Tag: Gatherings

(One Person’s View Point) A Little About Moon Phases

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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

Spell For Tomorrow – Hand of Time Spell

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

When dealing with a weekly spell guide, Mondays are thought to be the logical day for money, love, time and meditation spells. Since Mondays are thought to be the start of the work week, it gives plenty of time for a Monday spell to gain strength throughout the rest of the week.

Hand of Time Spell

Items you will need:

Both hands
6 fingers

Hold both of your hands in front of you. Stare at your hands, noticing your palms and fingers, for about thirty seconds. Then, say this chant one time:

“Palms sweaty,
From watching clocks.
No more.
One finger,
For every ten docked.
Seconds in a minute
1440 in a day.
Stop a few,
For singing birds
And trees that sway.”

This should feel like time has slowed-down and allowed you to appreciate life more.

Source: A Witch’s Week of Spells and Activities by Helga C. Loueen

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

Saturday- Ruled by Saturn. Psychic ability, meditation, and communication with spirits.

Day – Saturday

Planet – Saturn

Sign – Capricorn, Aquarius

Angel – Cassiel

Color – Black, Grey, Red, White

Planet – Myrrh, Moss, Hemlock, Wolfsbane, Coltsfoot, Nightshade, Fir

Stones – Jet, Smokey Quartz, Amethyst, Black Onyx, Snowflake Obsidian, Lava, Pumice

Intention – Binding, Protection, Neutralization, Karma, Death, Manifestation.

Element – All

More Qualities – Responsibility, Structure, Details, Banishing, Negativity, Reality, the laws of society, limits, obstacles, tests, hard work, endurance, real estate, dentists, bones, teeth, farm workers, sacrifice, separation, stalkers, murderers, criminals in general, civil servants, justice, math, plumbing, wills, debts, financing, joint money matters, discovery, transformation, death, relations with older people

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 …

Click here to read the rest of this article

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.

Welcome to WOTC! A Thought for Today and Information on WOTC Open Chat

Finally getting a little snow!!! I know many of you who do not usually get snow have got record setting amount in your area but look at it this way you and your families have a once in a lifetime memory and a couple of extra days to spend with each other. Of course for those of us that experience chronic pain this weather is not so great. I am doing my best each day to bring you the regular daily posts. If I skip some it is the extra information I am slacking on but again I will do my daily best to bring you all what I consider important posts. Thank you for your support and understanding when I do not get every daily post done.

I ask that we all keep in mind and send positive energy to all in our community that need it for any reason. Remember that depression is worse for many during winter with lack of sunshine and being able to get out of their homes as much as in the nice weather. These sisters and brothers and guests need our support and positive thoughts to help them through this winter. I understand depression and chronic pain has I deal with both and empathize with you. I am here if you want to “talk” be it through email, wotcladybeltane@gmail.com or ladybeltane@witchesofthecraft.com, or through a audio or video call via Skype. My hand is reaching out to you to help all you have to do is take it. I am not a professional therapist or anything else except and ordained pagan minister who will keep whatever we talk about to myself. I am not here to take the place of any medical professional you are seeing or talking I am just here as a friend and high priestess. I promise to reply to your email, you need to email if you want to talk via Skype too, just as soon as I can. Please remember I live in the USA and am in the Central Standard Time Zone when you are waiting for a reply. No matter where on Mother Earth/Gaia you live I will make a time for a private Skype call work for us. I am not just saying these words that I will be here for you I mean I WILL BE HERE FOR YOU!

The WOTC Open Chat private meeting room via Skype will start this Sunday, January 26th at 9:00 AM CST. You just need to email me at either email address wotcladybeltane@gmail.com or ladybeltane@witchesofthecraft.com with the link to your Skype account so I can add you to the private meeting room. Please email me your Skype link again if you have already set up a Skype account for this community chat. Please DO NOT use your full given name but use some name when setting up your account as I will not accept anyone who just has the ID Skype gives out. The reason for not using your full name is because our given name has power that can be used by someone else to bring us harm. You can join the group chat either by audio or by video whichever you feel comfortable with, we will talk about whatever those in the private meeting room want to. There will be no bullying, racism, gender bashing, pushing of political agenda or any other negative comments allowed as this is to be a safe place for our community to gather and be comfortable talking about whatever. If you violate the safety of our private meeting room and those in it in anyway you will be give ONLY ONE chance to apologize to our group. A second time crossing the line and you will be permanently banned from ever joining the chat group again forever.

I send love and warm, comforting hugs to everyone who choose to accept them. I will be lighting a yellow, long burning candle this morning for positive energy asking RA to spread it, if you would like your name (first name and last initial only or your pagan name) just email me or put it in the comments below this post please. I will add names as I get them, if one candle gets filled I will start another one.

May your and your family’s lives be filled with love, happiness, laughter, joy, and positive things!

Blessed be.

Spell for Tuesday – Daily Prayer to The Goddess

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

For your Viewing Pleasure – Witchcraft: The Truth Behind The World’s Fastest Growing Religion (Pagan Documentary)

Also, the grandsons of all witches they did not burn.

Witchcraft: The Truth Behind The World’s Fastest Growing Religion (Pagan Documentary)

Spell for Today – Black Tourmaline Boundary Spell

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

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.

 

Black Tourmaline Boundary Spell

If you are the sort of person who really wants or needs a fast crystal protection spell that is no muss, no fuss, then try out this Saturday witchery while working with your black tourmaline. Hold the black tourmaline jewelry piece or the raw chunks of stone in your hands. Visualize what it is that you want them to do. Then repeat the following spell verse three times:

Lovely tourmaline crystal so chunky and black
Reflect all negativity right out and back
While I am inside of this magickal boundary
I am protected from any psychic vampires
By the element of earth, keep me free from the mire
May this crystal spell grant the outcome I desire.

Now go ahead and work with the black tourmaline. I bet that you will notice a huge difference.

Source: Book of Witchery Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week by Ellen Dugan

 

How do I write a Spell?

How do I write a Spell?

State your intention. Decide on the result you want to accomplish with the spell.

The Moon is important in witchcraft and, therefore, has a profound influence. The Moon is important in witchcraft and, therefore, has a profound influence.

Time your spell. Timing when casting spells can be important. The Moon is important in witchcraft, and therefore has a profound influence upon us. It is very important to choose the right moon phase for your spell;Magical workings for gain, increase or bringing things to you, should be initiated when the moon is waxing (from new to full);When the moon is waning (from full to dark), then its time for magical workings of decrease or sending away.

The highest energy occurs at the full moon, and therefore this is the most powerful time for magical workings. The new moon is the next most powerful time for magic.

Work with the seasons. There is a natural time for starting things (a planting time), for maturing things (a growing time), for reaping things (a harvest time) and, of course, a time for rest and planning.

Gather your tools. Make sure that you have all the tools that you need for casting the spell. Your tools must have no inherent magic. They are to help you create a mood. You also have to clean your tools. Don’t forget to cleanse and bless (consecrate) your tools before your begin casting your spell.

Understand magic. Remember that magic is the manipulation of energy, a thought is a form of energy and a visualization is an even stronger form of energy. Your visualization can be a method used to intensify further and direct your will. Your visualization can be the method by which you control the magical energy you have produced. You must know what you want. You must see it. You must feel the high energy flow. You must direct it.

Write your spoken words. For making your words and thoughts stronger you can write your spell into a rhyme to be spoken aloud; this makes it easier to remember your spell, you can also chant your spell to raise energy.

Remember the Threefold Law. Everything that you want to reach with this spell comes back 3 times, good or wrong.

Additonal Tips

Before you write your final version of your spell, you can write on a note what you want to reach with your spell, and what you are needing.

Don’t forget to cast a circle before doing any spell, for you are totally vulnerable for elementals when casting higher powers of other beings.

Meditation is the key to relaxation, and being completely relaxed allows energy to flow freely throughout your body. You should learn how to clear your mind and focus with whats on hand.

Remember the very important law: if thee harm none, do what thou will.

Remember to always end a spell in “In no way shall this spell reverse, or place upon me any curse, so mote it be”

Spell for Today – Sunday Pagan Worship

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

Finally, it’s Sunday, the official day of rest. Not only do Christians acknowledge this day but I’m sure many pagans appreciate this day, as well. Everyone needs rest and a lot of people need a good day to worship their creator (whomever or whatever that may be), however they deem fit to do so. With the Sun being the central theme of many ancient rituals, Sunday just seems to fit, in name and theory.

Sunday Pagan Worship

What you will need:
Your voice
Your body
1 bell (optional)

Find a quiet, private area, without distraction. Sit down in a comfortable position. Take a few, slow, deep breaths. Allow your body to become very relaxed. When you have done this, if you brought a bell, ring it seven times. Allow the last ring to resonate throughout your body. If you have something you want to say, to God or The Goddess, now would be a good time to do this. When you are finished, say this prayer or chant:

“I know there is a higher
being than me.
I am not alone.
You are with me,
Day and night.
You’ve rode the lows
And watched the heights.
If angels are real,
I’m sure to have a guardian.
I am so thankful
And so grateful for your hand.
You’ve blessed me.
You’ve fed me
You’ve quenched my thirst
And even dressed me.
A ‘man,
A ‘man,
And Blessed Be.”

When you are finished, ring the bell seven more times, to end the ceremony

 

Source: The Modern Day Spellbook: A Collection of Spells for the Modern Day Witch by R. Marten

The historic Maya oriented their lives by the heavens. Today, their descendants and Western scholars team up to understand their sophisticated astronomy

ZUNIL, GUATEMALA—As the Sun climbs over a hillside ceremony, Ixquik Poz Salanic invokes a day in the sacred calendar: T’zi’, a day for seeking justice. Before she passes the microphone to the next speaker, she counts to 13 in K’iche’, an Indigenous Maya language with more than 1 million present-day speakers in Guatemala’s central highlands. A few dozen onlookers nod along, from grandmothers in traditional dresses to visiting schoolchildren shifting politely in their seats. Then the crowd joins a counterclockwise procession around a fire at the mouth of a cave, shuffle dancing to the beat of three men playing marimba while they toss offerings of candles, copal, and incense to the wind-licked flames.

Poz Salanic, a lawyer, serves as a daykeeper for her community, which means she keeps track of a 260-day cycle—20 days counted 13 times—that informs Maya ritual life. In April, archaeologists announced they had deciphered a 2300-year-old inscription bearing a date in this same calendar format, proving it was in use millennia ago by the historic Maya, who lived across southeastern Mexico and Central America. In small villages like this one, the Maya calendar kept ticking through conquest and centuries of persecution.

As recently as the 1990s, “Everything we did today would have been called witchcraft,” says fellow daykeeper Roberto Poz Pérez, Poz Salanic’s father, after the day count concludes and everyone has enjoyed a…

Click here to read the rest of this article

A version of this story appeared in Science, Vol 376, Issue 6597.

Spell for Tuesday – A Pet Blessing Spell

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

A Pet Blessing Spell

Spoken – As needed, perhaps even on a regular basis to bless and protect your fur-babies. No materials are required however you may want to anoint your pets forehead with some protection oil, this is optional.

Dog Blessing

Hecate, Dark Mother
In protecting this home
In your place as is right
Stands one of your own
In defending this house
And all creatures within
Your sacred beast
A true loyal friend.
Keep him from harm
As he guards all he loves
And watch over him
So below, as above.

-or-

Blessing For Dogs

Diana, Goddess of the Wind
Keeper of dogs both fierce and mild
Hold (name of pet) safely in your arms
And protect this creature from all harm
And should the day come that he/she roams
Guide him/her to the path back home
Bless (name of pet) with a joyful life
Free of hardship, stress and strife

Blessing For Cats

Bast of beauty and of grace,
Protectress of the feline race,
Shield (name of pet) from all hurt and harm
And keep him/her always safe and warm
Watch over (name of pet) from day to day
And guide him/her home, if he/she should stray
And grant him/her much happiness
and a good life free of strife and stress.

-or-

Cat Blessing

O great Goddess Bast, I ask
That you keep (name) at home
Safe from all mischief
And wanting to roam
Grant the contentment
Known to his/her race.
See that he’s/she’s happy
In this his/her rightful place

Let’s Have Some Fun – 9 Summer Solstice Crafts & Recipes for a Magical Litha

Source: moodymoons.com

Foraged Fairy Ladder/Trellis

It’s the season of fairies, and nothing delights the inner child more than playing with the woodland spirits.

This one is so easy, it’s almost self-explanatory.

Literally:  Glue some sticks together.  Yup.  That’s it.  I used hot glue for the one above.

If you want to get fancy, add little bits of (affiliate link —–>) sheet moss to get that aged-in-the-garden feel.

You can even train roses or herbs to grow on it.

Contents

Foraged Fairy Ladder/Trellis

Honey Cakes

Fairy Door

Mermaid Oil/Ocean Potion

Beehive Garden Decoration

Midsummer Altar

Wishing Spell Candle Float

Herb Infused Honey Potions

Drunken Green Witch Potions

Celebrating Litha, the Summer Solstice The Midsummer Sabbat: Celebrate the Power of the Sun!

Source: learnreligions.com By Patti Wigington 

The gardens are blooming, and summer is in full swing. Fire up the barbeque, turn on the sprinkler, and enjoy the celebrations of Midsummer! Also called Litha, this summer solstice Sabbat honors the longest day of the year. Take advantage of the extra hours of daylight and spend as much time as you can outdoors!

Depending on your individual spiritual path, there are many different ways you can celebrate Litha, but the focus is nearly always on celebrating the power of the sun. It’s the time of year when the crops are growing heartily and the earth has warmed up. We can spend long sunny afternoons enjoying the outdoors, and getting back to nature under the long daylight hours.

Hold a Midsummer Night’s Fire Ritual, and celebrate the season with a big bonfire. Prefer to spend some time alone at the summer solstice? Not a problem! Add these simple Litha prayers into your summer solstice rituals this year.

Are you headed to the beach this summer? Take advantage of all of the magic it has to offer, with Seven Ways to Use Beach Magic. If you have little Pagans in your family, you can get them involved in the festivities too, with these 5 Fun Ways to Celebrate Litha with Kids. Finally, if you’re not sure how to get started celebrating Litha, try these Ten Great Ways to Celebrate Litha.

Traditions, Folklore and Customs

Interested in learning about some of the history behind Litha? Here’s some background on Midsummer celebrations—learn who the gods and goddesses of summer are, how they’ve been honored throughout the centuries, and about the magic of stone circles! Let’s start with a quick look at the history behind the celebrations of the summer solstice, as well as some of the customs and traditions of Litha.

There’s a ton of solar magic and myths and legends out there, and many cultures have worshiped the sun as part of religious practice throughout time. In Native American spirituality, the Sun Dance is an important part of ritual.

The summer solstice is also associated with festivals such as the Vestalia, in ancient Rome, and with ancient structures like the stone circles found all over the world.

Handfasting Season is Here

June is a traditional time for weddings, but if you’re Pagan or Wiccan, a Handfasting ceremony may be more appropriate. Find out the origins of this custom, how you can have a fantastic ceremony, selecting a cake, and some great ideas on gifts for your guests!

In a historical context, handfasting is an old tradition that has seen a resurgence in popularity lately. There are plenty of ways to have a magical ceremony that celebrates your spirituality as part of your special day. You may even want to invite some of the deities of love and marriage to be part of your ceremony!

If you’re not sure about how to have a handfasting, make sure you’ve got someone who is legally able to perform it, especially if you’re looking for a state-licensed marriage. You can use a basic handfasting ceremony template as a structure for your ceremony, and you might want to consider a Pagan-friendly custom like broom-jumping as part of your celebration.

Don’t forget, you’ll need a cake! Keep a few simple tips in mind when you’re selecting your handfasting cake.

Crafts and Creations

As Litha approaches, you can decorate your home (and keep your kids entertained) with a number of easy craft projects. Celebrate the sun’s energy with an elemental garden, a fiery incense blend, and a magic staff to use in ritual! You can make magical items as well, like a set of Ogham staves for some summer divination. Want to keep your home decor simple? Whip up a Litha blessing besom to hang on your door as a welcome to your summer guests.

Feasting and Food

No Pagan celebration is complete without a meal to go along with it. For Litha, celebrate with foods that honor the fire and energy of the sun, and a tasty batch of Midsummer mead.

For Your Viewing Pleasure – Appalachia Mountain Roots Plants and Herbs

Disclaimer: No herb should be used for medicinal purpose 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, any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of negative reaction when using this herb for any reason.

This is an interesting series by Donnie Law about the Appalachian Mountain people in the eastern USA. Included in this area is where Lady Abyss was from in Kentucky, USA. So, I always think of her when I am watching one of these videos.

Appalachia Mountain Roots Plants and Herbs

Appalachia – From Wikipedia

This article is about the region in the United States. For other uses, see Appalachia (disambiguation).

Appalachia (/ˌæpəˈlætʃə, –leɪtʃə, –leɪʃə/) is a cultural region in the Eastern United States that stretches from the Southern Tier of New York State to northern Alabama and Georgia.[1] While the Appalachian Mountains stretch from Belle Isle in Canada to Cheaha Mountain in Alabama, Appalachia typically refers only to the cultural region of the central and southern portions of the range, from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia southwest to the Great Smoky Mountains. As of the 2010 United States Census, the region was home to approximately 25 million people.[2]

Since its recognition as a distinctive region in the late 19th century, Appalachia has been a source of enduring myths and distortions regarding the isolation, temperament, and behavior of its inhabitants. Early 20th century writers often engaged in yellow journalism focused on sensationalistic aspects of the region’s culture, such as moonshining and clan feuding, and often portrayed the region’s inhabitants as uneducated and prone to impulsive acts of violence. Sociological studies in the 1960s and 1970s helped to re-examine and dispel these stereotypes.[3]

While endowed with abundant natural resources, Appalachia has long struggled economically and been associated with poverty. In the early 20th century, large-scale logging and coal mining firms brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but by the 1960s the region had failed to capitalize on any long-term benefits[4] from these two industries. Beginning in the 1930s, the federal government sought to alleviate poverty in the Appalachian region with a series of New Deal initiatives, such as the construction of dams to provide cheap electricity and the implementation of better farming practices. On March 9, 1965, the Appalachian Regional Commission[5] was created to further alleviate poverty in the region, mainly by diversifying the region’s economy and helping to provide better health care and educational opportunities to the region’s inhabitants. By 1990, Appalachia had largely joined the economic mainstream but still lagged behind the rest of the nation in most economic indicators.[3]

Spell for Tuesday – The Penny Spell

By Tuesday, most people are over Monday’s slump and are ready to charge. They feel more alert and energized on this day. Tuesdays are considered good days for communication, tenderness, taking care of business, and exercise spells.

The Penny Spell

(Taking Care of Business Spells Just for Tuesday)

Items needed for this spell:

2 pennies

Your hands

Take two pennies in your hands and shake them, fairly hard. While doing this, say this chant three times:

“Penny, Penny, Penny.

I’m shaking these pennies.

And all is fun. In a snap,

I need this done.

Sending this out in a run.

I will slap

These, two pennies, down, into one.”

After this chant, throw the pennies on-top of each other, on the ground. The hardness of the throw and the clanking of the pennies will send out the serious urgency of your spell.

Source: A Witch’s Week of Spells and Activities by Helga C. Loueen