Spell for Today – Under the Protection of the Goddess

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.

Welcome to WOTC! A Thought for Today

This is going to be a short posting day due to my lack of sleep and the time I did not have this morning to post.

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.

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.

Welcome to WOTC! A Thought for Today

We all possess magick in our hearts and spirits. Those of us who choose to learn who we are at our core walk a spiritual path closer to Mother Earth/Gaia.

I am moving slowly this morning and taking a few more breaks so I am not sitting as long with my knee bent. All the regular daily posts will get up hopefully this morning. We will be snuggly at home until at least Tuesday because of – 0F wind chill temperatures. Our furnace is being funny and we don’t want to take the chance of us not being home the furnace quitting with the possibility of lots of things going wrong especially Crystal or Merlin getting sick. Merlin just finished a round of antibiotics for an upper respiratory infection with him almost 13 years old we are watching his health more closely than when he was younger. Crystal wants to stay outside to play even with these brrrr temps but of course, we don’t let her. Please watch how long your companion is out in the winter as their paws can get frostbite as well as their ears and nose.

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 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

 

Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondence for Imbolc

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

Welcome to WOTC! A Thought for Today

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

Blessed be.

If you want to see some information on any tradition of witchcraft or herbs or flowers or 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.

Some Humor for Your Day

Even on my darker days of pain or feeling depressed I try to find one thing to make me laugh. I also smile at strangers I may pass on the street or in a store or any place else I might encounter someone figuring a smile may brighten and otherwise yucky day. 8 out of 10 times the person smiles back at me. Try it you may find it brightens your day also!

I hope the rest of your and your family day and evening is relaxing, filled with fun, laughter, some me time, and love.

Merry part until we merry meet again tomorrow!

For Your Viewing Pleasure – Imbolc

Imbolc – St Brigid’s Festival | Documentary | Pagan & Christian Folklore

Spell For Saturday – Lord and Lady Blessing

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

 

Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondence and Spell for Sunday

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY CORRESPONDENCES POSTED SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY. You can find the origin of the spell by clicking on the hyperlink.)

Sunday’s Witchery

Those ambitious, successful spells and charms will be heightened by working on the day of the week that has the planetary influence of the sun. So light those sunny candles, wear some luminous colors, and break out the gold jewelry! Bake up some cinnamon rolls or low-fat cinnamon muffins for an enchanting family breakfast. Take an orange with you to eat at lunch today. Try using a little magickal aromatherapy and burn some cinnamon-scented incense to encourage success and wealth today. Make the talisman to keep your solar magick with you. Sprinkle some dried marigold petals around your house-or across the threshold-to pull triumph and protection toward you and your family.

Get outside and tip up your face to the sun. Take a walk outside, and soak up some sunshine! Acknowledge the power of Sunna or Helios as they blaze across the sky and bring courage and motivation into your life. Sit outside at sunrise on a Sunday morning and bask in its warm, rosy-golden glow Acknowledge Brigid as the inner, creative spark of imagination and inspiration. She can help these gifts burn brightly within your own soul. Use your imagination and create your own brand of witchery and magick. Here comes the sun, and it’s your turn to shine!

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

A Crossroads candle spell is used when you cannot choose the left fork in the road or the right. This spell is for MAJOR decisions like moving, career, etc. I would strongly not suggest this spell for a choice between two men or women.

CROSSROADS SPELL

1 white candle
1 black candle
1 red candle
A packet of Cornnuts (original recipe) Toasted Corn
21 caramels
1 small bottle of rum
three cigars (unwrapped)
Three stick matches
21 pennies
 

Write a letter to the spirit of the Crossroads and tell him the situation that you cannot decide or which road or path to choose. Lay it out in good detail which is which – meaning, what will happen if you choose this road and what will happen if you choose that path.

Go to a 4 way crossroads at 11:30 pm preferably on a Sunday night, but any night will do if you need it NOW. Place letter in center of a 4 way crossroads (must be 4 way) that extends beyond 7 blocks in each direction. Place three candles in a triangle shape on letter, surrounded by the 21 pennies. Lay one cigar each at base of the candle. Place one of each of the stick matches in between each candle. Place caramels and open pack of Cornnuts and pour in center. Take a good draw of the rum into your mouth, swish it around, spit it in a spray-like pattern over all. Set rest of open bottle of rum down on paper. Light candles and walk away.

Do not, do not,DO NOT look back or look into rear view mirror when driving away.

Accept what happens and where this takes you.

Source: Free Candle Spells

Flower Meaning, Symbolizes, and Spiritual Meaning – Snapdragon a.k.a. Dragon’s Breath Plant

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

Snapdragon a.k.a. Dragon’s Breath Plant 

The dragon’s breath plant symbolizes protection, growth, transformation, and personal power.

Protection: Shields against negative energies
Growth: Represents development and progress
Transformation: Signifies change and adaptation
Personal Power: Enhances personal strength and confidence

This plant’s spiritual essence empowers individuals on their life journey, guiding them towards personal growth and self-discovery.

Dragon’s breath adds a touch of the ethereal to any space, uplifting the environment with its captivating energy.

Table of Content

Dragon’s Breath Plant Meaning & Spiritual Aspect

Symbology of the Dragon’s Breath Plant in Different Cultures

Benefits of Connecting with the Dragon’s Breath Plant Spiritually

How to Connect with the Dragon’s Breath Plant Spiritually

Video About Dragon’s Breath Plant Spiritual Meaning

Conclusion

FAQ

What is the flower called dragons breath?

Why is dragon breath good?

What does dragon’s breath do to a person?

2026 Divination Journal

Lady Carla Beltane picks out the symbol, rune, tarot card, etc., but the information is from the website in the hyperlink. The description of these is one person’s view on them. Please click on the hyperlink for more information.

Tarot Card

Source: Tarotx.net

7 of Arrows – Insecurity

Menu of Contents:

I. The Description of Seven of Arrows Wildwood Tarot

II. The Meaning of Seven of Arrows Wildwood Tarot

III. The interpretation of Seven of Arrows Wildwood Tarot

IV. The guideline of Seven of Arrows Wildwood Tarot

V. Keywords and extensions of Seven of Arrows Wildwood Tarot

Animal Spirit Guide or Helper

Source: UniGuide.com

Bobcat

Bobcat symbolism and meanings include self-reliance, perception, moxie, stealth, friskiness, beauty, and affection. Because bobcats are native to North America – ranging from southern Canada all the way to Mexico – they are subjects in the cultural mythology of these regions. In addition, the bobcat spirit animal is a figure who appears in the spiritual belief systems of many Native American tribes. In this post, you’ll learn about commonly shared bobcat symbols as well as the bobcat spirit animal and totem.

Table of Contents

What does the bobcat symbolize?

Detailed Bobcat Symbols and Meanings

Bobcat Symbols and Meanings in Mythology and Folklore

Native America Bobcat Meaning

Hopi Bobcat Symbolism and Meanings

Zuni and Mohave

Shoshone

Bobcat Totem

Bobcat Spirit Animal

Bobcat Power Animal

Bobcat Dream Meaning

Bobcat Tattoo Meanings

Organizations that Protect Bobcats

Rune

Source: TheRuneSite.com

LAF

Sound: “l”
Stands for: Ã–rlog (Primal Law)
Casting meaning: List said this rune stood for the concepts of defeat and the laws of nature. Today modern versions have this rune denoting life, water and primal law.

Witch’s Rune

SOurce: wizardforest.com

HARVEST

Rune Harvest means that it is time to obtain the results of your work, it promises prosperity and luck. You may get something you have been dreaming about for a long time. But you should note that you will have to get rid of something old. Success will come at a price. Key words: reward, success, abundance, getting rid of old, achievement, achievement price, investment blessing, results.

Moon phase: full Moon

Saturday: Lughnasadh

Element: Earth

Chakra No. 1 – root, sacral

Ogham

Source: druidogham.wordpress.com

Ngetal

Healing, cleaning, cleansing, catharsis, paring down

Tree: Broom (Cytisus spp.)

Letter: Ng

Like when a fever breaks, broom signifies the end of a struggle and the subsequent ability to clear out the junk to make way for a newer, more positive approach. Walking a way from a bad habit or situation can be painful, but not necessarily so. It may also be gradual. Overall, Ngetal is the importance of getting rid of old junk and baggage (this could be actual clutter or psychological baggage, which of course are intimately linked) or it could mean the resolution of action against someone who has wronged you, whether it is forgiveness or cutting and clearing them out of your life. If it is forgiveness, Ngetal suggests it is coming from a genuine place of inner peace. Apologizing does not necessarily make you an apologist.

There is a process of analysis and reflection that eventually distances anger and enables you to feel it without being puppeted by it. Letting go of attachments that aren’t healthy, for instance, an obsession with being liked for the way you look, will help you develop in ways that fulfill your purpose in this life. Ngetal could signify you are beginning to release anxieties about what you have no control over, which will go a long way in healing your spirit.

Questions when you draw Ngetal:
-What bad habits do I have that I’d like to get rid of within the next year?
-Should I wholly forgive a person who is doing me wrong right now, cut them out of my life, or figure out a strategy that is somewhere in-between?

Ngetal ill-dignified excess: Compulsive cleanliness
Have you ever wondered what kind of person lives in a beautiful, stark, minimalist Mies Van der Rohe interior of white surfaces punctuated by sheets of steel and  …

I Ching

Source: iching.online

Hexagram Fifty – Nine/59

Huan / Dissolution

Wind carries the Mists aloft:
Sage rulers dedicated their lives to serving a Higher Power and built temples that still endure.

The King approaches his temple.
Success if you stay on course.
You may cross to the far shore.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Walls meant to protect have instead separated and isolated.
Your defenses have kept you apart from those whom you most need to touch.
Whatever the reason for discord between you, it is time to lay down your arms.
Dispel the inflexible demands and fears of the Mind so that you may reunite in the Heart.
If you have begrudged, forgive.
If you have torn down, repair.
If you have injured, heal.
If you have judged, pardon.
If you have grasped, let go.

Numerology

Source: astrogle.com

Fifty – Nine

It is very persuasive and convincing. It is often found in the charts of successful lawyers and fundraisers. It brings an uncanny ability to be comfortable with people of all walks of life and diverse cultures.

Angel Number

Source: informationseries.com

Fifty – Nine

Basic meaning

Your life, receiving this number as an angel number, is heading towards stability.

The future of life will be clear and clear.

Make sure you accept it.

Don’t be afraid, stay positive and get ready to do what you need to keep up with.

The angel says that with the changes that are coming to you, the best time has come to fulfill your mission.

The change that is happening to you is a step that brings you closer to the holy purpose of your life.

Activities born from your spiritual interests and passions will calm your mind, free you from anxiety and lead you to growth.

(Some of the) Famous Pacts with Demons

Famous Pacts with Demons

Robert Johnson – American Blues Musician – His shadowy life and early death at age 27 gave rise to the legend that he traded his soul to the devil for fame and fortune

Johann Faust – Fifteenth century alchemist, astrologer, and magician whose life became the focal character in the popular tale of Dr. Faust who entered into a pact with Mephistopheles, exchanging his soul for 24 years of service.

Urbain Grandier – A French Catholic priest who was burned at the stake for witchcraft in 1634.  One of the documents used in his trial was a pact between the devil and Grandier, written in Latin and covered in strange markings.  It was known as the  Pactum foederis Urbani Grandieri.

Additional Reading

If you enjoyed reading the Soul Contract & would like to know more about the writer:

R.J. Schwartz is an American Poet and Author.

His complete works on The Creative Exiles Website can be found here

The Gypsy Thread is a huge collection of his original work

Ralph also writes on HubPages

One Way to Consecrate Magickal Tools

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

One Way to Consecrate Magickal Tools

Any object you will be using on your altar during rituals or when doing spells should be an object used just for magickal workings. These objects become Magickal Tools after being consecrated to be used just for rituals.

To consecrate an object first cleanse it of all energy that it holds or is sticking to it from other people handling it.

After the objects are cleansed cast a sacred circle. Lay all items in a row on the surface you are using as an altar. Each item should be blessed and consecrated individually.

Call upon either the God and Goddess you feel the most comfortable working with or Hecate (Goddess of Witches, Home and Hearth, one name for the Triple Goddess) and the Horned God. The Horned Gods to aspects are the Oak King who reigns between the Summer and Winter Solstices or the Oak King who reigns between Winter and Summer Solstices.

While making the sign of the pentagram above each object a simple incantation will work such as:

I call upon ______ and ______ to bless and consecrate this _________

to be used to in any magick I work and/or ritual I perform.

I ask Spirit, Air, Water, Fire and Earth to bless and consecrate this _________

to be used in any magick and/or ritual I perform.

So mote it be.

Copyright by Lady Carla Beltane 2014 All rights reserved. This post cannot be reblogged or copy and pasted or in any other way be reproduced for commercial purpose without express written permission from Lady Carla Beltane. It may be printed out for personal use only.

Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondence for Saturdays

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY COROSPONDENCES POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

Saturday

Saturday is a day filled with opportunities to clean up and clear out. So if you are wondering why Hecate is assigned to this day, take another look at what she symbolizes and the magick that is associated with her. That should answer the question.

Hecate was the oldest form of the Greek Triple Goddess, as she presided over heaven, the underworld, and earth. Crossroads where three roads met were especially sacred to Hecate, earning her the title of Hekate of the Three Ways. It’s interesting to note that even after the worship of other goddesses waned, ancient people still worshiped Hecate as the Queen of the Underworld and the Guardian of the Three-Way Crossroad. It was also believed that if you left her an offering of food there, she would grant you her favors. As Hecate Trivia, her triple images were often displayed at these crossroads, where she was petitioned on the full moon for positive magick and on the dark of the moon for cursing and dark magick.

While this last bit of information sounds a little ominous, keep in mind that Hecate/Hekate was known by many titles and is a shapeshifter. Her appearance could and did change often. As a dark moon goddess, her faces are many. To some she may appear as a old crone, hunched over a smoking cauldron and draped in a midnight cape. To others she may appear as a dark beautiful, mysterious, and mature woman wearing a shimmering crown. To some she may be perceived as a maiden priestess. She was called the “most lovely one,” the Great Goddess of Nature, and the Queen of the World of Spirits. This dark goddess knows her way around the earth and the underworld. All the powers of nature, life, and death are at her command.

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

Saturday Source: otherworldlyoracle.com

Saturday is named after the planet and god Saturn. Therefore everything Saturn rules is appropriate for magick on Saturdays including self improvement and transformation, knowledge-seeking, time, evaluating one’s personal values, banishing negativity and bad habits, etc.

Saturday Magic Correspondences:

Magical Intentions: knowledge, values/morals, time, banishing, self transformation, psychic defense, meditation, locating lost items or people, self defense, liberation

Crystals/stones: onyx, obsidian, smokey quartz, jet, pumice

Herbs: myrrh, moss, thyme, basil, hemlock, nettle, peppermint, pomegranate, hyacinth, mallow, juniper

Gods/Goddesses: Saturn, The Norns, Oshun, Yemaya, Set, Cronus

What Are Glamour Spells?

With so many types of spells out there, it’s tough to figure out where to start. Glamour spells have been used by witches for centuries, but they aren’t the most well-known types of spells by any means.

Because glamour spells are generally underground, there aren’t many spells on Google or Pinterest that are readily available. I’m hoping that this post will provide you with some simple glamour spell ideas that work.

What Are Glamour Spells?

In magic, a glamour is a veil that hides what’s underneath. A glamour spell brings out one’s natural beauty while hiding those less-than-desirable aspects.

When you’re casting a glamour spell, you can either personally choose the aspects that you want to enhance or you can simply visualize beauty and let the spell choose.

A glamour spell typically doesn’t last that long. I find that most glamour spells I cast will last for a full day or so. I tend to cast glamour spells when I really need them which is mainly for special events.

I personally use glamour spells to appear more like who I truly feel I am inside. I don’t use them to run from myself, but I do have specific aspects of myself that I like more than others, and enhancing those aspects gives me confidence.

When Should You Cast Glamour Spells?

I recommend casting a glamour spell anytime you want to enhance your natural beauty. This might be when you feel a bit down, when you want to attract someone, when you’re going into a social situation you feel nervous about, or before a big night or event.

Sometimes, you may just want to cast a glamour spell for fun. All 3 of these glamour spells are relatively harmless, so go for it!

I don’t recommend that you cast a glamour spell if you feel at odds with yourself. A glamour spell is most effective when you harness your inner power and believe in yourself, but you first need to have some level of self-love.

A glamour spell isn’t likely to cause any type of negative karma, but it can bring out the effects you most hate in yourself if it’s cast with a negative or self-deprecating attitude.

A History Of Glamour Spells:

Glamour spells have been around for a long time. Before makeup and cosmetic modifiers were available to everyone, glamour spells were primary method of beauty modification.

In fact, makeup, botox, hair products, etc. are all forms of glamour spells. While witches in the 1200’s used herbs or chants for increase beauty, we use cosmetics.

Glamour spells are timeless and well-practiced for a reason: they work!

3 Easy Glamour Spells For Enhanced Beauty:

Here are 3 very simple glamour spells that are effective for both beginner and advanced students of witchcraft. If you choose to cast a circle during your practice, make sure to go ahead and do that before beginning these spells.

Click here to read the rest of this article Source: teaandrosemary.com

Celtic Tree Month of the Birch December 24 – January 20

(SIDE NOTE: I am sorry I am posting this month so late. I lost track of it going up between all the holidays)

From ireland-calling.com

Birch – the tree of birth

Birch is a hardy and adaptable tree, able to grow where many trees cannot. It seldom grows alone and is often found in groves.

 

The birch tree has many uses both medicinal and practical.

Birch wood is durable but quick to rot, making it a good home for insects and birdlife.

It was often used to make May poles and start the fires at Beltane, the festival of new beginnings, due to a highly combustible tar in its bark.

This tar is furthermore believed to be good for the skin and can be used to treat eczema.

Birch is also associated with purification and protection. The leaves of the birch can be brewed into a tea that treats infection, stimulates the gall bladder and kidneys and is said to dissolve gravel and kidney stones.

Birch used to stimulate purification process

In Scandinavia birch is used in saunas to stimulate the purification process and in Russia birch branches are beaten against the skin at steam rooms for the same purpose. This practice was also used as a punishment in old England to purify a criminal of evil.

The Birch was seen by the Druids as the tree of birth – a symbol of new beginnings. Beth, meaning birch, is the first letter in the Ogham alphabet and the first month in the Celtic Tree Calendar.

Brooms were often made out of birch twigs as birch was believed to have protective qualities.

The birch brooms were used to drive away the spirits of the old year in a protective ritual called ‘beating the bounds’.

Babies’ cradles were often made of birch for these same protective qualities and it is said that carrying a piece of birch will protect you from fairies.

THE ORIGIN OF FRIDAY THE 13TH AS AN UNLUCKY DAY

Being wary of Friday the 13th is much more than a quaint superstition observed by a few uneducated people in distant, unreachable towns and hamlets. In the United States alone, it is estimated that between 17 and 21 million people dread that date to the extent that it can be officially classified as a phobia.

So why is Friday the 13th considered such an “evil” day?

The origins aren’t perfectly clear, but we do know that both Friday and, separately, the number 13 have long been considered unlucky and it was around the late 19th century that the first documented instances started popping up of people putting the two together to form the unluckiest day of all.

Click here to read this rest of this article Source: todayifoundout.com