Fabulous Folklore: The Wicker Man

Usually around this time of year we’re gearing up for our annual trip down to Hampshire (my birthplace) for the Beltane celebration at Buster Ancient Farm, where a Wicker Man is burned to celebrate the first stirrings of summer. Each year they have a different Wicker Man; the one shown here was to reflect the one in the 1973 film The Wicker Man, and I had a great time climbing up the ladder and getting in it!

Wicker Men are giant effigies supposedly used by the Druids to perform a human sacrifice, to pay homage to the gods in some way.

In Book VI of his Commentary on the Gallic War, Gaius Julius Caesar writes of the sacrificial rituals of the Gauls. The main evidence for this practice is just one sentence:

"The nation of all the Gauls is extremely devoted to superstitious rites; and on that account they who are troubled with unusually severe diseases and they who are engaged in battles and dangers, either sacrifice men as victims, or vow that they will sacrifice them, and employ the Druids as the performers of those sacrifices; because they think that unless the life of a man be offered for the life of a man, the mind of the immortal gods cannot be rendered propitious, and they have sacrifices of that kind ordained for national purposes. Others have figures of vast size, the limbs of which formed of osiers they fill with living men, which being set on fire, the men perish enveloped in the flames.”

Modern archaeological research has yielded evidence that human sacrifice was practised among the Iron Age tribes of Europe, but scholars are not sure whether to believe Caesar’s claims, as these deaths predate the Roman era.

Historians are not sure if Caesar was reporting an established tradition, what he’d heard from others (for example Posidonius of Rhodes), or if he was simply telling a story he had embellished, for self-promotion or as propaganda.

They also can’t be certain if these practices, if they did exist, were used for human sacrifice in Iron Age Britain, as there’s no evidence for it, despite the popular myth.

Have you ever been to a pagan celebration or an event with a Wicker Man?

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Pumpkins
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Hag Stones

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Phallus Worship

Witchcraft Books - Herbal Sunday Witchstack

My Witchstack Sunday for @witch.with.books #witchwithbooks - just some of my favourite herbal books:

Magical Aromatherapy by Scott Cunningham 

Culpeper’s Complete Herbal 

The Hedgerow Handbook by Adele Nozedar

The Green Witch by Arun Murphy-Hiscock

Magical Herbalism by Scott Cunningham 

Herbal Remedies by Anne McIntyre 

Cunningham’s Encyclopaedia of Magical Herbs 

The Likely Herbarium by Kate @likelytale.witch

What are your favourite herbal books? Do you have any of the ones in this stack?

NEXT - Witchcraft Books: Mixed Witchstack Sunday
NEXT - Review: The Magic of Marie Laveau by Denise Alvarado

Review: Aromafume Incense Brick Burner

I’m really grateful to the guys at Aromafume for sending me this incense brick burner and Nag Champa incense - thank you.

I’ve never tried an incense brick burner before as I usually burn hand-blended incense I’ve made myself, or joss sticks. I have to say I was really delighted with it, and so was my husband, and we’ll continue using it.

The incense brick goes on top, and a tealight goes inside the burner. The burner itself is only small, but to be honest, it doesn’t really need to be any bigger. This makes it really convenient for putting it just about anywhere. This one has a gorgeous Tree of Life punched out of the metal, which lights up when the candle is lit, and the whole thing sits on a lovely wooden base.

The idea of this burner is smokeless incense, which is really ingenious! This would be absolutely perfect for meditation, yoga, therapy sessions or classes, when you’d like to scent the room with incense, but don’t want to breathe in smoke, or don’t want to worry about smoke bothering others. I wish I’d had this burner when I had my holistic therapy clinic.

The instructions say that each incense brick lasts for 1 hour, but they actually burn for much longer, more like two to three hours if you turn them over. There is no ash to clean up or dispose of, the brick goes neatly in the bin, which is fantastic, and the aroma lingers for ages, which I’m really impressed with.

I went on to Aromafume’s website and they’re a Fair Trade-focused company which does not test on animals, does not involve animal testing in any of their processes, and they’re committed to not harming the environment with their products or manufacturing processes.

We have used one box of bricks already and will need to purchase some more soon.

We really loved this, thank you Aromafume!

NEXT - Review: Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

Fabulous Folklore: Door Knockers

This fabulous door knocker is found on the door of The Covenstead Witchcraft B&B in Glastonbury, where we stayed last September. Isn’t he delightful?

Apparently door knockers are found in England more than any other place. The door knocker at Durham Cathedral, dating from the 11th century, is very special. As far back as 740, the Bishop of Lindisfarne offered sanctuary to any criminal who could reach the White Church (later Durham Cathedral) and strike the knocker.

Heavy door knockers have been a way for people to announce their presence from around the 16th century, but they have also had another use; they are seen as guardians to the home. The lion’s head design has been very popular, it is a symbol of Great Britain, and it symbolises strength, pride, nobility, valour and protection. It is also said that lions are a symbol of the Sun. Lion’s head knockers were popular in America until Eagles overtook them.

Gargoyles and other scary faces have also been used, such as the one shown, to scare away those who would bring trouble to a door. Palm-shaped knockers are also popular, it is thought that they originate from the Hand of Fatima, a palm-shaped amulet used to protected the bearer from the evil eye.

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Knockers of Cornwall

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Lincoln Imp

Witchy Quotes: Arin Murphy-Hiscock - The Green Witch

“The modern green witch in the urban setting can sometimes feel lost. Visit your city parks or public gardens to find a place that feels comfortable and calm to you, a place where you can achieve reconnection and rebalancing.”

Taken from The Green Witch by Arin Murphy-Hiscock 

NEXT - Witchy Quotes: Scott Cunningham - Earth, Air, Fire, Water
NEXT - Review: Wild Once by Vivianne Crowley
NEXT - Simple Magick: 25 Ideas for Creating a Forest Altar

Review: Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

I’m sharing another Scott Cunningham book which I think is crucial for any witchy bookshelf: Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs.

This is a classic, and for good reason! Cunningham provides detailed magickal information for many plants and herbs, including ritual use and magickal use, alongside an illustration of each plant.

There is lots of helpful information on spells and procedures surrounding herbs, for example enchanting herbs; and at the back of the book there are correspondence lists for plant gender, elemental rulers, folk names, planetary rulers, and the magickal properties of oils.

This is such a helpful and comprehensive book.

NEXT - Review: Magical Aromatherapy by Scott Cunningham 

Simple Magick: How To Use a Crystal Ball

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.

How To Use a Crystal Ball:

Place about 10 inches away. A dimly lit, candle lit room works well.

Before attempting to scry, take some time to centre yourself and to connect in with the task ahead. You can ask for protection from your ancestors or spirit guides. Now is also a good time to set the intention that you will only be shown the truth by the ball.

When you feel ready, gaze into the ball. You can touch it as you fix your gaze; whatever works or “feels” best to you.

Make sure to record what you experienced. This could be pictures or images seen in the ball, or it could be mental visions, thoughts and feelings.

Do you have a crystal ball? Are you good at it? I have to admit to being totally rubbish! What is your preferred method of scrying (or other form of divination)?

NEXT - Simple Magick: 25 Ideas For Creating a Forest Altar
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Crystal Balls
NEXT - Rose Quartz Magick: 8 Ways To Use The Stone of Unconditional Love 

Review: Magical Aromatherapy by Scott Cunningham

I’m sharing Magical Aromatherapy by Scott Cunningham, which has a foreword by Robert Tisserand.

This is a fantastic book which merges Aromatherapy with magickal practice. It has lots of useful lists at the back, for example affinities of essential oils with crystals, aromas of the elements, and many more magickal correspondences.

As a qualified Clinical Aromatherapist and Witch I was overjoyed to find this. Robert Tisserand is the founder of the Tisserand Institute, the leading organisation of research and education in the art and practice of Aromatherapy. To find a book by one of my favourite magickal authors and endorsed by one of the world’s leading experts is very special indeed.

I wholeheartedly support the use of essential oils for their many wonderful benefits, but essential oils can also be dangerous if not used properly, especially when used therapeutically.

Using Essential Oils Safely:

If anointing candles please dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before use. Dilution should always be 2% or less.

Never use oils neat on the skin. Lavender and Tea Tree oil are exceptions, but can still cause skin irritation.

Never ingest essential oils unless being directed to do so by a qualified aromatherapist, herbalist or naturopath. Oils that are safe used topically can be toxic, or even deadly, when ingested.

With the exception of Lavender oil, avoid essential oil use in pregnancy (unless being directed by a Clinical Aromatherapist).

Never use essential oils with children or babies (unless being directed by a Clinical Aromatherapist).

If diffusing essential oils do so away from pets. Whilst many oils are safe, many are toxic or deadly to domestic animals.

Never give out essential oil advice unless you are a qualified Clinical Aromatherapist, and always seek professional advice if looking to use essential oils therapeutically. Essential oils have the ability to lower/higher blood pressure, trigger epilepsy, asthma, and depressive episodes; and they can be fetotoxic or phototoxic.

NEXT - Review: Do I Have To Wear Black? by Mortellus 

Simple Magick: 25 Ideas for Creating a Forest Altar

Yesterday’s prompt for the @witch.with.me hashtag challenge was “Forests & Trees” and it got me thinking about the witchy things you can forage from the forest floor for use in spells and on altars:

Acorns 

Oak Galls 

Pinecones

Conkers 

Feathers

Ferns 

Rowan berries 

Leaves 

Twigs

Nuts 

Antlers

Bones 

Fur

Moss 

Stones

Remember to always follow the Countryside Code - respect others, protect the natural environment, and enjoy the outdoors.

To create a Forest Altar add to your foraged items:

Potted plants 

Shades of green and brown 

Deity statues, for example Herne the Hunter, Elen of the Ways 

Altar cloth with forest/trees/leaves/mushroom print 

Forest sounds - birds singing, wind blowing, rainforest, thunderstorms and rain

Green, brown and cream candles 

Table top fountain

Wooden candle holders and incense holders 

Green and brown crystals for example tiger’s eye and moss agate 

Musky incense such as sandalwood or patchouli

Have I forgotten anything? If so let me know in the comments! And if you found this post helpful don’t forget to Save it in the folder for later.

NEXT - Simple Magick: Using Black, Pink & White Salt in Witchcraft
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Evergreens of Yule 

March Affirmation: I Am Grounded

March.

I really feel like I’m waking up now, along with the Earth. Today I chose an affirmation which I’m going to use each day for the month ahead, and which I’m sharing for today’s Green Witchcraft prompt “Earth Element” over on @witch.with.me

“I AM GROUNDED. My spirit is grounded deep in the earth. I am calm, strong, centred, and peaceful. I am able to let go of fear and trust that I am eternally safe. I am worthy of all things beautiful.”

~ Carly Marie

What do you do to feel grounded? What have you got planned for the month of March?

Rosemary Magick: 17 Uses & Correspondences

Today’s prompt for the @witch.with.me hashtag challenge is “Essential Herbs” and first to mind is Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis).

Rosemary is a herb of cognition and mental power. Inhaling rosemary oil helps prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical important for cognition, concentration, and memory. In counteracting forgetfulness, boosting the memory, and helping concentration, it aids mental clarity.

Used as a funerary herb placed at the gravesite it reminds that the departed will never be forgotten, and used in bouquets or headdresses for weddings it reminds betrothed lovers that there is a timeless bond between them. We were given the gift of rosemary at our handfasting, bound with red ribbon.

Medicinally, rosemary stimulates the circulation, reduces stress, calms the nervous system and lifts the spirit, especially at a time of grief. Historically it has been used to cleanse the air in sick rooms, and in healing rituals.

Magickal Correspondences for Rosemary: 

Love 

Loyalty 

Protection 

Healing 

Purification

Youth 

Memory and mental powers 

Exorcism 

Sleep

Gender: Masculine

Planet: The Sun

Element: Fire

Sacred to: Venus, Aphrodite, Hebe, The Virgin Mary

Using Rosemary: 

Grow it by the front door for protection 

Place under pillow to help remember dreams 

Stuff into healing poppets 

Wear it when studying to improve memory 

Add it to incense blends for home cleansing 

Use in ritual baths

Make herbal water for cleansing scared spaces 

Use in spells related to memory or retaining youth

Note: Rosemary should not be used medicinally by pregnant women. Consult a qualified Herbalist/Clinical Aromatherapist when using herbs/essential oils medicinally, and never use essential oils neat on the skin.

What’s your favourite herb? Which herbs do you consider essential? Which herbs do you grow at home?

Simple Magick: Using Black, Pink & White Salt in Witchcraft

“Salt! Salt! I put thee into the fire, and may the person who has bewitched me neither eat, drink, nor sleep, until the spell has been broken”.

In the 19th Century it was believed that the power of a witch could be destroyed by sprinkling salt into the fire nine mornings in succession.

There’s an old folk saying “salt does what you tell it to”. Salt is commonly used in Witchcraft, it has endless uses.

White Salt is often used for circle casting (indoors only!), cleansing and purification:

Some use it to represent Earth as it is a mineral and can be found on Earth. 

Some use it to represent Water as it also comes from the sea.

Leave it in a bowl on a windowsill under a Full Moon to charge it.

Check your salt - salt with added Iodine is considered impure for ritual use.

Pink Salt is often used for purification, protection, and spiritual awareness:

Use for ritual bathing.

Use in magick pertaining to love, friendship, harmony, romance, emotional healing, spiritual healing, devotion, faith, self-love and compassion.

Use it to remove unwanted love spells or love curses.

Beware that pink salt can sometimes stain.

Black salt is often used for banishing, protection, repelling negative and toxic energy:

Sprinkle on to your doorstep to keep away negative energy and unwanted guests.

Keep a small bag under your pillow for protection at night.

Use around the home to dispel negativity.

Add to spring water for scrying during the Dark Moon. 

Use in spells for protection from known enemies.

Hide a small bag in the office or workplace to absorb anger, moodiness and gossip.

You can make black salt easily by using charcoal, salt, incense ash and other magickal materials such as herbs. Each witch has their own preferred recipe usually.

Do you use salt in your practice? Do you use all three colours?

NEXT - Simple Magick: Protecting The Integrity of Your Spells on Social Media
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Salt 

Word Magick: Deserving Versus Entitled

I've done a couple of posts on beliefs and attitudes within magickal practice over the past year, and today I want to talk about Deserving vs. Entitled - something I’ve been pondering over for a while.

To me, feeling deserving is important in magick, it falls under the Will part of "to Know, to Will, to Dare, to Keep Silent" - and magick is the process of absolutely believing that something deserves to happen, and then making it happen.

But “deserving” has a very different energy to “entitled.”

Looking at the definitions of these words, deserving means to merit, to be qualified for, or to be worthy of something. Entitlement is the fact of having a right to something, or the feeling of having a right to something.

It is pretty much the same concept, except there is a small (or huge, depending on your viewpoint) difference.

Deserving is being quietly confident, and has an element of integrity and humbleness about it. Entitlement can be bratty, arrogant and over-confident.

Working with magick is of course all about working with energies, so I feel that the difference in these concepts (attitudes!) is hugely important. I believe that how we think, feel and act - our attitude - is crucial. I believe that if we behave poorly and without honour in our ordinary lives, we are at risk of straying into dangerous territory in our magickal lives, and I can’t help but feel that having an entitled attitude can get in the way of successful spellwork.

Of course this is just my feeling, and my personal opinion; it doesn’t mean I’m right.

What do you think? Does having a good attitude matter? Does having an entitled attitude get in the way of successful magick? Are people with entitled attitudes more or less likely to be successful in their magickal workings compared to someone who is a bit more humble? Let me know what you think.

NEXT - Word Magick: Prayer To Mother Earth 

Simple Magick: Protecting the Integrity of Your Spells on Social Media

The best thing about Instagram is the opportunity to learn, share, educate and inspire. The subject of photographing spells and whether it is a good idea or not often comes up in discussion. After all, two key elements of magick are mystery, and letting the energy that has been psychically raised go; off into the universe to do its thing.

A key element of Instagram is sharing pictures. So how do we get around this?

There are lots of ideas you can use if you really want to share that spell you just did:

Take photos ahead of time, before the spell has been done 

Take a photo of a mock up spell 

Share photos long after the spell has been carried out and the aim achieved 

Omit items from the picture

Omit spell information from the post

Use a completely unrelated spell picture. Some might deem this inauthentic, but your magick is your own to protect in whichever way you see fit.

Another common subject of discussion is altars. Seen by many as a private place where one communes privately with their gods and ancestors, how does one share, inspire and educate about magick without crossing a magickal line?

A good idea is to have a separate altar just for Instagram.

It is personal choice whether someone shares their spells or altars, and if someone has specifically stated that they’ve left out some information on a post on purpose, it’s polite not to ask.

I’m the personal choice camp.

What do you think? How do you feel about Social Media and privacy in relation to magickal practice? Is having an Instagram altar a good idea, or a step too far? Have you any ideas on how to maintain privacy whilst sharing? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject.

NEXT - Simple Magick: The Childlike Mindset During Spell Casting
NEXT - Building Community: Some Thoughts on Social Media

Review: Do I Have To Wear Black? by Mortellus

Do I Have To Wear Black? Rituals, Customs & Funerary Etiquette for MODERN PAGANS by Mortellus

I had the joy, the absolute honour, of reading and reviewing this amazing and touching book by @acrowandthedead for @witch.with.books (available now @llewellynbooks) - it was a journey that moved me to tears on more than one occasion.

This book explores the subject of death; and our customs, rituals and etiquette surrounding it. There is a wealth of helpful information, both spiritual and practical, on death, dying, and forward funeral planning. The author writes with authority as a Pagan and a mortician, and shares her personal experiences and beliefs throughout.

Amongst many other insightful and helpful topics, this book includes:

Views on the Afterlife 

Customs and Funerary Rites for many Pagan paths 

Restorative Arts & Crafts 

Companion Animals

Loss of a Child 

Pagan Mourning

This book is a must have for any Pagan bookshelf, and I know it’s only February, but I feel extremely confident in saying that if there is only one book you should read this year, this is it.

Find out more about this fabulous book by reading the review over on the Witch With Me Blog. Get there via the links on @witch.with.books and @witch.with.me.

NEXT - Review: Channel Your Goddess Energy by Kirsten Riddle

Simple Magick: The Childlike Mindset During Spell Casting

There is a wonderful quote in this book ~ Spells and How They Work by Janet & Stewart Farrar ~ from Susa Morgan Black, where she stresses the importance of a childlike frame of mind during spell-working:

“In their minds, children can make anything happen; and sometimes, what the children play at, actually manifests itself in their life. This has happened to me many, many times... Little by little we are discouraged and belittled out of that state of mind, in order to Grow Up. I feel that magic is a return to that wondrous state that “anything can happen”, and that frame of mind is the one we seek to create magick. The closer we can come to that mindset, the more effective our rituals and spells become.”

I’m outside enjoying the sunshine and fresh air this morning, whilst pondering this quote. What do you enjoy that is considered childlike? Do you remember to return to this frame of mind during spell-casting?

NEXT - Simple Magick: 6 Simple Snow Spells 

Review: Moonology Diary (2021) by Yasmin Boland

As well as The Almanac - A Seasonal Guide, I also get the Moonology Diary by Yasmin Boland @moonologydotcom each year.

This brilliant book begins with astrology and the lunar overview for the year ahead, with a section that helps you understand the Lunar Cycle. There is an overview of the astrological houses, and a chapter on how to use the diary.

Each month starts off with a month to view, with the moon phases clearly marked out, and with dates and times. There is information on what to expect, how to make the most of each month, and what each lunation means to you. The diary then proceeds with Week-to-View pages, which I find especially helpful. There are spaces for New Moon wishes and intentions, and Full Moon forgiveness lists.

And can we take a moment to admire that beautiful cover?

Since I started buying and using this diary I have learned so much, and it’s so useful for organising myself magickally. It comes highly recommended by me. 

NEXT - Moon Magick: Full Moon Intentions
NEXT - Review: The Healing Power of Witchcraft by Meg Rosenbriar

Building Community: Witches I Love

Today’s @witch.with.me prompt over on Instagram is “Witches Who Inspire Me”, and this is a really tough one, because I can honestly say, hand-on-heart, that every single Witch on here is inspiring in some way.

I’ve picked four amazing witches you should check out (sorry for nicking your pictures guys!) 

Daniel @theanimist_ for his beautiful and insightful page and posts

Gabi @wiccawolfie for her friendship, kindness and her gorgeous Scandinavian page

Aunt Carla @marielizzeau for her wonderful magick and positivity

Inbaal @inbaalpsychic for her amazing tarot reading and beautiful smile

There are simply too many to mention ~ sorry if I’ve missed you out - but other accounts you should definitely check out are:

@marget.inglis_witchcraft

@love_is_the_law__ 

@thewitchesstone

@megrosenbriar

@heartaches.ofthemoon

@thewildmoongarden

@thegreenwitchwriter

@theintuitivecat

@onebosswitch

@the.tangled.hedgerows

@thejournalsupreme

@josiehelleboreofficial

@wheatandchaff

@thorsonnsworkshop 

I’d also like to give a nod to my lovely husband who lurks on Instagram and who has a magick all of his own.

If you’re not following these guys go check them out! 

NEXT - Building Community: Some Thoughts On Social Media
NEXT -Witchology Magazine Winter 2022/2023
NEXT - Media Appearance: Witchology Magazine - Sun Biscuits For Yule

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