Lupercalia: A Look at Valentine’s Day

The feast of St. Valentine became intertwined with Lupercalia, another Roman festival, to become what we know as Valentine’s Day.

We do celebrate it here. We have hectic lives, children with ex-partners and each of us does a lot for the other due to big challenges that we each face, so we don’t mind the reminder to stop and check in and take some time to appreciate each other.

We had to laugh this morning when we swapped cards. Of all the cards we could have bought, from all the places in town, we managed to buy the same card, just with either “husband” or “wife” written on it.

To make things a little weirder, we used the words “inspire” or “inspiration.” It has been quite a magickal week with a lot of synchronicities, and it seems our luck is changing for the better.

From our house to yours, Happy Day of  Love!

Sending love and blessings, Wren. X

NEXT - Pagan Holidays: The Winter Solstice
NEXT - Pagan Holidays: Imbolc
NEXT - Simple Magick: Birthday Cake Candles

Simple Magick: 30 Low-Energy Magickal Activities

Small, simple low-energy magickal activities are important to my practice. They join the dots between bigger celebrations, rituals and work. 

They’re perfect for when you are feeling unwell, low on time, or disconnected from your Craft. Sometimes we need to rely upon low-energy activities to see us through a period of spiritual drought; until we can step things up a gear or commit to our Craft more fully.

Gratitude, mindfulness and seeing the magick and the joy in everything, are also helpful tools in any practice.

• Burn incense intentionally ~ watch the smoke carry your ideas and intentions
• Light a candle ~ concentrate on a thought, intention or affirmation
• Read a witchy book
• Write witchy poetry 
• Draw a witchy sketch
• Read up on a festival/sabbat if you’re not able to celebrate/observe it
• Make magickal plans 
• Journal 
• Listen to some witchy/pagan/inspiring music 
• Create some incense 
• Update your Grimoire 
• Clean your altar
• Watch a witchy film or documentary
• Write a letter to a witchy friend 
• Discuss the nearest sabbat/festival/season
• Bake something seasonal
• Meditate 
• Design spellwork for later 
• Go for a small walk and observe what nature is doing 
• Create a sigil
• Reflect on the nearest sabbat/festival/moon phase and the last turn of the Wheel
• Create a seasonal simmer pot using appropriate herbs and ingredients 
• Make a hot drink and stir appropriately to banish or attract
• Daydream out the window 
• Do some cloud watching ~ look for messages 
• Draw sigils/symbols/runes on plates before plating food
• Do some witchy art/crafts 
• Go outside ~ even if briefly ~ to look at the Moon 
• Do some simple divination ~ eg. Tarot reading or scrying
• Take a witchy bath ~ let the things you no longer need drain down the plughole

The list is endless, and I imagine many of us will do most of these. What would you add to this list?

NEXT - Simple Magick: Find Your Magick
NEXT - Simple Magick: Altar Dressing
NEXT - Moon Magick: Making Moon Water

Simple Magick: Is It A Sign?

It’s important to remember that not everything you see is a sign.

Sure, it’s good to be open to receiving signs, and keeping an eye out for them; but it’s important to maintain a level of objectivity, too.

I have four crows that regularly frequent the cemetery, so I can’t depend on crows to be a sign in this location. Unless I choose to interpret their behaviour as divinatory; a method known as augury.

But on walking through the middle of a neat, cut grass field, with no trees nearby, I saw this. The only sticks around, they almost seemed deliberately placed. Do you think this is a sign?

It reminds me of the Nauthiz rune in the Elder Futhark, which represents Need (naudh).

“Need makes for a difficult plight; 

the naked freeze in the frost.

Need is the pain of the bondmaid,

and a hard plight,

and toilsome work.”

Taken from Northern Magic: Rune Mysteries & Shamanism by Edred Thorsonn.

This stave represents the resistance or friction that can be found in all parts of the world; in nature, in society, and in ourselves. Whilst this resistance or friction may come from an outside source, it is up to us to utilise the energy of this resistance, on the understanding that we have the power and the control to do so.

Magickally, this stave can be used to overcome distress ~ or even stress ~ so perhaps that’s the message for me in this sign. I need to employ Nauthiz.

Do you look out for signs often? Do you get answers to your questions? What’s the biggest sign you have ever received?

NEXT - Simple Magick: Storing Tarot Decks
NEXT - Simple Magick: The Shadow
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Black Annis 

Fabulous Folklore: King Arthur £23 Notes

I see some funny things on my travels, in this instance a £23 note given to my friend by King Arthur Pendragon at our friend’s funeral on Friday.

For those who aren’t aware, Arthur Uther Pendragon is an eco-campaigner and Druid, best known for his battles with English Heritage regarding the monument of Stonehenge, and a self-declared reincarnation of King Arthur, a name by which he is also known. He is the face on the £23 note, and for those that don’t live in England, £23 notes are not a thing.

The back of the note reads:

“The sum total of all wealth in the world is the sum total of all human activity, paid and unpaid, through all time on this planet. Therefore, we say, it must be free.”

I was kind of lucky that I could show you this now, as it fits neatly into my “pink” scheme (more obvious on Instagram). This is often how it goes, my page seems to sort of flow, and the pink things appear! But I often feel constrained by the colour scheme I have set myself, and there is a pressure to post every day, to create a “chunk” of colour, something I struggle with when my health is not good.

I am considering changing the page to “free” images for a while, and post up what I want, when I want. Whilst my page and posts are not contrived, it could be time for a change.

What do you think? Is it the colour scheme that brought you here, or the information in the posts? Would you like to see a change? 

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Merlin's Cave
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Celtic Cross
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Edith Weston Poltergeist

Word Magick: The Season of the Witch

We’re halfway through September, so I’m late to the party, but I wanted to add my voice to what Louisa @thewitchesstone and Crow @marget.inglis_witchcraft think about the suggestion, made by many witches, that autumn is the “Season of the Witch.”

Don’t get me wrong - I love the “-ber” months as much the next person - but I always feel a bit confused when 1st September rolls around, and everyone is going a bit bonkers about the “Season of the Witch.”

I love autumn. I get excited for the leaves changing colour. The trees shedding them is the perfect reminder that it’s ok to let some things go. I appreciate the cooler temperatures, and embrace getting my boots, scarves and chunky knits out. I adore Samhain for its depth and beauty; for the opportunity for reflection and remembrance, but like Louisa and Crow, I don’t agree that autumn is the Season of the Witch.

To me, Witchcraft, and indeed life, is all about balance. Many (but not all) modern pagans, witches and Wiccans celebrate the Wheel of the Year; the cyclical journey through the seasons. At each point on the Wheel we are afforded an opportunity for introspection, a chance to look backwards, and forwards. There is balance in each festival, each season, the year. Each Sabbat has something special for witches and pagans. Therefore in my mind, EVERY season is the Season of the Witch.

I do understand having a favourite festival and season. Beltane will always, always have my heart! Summer will always be my favourite time of the year. Maybe it’s just that the majority of witches love the autumn?

What do you think?

Do you think autumn is the Season of the Witch? If so, why is that? Has it become known as the Season of the Witch because of the association of witches at Halloween? (Which is separate to Samhain, of course).

If autumn is your favourite season what is it you love about this time so much?

Maybe another season is your favourite? If so, what is your favourite season (or festival), and why?

I’d love to hear your thoughts! 

NEXT - Samhain: Samhain Night Blessings 

NEXT - Personal Magick: My Beltane Handfasting 

NEXT - Magickal Places: The Goddess Temple - Glastonbury

Review: Witchy Birthday Cake by Shannon Holdsworth

Yesterday we went for a surprise birthday trip out and there were surprises galore!

My husband had planned an amazing trip to Stanton Moor to see the Nine Ladies Stone Circle, but he had also arranged for us to meet my best friend and her partner there - and they gave me this incredible cake.

Isn’t it amazing? It has sugar amethysts and is decorated with runes, ivy, candles and a pentagram - I was absolutely blown away; it’s a total masterpiece. The cake was light and fluffy with a beautiful buttercream filling. So delicious.

We had a fantastic trip to this incredible place, and I’ll be sharing photos throughout the week.

Hope you’re all having a lovely weekend!

Cake by Shannon Holdsworth

NEXT - Review: Aromafume Incense Brick Burner 

Simple Magick: Experiencing the Land Wights

I’ve spoken before about land wights, the unique spirits that reside in natural things such as mineral, animal, herb, rock, plant, and stone. Collectively they form the genius loci, the spirit of a place.

Land wights are definitely the spirits that communicate with me most, and something which has developed as I have got older. I felt an instant connection to this place when I moved here ~ a later DNA test would reveal to me that many of my ancestors actually came from this area ~ and the longer I have spent time treading the land, the more information the land wights have passed to me.

It begun as information about the landscape, and moved on to the identification of plants. My plant knowledge has always been quite good, but it has sped up since I moved here. I feel like the land ~ the spirits residing within the land ~ are slowly revealing themselves to me, furthering my knowledge. They will say “I am an X” and when I go home and research, I find they are right.

It’s not just the identification of plants, it’s also their personalities. I get a certain feeling when I approach, spend time with, think about, or use a plant. These are distinct feelings or emotions that I simply have no human words for. They are very specific, and differ hugely from plant to plant. I suppose you could say it is their “essence”.

There is clearly more work to be done with this. There are hundreds of plants yet to be identified, and personalities to understand; and that’s before we get into the realm of using them magickally. What’s interesting is that as someone who has terrible cognitive issues ~ especially a terrible memory ~ one thing I CAN remember is the names of all these friends.

Have you ever felt instantly connected to a place? Did it reveal its secrets to you? Have you experienced what I am?

NEXT - Simple Magick: 9 Uses For Graveyard Dirt
NEXT - Simple Magick: Horse Brasses
NEXT - Natural Remedies: Stinging Nettle & Rosemary Hair Rinse

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Foxgloves

Simple Magick: Genius Loci

When we think of spirits what do we think of? The spirits of people, and perhaps animals, will most likely spring to mind, especially if you’re not a witch. But what about spirits of the land? The Genius Loci?

It was the Romans who brought the idea of genius loci into our minds and hearts, the idea that each place has a guardian spirit; an essence, almost tangible, that can be felt and understood.

Each home has a genius loci. I referred to ours earlier in my post about Copernicus, one of our House Guardians, but of course each place has one, too.

The depth of the connection to the genius loci of the land I live upon came something as a surprise to me this summer. I have only been here two years this month and yet the land wights - the unique spirits that reside in each plant, rock, stone, tree, animal, crystal and mineral - spoke to me by imparting some herbal and local knowledge to me, which upon later research turned out to be true. I can only describe this experience as a sudden and intense “knowing”, like someone had whispered this information in my ear, or the resurrection of information that had somehow been buried deep within me, many years ago, waiting for the right key to unlock it. That day I had definitely immersed myself in the energy and essence of the land, I felt connected to it even before these magical moments.

You can work with genius loci, as it’s a guardian spirit, however you must come to know it first. That means exploring and forming a connection with your local area, be it local or urban. Creating an altar in dedication to the genius loci is a great way to honour it. You can call upon the genius loci in your magical workings, and you can call upon the energy and feeling that the genius loci of a place gives you if you are away from that place.

I am still exploring this subject and look forward to learning more. Do you work with genius loci?

NEXT - Simple Magick: Our House Guardians 

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

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.

Simple Magick: 12 Tips For New Witches

Further to my post a couple of days ago about finding the right path or tradition, I share my advice for those who are new to witchcraft.

Advice for New Witches: 

Follow your heart and intuition. Remember this is YOUR path you are exploring and creating.

Read, study, research, experiment, explore. Then do it all over again. And again. And again.

Remember to engage in practical work, experimentation, and exploration.

Keep notes.

Don’t be rigid. It’s ok to explore interests that don’t fall within any tradition you follow, or feel drawn to.

Don’t be rigid. Study other paths and traditions, changing tradition if necessary. You will find your way.

Don’t allow anyone to gate-keep your path. Remember that no-one else - no matter how experienced or knowledgeable they might be - can possibly know what’s best for you.

Have a good attitude.

Get out in nature, often.

Accept that learning takes time.

Understand that the learning never stops.

Be dedicated.

What do you think? Have I missed anything? What’s your advice for new witches?

NEXT - Simple Magick: Finding Your Witchcraft Path 

Simple Magick: Finding Your Witchcraft Path

Last week I spoke about the moment I was called to witchcraft. What came next? How did I find the right path or tradition?

After that pivotal moment, witchcraft became a way of life for me. When I turned 18 I joined two organisations; the Children of Artemis and the Pagan Federation, which meant I could interact with likeminded people. I joined a local moot, became part of a magickal group which met at my cottage once a month, and joined another group of witches that did handfastings and charity work. I became a reference model for pagan artists, and travelled the country, celebrating the sabbats at sacred sites with my friends, most of which are pagan or spiritual in some way. I’ve had a wealth of pagan or witchy experiences, but it is only in recent years (I’m now 27 years on from that initial calling) that I realised where I was travelling to, and found my true path.

I will cover my tradition in more detail later, but I wanted to tell new witches something on the basis of the story I’ve just told: it takes time.

It takes time to learn and develop, and to find out who you really are. It takes time to become experienced, and to find the things you are good at. The beauty of it is, this path always feels like new! Because there is always something new to learn. So grab it with both hands, and enjoy it.

NEXT - Simple Magick: The Witch's Stang

Word Magick: Defining The Words Witch & Witchcraft

Continuing on the subject of “Am I a witch?” I thought I would attempt to define what ‘witch’ and ‘witchcraft’ are. They can be quite difficult terms to define with any real precision, so my apologies if your particular tradition or practise doesn’t quite fit with my descriptions.

What is a Witch?

A person who practises witchcraft or folk magic using herbs, crystals, candles, and other materials, to manifest goals and bring about change.

What is Witchcraft?

This is a very broad term which is difficult to define! It often involves an affinity with nature, and the practise of magic, usually within a Pagan tradition (eg. Wicca), though not always. Freedom, self-expression, and personal development are key themes. The sacred feminine is often revered in some way.

What Do Witches Believe In?

There are as many different answers to this as there are witches! Wicca centres around nature as seen in a Goddess and God, other witches (like myself) are more concerned with land-based practises and ancestor veneration, and some just focus on the practical aspect of their craft. We believe in magic, personal responsibility, and freedom of spiritual choice.

What is Magick?

The use of will and personal power with cosmic laws to bring about change. The projection of natural energies to provide needed effects.

What Do Witches Do?

Amongst other things, we observe and celebrate the seasons, lunar cycles, and solar events (solstices and equinoxes). We practise magic, we usually heal in some way, and we continuously learn and develop ourselves.

NEXT - Word Magick: Courage - What Does It Mean?
NEXT - Review: The Witch-Crafting Handbook by Helena Garcia 

Personal Magick: My Story on Finding Witchcraft

Am I a Witch?

Back in June we had a bit of fun creating a list of common signs or characteristics that many witches seem to have:

• Curious • Intuitive • Creative • Empathic • Feeling different • Nature lover • Energy worker • Old Soul (but young at heart) • Love for the Moon • Interest in plants/natural remedies • Devoted to a magical life •

This, and @witch.with.me’s topic “Am I a Witch?” got me thinking about the actual moment I was called to witchcraft.

I was 12 or 13, poking around in my parents’ loft, and found a box of interesting looking books that were meant for sale. The book that really caught my eye was Cult & Occult, a guide to occult practices.

I rescued it from its Car-boot fate, and immersed myself in dowsing, secrets of the Zodiac, psychical research, astrology, numerology, geomancy - but it was the section on witchcraft that really caught my eye.

What further piqued my interest was a school trip shortly after to Avebury Stone Circle and West Kennet Long Barrow; whereby I was gripped by a strong and beautiful energy that whipped this otherwise well-behaved school girl into a whirling dervish of excitement. Between these two experiences I realised there was a whole other world out there full of magic, mystery, and tradition.

Whilst I can’t remember the exact moment I called myself a Witch, I am lucky to remember the defining moment I stumbled across witchcraft, and my parents let me keep the book, which I still treasure 27 yeas later. No other item has had such an impact on my life.

Do you embody many of the traits I’ve listed? Do you remember the moment you discovered your path?

NEXT - Personal Magick: Talking To The Trees
NEXT - Magickal Traditions: My Witchy Path
NEXT - YouTube Viewing: My Witchcraft Journey 

Personal Magick: Talking to the Trees

Today’s prompt over at @witch.with.me is Tree Magick, and I’m going to bare my soul again by telling you a very personal story about a tree.

Now, it’s not the tree in the picture - which is a sequoiadendron giganteum, or “Wellingtonia” which stands proudly in our cemetery - but a beautiful Oak tree I met at a sacred site, many moons ago.

I say “met” - and this is where it gets interesting - because the tree spoke to me.

Before I go any further, I’d like to point out that I know this story will sound far-fetched to some (though probably not you guys), and that omitting certain details detracts from its credibility; but I must recall it in the way that feels right.

I was visiting a hill fort at a particularly difficult time in my life, but as is normal for me, I was enjoying my trip and making the most of the day I had been gifted. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and despite things being tricky, I was otherwise enjoying life.

My then-partner wandered off to look at something, and I made my way over to the most beautiful of Oaks; I wanted to stand beneath it, touch its bark, and ‘connect in’ with this majestic being.

I held the tree, and in my mind asked the tree what I should about my current situation.

I never expected an answer...

It was at once the voice in my mind, but the voice of something - someone - else, too.

I decided my imagination was playing tricks on me, but was aware that there was no way I could think and talk inside my mind at the same time.

I did what I think anyone else would do, and I asked their name. Please do not ask me the name, because I have promised to keep it a secret.

When I got home I was shocked to discover that I cannot find anything under that name on Google.

We conversed a little longer, but not wanting to be greedy or “push my luck” I thanked the tree for its insight, and ended the conversation. I stayed a little longer under the tree, happy but stunned, before moving on. An experience I will ever forget.

Has anything unexpected like that ever happened to you?

NEXT - Personal Magick: My Kitchen Apothecary
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Wishing Trees
NEXT - Simple Magick: 25 Ideas For Creating A Forest Altar