Plant Allies: Elderflower

The @witch.with.me prompt for the 16th was “My Plant Allies.”

One of my plant allies is Elderflower, which is a hugely magickal plant, and which I can’t wait to see flower again. I call her the “Plant of Preparation”. When I see those beautiful cream flowers at the start of the summer I am reminded that there are Midsummer celebrations to plan, and when I see the dark purple-black berries in the autumn I am reminded that winter is not too far away.

Elderflower features as card no.15 in the Herbs & Flowers Oracle Cards deck @herbsandflowersoraclecards by @taurus_tells who were kind enough to send me one of their beautiful decks (thank you).

Their beautiful little guidebook says of Elderflower:

“There is a longing to be released from restrictive patterns, people and groups. Showing a new side to the world could confuse a lot of people, but as long as it feels right, it really does not matter what they think. There is no holding back under this vibration, so no fear as boundaries are pushed with a new start and life is lived in the way and style chosen.”

Wise words indeed.

I can’t wait to get to know my herbs and flowers better using this charming deck. It has information and folklore for each plant, as well as a divinatory message and astrological associations. Flick through to the next picture to get a better look. 

NEXT - Flower Magick: 52 Floral Magickal Correspondences
NEXT - Review: Traditional Jams & Preserves by Eve Parker
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: All Hail the Blackberry! 

Magickal Traditions: My Witchy Path

“My Witchy Path” was the @witch.with.me prompt for the 13th, and so I spent some time thinking what this looks like. If I had to choose the witchy “box” that looks and feels most comfortable for my witchy practice it would be Traditional Witchcraft, however there is no escaping that with taking (and leaving!) what I like, “Eclectic Witch” fits the bill, too.

Learning about the customs, celebrations, superstitions and lives of the people who walked this land previously is really important to me, as is veneration of these land-based ancestors, and those of my family. Learning about plants and herbs, but especially those within my local landscape is really important; as is learning to cook seasonally, for nutrition and celebration.

I have floated between group and solitary practice over the years; through necessity and by choice. Currently I am enjoying working alone and learning more about myself.

I’m a very practical (and perfectionist!) witch, so my Grimoire is a large ring binder that I have added to, and subtracted from, over the last 20 years. I have enjoyed updating and modernising it recently.

My practice is flexible and ever-evolving. I adore the support, joy and appreciation it gives me in my everyday life. This practice is mine to cultivate, love and enjoy.

If you feel so inclined, tell me what you love about your craft.

NEXT - YouTube Viewing: My Witchcraft Journey
NEXT - Simple Magick: Finding Your Witchcraft Path
NEXT - Simple Magick: Commitment To Learning 

Fabulous Folklore: The Land I Live On

I’m a “Raddleman” which means I’m an inhabitant of the smallest county in England - Rutland - which is nestled between Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. We measure 18 miles from north to south, and 17 miles from east to west.

We are a beautiful county, steeped in history, folklore and tradition. Much of our county is taken up by Rutland Water, a huge reservoir, which is an important nature reserve serving as an overwintering site for wildfowl and a breeding site for ospreys.

Along with two towns we boast a handful of beautiful hamlets, a flag featuring an upside-down horseshoe and 13 acorns, and our Latin motto: Multum in Parvo which means “much in little”.

Our agricultural landscape boasts hills and valleys, sacred wells, a labyrinth, yew topiary, a Sheela na gig, a castle, a viaduct, a windmill, a Bede house, and lots of churches. Our older cottages are built from local ironstone and many have roofs of Collyweston stone slate, or thatch. We have lots of old inns and public houses.

We have loads of legends, most of them in the form of ghost stories and there are some corkers! From the spectral lady who walks through Braunston holding a candle in front of her, to the haunted HMP Ashwell which now stands empty and hosts ghost hunting evenings, to the magic hedge that would bow down whenever someone walked past it.

This is such a magical little place, and in every sense Rutland lives up to its motto.

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Lyddington Bede House

Cemetery Stuff: There's No Place Like Home

For those that haven’t followed me for long, I’m called The Cemetery Witch because I live on a cemetery. Our house is the original cemetery keeper’s lodge from 1860.

Today’s prompt “Home” got me thinking about one of my favourite quotes:

“Is it possible for home to be a person and not a place?” - Stephanie Perkins

I think the answer is definitely “Yes”...

Hobbit doors 

Secrets

Winding staircases

Original floors

Pointy chapels

Metre-thick walls 

Cobwebs 

Wooden halls

Iron gates

Unusual visitors 

Intriguing headstones

A witchy dream come true.  But it’s more than that. It’s my sanctuary, my safe place, the home I share with my love, my first home, my whole heart, and indeed, another "person."

NEXT - Cemetery Stuff: Memento Mori
NEXT - Simple Magick: Genius Loci
NEXT - Simple Magick: Spirits Of The Home 

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 

Astrology: Cancer The Crab - Magickal Correspondences

The first Instgram @witch.with.me hashtag challenge of the year has begun, with the first prompt being today - “My Sun Sign”. Mine is Cancer the Crab.

Cancer is the cardinal water sign, ruled by the Moon. That means we can be wildly unpredictable. Our moods can ebb and flow, wax and wane, but with considerable less predictability than the Moon or any ocean.

Cancerians are often very direct with tough exteriors, but the truth is we are super soft and sensitive inside. Our emotions run deep and we are extremely tenacious.

Typical of a lot of Cancerians, I am actually very shy until you get to know me. I hate being late, and I pride myself on my integrity. My home is my castle, and I love feeding and taking care of the people I love. I am a good judge of character, I can often see exactly what is going on in a situation, usually before everyone else, and I hate gossipers and liars.

I love being by the ocean, I am generally very cheerful and have a good sense of humour. I never give up.

WORDS ASSOCIATED WITH CANCER: domesticity, family history, tradition, comfort, security, sensitivity, nurturing, dreaming, psychic powers, telepathy.

What is your Sun Sign? Do you know what your ruling planet is? How is your personality shaped by your Sun Sign? Are you typical of the traits you’re meant to have? Tell me about your astrology and your personality! 

NEXT - Moon Magick: 7 Words For The New Moon in Virgo
NEXT - Moon Magick: The Snow Moon 
NEXT - Review: Need To Know Zodiac Types by Collins

Spell: Personal Spell For a Difficult Situation

I did this spell - or at least a spell related to this image -  to help me with a really difficult situation that I’m facing right now. I didn’t anticipate this situation coming up quite so soon, and I would have perhaps preferred a different Moon phase to work with, but the Waning Moon energy is helping to take away my fears.

I used snow to represent anxiety over the situation melting away.

A light blue candle with the word “calm” inscribed on it.

Herbs arranged in a horseshoe for luck:

Rose petals for self worth, and for protection. 

Malva flowers for their soothing energy. 

Tansy to ward off evil.

Basil to attract and bring in money.

Turquoise for positive thinking, and balancing and aligning energy in relation to this matter. Six quartz points for amplifying energy and thought - six being a number of abundance.

I also did something secret to keep the spell spinning.

I’m anticipating that this situation will start to be resolved around the Full Moon. I feel so much better about it. Even if the only outcome is feeling more settled, empowered and confident, then it was well worth my time.

NEXT - Spell: Orange Charm for Courage
NEXT - Simple Magick: 65 Colour Correspondences
NEXT - Review: Of Blood & Bones by Kate Freuler

Sacred Symbols: The Witch’s Foot

The Witch’s Foot is composed of three lines of equal length; one that runs straight down, and two intersecting at an angle to create a snowflake-type shape.

Its composition is such that you can break it down into several parts, depending on how you look at it. There is one central point; and three long lines, or six short lines radiating from the centre.

The pattern of the world is realised in this device. The power that flows from above, the power that flows from below, and the power that flows from the four cardinal directions, with the witch being the point in the centre.

The central line, the spine, represents the balance between light and shadow, silence and expression, inner and outer influences. The power from above and the power from below, which brings me on to the saying “As above, so below”, the idea that whatever happens in the astral plane is reflected on the Earth, and vice versa. That whatever happens in the microcosm, the world of the individual, affects the macrocosm, and vice versa. The balance in all this is the centre point, where the witch stands, and to keep this line straight and strong to support the other two lines, the witch must accept herself, shadows and all, to find balance.

The diagonal lines represent the four cardinal directions. They represent our emotions and intellect, our experiences and wisdom. I also relate these lines to the Four Planes of Existence, and to the tenet “To know, to will, to dare, to be silent”, the conscious and unconscious mind, and the World of Matter and the World of Spirit.

The witch is where all these lines meet. The witch is where these worlds intersect.

The Witch’s Foot is used in a myriad of ways, and is a powerful device for invoking the presence of Spirit. It is also used for meditation and for Riding the Hedge.

NEXT - Sacred Symbols: The Pentagram
NEXT - Word Magick: As Above So Below
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Witch's Familiar 

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

For #witchbookwednesday I’m sharing The Almanac - A Seasonal Guide to 2021 by @lia_leendertz

I buy this beautiful book every year. It’s packed FULL of seasonal goodness: recipes, tide tables, garden tasks, moon phase information, Moon and Sun rise times, songs, nature facts, meditations. The front cover is always a work of art, too!

In fact, these guides are so amazing I keep them, and find myself dipping in to them constantly, and on a practical note I love the little ribbon that helps me know where I am.

Do you use this almanac? If not I really recommend you give this wonderful book a try.

Head over to @witch.with.books for lots of fab witchy recommendations.

NEXT - Review: The Spells Bible by Ann-Marie Gallagher

Imbolc Magick: 40 Correspondences

A blessed Imbolc everyone! And to those in the Southern Hemisphere a blessed Lughnasadh.

Imbolc is about half way between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, and this fire festival celebrates the very first stirrings of Spring. This period of growth, gestation, and birth makes it a time of new beginnings, and for me personally it often feels like the beginning of the year, trumping Samhain (the Witches New Year) and January 1st.

When I think of Imbolc I think of the blue skies and sunshine that are now (occasionally!) making an appearance, as opposed to grey skies. We have brighter days with a noticeable change in light quality, and with that comes a change of attitude.

It is a time of magic and transformation; and of hope: the return of the light we celebrated at the Winter Solstice is now confirmed. The Sun is returning!

Magickal Correspondences for Imbolc:

Stones:

Amethyst, bloodstone, garnet, onyx, ruby, turquoise

Plants:

Angelica, basil, bay, celandine, crocus, heather, iris, snowdrop

Colours:

Brown, light green, orange, pink, red, white, yellow

Foods:

Cheese, cream, garlic, honey, milk, sunflower seeds, poppyseed cakes, pumpkin seeds, wine

Symbols:

Brigid’s cross, corn dollies, dish of snow, flowers, ploughs, snowdrops, sun wheels 

NEXT - Blessed Ostara! 

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Lesser Celandine 

NEXT - Flower Magick: 52 Floral Magickal Correspondences

Fabulous Folklore: Horses

We see this friendly boy regularly. It got me thinking about horses in folklore, and some of our local superstitions regarding them.

Here in the Midlands counties, spitting was considered to avert all evil consequences, and to meet a white horse face-to-face without spitting (usually over the left shoulder) was considered very unlucky indeed. Some have suggested that this negative association with white horses is because much of the Midlands was laid waste by Saxon hordes, who poured in under a banner emblazoned with a white horse, but I don’t know how true this is.

To dream of a white horse meant that death was coming. This superstition might have come from the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, as one of the riders sits upon a white horse. Another local superstition indicating death was to dream of riding in a cart “being greased with bacon”- weird!!

At Snelston - a medieval village near here now deserted - a witch would run out of her house and cling on to cartwheels as horses made their way up Galley Hill, on the way to Uppingham. Other stories regard her as a supernatural entity, living in the trees ready to pounce on any horses and carts that might pass by.

In nearby Lincolnshire, it was believed that if you saw a white dog, you should stay silent until you saw a white horse. I don’t know what the consequence of not staying silent was, or not seeing the white horse, because with all the superstition surrounding white horses, I don’t think seeing one was likely.

I’m pleased to report we do not spit at this lovely boy, he much prefers a cuddle.

Do you know of any strange horse folklore or superstitions? What about other animals?

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Horseshoe Magick

Simple Magick: 6 Simple Snow Spells

It’s been snowing for hours! I haven’t seen snow like this for many years, it’s makes me so happy!

It’s not something I tend to do in my practice - because I rarely see it! - but you can use snow in your spell work. Collect in a plastic bag and store in the freezer.

Simple Snow Spells:

Make a snowman and use him or her as a magickal guardian. Build him or her near the entrance of your home.

Add a cup of clean snow to a ritual bath for purification.

Write the name of someone who is bothering you on a slip of paper and pack it in snow. Freeze it until they “chill out”.

Form bad habits into snowballs and throw them away from you.

Write something good you’d like on a piece of paper, roll into a ball, and then keep rolling until your intention gets bigger and bigger.

Place snow in a jar and when it melts you have “snow water” - leave out under the moon to make snowy moon water.

Do you like the snow? Do you see it where you live every year? Do you use it in your practice? Maybe you hate the stuff!? What do you think?

NEXT - Simple Magick: Using Eggshells
NEXT - Winter Magick: Using The Winter Season to Create Change
NEXT - Simple Magick: Using Snow in Magick

Word Magick: Reading Witchology Magazine and Pondering Community

I’m reading @witchologymag this morning, and pondering the power of community after reading recent posts by @marget.inglis_witchcraft and @thewitchesstone

I leave you with a poem from my journal entry today:

Whenever the blues, they come to stay,

You can, with a nudge, gently chase them away;

A call to the Sun, the sky, the flowers!

A call to invoke your personal powers!

Of happiness, strength, and kindness be,

when you’re trapped in a dark, encircling sea,

hold out your hand to others in need,

find peace and calm, and joy indeed. 

Tap into the magick, in your heart it shall be;

Give love and Be love.

So Mote it Be.

If you are struggling right now please be sure to reach out.

Fabulous short story by @thewildmoongarden

NEXT - Word Magick: Defining The Words Witch & Witchcraft 

Word Magick: Prayer to Mother Earth

Mother Earth,

Enlighten what’s dark in me,

Strengthen what’s weak in me,

Mend what’s broken in me,

Bind what’s bruised in me,

Heal what’s sick in me,

And lastly, revive whatever peace and love has died in me.

~ Unknown

NEXT - Word Magick: Courage - What Does It Mean? 

Fabulous Folklore: Wing Maze

This is the “Maze” (actually a unicursal labyrinth) at Wing, which is about five miles from my home. It is one of only eight remaining turf-cut labyrinths in the U.K. It is about 40ft (12m) in diameter.

The information on the board makes a lot of Wing’s Viking name, and it has been suggested by some sources that the maze is over 2500 years old, but it is most likely to be Medieval.

I’ve been looking at some old local history books and it has been suggested that there were labyrinths at nearby Liddington and Holt; though not much is written about them, and their secrets have been lost to time.

It is thought that people would recite prayers as they walked them, or shuffled along on their knees; and that they provided some sort of meditative purpose.

There is a local legend (referred to in 1843) that says a roosting cuckoo would be penned in the maze, in a symbolic attempt to “keep spring eternal”, however I can’t help but laugh at the idea of it simply flying off each time this rite was attempted.

It has also been suggested that it was used as a “walk of shame” inflicted by the church onto wrongdoers; and I wonder if this is at the root of some Christians disapproving of labyrinths, considering them “pagan” or “new age”.

Apparently they were once common in England, Denmark and Germany, and similar labyrinths were found in other parts of Northern Europe, but these were formed by placing stones rather than cutting turf.

There is a lot of rich history in this area. The folklore and customs of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire overlap, as they all border Rutland (which is tiny!), and there’s an abundance of holy wells, hill forts, barrows, mazes, sacred stones and even caves here. I look forward to reading (and sharing) more about them. One thing is for certain: when trying to learn about my ancestors the information I find only just scratches the surface, and leaves me wanting more.

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Leicestershire & Rutland Leechcraft

Simple Magick: Using Eggshells

Crushed eggshells are known by some as Cascarilla. Eggshells have been used in magickal practice for hundreds of years to cleanse negative energy and bring positive occurrences. The eggshells are dried and ground into a powder and are not to be confused with the plant Croton eluteria, which is also known as cascarilla, and is a plant native to the Caribbean.

Eggshells can help block non-corporeal entities from a psychical space - benign or malevolent - so you might want to think carefully about their use, but you can use them to put a ring of peace and protection around your sacred space or home. They can be mixed with herbs to create magickal powders for specific intentions and goals, and they’re often used in spells related to setting boundaries.

Use eggshells with other ingredients (eg. Holy Water) for cleansing; use in a protection bath, or as a floor wash. Some witches use powdered eggshells to wash their hands, rub in their hair, or to mark ritual symbols on their bodies or animals for protection.

Cascarilla is simple to make. Boil the eggshells for ten minutes to protect yourself against Salmonella. Leave them in a bowl or on a piece of kitchen towel on a warm windowsill to dry. When they are completely dry, crush them with a pestle and mortar.

I grind my eggshells down further as part of my spellwork. In the meantime, these have been bottled and consecrated.

NEXT - Simple Magick: 11 Tips For Beginner Witches 

Building Community: Some Thoughts On Social Media

A beautiful picture of my beautiful husband on our hand-fasting. Right?

Yesterday a fantastic post about aesthetic and Witchcraft by @marget.inglis_witchcraft got me thinking, and my brain strayed down the path of Social Media and the current situation.

Like a lot of places in the world, things aren’t brilliant in the U.K. Due to coronavirus, we have in excess of 70,000 deaths and have just gone back down into lockdown for possibly another three months. This is impacting people in many, vary serious ways; but especially on peoples’ mental health.

I want to remind you that Social Media is a place where people put their best foot forward, are sharing the things that are helping to elevate their own mood, or their businesses. It is not always indicative of real life.

Whilst my account truthfully reflects the person that I am and the things that interest me, giving me an opportunity to play with my love of colour, I want to remind you that behind the account there’s a human being, just like you.

Like many others, my account doesn’t show you the boring day to day shit. It doesn’t show you the gripes and moans about walking through the house with wet shoes on after I’ve just cleaned the floor. It doesn’t show you my unhealthy obsession with My Singing Monsters, a game designed for 8 year old boys. It doesn’t show you the laughter where I open my big mouth really widely, making me look like Zippy from Rainbow, showing all my wonky teeth.

It doesn’t show you the currently very regular ugly-crying, where I’m getting snot all over my husband’s shirt. Sure, I have a fantastic life, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have challenges. The long list of chronic health conditions that I’m finding hard right now, the life-saving and life-enhancing medication that I’m struggling to get because of Brexit, the daughter I’m missing because she lives with her dad many hours away, my lack of financial stability because of my health. The arguments I have with my husband because of certain external forces, the challenges we face as a couple, his extremely stressful job. This is real life: the list goes on!

Remember this as you navigate the internet, and remember it’s ok to not be ok right now. 

If all you’re achieving right now is managing to get up and eat, that’s a WIN. If you’ve managed to cross something off your to-do list today, that’s a WIN. If all the kids are alive at the end of the day, that’s a WIN. If you’ve managed not to murder your husband today, that’s a WIN.

I’ll also mention here that I’m not in the camp who believes you should master something new in lockdown - a new language, a new hobby, a fitness regime, weight loss, writing a book, reading ten new books, new skills in the kitchen - BOLLOCKS.

If you do manage any of these things, that’s amazing! But if the next few months are focused only on survival that’s OK. 

Please be kind to yourselves. We’re still midwinter and there are more tough days ahead. 

NEXT - Building Community: Kindness & Compassion
NEXT - Simple Magick: Protecting The Integrity Of Your Spells On Social Media
NEXT - Campaign To Pardon The Pendle Witches

Tarot Method: Wren's Year Ahead Spread

Usually at the start of the year I take a bit of a break, read the slips of paper from my Gratitude Jar, and do a simple tarot spread for the year ahead. Thanks to a reminder from @thewitchesstone this week, I’ve done it. Even if I am a little late.

I lit a green candle for good luck, success and prosperity, and let it burn while I shuffled and picked the cards; blowing it out before doing the big reveal.

I used @the_embroidered_forest tarot, which I absolutely love and was so over the moon to win just before Christmas - thanks Alicia! If you’re wondering about this deck it’s absolutely incredible. The images are enchantingly beautiful, and one of the best things about it is the fabulous quality cardstock and snazzy silver edges.

I had a pendulum by @wiccawolfie on standby just in case I needed further clarification.

While I was shuffling the cards a famous quote by Abraham Lincoln sprang to mind: “The best way to predict your future is to create it”, and so I made the intention in that  moment to keep pushing myself this year.

As many of you know, I have been floating ideas for a shop and creating a Patreon, but I have been doing this very slowly due to chronic illness. As part of my manifestation process, and the long term spell work I have been doing to aid these plans, the moment must be absolutely right.

Do you carry out some sort of New Year’s divination? If so what type? What are your plans for this year? What would you like to manifest? 

NEXT - Tarot Method: Unblocking with Chase The Ace
NEXT - Tarot Method: Storing Tarot in Drawstring Bags
NEXT - Natural Remedies: Meadowsweet Foot Soak

Witchcraft Books: Mixed Witchstack Sunday

Happy to take part in this week’s #witchstacksunday over on Instagram - first one of the year! These are the books I shall be dipping in and out of this month: 

Magical Aromatherapy - Scott Cunningham

Folk Witchcraft - Roger J. Horne

Herbal Remedies - Anne McIntyre

Prehistoric Astronomy & Ritual - Aubrey Burl

Beowulf

The Green Witch - Arin Murphy-Hiscock

What are you reading currently? What are you going to read next? What’s at the top of your witchy book purchase list?

Head over to @witch.with.books for lots of awesome witchy book recommendations.

NEXT: Witchcraft Books: Witchy Resources
NEXT - Review: Magical Aromatherapy by Scott Cunningham

Bee Magick: 11 Useful Correspondences

There is an abundance of folklore surrounding bees. Charms with bees in were hung in the best room of the house to bring health, happiness and good fortune to the home. It was said that if bees flew into a house, a stranger would soon call. If they rested on a roof, good luck was on its way.

Bees appeared in Mycenaean tomb decorations, with some tombs shaped like beehives, speculating the view that bees may have been seen as psychopomps or messengers of the dead, or even that the human soul transmuted into bee form after death.

Once upon a time almost every British family who kept bees had a custom called “telling the bees.” The bees were kept abreast of all important family matters; births, marriages, important journeys, absences, but especially deaths.

Usually the “goodwife” of the household would go to the hives, and knock gently to get the bees’ attention. She would then gently and solemnly tell the bees the news. In Nottinghamshire, the wife of the dead was heard singing quietly in front of the hive—“The master's dead, but don't you go; Your mistress will be a good mistress to you.”

Failure to update the bees brought a fear of catastrophe. Failing to put the bees in to mourning meant all sorts of calamities might ensue; the bees might leave the hive, or not produce enough honey, or even die.

In my county, whenever there was a death the top of the hive was wrapped with a piece of black fabric or crepe by the beekeeper, otherwise it was feared that the bees would not thrive. Whenever there was a wedding the hives were decorated and pieces of cake were left out so that the bees could share in the festivities.

Magickal Correspondences for Bees:

Fertility
Joy
Feminine power

Teamwork

Growth

Competent leadership

Hard work

Obedience

Industriousness

Prophecy

The sweetness of life

Happy New Year 2021

I don’t even know where to start when it comes to 2020. Aside from the main issue that has hung over us, affecting all our lives in a myriad of ways, this was a great period of self-development and transformation for me. I achieved a lot this year.

Last night I took some time out to celebrate, and to offer my gratitude and thanks. I’m grateful for getting through this year unscathed, and for the many blessings and people in my life. My coven sisters, my husband, my friends, my family, and my Facebook and Instagram families.

Thank you all for being here. Thank you for every interaction, each comment of support, each like, each share, each follow. Thank you for all your inspiring posts and teachings. Thank you for being there for each other, and supporting one another. Love and kindness is the only way.

I’m wishing you all a very happy, healthy and abundant 2021.

Fabulous Folklore: Yule Evergreens

Bringing evergreens into the home at Midwinter goes back to a time when people were more connected to the cycles of nature, way before the arrival of Christmas. Evergreens represented everlasting life in the darkest part of the year, and therefore brought the hope of returning light. Each European country, and each British county, had their own specific customs related to evergreens, but many involved hanging them around windows and over doorways.

Holly was hung over entrances to peoples’ homes, and was used to make wreaths. It brought good luck and protection, and was still beautiful in the middle of winter, giving the poor a means of decorating their homes at a time of celebration. The Druids revered holly and believed its evergreen nature was sacred; it kept the earth beautiful at a time when other trees shed their leaves.

Evergreen conifers (pine, fir, cedar, juniper, or spruce) became the Yule Tree, which evolved into the Christmas Tree. The Christmas Tree custom flourished in Germany and over time it spread to other European regions, eventually reaching North America. Traditionally the brightly colored decorations and lights symbolised stellar objects, spirits, religious figures, and religious events.

The ancient Greeks, Druids, Celts, and Norse revered mistletoe as sacred, and it was used for protection, blessing, and medicine. The 23rd December is known as The Nameless Day, and is represented by Mistletoe. This day falls outside the lunar calendar and represents the unshaped potential of all things. This is the extra day in a “year and a day” represented by so many folk tales.

This gorgeous display of evergreens is over a doorway in nearby Stamford, Lincolnshire.

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Robin Redbreast

Fabulous Folklore: Robin Redbreast

There are many animals associated with this time of year, but most notably the Robin, who is often pictured perched upon a Yule Log.

Whilst many see the Robin as a symbol of good luck, fortune, and abundance, there is some dark folklore surrounding them, and they are closely associated with death.

Many believe a visit from a Robin is actually a visit from a relative in spirit. They’re seen as messengers for the spirit world, and there are many stories about their comforting presence following the death of a loved one. After my Grandmother died a Robin appeared every time my Mum entered her house. Some say that if a Robin pecks the windows or enters a house it signifies the coming death of a loved one. It is no surprise, then, that it is seen as bad luck to kill or injure one.

The old English ballad “Babes in the Wood” tells of the Wren and the Robin working together to cover the unburied bodies of two children who were abandoned and died:

And when they were dead 

The robins so red

     Brought strawberry leaves

And over them spread;

And all the day long,

The green branches among,

     They'd prettily whistle

And this was their song-

“Poor babes in the wood!

Sweet babes in the wood!

     Oh the sad fate of 

The babes in the wood!”

Christian stories suggest that the Robin was originally brown, his chest stained red by the blood of Jesus who was dying on the cross.

The Victorians were a fan of these little birds, and they would appear on Christmas cards, delivering letters like tiny postmen. The Royal Mail’s colour is red as it is linked to royalty, and thus the Victorians nicknamed their posties “Robins”.

We met this little chap last week who is fed by hand, so very friendly.

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Wren's Day

The Return of the Sun

Earlier on in the week @autumncroneapothecary and I were talking about most witches having a strong relationship with the Moon (as it should be), but us feeling much closer to the Sun and solar energy.

As a Cancer I put this down to being born in the summer, I just feel so connected to it. There’s also no avoiding the fact that with several conditions related to my muscles and joints I’m relieved when the days get longer and warmer and my bones don’t hurt and click quite so much!

As we approach the Winter Solstice here in the Northern Hemisphere, I have been thinking about all the good things that happened in the warmer half of this year, and I’m really looking forward to what’s to come. A particular highlight this year was driving through a quirky little village near us and spotting this telephone box with tomatoes planted inside.

I’m looking forward to picnics and our annual Beltane celebration, time in the park with the kids, dinner in my parents’ garden, foraging, spending some time near water (typical Cancerian!) and warmth on my face.

What about you? What Sun sign are you? Does it relate to whether you prefer summer or winter? Do you think 2021 is going to be a good year for you?  What are you looking forward to most in 2021? 

NEXT - Pagan Holidays: Imbolc 

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Winter Solstice Celebrations 

NEXT - Greeting the Sun After the Longest Night

Fabulous Folklore: The Battle of the Holly & Oak Kings

The rebirth of the Sun is such a huge cause for celebration that many witches mark the occasion by bringing the outside in; to signify the solar turning of the tides, and the return and commencement of the growing season. This is usually in the form of evergreens; plants that retain their green leaves throughout the year. Bay, holly, ivy, mistletoe, photinia, and cedar are all examples of evergreens, and many of them are symbolic in some way.

The holly is one such symbolic plant.

Stemming from Celtic mythology, but common in many folklore traditions, the Oak King and the Holly King - personifications of the winter and summer - are two brothers that rule over the land, sharing their rule. They are, in effect, two parts of the same thing; the waxing and waning of the yearly cycle of Earth.

The Holly King reigns from midsummer to midwinter - a waning period of increasing darkness - and represents darkness, destruction, and decay.

At Yule, the Oak King, Lord of the Summer, representing expansion, light, and growth, is reborn, ready to take the throne for the period of increasing light.

At the solstices the brothers collide; light and dark battling to decide who will win the Crown of the Year, and reign over the coming months.

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Oak Galls

Media Appearance: Witchology Magazine - Sun Biscuits for Yule

Witchology Magazine - New Issue!

Perfect for a little bit of Solstice Magick, find the recipe for my warming Sun Biscuits in the latest issue of Witchology Magazine, print copies now available.

The “Transformation” edition, celebrating new beginnings, is packed full of spells, interviews, rituals, recipes and other festive ramblings for the period Yule to Imbolc.

Digital copies coming soon!

Head over to @witchologymag on Instagram to stay up to date with all the latest news and updates, and go to www.witchologmagazine.com to order your copy.

Pagan Holidays: Yule - Midwinter

Yule comes from the Norwegian word Jul, meaning “wheel”, and our ancestors believed that this mystic wheel actually stopped turning briefly at this point. Indeed, from the point of the Winter Solstice there is a moment of standstill for a few days before the days start to increase in length and light again. The Christian Church adopted this time to celebrate the birth of the Son (Sun) of God, but this time has always been celebrated by ancient people, long before the Christian story.

The solstice occurs twice a year, when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt away from the Sun, and as such, the Winter Solstice heralds the shortest day, and the longest night. As the solstice is an astronomical event, the date changes from year to year, although many pagans and witches celebrate on the 21st December regardless. In many temperate regions of the world, the Winter Solstice is seen as the middle of winter, but today, many see it as the start. In Meteorology, winter is seen as starting about three weeks before the solstice.

Energetically speaking, the balance of power has been tipped at the solstice, and we emerge from the darkness; the days getting longer, brighter, and warmer. This is a huge moment of celebration for many pagans and witches, and many choose to mark the rebirth of the Sun by observing the Winter Solstice sunrise. Whilst it is usually very cold, it is much easier to catch the sunrise at Winter Solstice than at Summer Solstice, because the Sun rises relatively late. For many people, pagan or otherwise, it is a relief to know that the dark days and depths of winter are behind them, and that lighter days will follow. Light and dark are not euphemisms for good and bad here; but there is no doubt that the returning light brings increased energy, and renewed feelings of joy and hope. 

NEXT - The Return of the Sun 

NEXT - Happy Winter Solstice 

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Robin Redbreast

Fabulous Folklore: The Yule Tree

The festivities have started on the Cemetery; the Spirit of Yuletide has been invited into our space. The tree is up!

Evergreen plants and trees have always had a special meaning for people in winter; they represent eternal life. Ancient peoples hung evergreen boughs over their doors and windows, and many folk believed they would also keep away witches, ghosts, evil spirits, and illness.

Gradually, sacred tree imagery was absorbed by the Christian church, and Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition that we know now; in the 16th century devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes.

In Britain, the tradition of decorating churches and homes with evergreens at Christmas was long established, but the custom of decorating an entire small tree was unknown until roughly two centuries ago. Queen Victoria had been familiar with the Christmas tree tradition as a child; and after her marriage to her German cousin Prince Albert, the custom became even more widespread. In 1846 they were sketched in the Illustrated London News standing with their children around a Christmas tree. Being very popular royals what was done at court immediately became fashionable; and wealthy British middle-class families immediately followed suit, with this fashion spreading overseas to the United States.

Personally, for me, the tree is not only a reminder of the season and the fact that the Sun will soon return at the Solstice; but it is a symbol of unity - many different belief systems hold a festival of light at this time of year.

Do you have a Yule or Christmas tree? What colour are your decorations? Are your decorations up yet? Do you have any special family traditions?

Review: The Spells Bible by Ann-Marie Gallagher

I’ve been sorting through some books this week and stumbled across this book from many moons ago. I always feel like books are old friends so it’s lovely to be reacquainted with this one!

It’s jam-packed full of information and unusual spells, and the opening chapters on spell work and working with magick are fabulous.

I especially like the Garland Spell to Keep Love Evergreen, which creates an anniversary gift for a couple who have been together for some time, and uses the ancient meanings and magickal associations of ivy, yew, and holly - perfect for this time of year.

This is such a lovely book that I highly recommend, even if it’s just for inspiration for creating your own spells.

Witch With Books Yule Tag Challenge: Grimoires & Spellbooks

NEXT - Review: Of Blood & Bones by Kate Freuler 

Fabulous Folklore: Mince Pies

A favourite food of Father Christmas, mince pies are a sweet pie of English origin.

First served in the Middle Ages, and appearing in English cookbooks A Forme of Cury (1390) and The English Huswife (1615), mince pies were bigger, oblong shaped, and the “mincemeat” was actually meat; mutton, pork, beef, rabbit or game.

Having been around for so many years, the humble mince pie has gone by many different names; Christmas pyes, crib cakes, mutton pies, wayfarer’s pies, and shrid pies.

English tradition states that when making mice pies the mincemeat should always be stirred clockwise for fear of provoking 12 months’ bad luck, and every member of the family should stir, making a wish.

The first mince pie of the season should also be wished upon, and mince pies should always be eaten in silence; the taster risks heaping several curses upon himself if he doesn’t comply.

It is said that a mince pie should be eaten every day for the Twelve Days of Christmas; from Christmas Eve until the 5th January for good health and happiness. Anyone who refuses one of their twelve pies will suffer a year of misfortune.

Do you like mince pies? Do you have them in your country? Do you follow the 12 pie rule?

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Yule Tree