival, put apples, nuts, acorns, and squashes on the altar, and add pictures of the family members you are missing.
Using fresh harvested hazel nuts, make a wreath with nine nuts (three times three) to protect your house from fire and lightening. Offer thanks to the river gods or the gods of the sea, and remember to honor the goddess Hecate.
Source: K. D. Spitzer in Llewellyn’s Witches’ Datebook 2004 Page 63
Flashback 2004 Beltane
Beltane is he holiday that draws all witches outside to celebrate the returning power of the Sun and the fertility of the land.
Wear red robes for ritual and dress your altar with reds for passion. If you have identified a nearby rowan tree, you can make a wreath for your hair using rowan twigs. Decorate your house with freshly cut greens, herbs, and flowers. Arrange for music or drumming to lighten your steps of the dancers of the maypole or spiral dance. Lose yourself in the dance.
Fire is the honored element at this ritual, so have circle members jump a cauldron for purification and protection. Watr is another honored element: be certain to visit your local sacred spring or riverbank. Sprinkle perfume into the water for the undines. Again, leave a drop or two of milk and other food offerings for the nature spirits.
Wake before dawn on this day and watch the Sun rise over a river or beach. Gather a pitcherful where the Sun has gilded the water. When you return home, walk the bounds of your land, sprinkling water in your garden beds to ensure plenty of rainfall during the growing season.
By K. D. Spitzer in Llewellyn’s Witches’ Datebook 2004 Page 63
A Little Humor for Your Day
I hope the rest of your and your family have a day and evening that is relaxing, filled with fun, laughter, and love. Always remember to take a little me time every day to recharge yourself!
Merry part until we merry meet again!
Welcome to WOTC! A Thought for Today
This is why Heart’s Spirit Coven is a gathering of solitary witches coming together to celebrate Esbats and Sabbats.
If you want to see information on any tradition of witchcraft, herbs, flowers, a Goddess or a God, or anything pertaining to any tradition of witchcraft, please put it in the comment section or email Lady Carla Beltane at ladybeltane@witchesofthecraft.com. I will try to find some information to post about it.
May your and your family’s lives be filled with love, happiness, laughter, joy, and positive things!
Blessed be
Binding Spells: A Commonsense Guideline
Binding Spells: A Commonsense Guideline
If you don’t like the idea of using poppets and have decided to work a binding, and you have a handle on your emotions, then here are some commonsense guidelines that I suggest you follow:
* Bindings are best performed on a Saturday.
* Work the binding at sunset and you pull into the spell the closing energies of not only the day, but of the entire week.
* Work with black candles; they coordinate with Saturn’s energies and they are the classic magickal color for this type of witchery.
Finally, to be crystal clear, a binding is the act of psychically restraining a harmful person or criminal so that their actions cannot harm anyone else. The goddess to call on is Hecate, and she is a mighty magickal force. Consider your words and actions carefully when you call on her. How you choose to work a binding is up to you. At this point, I suggest that you take a moment and draft out your binding spell on paper. Go carefully, and remember to harm none.
You may experience some dramatic special effects when working with Hecate. Don’t be taken aback if the wind picks up….if you candles flicker and snap…..or if you begin to notice barking or howling dogs. The animals sense when Hecate is near. Yes, we have gotten very serious all of a sudden. That’s because a binding is a serious matter. Surprised? Don’t be. Just because I tend to look at things from a humorous perspective doesn’t mean I am not serious when the situation calls for it.
This invocation includes some of the correspondences for Hecate. If you choose, you can add these to your spellwork. (This would also be a fine addition to the opening of poppet magick). A general invocation for Hecate follows.
Source: Book of Witchery Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week Ellen Dugan
Spell for Tomorrow – Winds of Change
(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY)
Winds of Change
This is more of a spell to release anger and stress, but isn’t that the first step to becoming more happy?
Your supplies:
• A windy day
• A hill
• Basil
• Patchouli
Well, it’s not mandatory that you have a hill for this, but you do need an open area outside for happiness spells like this. It does need to be windy.
Take your herbs to your chosen spot, and face away from the wind (so it’s blowing on your back). Toss the herbs in the air and visualize your problems being blown away.
Repeat the following:
May the winds take my pain
Make me happy once again
Then turn around and face the wind. Say:
May the winds bring joy to me
So that happy I will be
Basic Spell Template – Crafting The Spell
(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY CORRESPONDENCES POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)
Crafting The Spell
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Identify your goal or desire
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Examine the context of the situation
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Evaluate the repercussions
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Refine the specifics of your need or desire
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Decide on a time
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Decide on a method
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Choose correspondences and components
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Create central symbolic action
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Write the text of the spell
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Write the complete list of required materials.
Celtic Tree Month of Holly July 8 to August 4
From LearnReligions.com
Although the Oak ruled in the previous month, its counterpart, the Holly, takes over in July. This evergreen plant reminds us all year long about the immortality of nature. The Holly moon was called Tinne, pronounced chihnn-uh, by the Celts, who knew the potent Holly was a symbol of masculine energy and firmness. The ancients used the wood of the Holly in the construction of weapons, but also in protective magic. Hang a sprig of Holly in your house to ensure good luck and safety to your family. Wear as a charm, or make Holly Water by soaking leaves overnight in spring water under a full moon — then use the water as a blessing to sprinkle on people or around the house for protection and cleansing.
From Ireland-Calling.com
While the oak was the controller of the light half of the year, the holly controlled the dark, winter months.
It shares another quality with the oak in that it is resistant to lightning, its spikey leaves acting as mini conductors.
It was thus, also associated with the same Celtic and Norse gods of thunder, Taranis and Thor, and was often planted near dwellings to protect folk from lightning strikes.
Protective qualities
Druids believed the holly to possess protective qualities, guarding against evil spirits and witchcraft.
It was thought that bringing the leaves inside during the winter months would provide shelter from the cold for the fairy folk, who in return would be kind to those who inhabited the dwelling.
When new Celtic Chieftains were chosen, a wreath of holly was often used as a crown for good luck and new-born babies were bathed in the water from the leaves to protect them from harm.
Although taking cuttings was encouraged in this way, due to its protective qualities, it was considered unlucky to cut down a whole tree.
Holly formed part of Jesus’ crown of thorns
Today holly is perhaps most associated with Christmas, when, following the old traditions, it adorns the houses as part of yule-tide decoration and festivities.
However, according to Christian beliefs, holly formed part of the crown of thorns worn at the crucifixion.
It was the blood of Christ that stained the holly berries red and it was the Christians who gave the holly tree its name from the word holy.
Holly berries are poisonous to humans but a good winter food source for birds. The leaves of the holly tree were used to treat colds and fevers largely associated with the winter months.
As a flower remedy holly is said to rid people of jealousy and hatred and open the heart to love.
Spell for Tomorrow – The “Enchanted Evening” Elemental Spell
(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS 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.
Looking to put a little passion back into your love life? How do you feel about working with the four elements and Lilith, our goddess of power and passion? There are times when even the most loving relationship needs a little oomph. So, if you simply want to spice things up with your partner in the bedroom, well, hey, Lilith’s your best bet! But be careful; she has a wicked sense of humor. Calling on Lilith for some extra spark or desire works very well, and you may feel like you have a magickal hangover in the morning. A small price to pay … just don’t say that I didn’t warn you.
Let’s get all of your senses involved. This spell is a sensual and sensory experience. To represent the four elements in this spell, light a few black or red candles to represent sent the element of fire. Burn dragon’s blood incense to represent the element of air. To symbolize water, open a bottle of red wine and drink from the same cup as your partner. Finally, sprinkle the sheets with some crimson-colored rose petals to represent the element of earth.
And at the risk of sounding like a mom, while you’re setting this stage for loving seduction, don’t forget to practice safe sex!
Ask for Lilith’s blessings by using the following lowing invocation:
Lilith, dark goddess, teach me to love, laugh and be wise
Aid me in my witchery as you sail through the skies
By the natural magick of air, water, earth, and fire
I manifest the gifts of love, seduction, and desire
By the elements four, this spell is now begun
As I will, so shall it be, and let it harm none.
Source: Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week by Ellen Dugan
(One Person’s View Point) What are Moon Phases? c.2012
What are Moon Phases?
Next time you’re outside checking out the sky and the Moon happens to be out, notice what shape it is. Does it look round and full? Or, more like a banana or even a lopsided ball? Throughout each month, the Moon appears to change shape while it appears in the sky at different times. These changes are something you can observe as they happen, and they may even surprise you. For example, many people think the Moon is only up at night. But, as you will find out, it can also be up during the day.
It’s Just a Phase It’s Going Through
What you are witnessing are the phases of the Moon. A lunar phase is simply the shape of the sunlit part of the Moon as seen from Earth. That shape changes for the following reasons:
the Moon orbits Earth;
both Earth and the Moon orbit the Sun;
the Moon’s orbit is the same length as the length of time it spins on its axis (about 28 Earth days), which means that we see the same part of the lunar surface all month;
the Sun illuminates both Earth and the Moon.
When you put these all together, it means that the changing positions of the Moon and Sun relative to Earth show us different phases of the Moon (that is, different sunlit parts of the lunar surface). This happens each month in the same cycle of phases.
Get to Know Your Lunar Phases
There are eight phases of the Moon that you can track each month.
New Moon: during New Moon, the side of the Moon facing us is not illuminated by the Sun. At this time, the Moon is not up at night, but it is up during the day. We just can’t see it.
Waxing Crescent: as the Moon waxes (grows) into its crescent phase, it begins to show up low in the sky right after sunset. Look for a silvery-looking crescent. The side facing the sunset direction will be lit up.
First Quarter: seven days after New Moon, the Moon is in first quarter. Only half of it is visible 1/2 of the moon is visible for the first half of the evening, and then it sets.
Waxing Gibbous: after First Quarter, the Moon appears to grow into a gibbous shape. You can see most of it, except for a shrinking sliver over the next seven nights. Look for the moon at this time during the afternoon, too.
Full Moon: During Full Moon the Sun lights up the entire surface of the Moon that faces Earth. It rises just as the Sun sets and disappears beneath the western horizon when the Sun rises the next morning. This is the brightest phase of the Moon and it washes out the nearby part of the sky, making it difficult to see stars and faint objects such as nebulae.
Waning Gibbous: after the glorious appearance of Full Moon, the lunar shape starts to wane — meaning “get smaller”. It’s visible later at night and into the early morning, and we see a steadily shrinking shape of the lunar surface that’s being lit up. When you do spot the Moon, the side that is lit up is facing toward the Sun, in this case, the sunrise direction. During this phase, look for the Moon during the day — it should be in the sky in the morning.
Last Quarter: at Last Quarter we see exactly half the sunlit surface of the Moon and it can be in the early morning and daytime sky.
Waning Crescent: the last phase of the moon before returning to New Moon is called Waning Crescent, and it is exactly what it says: a steadily-shrinking crescent phase. We can see only a small sliver from Earth. It’s visible in the early morning and by the end of the 28-day lunar cycle, it has vanished almost entirely. That brings us back to New Moon to start the new cycle.
Make Your Own Lunar Phases
You can demonstrate this to yourself by setting up a light in the center of the room. Take a white ball in your hand and stand a few feet away from the light. Next, turn yourself in a circle, as if you are the Moon spinning on its axis. Watch how the ball is illuminated as you turn.
Observing the Moon throughout a month is a great school project, as well as something you can do simply on your own (or with family and friends). Check it out this month!
Source: About.com
Carolyn Collins Petersen, Space/Astronomy Expert
(One Person’s View Point) A Little About Moon Phases
The Moon goes through four different phases every 29 days.
The full (Mother) Moon-this lasts from one night before until one night after the date the Full Moon is shown on a regular calendar. A full Moon is used to bring things to you. A good time for spells for your income to increase, protection for yourself, someone else or your home, etc. It is the best time to consecrate a Ritual tool, hold a Handfasting, marriage or Wiccaning.
Next comes the Waning Moon. This period lasts from the second night after the full Moon until one night before the New Moon. During this period, it is a time to send things away from you such as a build up of negativity around you or to charm an object to help you control a bad habit.
Then comes the New (Crone) Moon. This phase is from one night before until one night after the date the New Moon appears on a regular calendar. This is the time when being able to banish or send away bad habits, negative energy, do a house cleansing, etc.
Lastly is the Waxing Moon. This is a time of new beginnings and to bring good things to you. Use it to start a new project or job or getting to know someone better, etc. It is also a good time for a marriage or Handfasting. To charm an object to carry with you for protection or to do a house blessing, etc.
While I have only listed a very few things that work out better if done during the correct Moon phase. They are meant as a guideline to get you thinking about what else you may do during the correct phase.
Remember every time you do a spell or charm an object what energy you send out comes back to you three times as strong-The Law of Three.
Copyright 2011 Lady Beltane
Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondences for Saturday
(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY COROSPONDENCES POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)
Saturday Source: Ancient Pathway
Magickal Intentions:
Spirit Communications, Meditation, Psychic Attack or Defense, Locating Lost Things and Missing Persons, Building, Life, Doctrine, Protection, Knowledge, Authority, Limitations, Boundries, Time and Death
Incense:
Black Poppy Seed
Myrrh
Planet:
Saturn
Sign:
Capricorn
Aquarius
Angel:
Cassiel
Colors:
Black
Grey
Indigo
Herbs/Plants:
Myrrh
Moss
Hemlock
Wolfsbane
Coltsfoot
Nightshade
Fir
Stones:
Jet
Smokey Quartz
Amethyst
Black Onyx
Snowflake Obsidian
Lava
Pumice
Saturday is the sixth day of the work week. It’s officially the weekend. Some see it as one of the luckiest days for gambling. It’s one of those days where you can do what you need around your home and relax, as well. You can take care of a little business then, reap the rewards. It’s a really good day to do collect, courage, reap, gamble and exercise spells
Saturday Source: awithintime.weebly.com
Spell for Wednesday – Psychic Protection Mojo Bag
(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY)
Psychic Protection Mojo Bag
Items you will need:
A dark-grey or purple fabric drawstring bad
Angelica root or rosemary
Sale and pepper in tiwsts of silver foil
An animal or bird bone, or 7 black beads
A dark-green thread or ribbon
A few drops of brandy or barley wine
Chant:
“While you remain hidden within,
Keep safe without.”
Celtic Tree Month – Hawthorn Tree May 13 – June 9
Hawthorn Tree – Spring
The Hawthorn is a prickly sort of plant with beautiful blossoms. Called Huath by the ancient Celts, and pronounced Hoh-uh, the Hawthorn month is a time of fertility, masculine energy, and fire. Coming right on the heels of Beltane, this month is a time when male potency is high — if you’re hoping to conceive a child, get busy this month! The Hawthorn has a raw, phallic sort of energy about it — use it for magic related to masculine power, business decisions, making professional connections. The Hawthorn is also associated with the realm of Faerie, and when the Hawthorn grows in tandem with an Ash and Oak, it is said to attract the Fae.
From LearnReligions.com
Hawthorn Tree – Summer
The Hawthorn is Known in Ireland as the fairy tree. It is often referred to as the gentle bush, lone bush or thorn, as it is disrespectful to mention the fairies by name.
As it is considered a fairy tree, it is believed to be extremely bad luck to cut one down, remove branches, or even hang things upon it (except at Beltane when this was customary) in case you disturb the little folk.
This belief has survived into modern times.
In 1999 work was interrupted on the main road from Limerick to Galway because a fairy tree stood in its path. The road had to be rerouted and construction was delayed for 10 years.
In 2009 there were numerous sightings of an ancient ghost thought to reappear in Tyrone after the felling of a fairy tree.
Few people will speak of the fairy tree out of a mixture of fear and respect and even fewer would ever remove or damage a hawthorn standing alone.
Couples fell in love under the hawthorn blossom
Contrary to these beliefs, in Britain, the hawthorn was associated with love and …
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Hawthorn Tree Leaves and Fruit
Celtic Tree Calendar – Ash Tree February 18 to March 17
Ash Moon: February 18 – March 17
Source: LearnReligions.com
In the Norse eddas, Yggdrasil, the world tree, was an Ash. The spear of Odin was made from the branch of this tree, which is also known by the Celtic name Nion, pronounced knee-un. This is one of three trees sacred to the Druids (Ash, Oak and Thorn), and this is a good month to do magic that focuses on the inner self. Associated with ocean rituals, magical potency, prophetic dreams and spiritual journeys, the Ash can be used for making magical (and mundane) tools — these are said to be more productive than tools made from other wood. If you place Ash berries in a cradle, it protects the child from being taken away as a changeling by mischievous Fae.
Ash – one Ireland’s sacred trees
Source: Ireland-Calling.com
The Ash is part of the olive family and is prized for its strength as well as its healing qualities. In Ireland the ash was considered one of the trilogy of sacred trees along with the oak and hawthorn.
In Ireland the ash was considered one of the trilogy of sacred trees along with the oak and hawthorn. Three of the five magic trees of Ireland were ash along with one oak and one yew.
Sadly, these trees were cut down in 665 by the Christians to symbolise their victory over paganism, although some of the pagan traditions were adopted by the Christians and some trees were linked to the stories of the saints.
St Patrick supposedly banished the snakes from Ireland with an ash stick, which, in Irish mythology, was the preferred wood for a magic wand.
Irish emigrants took Ash to America
According to the writer Robert Graves who created the modern Celtic tree calendar, a tree descended from the sacred tree of Creevna, another sacred ash was still standing in the 19th century.
Irish emigrants to America took pieces of the ash with them as a charm against drowning. Ash was thought to have power over water and was often planted near sacred springs known as ‘cloothe wells’.
It was also used to build boats. In Ancient Greek mythology ash was associated with Poseidon the god of the sea.
Possibly due to its strength and ability to grow to great heights (over 130ft), Celtic mythology refers to the ash tree as The World Tree, a tree that spans between worlds, the backbone of the universe.
It is the tree that represents The Tree of Life, with its tall branches reaching up into the heavens and its vast root system spread deep below the Earth.
Norse mythology had similar beliefs that the ash was the tree said to span the universe, linking worlds.
Medicinal uses of ash
The bark, seeds and leaves of the ash are all believed to have medicinal qualities. They have been used throughout time to strengthen the liver and spleen, cleanse the system and detoxify the body.
In Ancient Greece Hippocrates was known to have used ash to concoct remedies for gout and rheumatism. The inside of ash bark is a disinfectant and was used for cleansing wounds before the use of modern antiseptics.
The leaves of the ash are said to refresh tired feet when put inside boots.
Welcome to WOTC! A Thought for Today
May your and your family’s lives be filled with love, happiness, laughter, joy, and positive things!
Blessed be.
If you want to see information on any tradition of witchcraft, herbs, flowers, a Goddess or a God, or anything pertaining to any tradition of witchcraft, please put it in the comment section or email Lady Carla Beltane at ladybeltane@witchesofthecraft.com. I will try to find some information to post about it.
Spell for Friday – Candle Magick for Rocky Times
(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS 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.
Candle Magick for Rocky Times
You will need:
Pink Candle
The Spell:
A love candle with oils and herbs hidden in a secret place instills confidence in our power to be good lovers. It is a secret source of inspiration when times are hard and you need to work through problems that arise in your relationship.
Hold a pink candle and charge it for future spells, by visualizing you and your lover in a happy loving embrace. Put the energy from this vision into the candle. The say out loud:
“We will always love each other.May the Goddess and God grant this. for the good of all.”
When problems arise in your relationship or you need self-confidence, take out the candle on a Friday during a waxing moon and anoint it with love oil using this procedure: Put some oil on your index finger, and beginning in the middle of the candle, run your finger to the wick end. Then repeat, rubbing the oil down to the bottom of the candle. Light the candle and let it burn down completely and go out.
Witches Of The Craft® 
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