Fabulous Folklore: Friday 13th

Happy Friday 13th!

Occurring at least once a year, up to a maximum of three times, Friday the 13th is considered a harbinger of bad luck by many people in the west. The irrational fear of the number 13 has its own name: triskaidekaphobia.

The unlucky nature of the number 13 is due - in part - to a Norse myth. Some gods were having a lovely dinner party in Valhalla and then Loki showed up, uninvited, making 13. He then had Balder shot, who died, and the world became dark, making 13 an unlucky number.

Middle Ages superstition combined with stories the of Last Supper may not have helped. There were 13 disciples at the table when Judas (who betrayed Jesus) was added, which was on the 13th of Nisan, Maundy Thursday, the night before his death on Good Friday.

But 13 is also the number of moon cycles and menstrual cycles in a year, connecting the number 13 to the sacred feminine.

Let’s replace fear with feminine celebration. This is a sacred day - for Friday is Freyja’s Day - and it should be treated as such.

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Hecate On The Hell Staircase
NEXT - Moon Magick: The Wolf Moon
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Yorkshire Witchcraft

Fabulous Folklore: Hecate on the Hell Staircase

This blurry image is Hecate and is part of a huge mural at Burghley House, Stamford, Lincolnshire. The mural covers the ceiling of what is known as the Hell Staircase, and was the last commission of Antonio Verrio (1636-1707), a Baroque mural painter who served the Crown over a thirty year period.

The impressive staircase portrays Hell as a fiery, gaping mouth of a huge cat. Spilling from its mouth are tormented souls, and there is an appearance from the Grim Reaper, who grapples his scythe. There is an equally beautiful Heaven Room, where gods and goddesses from ancient mythology mingle and socialise. It is here that we learn of Venus and Mars’ adultery.

I love that Hecate was included in the Hell ceiling mural.  She was a Titan goddess of great honour in Ancient Greek religion; presiding over sorcery and spells. She was associated with crossroads, light, necromancy, the Moon, ghosts and Witchcraft; amongst other things. She witnessed the abduction of Persephone to the Underworld and searched for her. It is hard to know what she is doing in the mural, but she seems to be pointing the way.

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Bees
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Knockers of Cornwall
NEXT - Moon Magick: New Moon in Aquarius

Simple Magick: Sex Magick

In “Spells & How They Work” by Janet & Stewart Farrar it is written:

“Sex magic should be used only by a couple to whom sex is a normal part of their loving relationship - in other words, by husband and wife or established lovers - and always in private. It should be used within a Magic Circle, even if it has ‘only’ been cast mentally around the bed.”

Whilst I don’t agree that Sex Magic has to happen between a man and a woman for it to be successful (I believe polarity can be found in other ways, and I don’t wish to get into the debate of gender here), I think there is definitely something in the statements that the couple should be established, and in private.

Orgasm is the point at which the built up energy from visualisation is released, and whilst this energy can be harnessed and used for magical aim with any type of partner (casual or otherwise), I’ve been thinking about the depth of established relationships, and how they relate to this sort of magickal act.

When I think of my husband and the very many years we’ve spent together, I think of the deep knowing and understanding we have of each other. This is an extremely powerful thing. Without looking at him, I can tell immediately how he might feel about something just seen or heard, and we can pass information to each other with just a glance. I can tell when he’s not far away from home, and he can tell I’m upset before I am. Throw in all the trials and tribulations the years throw at you, and the commitment to each other. Then there is the physical relationship built up over many years. That’s an extremely potent energy to apply to working towards a common goal. 

I’m not saying that established relationships ARE better for Sex Magick, but there’s no denying they’re certainly very powerful. As for carrying out the act in private, it’s a bit like any other type of spellwork. In keeping it hidden, it does not become diluted by other people’s energy, will or intent, and is more likely to be successful.

NEXT - Simple Magick: 30 Low-Energy Magickal Activities
NEXT - Simple Magick: Using Eggshells
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Leicestershire Chambermaid 

Review: Devi Oracle Cards

Today I’m showing you the beautiful Devi Oracle Cards designed by Mahalakshmi, who is the beautiful soul over at @mysticmamacafe. She channels and works with the spiritual realm to empower, and through her worship of and work with the Divine Feminine, she has been guided to create this gorgeous deck.

There are 90 cards and they are grouped into ten different aspects of the Divine Feminine; the Great Wisdom Goddess, or the Mahavidyas. The ten Mahavidyas are: Kali, Tara, Tripura Sundari, Bhuvaneshvari, Bhairavi, Chhinnamasta, Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi, Matangi and Kamala.

Firstly an Oracle deck, there is also a mantra for each card, with instructions on how to use it to tap into the Divine Feminine, and to bring about all sorts of spiritual progress and change. There are manner of ancient and divine symbols in here; from the spiral, to the Eye of Horus, to the Hand of Fatima, to the Om.

Taken from the book that comes with the deck: “Sati felt Shiva didn’t treat her as the Mother of the Universe, hence she took on ten different forms of the Divine Mother. The Goddesses of Wisdom represent an entire spectrum of divinity, right from horrific goddesses to the beautiful and most peaceful deities. The Mahavidyas are the Goddesses who collectively guide us, inspiring us to search for and find the spiritual beings lying dormant within us”.

This is such an inspiring deck, with insightful illustrations throughout. The book is full of helpful information which will guide you. The deck has been developed with women in mind, but I believe can be used by anybody. The aim is to help us reach and acknowledge the different aspects of feminine wisdom within us; and using that knowledge, guide us to our divine power. The cards are a tool to help you understand the messages sent to you by the Divine Feminine. I feel this deck will help me understand myself, and my changing role, as a woman.

This deck is TRULY a masterpiece and whilst I’m still getting to grips with it, I can see already what a profound and wonderful tool this will be for my practice. Thank you Mahalakshmi, I am so honoured to have a copy of this incredible creation that you must be extremely proud of!

NEXT - The Book of Candle Magick by Madame Pamita 

Review: Channel Your Goddess Energy by Kirsten Riddle

Today for #witchbookwednesday I’m sharing this beautiful book - it’s called Channel Your Goddess Energy by Kirsten Riddle, and it was given to me many moons ago by my lovely friend Cate @cate.loves.holistic.health

This is an absolutely brilliant book which focuses on over 50 goddesses, some of which I have never heard of before. It gives background information, magickal correspondences and suggestions for ritual, for each goddess.

Brightly coloured inside and out it’s an absolute feast for the eyes! The goddesses are divided into five sections: Earth and Creation, Sea and Sky, Sun and Moon, Fire and Ice, and Death and the Underworld.

There is a section on finding your goddess archetype and how to work with your goddess. I haven’t seen this book around, but it’s beautiful, and well worth getting if you ever get the chance.

Magickal Correspondences for Coventina - Celtic goddess of springs, wells and rivers:

Planet: Moon

Stone: Pearl 

Food/drink: Water 

Flower/plant: Hibiscus, Pine

Scent: Pine

Animal Totem: Fish, Kingfisher 

Miscellaneous: Cup, cauldron, well, spring, leaves, coins, water, pins

#witchwithbooks @witch.with.books

NEXT - Review: The Almanac - A Seasonal Guide to 2021 by Lia Leendertz