Simple Magick: Folklore, Traditional Witchcraft & The Lincoln Imp

As a traditional witch, folklore plays a major part of my tradition. We look at stories of folklore as a means of learning more about our ancestors, their lives, their beliefs, and the magic they used. Whilst this folklore may not represent complete (or historical) truth, it helps build a foundation for our practices, and brings meaning to our lives. These stories are a part of our heritage; and are woven into our modern methods, practices, and celebrations.

I live in an area that borders Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, and Leicestershire, so my research into local folklore is extended to within these areas. One of the characters I love is the Lincoln Imp, as seen on this caddy spoon. (For those who don’t know what caddy spoons are, they were used to measure tea at a time when tea was very expensive).

According to 14th-century legend, two imps were sent by Satan to do his bidding on Earth. After causing havoc in Northern England, the imps went to Lincoln Cathedral, whereby they smashed up the place, and tripped up the bishop. One of the imps threw rocks at an angel, the other cowered under the broken furniture. The angel turned the first imp to stone, immortalised forever in the Cathedral. Whilst this was happening, the other imp managed to escape. According to one legend, this imp made it to Grimsby, whereby it continued this raucous behaviour at St. James’ Church. The angel reappeared, gave the imp a good hiding, and turned it to stone. You can see the imp holding on to its sore bottom at this church, and is known as the Grimsby Imp.

I love these stories. I will be sharing more with you later.

NEXT - Simple Magick: 12 Tips For New Witches 

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

Review: Gaya Candles

I was really lucky to be gifted some candles to try from @gaya.candles. They are a company based in Glasgow who create “hand made candles infused with specific herbs, flowers, scents, and spices, selected for their magical properties for wealth, love, and health.” Look how beautiful they are!

Gaya explained to me that she burns the green Patchouli & Bergamot “Prosperity” candle in dedication to the Goddess Abundia; this candle has been created to bring financial wealth into the home or business. I have to say that this has THE MOST beautiful fragrance, and I’m super impressed that the scent continues to linger, unlike other scented candles I have tried. As an Aromatherapist, I can truly appreciate the craftswoman ship and expertise that has gone into creating this, and I’ll definitely be buying another once this one has burned.

Next up is the Rose Gold “Nirvana” Soy Tin Candle, which is a premium soy wax candle housed in a beautiful metal tin. It carries the gentle scent of Sandalwood, Rose, & Geranium.

The beautiful and simple labels on these candles really appeals to me, and the tissue paper wrapped and wax sealed wrappings of the pillar candles was such a beautiful touch.

The largest candle, a “Goddess Morrigan Candle” is so beautiful. As a colour lover this really impressed me - it is a dreamy metallic and glittery gold which fades and blends down into a dark berry red. Gaya also offers a Goddess Hecate candle and a Goddess Isis candle. I have placed this candle in my Goddess-themed bathroom, where I hope the feel-good energies I’m getting from it will be impressed upon my daughters, two of which are about to enter those awkward teenage years.

These are seriously beautiful candles and I would encourage you to check out Gaya’s page and website. You can tell that her creations have been created from the heart; each piece has been so lovingly thought out. Even just handling these candles and looking at the website has filled me with inspiration, which has given me a push to get my own shop (not candles!) sorted and finished.

If you’re a candle lover (who isn’t a candle lover?!) take a look at this beautiful range.

NEXT - Review: Queering The Tarot by Cassandra Snow 

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 

Rhodonite Magick: A Calming Stone

Officially named Rhodonite in 1819 by Christoph Friedrich Jasche, the name comes from rhodon, which is Greek for "rose."

The sister stone of Rhodochrosite, it is also known as Peach Blossom Jade, Pink Marble, and Vermilion Jade.

An excellent stone of the heart chakra, Rhodonite lays bare emotional scars for healing, and brings one back to centre in stressful times.

A powerful healing stone for relationships, Rhodonite soothes heartache, and helps release your fears; it encourages clear communication and nurtures the inner self.

Meditate with Rhodonite to go deep within and clear old patterns, ask Rhodonite to guide you by surrounding issues and problems in unconditional love to help heal them, and help you move forwards. Ask Rhodonite for guidance when things don’t feel quite as they seem.

Hold Rhodonite to ease anxiety and to increase self-esteem. Wear after a break up to soothe the heart, and to love yourself.

Deck: The Crystal Deck

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 

Review: Queering the Tarot by Cassandra Snow

This absolutely beautiful book, which will not only deepen your tarot practice, but more importantly, will make tarot readings much more accessible for your LGBTQIAP+ friends and clients.

About the Author
Cassandra Snow is a professional tarot card reader and teaches classes on Queering the Tarot and Tarot for Beginners, and coaches new and intermediate readers. She runs Gadfly Theatre Productions, a queer and feminist theatre company. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Visit her at www.cassandra-snow.com.

About Queering the Tarot
I’ll be totally honest. Even as a keen tarot reader and falling under the LGBTQIAP+ banner, I felt both excited and intimidated by this book, and met it with some trepidation. That is, until I picked it up and discovered that I had nothing to fear - an encounter I shall liken to many peoples’ experience of getting to know those of us in the LGBTQIAP+ community.
Queering the Tarot tackles the unique challenges that people in the LGBTQIAP+ community face, and cleverly finds a home for those issues within each of the cards, so that guidance and deeper meanings may be found by LGBTQIAP+ seekers. For example, The Fool card looks at denial of the self and coming ‘out of the closet,’ and Justice demonstrates that, sadly, Justice may not be on the querent’s side at all, as is often the case for marginalised people.
Queering the Tarot is much like the guidebook you receive with a tarot deck, and after a brilliant foreword by Beth Maiden, followed by an introduction to what ‘queering’ the tarot actually means, Snow jumps straight into it. An in-depth, logical, considered, and thoughtful meaning is sensitively offered for each tarot card. Snow not only lays out explanations for those with elements of fluidity in their gender or sexual identity, for transgender querents, for those firm in their identity, and for those struggling to come out; she also explains when a card does not need to be ‘queered,’ and provides insight for ‘non-queer’ seekers. Each card description touches on the traditional Rider Waite Smith meaning, which I found to be extremely clever. Arguably, you could pick up this book as a complete beginner and learn not only the deeper, ‘queered’ versions of the cards, but the basic foundation of tarot, too.

The Book’s ‘Strong Suit’...
The most illuminating section in the book, which I absolutely adored, was the chapter on the Court Cards, which are inherently problematic for LGBTQIAP+ and feminist perspectives, and are generally quite difficult to learn. Snow encourages us to drop our binary way of thinking and approach the Courts as energies, as genderless personalities, and to feel our way through them. This approach is a particular strength of this book, and I believe this method encourages a better connection with the Court Cards, an area of the Tarot with which many people struggle. 
In fact, this book has many strengths. Snow has managed to tackle two complex and evocative subjects – the Tarot and the differing perspectives of, and plethora of challenges faced by, the LGBTQIAP+ community - and blend them beautifully, much like the alchemical blending of the androgynous character in the Temperance card. She pragmatically explains that Tarot is a highly personal thing, and should not be held as a ‘monolith,’ reassuring us that there are common enough points for us all to explore. She manages to ‘queer’ the cards whilst sensitively challenging binary thinking and heteronormativity in relation to the Tarot, and the wider world, without bashing anyone. After all, Snow recognises that Tarot is a tool for growth, healing, and empowerment, and should be inclusive, not exclusive.

What You Can Learn...
Snow takes us on a new Tarot journey, contributing yet another layer of depth and dimension and adding a freshness to it. You might anticipate this book to be tough going, but it isn’t. It was thought-provoking, educational, highly engaging, and a joy from start to finish. As someone with a fairly short attention span, I loved that I could start anywhere after the introduction. If you have an interest in Tarot and want to further your practice, or you’d like to make readings for your LGBTQIAP+ clients more accessible, I highly recommend this book. It’s a must-have for every Tarot reader’s bookshelf.

Head over to the Witch With Me blog (www.witchwithme.com) to read my review of Cassandra Snow’s Queering the Tarot and the other fabulous reviews on a selection of Witchcraft books.

NEXT - Review: Traditional Jams & Preserves by Eve Parker 

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

Simple Magick: The Witch’s Stang

You don’t need many - or any - tools for working successful magic, and there are very few tools I am attached to, but I love my stang.

Throughout the ages, characters of a magickal, spiritual, or religious nature have often been depicted with a staff of some kind. As well as being a magickal tool, and a weapon for self-defence; it acts practically as a support.

The stang can be made of any type of wood, and they can be large or small. The traditional witch projects their power out their body through the stang. As well as being taken out on lovely walks to absorb the energy of the land, they are primarily used for casting spells, as a conduit for calling up spirits and deities, for laying a compass - the traditional witch’s ritual circle - and as a bridge between worlds.

This stang is from our local woods, and as such it helps me connect to the magic of our Earth through the local landscape. Despite being an open person I am also quite private, so I debated on whether to share such a personal item or not! 

NEXT - Simple Magick: Magickal Beliefs & Attitudes 

Simple Magick: Magickal Beliefs & Attitudes

Following on from another post, I want to discuss the attitudes and beliefs I believe crucial for spell casting and ritual.

Integrity:

I believe having integrity is very important as a magickal person. If we do not keep our word and follow through in our ordinary lives, how are we to believe in our words and actions during workings; and follow them through to spellcasting success, in our magickal lives? I believe that if we behave poorly, and without honour, we risk straying into dangerous territory with our magick.

Language:

Our words are magick, which is why it’s called ‘spelling.’ If our words mean nothing - that is, we don’t do the things we promise, or we are careless with them - then how can we successfully apply words and language to our spellcasting, especially in the form of incantations and chants? If there is no truth in the words we speak, and they have a low vibration energetically, then how can we expect to use those words to do our bidding and manifest energetically in our spellwork? Words have their own vibration; pick them, and use them, carefully.

Belief: 

Following on from the Magician’s rule ‘to will’. As well as our intention and determination to create, there has to be absolute belief in ourselves. When I set my mind to something, whether it be magickal or mundane, I have absolute belief in myself, and my ability. There is no space for anything else. If I do fail at something I simply acknowledge the reason why, and believe that next time I will succeed.

Love & Acceptance:

It is important to love ourselves. We are as we are meant to be. We have to embrace the darker half and the lighter half, if indeed we are to be whole. If we understand there’s magick, and we can create it, then we must be magickal, too! Which is surely worthy of love? We are each our own priest or priestess; and to hold ourselves in a divine and sacred way when we are expressing ourselves magickally - ie spellcasting - means we need to love ourselves. Hold your head high, and work your magic.

Runes

Clockwise from Top:

Wunjo - joy, happiness, wellbeing, success

Jera - harvest, reward, natural cycles, fruition, fertility, growth

Mannaz - the self, intelligence, support, humanity

Elhaz - (on its side) divination, health and healing, foster spiritual awareness,  clarity

Middle:

Nauthiz - need, necessity, have patience

NEXT - Simple Magick: The Mind

Simple Magick: The Mind

It’s Tools Week over at @witch.with.me and so I thought I’d talk about the most important tool of all: the mind.

Whilst tools can be super helpful for setting mindset in certain types of magick, or for ritual purpose, and certainly a necessity within certain traditions; a disciplined witch can create magick with her mind alone.

Whilst pondering over tools, the mind, and magickal practise, the “Magician’s rule” sprang to mind: “to know, to will, to dare, to keep silent.”

To know: knowing exactly what we want, and getting clear on magickal intention, so that unwanted effects may be avoided. We must also know our true selves before we can know our true paths, and we must understand that a spiritual journey of learning is never-ending.

To will: the understanding that we must apply the full force of our being to our magickal intentions, without fear or doubt, to bring about the changes we seek. Our “will” is the mental, spiritual, physical and emotional energy that we direct at our goals, to the exclusion of all other thoughts. It is our determination for a cause, and our dedication to it.

To dare: putting our thoughts and intentions into actual action - getting organised, and making it happen. Preparing mentally for the outcome, as well as preparing physically to undertake the work. Daring to manifest what we desire.

To keep silent: there are several parts to “to keep silent” but in terms of working magick and using the mind as a tool, this refers to not diluting the energy of your magickal workings by discussing them. I like to keep focus by keeping shtum.

I think it is important for magickal practitioners to have certain attitudes, beliefs, and ways of thinking to benefit them in their magickal practise, but that is a post for another day.

What is your favourite magickal tool? 

NEXT - Simple Magick: Altar Dressing 

Fabulous Folklore: Bittersweet

Bittersweet ~ Solanum dulcamara

This nightshade - also known as woody nightshade, scarlet berry, felonwood, poisonflower, blue bindweed, snakeberry, and many other names! - is one of the less toxic plants in the nightshade group, although it’s berries are still poisonous.

It’s a perennial woodland herb that grows on other plants for support, and its name ‘Solanum’ comes from the same Latin root word as ‘solace’.

Traditionally gathered at Samhain when its berries are bright red, it is used to honour the dead, and in rituals involving the spirit realm or death.

It aids power to spells done on the Dark Moon, is good for banishing, and is a useful aid in working with the Law of Attraction. 

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Wolfsbane

Simple Magick: Altar Dressing

I love the idea of lots of mini altars around the home; small spaces for reflection, meditation, worship, and contemplation.

Beautiful and thoughtful places, which you can dress for different seasons, themes, emotions, elements, colours, deities, intentions, or rituals.

The altar is one of the places we can get truly creative with; as well as a place for veneration and dedication they should be a source of inspiration.

I love the fact that, like people, no two altars are ever the same.

I’m looking forward to dressing my altar tonight ahead of my Full Moon ritual and petitions. May you have a beautiful and blessed Barley Moon.

NEXT - Simple Magick: The Wisdom of Land Wights

Pagan Holidays: Lughnasadh

A blessed Lughnasadh everyone!

The first of three harvests, this time of year feels somewhat paradoxical; the Sun is at its zenith, but waning. The crops have reached their peak, but will soon be cut. The bounty of our land is at full swing, but soon it will be winter. This is a time of great abundance, but also loss.

It’s a time to give thanks; a time to reap what you have sown, literally and metaphorically, and to celebrate and share what you have achieved.

I baked my own recipe ~ Wren’s Lughnasadh Bread ~ to celebrate this special sabbat. Whilst I kneaded it, I reflected on what I have achieved this year, and what seeds I would like to sow for next year. I kneaded in my intentions.

This recipe will be available in the Lughnasadh (August) issue of Witchology Magazine @witchologymag - so be sure to check it out. 

NEXT - Journaling: Harvest Reflections for Lughnasadh 

NEXT - Turning the Wheel - Samhain is Coming

Word Magick: Courage - What Does it Mean?

Today’s topic is “courage”, which is defined as “the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain etc. without fear; bravery.”

But what else is courage? I spent some time thinking about this in relation to my life and craft.

I decided that, for me, courage is:

Being your authentic self.

Acting in accordance with your beliefs, especially in the face of criticism.

Being honest with yourself, and others.

Stepping out of your comfort zone; trying new things without fear of failure.

Commitment to the development of oneself; undertaking Shadow Work.

Dedication to your path.

Having integrity.

Knowing and accepting there aren’t enough lifetimes to learn all is there is to know, and being ok with that.

Loving, honouring, and respecting yourself, the way we do others.

What do you think courage is?

Magickal Correspondences for Courage

Herbs: 

Borage, Rosemary, yarrow

Crystals:
Carnelian, bloodstone, aquamarine

Colours:
Red, dark red

Flowers:
Edelweiss, protea, thyme

Deities:
Athena (Greek), Bellona (Roman), Inanna (Sumerian)

Animals:

Buffalo, lion, wolf.

NEXT - Word Magick: As Above So Below
NEXT - Simple Magick: 45 Colour Correspondences For Crystals 

Simple Magick: The Wisdom of Land Wights

Today I wanted to talk about finding and identifying herbs and plants, and gaining other local wisdom, in relation to land wights.

Land wights are the unique spirits that reside in each herb, plant, rock, crystal, mineral, animal, and stone. Collectively, they form the genius loci; the living, breathing, spirit of a place.

I moved to this area a year and a half ago, and felt instantly connected from Day 1, despite growing up several hours away. A recent genealogical DNA test has revealed that despite no family living here, my ancestors originate from here. Now here’s where it gets interesting.

Since moving here, I am being imparted with wisdom. Whilst I am fascinated by foraging and herbalism, I am by no means an expert. Weirdly, when I am travelling through the countryside I am being magnetically pulled to certain plants, which I am intuitively identifying. When I get home and research I find out I‘m correct! This has happened twice in the last week alone. I am also getting ‘the feels’ that a particular herb or plant is nearby, and sure enough it is. Last week we came across a small body of water which I was ‘told’, by some inner knowing, was a Canal. My husband who grew up here insisted it wasn’t, but my research revealed that this stretch of water was the last part of a Canal that was built in 1802, and has since been filled in except for the part we had found.

I feel like the land, and the spirits that reside within the land, are revealing themselves to me, furthering my education. It is a truly magical feeling.

Is this wisdom coming from the land wights? I know I am totally honoured if that’s the case, but it does feel that way.

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: Cleansing The Home Using The Element of Air 

Fabulous Folklore: Meadowsweet

A couple of days ago I shared a meadowsweet foot soak, and promised to write more about this ultimate self-care herb.

Known as the Queen of the Meadow, Brideswort, and Meadwort, its name refers to its favourite place and most obvious characteristic.

It is a plant high in aromatic oils, and the flower heads were strewn on the floors of churches and houses before proper floors; such is its sweetness. Culpepper tells us that meadowsweet “makes a merry heart”, and so it does, such is the beauty of its scent. Whilst a favourite of the Druids, old folklore insists that bringing meadowsweet into the house also brings death.

As well as glorious foot soaks and mentally uplifting aromas, meadowsweet is rich in iron and magnesium, essential for the production of red blood cells; so a daily meadowsweet-infused water is perfect for women who are anaemic due to childbirth or menstruation. It also makes a lovely tea.

It is said that many witches will dry the flowers in the garden shed, but will not be tempted to bring a living spray into the house, in case it puts one into a death-like sleep.

I think she is beautiful. I’ll take my chances. 

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Bittersweet

NEXT - Natural Remedies: Meadowsweet Foot Soak

Natural Remedies: Meadowsweet Foot Soak

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), also known as Meadwort, hars been used for its medicinal purposes since the Bronze Age.

Today, its job was to soothe my tired, aching feet, and lend some comfort to my frazzled nerves ahead of a busy week.

I’m going to share a bit more about Meadowsweet over the coming days, including a photograph of this wonder herb, but today I want to share with you my recipe for a foot bath.

Fresh Meadowsweet Foot Soak:

Take ten heads of Meadowsweet and place in a large pan. 

Cover with 1.5L of water.

Bring to a boil, then leave to steep for 15 minutes.

Strain into a basin. Add some cool water if needed.

Soak your feet, and relax!

Whilst this recipe is simple, it is super-refreshing, and my feet always feel like new afterwards. They are soothed, softened, and moisturised. The fragrance and time out has made me ready, mentally, for the week ahead.

Do exercise some caution as the Meadowsweet stains some materials yellow. 

NEXT - Natural Remedies: Stinging Nettle & Rosemary Hair Rinse
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Meadowsweet
NEXT - Simple Magick: The Wisdom of Land Wights

Fabulous Folklore: Storm Callers

Seidr, a form of pre-Christian Norse magic, was concerned with discerning the course of fate, to bring about change or to alter the path of destiny. Amongst other things, there were Seidr rituals for controlling the weather.

In medieval lore, Tempestarii were weather-making magicians. These people lived amongst the commoners in a village, but they were adept at raising or preventing storms. Some held the belief that the Tempestarii were in league with a mythical race of cloud-dwellers, who could sail the skies in storm clouds, whipping up storms over farmland, so that they could sweep down under the cover of cloud to cause trouble and to steal corn and other crops.

During the witch hunts, there was a strong belief that witches could cause all sorts of harm using the weather, but others argued that anyone who had control over the weather and could ‘raise a gale’ must have a belief in God to be able to do such things.

Today, Storm Magic is a favourite of many witches. It allows the practitioner to access thunderstorms using the storm as a battery from which to take energy, or to manipulate the air of blizzards and hurricanes. Clouds and cosmological events are used as divination tools, in a type of scrying known as Aeromancy. Under this umbrella, you have cloud divination (nephomancy), thunder and lightning divination (ceraunoscopy), meteor and shooting star divination (meteromancy), amongst others.

Any form of Air Magic is potent because Air is the element of movement, making it perfect for Seidr rituals and other forms of magic where change is sought. Air can be gentle or raging, it can extinguish fire or ignite it, give life (oxygen) or destroy; offering many nuances and possibilities for spell work. Divination of clouds is a great skill - they’re always at hand (especially if you live in the UK!), they’re free, and you just have to look up! 

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Lesser Celandine

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Salt

Simple Magick: Cleansing the Home Using the Element of Air

The element of Air is said to represent life, purity, and harmony. It is connected to the mind, wisdom, spirits, and the soul. With these in mind, when I think of Air, I think of the home.

You can incorporate the element of Air in your home decor. Windows should be large and unobstructed, allowing air and light in. Colour schemes should include pale yellows and whites.

Plants associated with Air are traditionally Anise, Birch, Cedar (due to the aroma), Lemongrass, Pansy, Primrose and Violet. Whilst it’s not possible to grow many of these indoors, you could display paintings or sketches instead. Flags are also physical representations of the air - these can be a magical addition to any home. Crystals associated with Air are aesthetically pleasing, and create a beautiful energy - try Citrine, Labradorite, Topaz, and Moonstone.

Cleansing the Home Using the Element of Air

Smoke Cleansing:
Eucalyptus, Lavender, Cedar, Palo Santo, Rosemary and Mugwort are great herbs you can burn, and there are many mixed-herb smoking bundles available.

Incense:
There are many types of incense - stick, cone, dhoop, loose hand-blended, and more. They cleanse and change (or charge) the atmosphere and add fragrance.

Clapping:
The air caught between your hands causes a loud noise that cleanses. Stand in the middle of the room facing the window. Pull your arms back and pull the negative energy into the clap. Visualise any straggly bits of negative energy exiting through the window. Repeat until until the energy is clear, and shut the window if you have opened it.

Windchimes:
Windchimes or bells hung by an open window consistently cleanse the room with their soft chimes. Hang bells or windchimes in the garden to keep social or dining areas fresh.

Opening Doors and Windows:
My personal favourite. I open doors and windows throughout the whole of the house and allow the air to flow through, usually whilst I am cleaning.

NEXT - Simple Magick: Using Water & Rainwater 

Fabulous Folklore: Crystal Balls

I’m catching up on a little reading today inspired by Crystal Week over at @witch.with.me and thought I’d share some Crystal Ball facts.

A modern crystal ball is known as an orbuculum, and is made from glass or crystal. Early crystal gazers - or specularii - used a polished sphere of beryl, well known varieties including Emerald and Aquamarine.

Crystal gazing was commonly practised by the people of Yucatan, the Persians, the Egyptians, the Chinese, and the Incas, to name but a few.

The mythical Merlin supposedly carried a beryl sphere to provide King Arthur with readings whenever he needed them.

Crystal gazing, crystal seeing, crystallism, crystallomancy, gastromancy, and spheromancy are all terms to describe the method of ‘seeing’ by gazing at a crystal, which is a form of Scrying.

As well as being popular in the Middle Ages, and made more visible by travelling Roma, the Crystal Ball became a favourite of stage magicians and ‘Mentalists’ in the early 20th Century.

The Crystal Ball is iconic and has appeared in books and films - off the top of my head I can think of Labyrinth, The Lord of the Rings, and the Wizard of Oz. The Crystal ball has also featured in artwork; most notably The Crystal Ball (1902) by John William Waterhouse.

Do you have a Crystal Ball? Give me your favourite Crystal Ball films and books n the comments. 

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Witch Balls

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Norse Magick

Malachite Magick: Protection Against the Evil Eye

Malachite ~ from the Greek ‘malache’, meaning ‘mallow’ ~ is the Stone of Transformation.

Found worldwide, it was popular with the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, and was believed to protect against the Evil Eye. In ancient Egypt the colour green was associated with death and resurrection, as well as life and fertility, and they referred to the eternal paradise in the After Life as the Field of Malachite.

It was used as a mineral pigment in green paint from antiquity until about 1800, and a 17th Century Spanish superstition believed that wearing Malachite to bed would keep evil spirits at bay and help a child to sleep.

Malachite is a protection stone - it absorbs negative energies from the atmosphere, and protects against negative entities by concealing your energy field from them.

It helps beat depression and anxiety, heals childhood trauma, and helps heal the heart on an emotional level. It encourages expression of feelings, and balances the heart chakra. It helps activate other chakras and promotes change and spiritual growth.

Placed on the Third Eye it activates visualisation and psychic vision. Placed on the Solar Plexus it facilitates deep emotional healing; releasing old traumas and negative experiences. It lowers blood pressure, regulates the menstrual cycle, and eases labour pains and menstrual cramps.

Simple Magick: 45 Colour Correspondences for Crystals

Crystals, crystal healing, and using crystals in magic, can be an extremely daunting subject. Whilst there are four types of crystal ~ covalent, ionic, metallic, and molecular ~ these are further split into other categories depending on how they were formed, how they look, number of points etc, making crystals a huge subject to learn. Where to start?

Judging crystals purely on their colour is it going to give you the specifics of each stone, but it can be a good way to get a feel for the energy of a crystal (each colour having a vibration), and what that crystal might be used for. Using crystals by colour is a good way to at least get started, and colour symbolism of crystals can be loosely correlated to the colours of the 7 chakras. Crystal colour meanings also correspond generally with society’s general association with colour. For example, white representing peace.

These correspondences are by no means set in stone (excusing the pun!) but may aid you when first starting out, or for ritual or spell work.

Red:
Action, passion, power, strength, motivation.

Pink:
Self-love, compassion, love, openness, kindness, healing, forgiveness.

Orange:
Creativity, change, success, enthusiasm.

Yellow:

Self-expression, confidence, willpower, optimism, positivity.

Green:
Abundance, nature, growth, wealth, prosperity, money.

Blue:
Soothing, calming, communication, clarity.

Purple:
Spirituality, intuition, opening third eye, enlightenment.

White:

Purity, peace, serenity, meditation, energy clearing, boosting other crystals.

Black:

Banishing negativity, security, safety, dispelling fears.

Recipe: Beltane Carrot Cake

Each Sabbat I like to cook something special or seasonal. For Beltane I made a Carrot Cake. It actually took me all day to make this, as I kept getting distracted, but I got there in the end, and it was well worth it.

I’m going to give you the original recipe, but obviously you can swap certain ingredients out to cater for Gluten-free or vegan diets.

BELTANE CARROT CAKE

Ingredients:
235ml oil
100g natural yoghurt
4 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 orange zested
265g self-raising flour
335g muscavado sugar
2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
265g grated carrot
100g raisins
100g walnuts roughly chopped
100g unsalted butter
300g icing sugar
100g full fat cream cheese

Method:
1. Line two 20cm cake tins. Heat the oven.
2. Whisk the oil, eggs, yoghurt, vanilla, and zest together in a jug.
3. Mix the flour, sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a bowl.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the bowl.
5. Add in the carrots, raisins, and half the nuts.
6. Split into two tins and bake.
7. When the cakes have cooled and are ready to ice - beat the sugar and butter together. Work the cream cheese into the mixture but by bit. Ice the cake and sprinkle on the nuts. 

NEXT - Recipe: Wren's Autumn Apple Cake
NEXT - Pagan Holidays: Beltane
NEXT - Review: Witchology Magazine (Spring 2022)

Moon Magick: Full Super Moon in Scorpio

“Everybody has a little bit of the Sun and Moon in them. Everybody has a little bit of man, woman, and animal in them. Darks and lights in them. Everyone is part of a connected cosmic system. Part earth and sea, wind and fire, with some salt and dust swimming in them. We have a universe within ourselves that mimics the universe outside. None of us are just black or white, or never wrong and always right. No one. No one exists without polarities. Everybody has good and bad forces working with them, against them, and within them.”

~ Part Sun and Moon by Suzy Kassem.

Enjoy the energies of the last Supermoon of the year everyone! This powerful Full ‘Flower’ Moon is in Scorpio, at 1135hrs today for those of us in the U.K.

Arguably this is the most intense Full Moon of the year; Scorpio is the sign that deals with all the deep stuff - intimate connections, deep emotions, and mysticism. Of course it’s also a time for letting go of things that don’t serve you; and for making intentions. Be patient with yourself, and honour whatever emotions you are feeling right now.

Full Moon blessings everyone.

NEXT - Moon Magick: The Snow Moon

Natural Remedies: Stinging Nettle & Rosemary Hair Rinse

Nettle is rich in many nutrients and antioxidants, making it a great plant ally. It is rich in silica and sulphur making hair shinier, thicker, and healthier. Nettle boosts the circulation, which means that more oxygen - and therefore nutrients - will reach the hair follicles. Nettle contains super antioxidants that help get rid of damaging compounds, and inhibit the formation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen (type of hormone), that causes baldness in both men and women.

Rosemary is believed to prevent DHT from bonding to hormone receptors that enable the hair follicles to be attacked, and it contains ursolic acid which increases (scalp) circulation. It’s unsurprising, therefore, that hair re-growth has been observed in trials using Rosemary oil. It’s antibacterial properties gently cleanse the hair and increase shine. Working together, Nettle and Rosemary do amazing things for the hair.

This recipe has been in my Book of Shadows for over 20 years now. It seems a bit odd rinsing your hair after washing it with what is basically tea(!), but it will add body and shine to your hair.

Step 1 - Add a handful or two of Nettles, and a handful of Rosemary sprigs, to a heat-proof bowl. Add 1L of boiling water and leave over night to steep.

Step 2 - Strain. At this stage you could add 50ml raw apple cider vinegar if you wanted, but I don’t bother.

Step 3 - After shampooing rinse your hair with this mixture, no need to wash out. Use all in one go, this mix isn’t for storing.

CAUTION: this beautiful reddish-brown mixture will stain ceramic bathroom ware, so please be careful. Rosemary can darken blond hair over time; so if you’re blonde - and enjoy being so! - you might want to avoid frequent use. 

NEXT - Natural Remedies: Lavender Oil
NEXT - Rosemary Magick: 17 Uses & Correspondences
NEXT - Personal Magick: My Kitchen Apothecary

Natural Remedies: Lavender Oil

On Beltane Eve I completed the first step in making Lavender Salve. I’ve shared the recipe for Lavender Salve before, but I didn’t go into much detail in making the oil. This is really easy, with only a few steps to follow.

Step 1 - add your plant or herb (eg. Dandelion or Lavender) to a canning jar, halfway. It’s really important that your ingredients are bone dry, therefore no moisture in the jar, as this can lead to mould.

Step 2 - cover with carrier oil, cap, and leave in a place out of direct sunlight for at least 10 days, but up to 4-6 weeks if you can. You can use any type of oil, but olive oil is safe on the skin and great for infusing.

Step 3 - strain into a clear jar using a strainer or cheesecloth. In a cool, dark, place your oil should keep for up to a year, but you may wish to use it immediately if part of a recipe for body products or cosmetics.

You can repeat the process if you want to make the oil stronger; simply strain and add to a new batch of dried plants. You can add a few drops of Vitamin E oil at the end of infusing to extend the shelf life. 

NEXT - Natural Remedies: Lavender Salve
NEXT - Chamomile Magick: 9 Protective Correspondences
NEXT - Natural Remedies: 15 Ways to Use Dried Lavender

Personal Magick: My Kitchen Apothecary

The word ‘apothecary’ is derived from the word ‘apotheca’ meaning a place where wine, spices, and herbs were stored.

My apothecary is mounted on our kitchen wall, and we have another unit coming soon for our (separate) cooking spices. Witching overtakes cooking in this household! Anyone that knows me will also know how much love and intent went into making the labels (I love organising!), a kind of ritual in itself.

I use my herbs for a variety of uses and now they’re close at hand it makes life a lot easier. I’m looking forward to sharing some herbal recipes and information with you this week.

I was going to ask what your favourite herb, but instead I ask: what herb do you use the most?

NEXT - Personal Magick: My Beltane Handfasting
NEXT - Rosemary Magick: 17 Uses & Correspondences
NEXT - Review: Aromafume Incense Brick Burner 

Pagan Holidays: Beltane

Happy Beltane everyone! And a very Happy Anniversary to my husband. Four years ago today we were handfasted at Avebury Stone Circle by Druid, beside rock, under a huge sky.

Beltane, opposite Samhain on the Wheel of the Year, honours life.

It is the peak of Spring and Summer is close by, or has just started if your local Hawthorn has flowered!

Just as you might expect to connect with spirits at Samhain, the Faeries are close by at Beltane. The veil is thin once more, and earth energies are at their strongest. It is a time of joy, abundance, fertility, and celebration. Of growth, creativity, and expansion.

Today I raise my cup to you - all of you - and wish you a very merry, beautiful, and abundant Beltane. And to those in the Southern Hemisphere, have a wonderful Samhain also. Blessed be. 

NEXT - Personal Magick: My Beltane Handfasting 
NEXT - Personal Magick: Our Handfasting Besom 
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Midland Hawthorn