Tag: Gatherings
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
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.
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)
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
Celebrating Litha, the Summer Solstice The Midsummer Sabbat: Celebrate the Power of the Sun!
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.
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
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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
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]
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