Pagan Holidays: 65 Samhain Magickal Correspondences

Below is a list of Samhain correspondences for decorating your home and altar, celebration, and spellwork.

Colours:

Orange, black, brown, gold, purple, silver, white.

Crystals:

Amber, jet, black tourmaline, black obsidian, bloodstone, carnelian, hematite, smoky quartz, onyx.

Decorations:

Acorns, apples, autumn leaves, pomegranates, autumn fruits, black candles, brooms/besoms, cauldrons, crow or raven feathers, photographs of loved ones, pumpkins, squashes, gourds, nuts, skulls.

Incense:

Dragon’s Blood, Patchouli, Rosemary, Sage, Sandalwood, Sweetgrass.

Herbs, Flowers, Plants & Trees:

Apples, allspice, cypress, cosmos, deadly nightshade, fern, hazel, heather, mandrake, marigold, mint, mugwort, pumpkin, rosemary, rowan, sage, wormwood.

Gods:

Anubis, Hel, Osiris.

Goddesses:

Demeter, Hekate, Morrigan.

Animals:

Bats, cats, dogs, spiders.

Do you decorate your house for Samhain? What about the other 7 pagan festivals? Tell me about your holiday plans! 

NEXT - Pagan Holidays: Yule - Midwinter 

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Haunted Houses 

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Pumpkins

Fabulous Folklore: The Black Annis

Time for a spooky story...

Within the local Dane Hills, known properly as the “dunes”, there used to be a cave, long since filled in, called Black Annis’ Bower, and it was believed to be inhabited by a savage, bedraggled, and scary woman, with great pointy teeth and long, sharp nails.

The Black Annis devoured those that got near, and when the local children went to play in the hills they were assured that if they weren’t careful, this creature - Black Anna - would snatch them.

She had dug the cave out herself with her long claws, and she crouched among the branches of an old pollard oak, which grew over the mouth of her cave. To be caught by Black Anna would mean being scratched to death, sucked dry of blood, and having your skin hung up to dry; later to be worn around the Black Annis’ waist.

“Tis said the soul of mortal man recoiled,

To view Black Annis' eye, so fierce and wild,

Vast talons, foul with human flesh, there grew,

In place of hands, and features livid blue,

Glared in her visage, whilst her obscene waist,

Warm skins of human victims close embraced.

Not without terror they the cave survey,

Where hung the monstrous trophies of her sway,

'Tis said that in the rock large rooms were found,

Scooped with her claws beneath the flinty ground.”

Whilst Prof. Ronald Hutton suggests that the Black Annis is based on a real person - Agnes Scott - could it be that ancient human activity has been merged into this scary story, and that the cannibalism of Black Anna should not be completely doubted? In the 1980s researchers exploring Cheddar Gorge in Somerset found something inside Gough’s Cave: irrefutable evidence of cannibalism in Ancient Britain. The remains of a three-year-old, two adolescents, and at least two adults that appear to have been eaten by humans some 15,000 years ago.

Anyway, a relic of these stories still remains in the minds of the people of Leicestershire and Rutland in the monstrous cat form of Cat Anna; a witch who lived in the cellars of Leicester Castle, who still runs from the castle to the Dane Hills along an underground passage to look for children to consume.

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Werewolves, Werewolfery & The Werewolf Witch Trials

Spell: Graveminding Ritual

A graveminding ritual is one that anyone can undertake, regardless of spirituality or religion. It is purely about connecting in with, and venerating, the dead, and holding space for them.

Graves are often left unattended and unvisited for long periods of time, so caught up are we in the busy hamster-wheel of life, so Samhain is the perfect time to carry out this special visit.

For this ceremony you will need:

Gardening and cleaning equipment; a water bottle spray, gentle soap, and a cloth

Flowers/floral tributes

Candle

Cakes, cookies, or biscuits

On your way to the cemetery bring your beloved dead in to your mind, and think about the time you shared together, or the role they played within your life. Recall memories you have of them, and picture them in your mind’s eye if at all possible.

When you arrive at the grave spend time cleaning it and clearing away any dead grass or foliage. When you are ready, leave your tributes, saying a few words if you wish. If there are others with you allow them to do the same.

Light the candle, and imagine that your connection with them is represented by the flickering flame. Appreciate that their memory will always burn in you.

Stay here for some time in quiet meditation and contemplation. Partake in food and drink and if there are others with you you may wish to share stories, poems, readings, or songs. Say these words:

As the veils of Samhain fall, 

Sense this light, hear my call,

Blessed dead in earthly tomb, 

Your memory in me abloom.

You may wish to spend the whole day undertaking this pilgrimage, and if the grave of your loved one is far away, or it takes a lot of cleaning and clearing up, then it is entirely possible it may do so.

Leave the candle burning if you can, if the cemetery authorities allow it.

Graveminding ritual taken from The Journey into Spirit by Kristoffer Hughes. 

NEXT - Spell: Protective Evening Beauty Ritual
NEXT - Cemetery Stuff: Extracts From Regulations
NEXT - Cemetery Stuff: Memento Mori

Simple Magick: Horse Brasses

Horse brasses - correctly known as “pressed brass harness decorations” - became popular in the 1850s.

They are brass plaques used for identifying and decorating harness gear; especially for cart, parade, and Shire horses.

It is unknown if horse brasses had a deliberate magical intent originally, as no English tradition of metal charms on horses exists previously, however it is likely that horse brasses replaced charms of other materials, as horses were seen as particularly liable to the attention and effects of malign forces, and anything eye-catching and shiny can protect against witchcraft and the evil eye.

Many English brasses depict lucky and fortuitous symbols such as the sun, crescent moon, star, horseshoe, sun cross, and wheel; and dogs, lions, and serpents are common, too.

Horse brasses are commonly used as apotropaic charms to protect homes. Apotropaic charms offer a shield of protection whilst repelling negative energies, magic, and forces. Horse brasses have been found up Welsh chimneys, and were used to protect carts on the streets of early 20th century London. They have been used as protective pendants on necklaces, and as altar decorations.

This horse brass features the upside-down horseshoe, which is my county’s symbol, along with the acorn. It other English counties it is considered bad luck to be hung this way, but in Rutland it is very lucky, and is found on houses and above doorways. The people of Rutland believe that the Devil can’t make a home in the horseshoe this way up.

Do you use apotropaic charms? Do you have horse brasses in your home?

NEXT - Simple Magick: 9 Types of Divination With Water
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: White Horses 

Media Appearance: Join Me at Gather The Witches

The last time I introduced myself was back in March for @witch.with.me’s “That Witch” week, so as there are lots of new followers (welcome!) I thought it was time I said hello.

I’m a holistic therapist, pagan model, writer, and fire spinner from the South of England, living on a cemetery. I’m a traditional witch, but I’m interested in all aspects of witchcraft. But forget labels, I’m really just Wren.

Next weekend I’ll be appearing at Gather the Witches, where we’ll be celebrating Samhain. There’s free Main Stage entertainment, and an All Access Pass will give you further access to witchy performers and presenters. It’s going to be awesome and I’d love you to join us! Go to www.witchwithme.com for more information and tickets.

Now you know all about me, I’d love to know where you’re from, and a random fact about yourself! Then go to the comments to find witchy friends around the world.

Review: The Magic of Marie Laveau by Denise Alvarado

For some, their first introduction to Marie Laveau was via American Horror Story: Coven - her vamped-up character played by the wonderful Angela Bassett. But there was a lot more to this incredible woman than her on-screen portrayal showed. She was extremely committed to the people of her community; she helped the sick and the poor, she visited people in prison, and she attended court cases to help others, amongst many other acts of charitable kindness.

The Magic of Marie Laveau: Embracing the Spiritual Legacy of the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans is an amazing book by Denise Alvarado, and only a few pages in I was ready to pack my bag for New Orleans, to go pay my respects to this amazing woman.

Head over to the Witch With Me Blog (www.witchwithme.com) to read my @witch.with.books review if you want to read it there and check out other brilliant reviews; this is definitely one you don’t want to miss.

About the Author Denise Alvarado (1960) was born and raised in the rich Creole culture of New Orleans, Louisiana. She has studied indigenous healing traditions from a personal and academic perspective for over four decades. She is the author of numerous books about Southern folk traditions, including The Conjurer’s Guide to St. Expedite, The Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook, The Voodoo Doll Spellbook, Voodoo Dolls in Magick and Ritual, and more. Her provocative artwork has been featured on several television shows including National Geographic’s Taboo, The Originals, and Blue Bloods. She is a rootworker in the Louisiana folk magic tradition, a spiritual artist, and a teacher of Southern Conjure at Crossroads University. Visit her at www.creolemoon.com.

About The Magic of Marie Laveau: Embracing the Spiritual Legacy of the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans
As a cultural anthropologist and Louisiana folk-magic rootworker, Alvarado is more than qualified to take us on Marie Laveau’s journey, and jumps straight into her history with a vivid introduction. She immediately delves into Laveau’s prowess and personality, and even throws in a ghost story for good measure. She assures us that if Laveau were here today, she would be at the forefront of the #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter movements, and from what I read about this amazing woman in just the introduction alone, I can only nod my head in agreement. Only a few pages in, I was gripped and totally fascinated; ready to book my flight to New Orleans to pay my respects at Marie Laveau’s gravesite.

“Stories abound about her magickal prowess, freeing men from the gallows and healing the sick from the brink of death.” -The Magic of Marie Laveau: Embracing the Spiritual Legacy of the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans

This book examines in great detail the history of the time; slavery, the cultural climate, and the social environment that Laveau was born in to. We learn about her magical, spiritual, and religious background, and Alvarado covers Laveau’s familial history and makes some beautiful and just observations in regards to the tragic intergenerational trauma that Laveau and her family must have suffered as a result of the slave trade. Despite the many unconfirmed allegations that littered the press about Laveau during her day, Alvarado debunks several myths; including her place of birth and age at death, helping the reader to get to the heart of who Marie Laveau really was. We hear about Marie’s spiritual court and the deities and spirits within this, and the syncretism in New Orleans Voudou as a result of the Louisiana Black Code. As if that weren’t enough, we learn about modern-day Laveau devotees, and the practical aspects of this craft; such as how to set up a devotional altar, how to petition Marie Laveau, and how to walk the path. Later, in the third part of the book, we are treated to categories of Conjure in the Laveau Voudou Tradition, and given spells, rituals, prayers, and gris gris.

The Book’s Strengths The most illuminating thing about this book is the huge amount of history and knowledge that has been packed in clearly and concisely; it is absolutely brimming with facts and magickal information. It is clear that the research for this book must have been a huge undertaking for Alvarado; but without knowing the history and social background of the time, one cannot even begin to understand what a magnificent character Laveau was, or appreciate the world she walked in.

Alvarado’s amazing descriptions of her character, and the quotes woven throughout, add a rich vividness to the story; and we come to know Marie intimately as if we have travelled back in time, and are walking beside her. We can’t help but form a picture of her in our minds, and all this is achieved whilst maintaining an easy read - a feat that only the most talented of wordsmiths can achieve.

Alvarado handles many difficult subjects beautifully and sensitively, whilst educating the reader. Despite the unfairness of Laveau being demonised by an unforgiving press as a wild and crazy woman, whilst simultaneously being acknowledged for her piousness and held as a saint for her charitable work, we don’t feel sorry for Laveau. Alvarado ensures that her tenacity and determination are clear for all to see. 

What You Can Learn... Insights into Laveau’s character include her industrious and hardworking nature; and even though she was often passed off as a con-woman rather than cunning, we learn that she had a large, warm, and intensely generous heart, who would always go the extra mile for others. She lived by the Catholic principle of living life compassionately in service to her community, and after reading this book it is clear that one does not have to be Catholic, a Voudou initiate, or even a devotee of Marie Laveau, to honour her, and find immense respect for her.  

Through the words in this book, Laveau teaches us that daily practice is imperative to building your magickal practice, and that compassion for your human counterparts is the way forward. Whilst there are many books written on her life and legend, very few books except this one focus on her magical and spiritual legacy; which the author concludes lies in her name, and in the ‘unique magicospiritual tradition’ that defines Louisiana today. Alvarado has worked tirelessly to separate fact from fiction; and consequently she does indeed present Marie Laveau to the world as she should be seen: a Queen.

The Magic of Marie Laveau: Embracing the Spiritual Legacy of the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans may be purchased here. NEXT - Review: Witchology Magazine - Mabon 2022 Issue

Media Appearance: Cate Loves Podcast - Witchcraft & Holistic Health

I‘m absolutely thrilled to appear on the Cate Loves Podcast, which is all about holistic health and lifestyle, and explores practical tips and ideas for you to try.

In the latest episode, Cate asks me about witchcraft and my holistic health practices.

Cate is a yoga teacher, Ayurvedic practitioner, and zero waste educator who offers one-to-one holistic health sessions. She is also an excellent cook, and you can find many wonderful ideas for an attainable - and tasty! - healthy lifestyle over on her page. @cate.loves.holistic.health

Cate is a good friend of mine from back home, which is evident in us having a good old chinwag! If you have an interest in holistic health be sure to check out the Cate Loves Podcast, available from wherever you get your podcasts, and show Cate some love over on her page.

Thanks ever so much for featuring me Cate!

Moon Magick: New Moon Baths

The New Moon is associated with new beginnings, reflection, introspection, gaining clarity, and starting projects.

It’s a great opportunity to cleanse and ready yourself for these new opportunities, and for the next part of the lunar cycle.

Water and salt are both cleansing, and if you have a bath tub in your home then you have, in effect, got an extremely large cauldron(!), so bath magick is perfect for the New Moon.

Himalayan salt is perfect for bath rituals, but if you don’t have any, any bath salts will do. Aim for a 1% salt solution.

Prepare your bathroom, and whilst the bath is running think about the things you’d like to call into your life in the coming weeks and month. Write a list, then spend some time visualising them happening. Make the intention that before these things can happen any negativity or blocks must be washed away.

Get into the bath and make a mental note of how you feel. Feel the heat, the silkiness of the salt in the water against your skin, the flicker of candles, the aromas you may smell. When you are ready, imagine past traumas, bad habits, unhelpful or negative thought patterns, and any hurt you may have experienced which may be holding you back wishing off you, and disappearing down the plughole. When you do pull the plug, again, imagine those unhelpful things washing away, and leaving you ready to face the month ahead with a clear mind and enthusiasm.

Have a blessed New Moon everyone.

NEXT - Moon Magick: 7 Words For The New Moon in Virgo
NEXT - Review: Moonology Diary (2021) by Yasmin Boland 

Simple Magick: 9 Types of Divination with Water

There are many types of water divination, and some have been around for hundreds of years.

Lecanomancy is a form of divination using a dish, and usually involves water. Some practitioners add oil to the water and divine messages from the oily patterns and bubbles; others use the water ripples and movement to glean information. Another example of Lecanomancy is the indigenous people from the Catawba Indian Nation placing a bowl of water by a deceased person’s head. On the third day, the whereabouts of the deceased person would become apparent according to the ripples of water.

Hydromancy is a similar method of water divination to Lecanomancy whereby pebbles are dropped into a pool, and the resulting ripples, colour, ebb and flow, are read.

American folklorist Charles Godfrey Leland describes the practice of Scyphomancy in his 1891 book Gypsy Sorcery and Fortune Telling:

“...it may be observed that gypsies in Eastern Europe, as in India, often tell fortunes or answer questions by taking a goblet or glass, tapping it, and pretending to hear a voice in the ring which speaks to them. This method of divination is one of the few which may have occurred sporadically, or independently in different places, as there is so much in a ringing, vibrating sound which resembles a voice. The custom is very ancient and almost universal...”

Different Types of Water Divination:

Bletonomancy - method of divination using water current.

Ceromancy - method of divination by dropping wax into water.

Cyclicomancy - method of divination by swirling water in a cup.

Hydromancy - method of divination using pebbles dropped into a pool.

Lecanomacy - method of divination using a bowl and usually water.

Pegomancy - method of divination using fountains.

Phyllorhodomancy - method of divination using roses and usually water.

Plumbomancy - method of divination observing molten lead poured into water.

Scyphomancy - method of divination using a cop or goblet and water.

Do you use water divination in your craft?

NEXT - Simple Magick: Meet The Ancestors
NEXT - Simple Magick: Using Water & Rainwater 

Sacred Symbols: The Om

Today I thought I’d talk about a symbol that is not witchy, but has always held deep meaning and significance to me.

The Om, or Aum. 🕉

It is considered to be the first sound, and is a spiritual symbol in eastern religions and spirituality. The meaning and connotations of the Om vary within and across traditions; broadly speaking it is a syllable that is chanted within Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

It has been associated with concepts of "cosmic sound" or "affirmation to something divine".

Other descriptions include "the sacred sound, the Yes!, the Vedas, the Udgitha (song of the universe), the infinite, the all encompassing, the whole world, the truth, the ultimate reality, the finest essence, the cause of the Universe, the essence of life, the Brahman (reality, entirety of the universe, truth, divine, supreme spirit, cosmic principles, knowledge), the Atman (soul, self within), and the vehicle of deepest knowledge, and Self-knowledge".

In super basic terms, Om is all encompassing, the essence of ultimate reality, and unifies everything in the universe. It is imperishable, and that it is all states of time, past, present, future, as well as transcending time itself.

The Om sound is a short ‘seed' mantra, and is considered a tool for meditation, empowering one to know the divine within. The vibrations that Om creates are believed to energize the chakras, especially the third eye and crown chakras, which help us connect with our Divine selves.

The Om symbol represents the sound in a visual form.

Do you have a symbol, word, prayer, device, mantra, or some other vehicle for spirituality that is not connected to witchcraft, but still holds deep significance for you?

NEXT: Sacred Symbols: Elhaz of The Elder Futhark
NEXT - Simple Magick: The Threefold Law 
NEXT - Simple Magick: Baphomet Explained 

Simple Magick: Meet the Ancestors

I met my husband seven years ago today. As we head into the darker months I felt compelled to reach out to my ancestors:

Dorothy Kate

Beatrice Winifred

Ethel May

Clarence Alfred

Derek Lyle

Kenneth Stanley

I asked for their love, support, and guidance, and to watch over and protect the union that is my marriage. You can see my hand-fasting cords in front of the picture of my maternal grandparents.

They feel very close to me right now. My thoughts this evening have strayed from them, to the fact that even though I have a wonderful family I always felt like the odd one out. It reminded me of a beautiful passage about ancestors by Bert Hellinger:

“The So-called ‘Black Sheep’ of the family are, in fact, seekers of liberation roads for the family tree. Those members of the tree who do not adapt to the rules or traditions of the family system, those who were constantly seeking to revolutionize beliefs, going in contrast to roads marked by family traditions, those criticized, tried and even rejected, those, by General, they are called to release the tree of repetitive stories that frustrate entire generations.

The ‘Black Sheep’, those who do not adapt, those who scream rebel, repair, detoxify and create a new and blooming branch… countless unfulfilled desires, unfulfilled dreams, frustrated talents of our ancestors manifest themselves in their rebellion looking to take place .

The family tree, by inertia, will want to continue to maintain the castrating and toxic course of its trunk, which makes its task difficult and conflicting… that no one makes you doubt, take care of your ‘rarity’ as the most precious flower of Your Tree.

You are the dream of all your ancestors”

Our ancestors are close, the veil is thinning. Rejoice.

NEXT - Simple Magick: 9 Pink Correspondences For Relationship Magick
NEXT - Samhain: 4 Types of Ancestor

Magickal Places: The Goddess Temple - Glastonbury

Here is this year’s Autumn Equinox altar at the Glastonbury Goddess Temple.

The Glastonbury Goddess Temple is a community organisation dedicated to worship of the indigenous British Goddess in all Her forms. It is believed to be the first formally recognised public indigenous British Goddess Temple in Europe for 1500 years (or more).

The Temple was originally pop-up in structure, but has been permanently housed in the High Street since Imbolc 2002, formally being recognised as a place of worship the following year.

As you can see it has been decorated in beautiful Mabon colours. It was the first time in all the years I’ve been visiting that it was empty, so Mr Cemetery and I had a beautiful and private moment of reflection, introspection, and contemplation together.

I always find the run up to Samhain a very deep and thoughtful time; my thoughts always stray to those who have passed over. 

NEXT - Autumn Equinox Blessings
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Sheela-na-Gig
NEXT - Recipe: Wren's Autumn Apple Cake

Samhain: Gather the Witches - Online Event

Covid might be a thing but Samhain is not cancelled! Join me and a host of other witchy presenters at this fabulous online event curated and hosted by Witch With Me - www.witchwithme.com

I shall be inviting you into my cemetery home and cooking up a Samhain storm! Join me at Gather the Witches to find out more!

The price of the ticket not only gives you access to all the presentations during the event and forever afterwards, but you’ll also have access to live Q&A sessions with the presenters throughout the weekend, plus access to a live tarot parlour.

This event is being held in support of The Temple of Witchcraft (@temple_of_witchcraft), so by joining us for a weekend of Samhain celebrations you’ll not only be having a great time, but you’ll also be doing your bit for the witchcraft community.

Go to the Witch With Me website for tickets.

See you at Samhain, Witches!

Samhain: 4 Types of Ancestor

As we head into the darker half of the year and the veil between world of Matter and world of Spirit thins, I am being drawn to spend time thinking about, communicating with, and honouring my ancestors.

This is a time where I feel them more strongly; there is a very clear pull from them, and to them. Veneration of one’s ancestors is an ancient practice that is found in cultures all over Earth. By remembering and honouring our ancestors we not only keep their memories and stories alive, but we reestablish the connection of who we are to our own selves.

We often think of ancestors as being those we are related to by birth, but there are several types of ancestor.

Familial Ancestors

These are the ancestors we are related to, share DNA with, or are members of our family due to marriage or choice. They may be recent relatives or individuals from generations back. They may be step family or adoptive family.

Spiritual Ancestors

These are the witches, shamans, and magicians that walked before us. They are past members of our covens, they are gurus, or teachers. They have spiritual significance to your path or tradition in some way. As a Reiki Practitioner I include Mikao Usui, a man who taught Reiki to over 2000 people, as one of my Spiritual Ancestors.

Land-based Ancestors

These are the people who lived in our houses, villages, towns, cities and even countries. The energy of their beliefs, festivals, habits, deeds, trials, and tribulations are imprinted on the land forever.

Animal Ancestors

I’m including animal spirits in my list because we should not forget the animals that walk upon the earth beside us, be them indigenous animals, pets or familiars.

Who do you count amongst your Ancestors? 

NEXT - Samhain: A Celebration Supper 

NEXT - Pagan Holidays: Yule - Midwinter 

NEXT - Pagan Holidays: Imbolc

Magickal Places: The Chalice Well - Glastonbury

The Chalice Well (also known as the Red Spring) is situated at the bottom of Glastonbury Tor.

It is said to have been in use for the last 2000 years, and as a result it is one of the most ancient, revered, and well-known holy wells in Britain.

It is fed by a deep aquifer in the lower levels of the Pennard Sands, and even during a drought it issues at least 25,000 gallons of water a day!

The waters that flow from the Red Spring are said to have healing properties, and so many people come here to bathe or to drink the sacred waters. It is said that faeries from under the Tor spend time in the Well, giving the waters their magical powers.

The waters leave a red iron deposit, meaning many myths and legends have been attributed to this special place. Some say that this spring emerged from the spot where the chalice (Holy Grail) that Jesus drank from at the Last Supper was placed; and some people believe that the Holy Grail is actually buried here.

For others the water is representative of the very essence of life, and see the Well as a symbol of femininity. Consequently, it has become a destination for those paying homage to feminine deities.

Whatever one’s beliefs, it is a very important place to spiritual people of many paths from all over the world, and well worth a visit.