Bee Magick: 11 Hardworking Correspondences

Bees appear frequently in folklore. Bee charms were traditionally hung in the best room of a house to attract health, happiness and good fortune. If a bee flew into the home then a stranger would soon call; and bees resting on the roof were seen as a good omen.

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

“Telling the bees” is a British custom. Bees were kept abreast of important family matters. Births, deaths, marriages, journeys, absences and especially deaths, were reported to the bees, often before other family members.

Usually the “goodwife” of the household would be tasked with “telling the bees”. She would knock gently on the give to get their intention, and solemnly tell them the news. In neighbouring 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.” It was feared that failure to update the bees of such news would bring catastrophe. Failure to put the bees in mourning could end in all sorts of trouble; the bees might fail to produce enough honey, leave the hive, 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.

Bee Correspondences:
Fertility
Joy
Feminine power
Teamwork
Growth
Competent leadership
Hard work
Obedience
Industriousness
Prophecy
The sweetness of life

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Major Oak 
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Foxgloves 

Blessed Ostara!

Blessed Ostara, everyone!

May this moment hold you in perfect balance as you prepare to step out of the shadow, and into the light. As we move slowly towards Beltane may the lighter, brighter days bring you passion, energy and enthusiasm.

May the chains hindering your growth be broken. May you welcome the warmth and hope of the season with open arms, and may your desires blossom into abundant reality.

May the Earth nourish you. May love be rekindled and renewed.

A Happy Autumn Equinox to those in the Southern Hemisphere!

Wishing you a lovely day, everyone! What are you doing to celebrate? 

NEXT - Ritual: Ostara Spring Ritual 

NEXT - Imbolc Blessings 

NEXT - Flower Magick: 52 Floral Magickal Correspondences 

NEXT - Pagan Holidays: Beltane

Fabulous Folklore: Duloe Stone Circle

This stone circle was constructed in c2000 BC and is unique for its small diameter combined with large stones. The diameter is actually less than 12 metres; making Duloe the smallest stone circle in Cornwall.

The eight quartzite stones containing ankorite are formed in an oval, and are from nearby Herodsfoot, which is about 2 miles away. The neighbouring farm, Stonetown, was named in 1329 after the circle, but the circle was not “officially” discovered until 1801.

Nestled behind a couple of houses on a small patch of green, this little place is truly magical. I did some filming at this place - I’ll show you later!

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Mother Ludlam's Cave & The Cauldron

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Hurlers on Bodmin Moor

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Celtic Cross 

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Wishing Trees

Fabulous Folklore: Wishing Trees

Wishing Trees are found all over Great Britain and have a history that goes back hundreds of years. The idea is you hammer in a coin into the tree and this offering will help cure illness and disease.

Unfortunately it has become a bit of a trend and is damaging woodlands all across the country. People visiting woodlands for the day are hammering coins to make wishes and leave their mark.

This tree is in the woods beside Golitha Falls in Cornwall. Coins weren’t just left in this stump, but also across an entire trunk that had fallen. I know some people will think it doesn’t matter because it’s “just” a stump, but chemicals from the coins leak into the environment, and sadly people are hammering coins into trees that are still very much alive. It’s time we stopped this practice!

“𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐲, 𝐟𝐞𝐰 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞. 𝐈𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐈 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐬.” ~ 𝐉.𝐑.𝐑. 𝐓𝐨𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐧

If you’d like to leave an “offering” donate to woodland charities instead, our beautiful trees need all the help they can get.

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Phallus Worship

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Yule Evergreens

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Yule Tree

Winter is Still Here

Hey everyone, 

Just a little reminder that we’re still in the depths of winter. It’s ok to need to go at a slower pace. This is a time of regeneration, recuperation and rest. As you take the time to look after yourself with sleep, good food, and all the lovely things that comfort you; your body and soul responds with growth. 

As we travel the Wheel, and get nearer to spring, we will pick up more energy. The Sun will soon melt away, not only the literal ice of the winter; but also our troubles. For it’s easier to tackle things when we have the energy. Work on personal protection, and leave everything else free to evolve in its own sweet way. The spring is a new beginning for everyone, and as we approach it, it will be easier to make the changes we need to.

Have faith in yourself, and your abilities, you’ll feel much better soon! 

Runes:

ᛒ - Berkana 

ᛁ - Isa 

ᛖ - Ehwaz

ᛉ - Elhaz

ᚱ - Raidho

Word Magick: As Above, So Below

“As Above, So Below”

I could leave this phrase here to go with this beautiful picture I took last Sunday, but like @love_is_the_law__ has said in the past, it deserves explaining.

This phrase is deeply tied to Hermeticism, which might be something you want to research.

There are actually a few interpretations of this phrase.

An example is that whatever you do on Earth will be reflected elsewhere ~ for example on the astral plane. Another example is that whatever happens above (think astrology) will impact us down on Earth.

Basically, there is an interconnectedness of things: that what is “above” reflects what is “below”, and vice versa.

The differences in belief system relate to what is considered “above” and what is considered “below”, which is something you’ll have to decide for yourself.

NEXT - Word Magick: Invocation To Pan 

Simple Magick: How to Utilise a Special Connection with the Land

Further to my post “How to Connect to the Land or a Special Place” here are my suggestions for using the connection you have built with the land or a special place:

Spells and Workings 

You can use the land (provided its suitable) as an actual place in which to carry out your magick. But you can also use this connection from afar. You can recall the feelings you get, and create a mental picture of this place in your mind’s eye. For example, if you are creating a spell for safety, and you feel safe there, you can conjure those feelings and images for your working.

Meditation 

You can visit a special place on your meditative journeys. Maybe you feel relaxed in this special place, and so you meditate on it to enter a deep state of peace. Maybe your special place is at a distance, and this is one way to regularly visit, and to connect in.

Grounding Yourself 

Visiting your special place is a great way to ground yourself. Take your shoes and socks off and walk the Earth. You can also call upon the feeling of safety and security you feel at this special place to ground you, when you’re feeling stressed or scared.

Invoking the Elements When Casting a Circle 

You can use experiences of your special place(s) when casting a Circle. Recall how the wind feels stood atop a hillfort, “see” the image of water at a nearby lake, feel the warmth of a hot and sunny place. All are experiences you can use in your magick.

Using Items Found at Your Special Place 

You can forage items such as fallen leaves, acorns, berries, herbs etc. to use in your magick. This further establishes the connection you have. Don’t forget to ask permission, and to give thanks.

NEXT - Simple Magick: Spellcasting Ethics
NEXT - Simple Magick: The Witch's Stang
NEXT - Snowdrop Magick: 8 Correspondences For Strength & Hope

Professor Alice Roberts - A Chance Meeting!

I’ve been meaning to share this picture since last September!

It was my lovely friend’s birthday, and the night before our dear friend Terry’s funeral (the Archdruid of Avebury, and Keeper of the Stones). We we went to my local hillfort for a walk and bumped into Professor Alice Roberts @prof_alice_roberts

For those that don’t know, or don’t live in the U.K., Professor Roberts is a biological anthropologist and TV presenter. She had just finished filming Digging for Britain at the hillfort when we arrived there.

Professor Roberts has done loads of fantastic programmes including King Arthur’s Britain: The Truth Unearthed, looking at archaeological discoveries giving insight on the political situation in Britain in the Early Middle Ages; and Stonehenge: The Lost Circle Revealed, which looks at the bluestones of Stonehenge and Waun Mawn.

We were definitely not expecting this chance meeting. What started out as a birthday celebration, and a quick walk in the middle of nowhere to clear our heads before a big emotional day, turned into this marvellous encounter.

Thank you Professor Roberts for talking to us and agreeing to a photograph!

International Women’s Day (8th March 2022)

Family commitments meant that International Women’s Day all but passed me by yesterday; but I want to continue spreading the love that I saw so many of you and @thenordicwolfie (who I love so much) doing.

@gretathunberg reminded us yesterday that this day is less of a celebration, and more an opportunity to raise awareness for women’s issues and protest against the oppression that STILL happens on the basis of gender ~ BUT ~ there are many of you I’d like to celebrate!

There are SO many women who inspire me, and make this world a much better place. (Thank you.)

I started to tag you all but EVERY woman I know deserves a mention. I’m also not sure if Instagram allows such huge tagging ~ and I would surely run out of page.

Sending so much love to you all.

Help for Ukraine

I struggle to say something eloquent at the best of times, but at the moment it’s particularly difficult. My heart is breaking for so many people across the world right now; and in particular for those in Ukraine.

If you’d like to help please go over to @globalgiving and read more about the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund which will help communities who are caught in the current escalating conflict and humanitarian crisis.

The British Red Cross have also set up an emergency appeal @britishredcross 

Fabulous Folklore: My Personal Story About Talking Trees

I thought I’d share a story I told back in 2020. It’s a very personal story about a tree.

It’s not the tree whose shadow is featured in the picture, but a beautiful Oak I met on a sacred site many moons ago. I say “met” because this is where it gets interesting. 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, and that by omitting certain details detracts from its credibility; but I must recall the story in the way that feels right.

I was visiting a hill fort at a particularly difficult time in my life, but I was making the most of the beautiful 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 it; this majestic being.

I cuddled the tree with my arms, and said hello. In my mind I told the tree how beautiful it was, and I was relaying some one-sided chatter before asking the tree what I should about my current situation. I never expected an answer. It was at once the voice in my mind, but also the voice of something ~ someone ~ else, too.

I decided my imagination was playing tricks on me, but I 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, which the tree told me. Please do not ask me to repeat the name, because I have promised to keep it a secret.

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 never forget, but one I no longer find extraordinary - several plants have revealed information about themselves since.

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

Has anything unexpected like that ever happened to you? Tell me your witchy stories.

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Fairy Rings

Hellebore Magick: Herbal Lore

So happy to see these beauties back - lovely hellebores. While everything is still frozen and the trees are bare, it’s exciting to see these wonderful flowers blooming.

Hellebore is poisonous, gloves must be worn when handling it.

In Greek mythology hellebore was used to save one of the kings of Argos’ daughters who suffered from a mental illness that caused them to run naked through the city, wailing at the top of their voices. This hysteria was supposedly induced by Dionysus. The quick thinking of Melampus of Pylos saved the day - he administered a potion made from hellebore which saved the daughters. 

Hellebore is associated with the element of water, and Mars and Saturn. It is used for protection and in exorcisms, and in healing rites where mental health is concerned.

I think baneful plants and flowers are often the most beautiful. What’s your favourite spring flower? 

NEXT - Winter Aconite Magick: Herbal Lore
NEXT - Winter Magick: Using the Winter Season to Create Change

Winter Aconite Magick: Herbal Lore

Winter Aconite - Eranthis hyemalis

These gorgeous little buds are Winter Aconite. They open out to a beautiful flower which looks like a large buttercup (they belong to the buttercup family). They’re not to be confused with lesser celandine, which will flower between March and May, and have a pointy, star-shaped flower. Hyemalis means “wintering flowering.”

When we think of aconites we tend to think of monkshood (highly toxic), also known as wolf’s bane, which is from the same family (Ranunculaceae), which is associated with death, hallucinations and flying ointments, magickally, but I find this sweet little yellow flower much lighter in energy.

As a spring ephemeral plant they remind me of the fleeting beauty of life; and their appearance in the coldest part of the year reminds me that even after tough times, hope should be held in your heart, for abundance will return once more.

‼️ Please note that all parts of this plant are poisonous; cardiac glycosides will stimulate the heart, and even cause cardiac arrest in large quantities. 

NEXT - Wild Garlic Magick: 7 Bear-Related Correspondences
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Ashwell Sacred Spring

Simple Magick: Spellcasting Ethics

The ethics of spellworking are there to help us create fair, considered and effective spells. They are a set of principles that can help us avoid harming ourselves and others.

Good ethics for magick/spellcasting can be summed up as follows:

1. Never work to harm anyone, including the self. 

2. Never manipulate anyone against their will or natural development. 

3. Never assume you know all the facts about a situation or person.

4. Never work for your own gain at someone else’s expense.

5. Word spells carefully and precisely, so that rules 1-4 may be observed.

The Wiccan ethical motto “An it harm none, do what thou wilt” does not mean “anything goes,” it means a Witch should have a legitimate aim clearly in mind, and work to achieve it.

Ethical spellworking is not centred around power, or self-gain for selfish reasons. It is a positive action focused on fruitfulness, problem solving and progression. It is not angry, arrogant or destructive; instead it is designed to flow in a state of balance and harmony to bring about positive results.

NEXT - Simple Magick: The Spell Process
NEXT - Simple Magick: Magickal Beliefs & Attitudes
NEXT - Cyclamen Magick: Herbal Lore
NEXT - Review: The Book of Candle Magic by Madame Pamita 

Wild Garlic Magick: 7 Bear-Related Correspondences

Wild garlic ~ Allium ursinum

This perennial plant usually grows in large swathes of carpet in damp woodlands, fenlands, and by rivers. You can easily detect wild garlic - often before you see it! - by the smell in the air. It is a wild relative of chives, and is also known as Ramsons, Wood Garlic, Broad Leaved Garlic, and my favourite - Bear Garlic - as described by its binomial name. It has broad, flat leaves, and white star-shaped flowers with six segments.

The English naturalist William Turner in 1548 knew the plant as Ramsey, with the town in Cambridgeshire (just down the road from my mum! ) sharing its name, along with Ramsbottom in Lancashire (where my sister used to live!) meaning “Ramson valley”.

Its leaves have grown up through the ground now, and it will be in full flower in April and May. It is used to make pesto, pancakes, soups, stews, rissoles, and anything else you would use garlic for. Its leaves are delicious in sandwiches, and you can eat the flowers, which are stronger than the leaves.

The word ‘ramsons’ was a metaphor for bitterness in Irish folklore, but this plant was valued there, where bulbs were planted in the thatch of cottages to deter faeries. Churches were once decorated with wild garlic on the feast day of St. Alphege (19th April), which must have scented the church as it has such a strong smell.

It was once believed that wild garlic scared away venomous creatures such as snakes, and that it could be used medicinally to treat snake bites. Chewing the plant before a race was said to ensure victory, and a similar belief was held for battle.

Considered a great healer by the Celts, it is often used in healing spells, and of course has the protective qualities of any garlic. It is often associated with the magical correspondences of bear medicine due to its name.

Magickal Correspondences for Wild Garlic:
Strength
Wisdom
Healing
Action
Power
Spiritual connection
Familial bonds 

NEXT - Snowdrop Magick: 8 Correspondences for Strength & Hope 

NEXT - Recipe: Wild Garlic Pesto
NEXT - Winter Aconite: Herbal Lore
NEXT - Rhododendron Magick: 13 Beautiful Correspondences

Fabulous Folklore: The Celtic Cross

The Celtic cross is known as a symbol of Irish heritage. It is a form of cross that emerged in Ireland, France and Great Britain in the Early Middle Ages. It’s not clear exactly where the first crosses originated, but the wave of cross building in Ireland came to an end in about 1200 AD. Most of the examples in Britain were destroyed during the Protestant Reformation. They gained popularity in the 19th Century, the name “Celtic cross” coming from that time.

These crosses are usually intricately carved, often with Bible stories and knot work, and a variety feature inscriptions in ogham. Some historians have suggested that the shape of these crosses may have mirrored trees, which the Celts revered, and that the symbol of Christianity was linked with the Sun Cross to appeal to early Pagans. Some assert that placing the cross on top of the circle represents Christ’s supremacy over the Pagan sun.

No one really knows why these huge stones were erected, by they’re typically located by important monasteries, and are popular for funerary monuments. This cross is situated in Duloe village, Cornwall.

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: King Doniert's Stone

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Sheela-na-Gig

Fabulous Folklore: Merlin’s Cave

This is Merlin’s Cave on the beach below Merlin’s Castle in Tintagel, Cornwall. This incredible cave is 100m long and you can walk all the way through it. It was formed by sea erosion as it fills with water at high tide.

Legend has it that this cave was once home to Merlin.

Merlin was a fictional character in the Celtic Arthurian mythology stories. He was a wiseman and wizard. He was birthed by a normal woman, having been sired by an incubus, which is where he was said to get his mystical powers and abilities. Later, using magic, he engineered the birth of King Arthur. He served as King Arthur’s advisor, until becoming infatuated with, and later killed by, the Lady of the Lake.

Whilst the cave is impressive in its own right, and was made famous in the Arthurian legends, the cave became even more notorious following the publication of Tennyson’s poems. His “Idylls of the King” (1859-1885) was a series of poems telling the stories of King Arthur, and told of Arthur being washed ashore as an infant; only to be found by Merlin:

“They found a naked child upon the sands

Of dark Tintagil by the Cornish sea; 

And that was Arthur; and they fostered him 

Till he by miracle was approven King.”

Have you been to this cave? Or perhaps another that took your breath away?

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Celtic Cross

Fabulous Folklore: The Crooked House

This is The Crooked House in Lavenham, Suffolk. It dates back to 1395, and it is believed that it is the inspiration behind the old folk poem:

“There was a crooked man, and he walked a crooked mile,

He found a crooked sixpence against a crooked stile;

He bought a crooked cat, which caught a crooked mouse,

And they all liv’d together in a little crooked house.”

The Crooked House has been used as a gallery and by an arts, history and antiques outfit. It is also used for filming and events.

I don’t live in Suffolk any more, but I really miss visiting Lavenham. It is considered to be Britain’s best preserved medieval village, and was East Anglia’s most famous wool town. As such, tiny Lavenham was once Britain’s 14th richest town, and among the twenty most wealthy settlements in the medieval period. Lavenham has a rich cultural heritage, and is known worldwide as a film location for Harry Potter.

There are other beautiful buildings to see here - the Guildhall, Molet House (which has a five pointed star in the doorway), and the Old Grammar School. De Vere House, another incredible building, was the home of Elizabeth Scrope, Countess of Oxford. She was the second wife of John de Vere, 13th earl of Oxford, and was tried and then held under house arrest for Witchcraft in 1473.

Would you live in this house? What’s your favourite place to visit?

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Place Names 

Simple Magick: The Spell Process

I thought I would share the process by which I go about my spellwork.

Discernment 

Firstly, I consider whether a spell is really needed. A lot of the time it’s not, and some other mundane action is required instead. In some cases, I have waited as long as eight years to decide to take action. At other times, swift action has been taken. It’s at this stage we also consider what happens if we DON’T take action, and what the outcomes of a spell could be. We also need to consider how we’re going to replace the energy we have used, an important lesson in keeping the balance in Witchcraft, as taught to me by @marget.inglis_witchcraft.

Planning 

Once I have decided a spell is needed, the planning begins in my head, on the astral plane. I have already ironed out any issues, so now I start formulating a positive plan: you could argue the spell has already begun. Once I have a rough idea, I write it out on paper. Yes, I could simply formulate the plan in my head, but the act of writing it down is part of the ritual for me. It also helps me with my poor memory - I have no problem reading out the words I have written previously during my spell, provided that I take time to really feel them when I say them. 

Preparation

When the time comes I gather my supplies (if I’m using any), and set up the room. I clean and prepare myself. I have already chosen a time to perform the spell in my planning; this might be during a particular moon phase, but it’s always at a time when I know I’m not going to be disturbed.

The Act of Magick 

At this point a huge amount of energy has gone into preparing for this moment, all part of the process of manifestation. I will not go ahead with my spell if at any stage it doesn’t feel right. When I do commit, I give it everything. I enter a frame of mind that transcends that of every day living - I am a magickal being, with a magickal ability, and I will achieve my goal. 

Afterwards

It is time to tidy away, and to forget. It has been released into the universe, and will unfurl in its own sweet way. By writing my spell on paper before the spell, I can fully lend myself to “letting go” an important step in spell work.

NEXT - Simple Magick: The Threefold Law
NEXT - Simple Magick: Find Your Magick
NEXT - Moon Magick: Full Moon Intentions 

Snowdrop Magick: 8 Correspondences for Strength & Hope

The Snowdrops are out!

Galanthus, or snowdrop, have two linear leaves and a delicate, drooping bell flower. They are affectionately known as “Candlemas Bells” and “the Fair Maid of February” due to their appearance around Imbolc.

“The snowdrop, in purest white arraie,

First rears her hedde on Candlemas daie.

Whilst the crocus hastens to the shrine,

Of primrose lone on St. Valentine.”

~ excerpt from a 19th Century floral calendar.

Most species of snowdrop flower in the winter, usually before the spring equinox. They symbolise hope and life - they are a welcome sight after the darkness of winter. They are the first flower I look forward to seeing each year, and one of our first flowers to bloom - surely a sign that spring is on its way!

There’s mixed folklore surrounding snowdrops.

On Imbolc morning you can carry a bunch of snowdrops from room to room to cleanse it, a popular cleansing ritual; but Victorian superstition states that you should not bring the house for fear of ill-fortune, perhaps even a death in the family within the year. Either way, I think it’s nicer for all to leave them where they belong.

Magickal Correspondences for Snowdrops:

Triumph over adversity
Strength
Tenacity
Hope
Consolation
Eternal Life
Purity
Cleansing 

NEXT - Rose Magick: Correspondences
NEXT - Imbolc Magick: 40 Correspondences
NEXT - Bear Medicine: 5 Bear-Related Correspondences

Imbolc Blessings!

We start to see the odd blue sky now. The murky grey skies of December and January will soon be behind us.

Yesterday was Imbolc. The Sun has now moved into Aquarius, and this is the cross quarter sabbat marking the midway point between Yule (Winter Solstice) and Ostara (Spring Equinox). It is a festival celebrating the blessings of hearth and home, a festival welcoming the light that was promised to us at the Winter Solstice.

We celebrate the awakening of the Earth, and the potential this awakening has for manifestation. We move away from the slumber of winter, where we focus on rest and regeneration, and look instead to energetic activity and productivity.

Imbolc is a day for weather divination. If the weather is “bad”, it is considered that a “good” summer is on its way. The Cailleach, the divine hag, gathers her firewood for the rest of the year on Imbolc. If she wishes winter to last longer, she will ensure the day is bright and sunny, so that she can gather more wood. If the weather is foul the Cailleach is still sleeping, and winter is nearly over.

Hope you had a blessed Imbolc everyone!

What did you do to celebrate? Do you celebrate Imbolc, or do you hibernate for a bit longer and concentrate on spring celebrations at Ostara?

NEXT - Imbolc Magick: 40 Correspondences 

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Ashwell Sacred Spring 

NEXT - Pagan Holidays: Beltane 

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Leicestershire Chambermaid

Update: Stone Circle Clothing Drop

TWO MORE SLEEPS TO GO!!

I'm super excited about Stone Circle’s latest clothing drop coming this Saturday 29/01 at 1000hrs! There’s a fabulous coat, Bell Bottoms, dresses and tops.

I am a HUGE personal fan of their clothing ~ see me wearing one of their dresses in the last picture ~ their clothes are truly made by Goddesses for Goddesses.

They also have a wonderful FB group “Stone Circle - The Sisterhood” which started off as a place to talk about alternative and boho clothing, but has morphed into a true sisterhood, one of the loveliest and safest communities online.

To learn more about this fabulous clothing company, or to get your hands on one of these gorgeous pieces, go to: https://mystonecircle.com

Fabulous Folklore: King Doniert’s Stone

Trigger warning: drowning

This is King Doniert’s Stone located in St. Cleer, Cornwall, and dates to the late 9th Century. It’s actually the granite base of what would have been a Celtic cross. The Stone is believed to have been a memorial to Doniert, the last (known) recorded king of Cornwall.

On the side is a Latin inscription “Doniert rogavit pro anima” which means “Doniert has begged prayers for his soul.”

It is believed that King Doniert is actually King Dungarth, the King of Dumnonia. Dumnonia was the kingdom named after the Dumnonii, a British Celtic tribe living in the south west at the time of the Roman invasion.

King Doniert is believed to have drowned around AD 875 in the River Fowey, at nearby Golitha Falls. Some suggest that this wasn’t an accident, and that this was punishment for King Doniert collaborating with the Vikings against the Saxons.

There is another stone next to Doniert’s Stone known as The Other Half Stone, which I will share later.

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Merlin's Cave

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Ring Stone at Avebury

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Hurlers on Bodmin Moor

Fabulous Folklore: Phallus Worship

This sculpture of a toadstool shaped in the form of genitalia is an exhibit at the Museum of Witchcraft & Magic; which used to be displayed in the window in Cecil Williamson’s day.

I can’t remember what the purpose of this exact artefact was, but phallic worship has been present around the world since the beginning of time. Phallic symbols have been found by archaeological expeditions all over the world.

One of the oldest phallic representations is the Hohle phallus, a 28,000 year old siltstone piece which was discovered in the Hohle Fels cave in Germany. As well as being used as a representation for genitalia, this artefact is also believed to have been used for knapping flints - a very practical dual purpose!

The phallus represents fertility, procreation and potential. Worship of the reproductive powers of nature is common in many cultures, and is often symbolised by this organ. In some cultures it was a protective symbol, and helped to avert the evil eye. In Bhutan, for example, wooden phalluses, with white ribbons emerging from the tip, deter evil spirits when hung from the doorways of houses.

Phalluses play a big part (excusing the pun!) in classical antiquity. They appear a lot in ancient Greek, Roman and Indian mythology; usually in relation to fertility.

Do you use a phallic symbol in your practice? Have you seen any good examples of phallic worship on your travels? 

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Storm Callers

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Sheela-na-Gig

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Wicker Man

Fabulous Folklore: Cornish Piskies

This picture is a photograph of part of a painting at the Museum of Witchcraft & Magic in Boscastle, Cornwall. It was probably painted in the 1960s, and features a group of Cornish piskies.

It gives us a visual glimpse into the nature of Piskies. They are small, merry, unexpected, mischievous, playful, ageless, mythical creatures - often associated with death. They are found on moorland areas of Devon and Cornwall, and around ancient sites such stone circles, barrows and dolmen. They are considered “in between” - neither cursed nor blessed.

Their name changes depending on region. In Cornwall they’re known as piskay, pigsy, piskey, or piskie. In Devon they are known as pixies, pixy, or piscy.

The nature of these creatures also varies from county to county. In some places they are mischievous, in some places they are friendly and benign, and in others they are more devious and cunning. They are known to lead travellers astray on the moors, getting them lost, which is known as being pixy-led.

Pixie mythology is localised to Britain, in particular to Devon and Cornwall. They have been likened to the elves of Germany and Scandinavia, including the Tomte, which I wrote about earlier, but they are distinguished from them. They are different to fairies/elves, and in some British folklore pixies have battled the fairy folk. 

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Cornish Piskies

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Elves

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Fairy Rings 

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Merlin's Cave

Fabulous Folklore: Fair is Foul, and Foul is Fair

“Fair is foul, and foul is fair.”

This literary device shows up in the opening scene of Macbeth, and it reminds the viewer that sometimes not all is what it seems. What can seem trustworthy, might not be; and what seems bad, might actually be good. The three witches are symbolic of “foul” but give “fair” advice - they foretell the treachery of Macbeth, who will commit treason by killing the King. Macbeth slides from being a good man to evil; fair becomes foul. 

The phrase serves to remind us that we should always look much deeper than what we can see on the surface. It applies to people, situations, events. How often have we got caught up in the emotion of a situation, our own biases, the things we want to believe or the things that people have told us, completely failing to take a measured, reasoned and objective approach, and consequently failing to attain a deeper understanding of a situation? 

Appearances are often deceptive, and as witches we have to practise discernment. When is it right to employ magick? How will we replace the energy used for a spell or working? When is a sign a sign? At what stage should we step into a situation to help? Is a person trustworthy? Are we seeing a situation for what it really is? 

Remember, especially in your practice,  that “fair is foul, and foul is fair” and always look for deeper understanding - not all may be as it seems.

Image photographed at the Museum of Witchcraft & Magick, Boscastle, Cornwall.

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Yorkshire Witchcraft

Review: Goddess Provisions Box (January 2022)

“Your cycles are sacred”

I think this has to be my favourite Goddess Provisions box so far. I received this earlier on in the month. Called the “Sacred Cycles” box, this beauty was only on sale until 17th January, so Goddess Provisions will be taking orders for their new box now, but I wanted to share the gorgeousness so you can see what to expect from their boxes. 

This box was decked out in delicate shades of red, orange and pink. It was filled with everything you need to observe, honour and celebrate your sacred cycles. 

Inside this gorgeous box:

• Sacred Cycles Candle Set 
• Sacred Cycles Crystal Set - obsidian, clear quartz, carnelian, rose quartz 
• Sacred Cycles Oracle Deck @sacredcyclesoracle
• New Moon Tea - Root Support Tea by @newmoonteaco
• Wild Rose Herbs New Moon Balm @wildroseherbs
• Reverse Karma Dragon’s Blood Incense @reverseyourkarma 
• Leaflet (the front is a framable postcard) with discount codes, information, ritual resources, Moon Wisdom Club, and more.

Go to @goddessprovisions for more information on their subscription boxes and gift boutique. Find them also at: www.goddessprovisions.com. Each box is always packed FULL of goodies - they’re really good value for money.

NEXT - Review: Goddess Provisions Box (December 2021) 

Word Magick: Invocation to Pan

Invocation to Pan ~ by Helen Bantock

Pan, god of the unfettered wild!

Come from thy secret dwelling,

Where mighty mountains sleep, and, undefiled,

The waters sweet are welling,

O, fearless, swift! O fierce and free!

God of the forests! God of liberty!

Pan, sing we a paean! Pan, we call on thee!

Pan, god of the unfettered mind,

Of faith and will unshaken,

Come, piping loud and wild upon the wind

Till sluggard worlds awaken.

Healer divine! Heart of the free!

Spirit of music! Soul of ecstasy!

Priest of delight! Thou laughter gay- all hail!

Twy-horned, goat-footed, lord of revelry!

The sweet singer, the light dancer, the wild piper - clear and shrill!

The keen hunter, the swift pursuer, the lord of fear - and deathless will!

Pan, to thee we raise our voices, Pan, great Pan, all hail!

Image taken at The Museum of Witchcraft & Magic, Boscastle, Cornwall.

NEXT - Word Magick: The Season of The Witch 

Media Appearance: Wheel of the Year article - Breathe Magazine (Issue 44)

Gorgeous article on the Wheel of the Year in the latest copy of Breathe Magazine (issue 44).

Beautifully written by Jade Beecroft (@journojadeb), it was an honour to be asked about the Wheel of the Year, and to be directly quoted.

This gentle publication is well worth checking out - it focuses on wellbeing, mindfulness and creativity. Basically, a life well-lived.

Have you read Breathe magazine? What are you currently reading?

Pagan Holidays: The Winter Solstice

Our Northern European ancestors believed their mystic Wheel stopped turning briefly at the time of the Winter Solstice.

Indeed, at the time the shortest day happens there is a pause; there is a “standstill” for a few days before the days start to grow in length again, usually around the 25th December.

This year, the difference in the length of day between 18th December and 25th December was approximately 56 seconds. 

The solstices occur twice a year, and mark the moment when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt away from the Sun.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice heralds the shortest day and the longest night, and in the Southern Hemisphere, our pagan brothers and sisters will be celebrating the warmth of Midsummer.

As the solstices are astronomical events they change in date, although many witches and pagans choose to celebrate on the 21st regardless.

This year, in my location in the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice fell on the 21st December, at 15:58hrs.

In many parts of the world the Winter Solstice is seen as the middle of winter, but for many people it is just the start. Certainly in the U.K. we still have the colder months of January and February to navigate. In Meteorology, winter starts about three weeks before the Solstice.

Energetically speaking, the balance of power has been tipped at the Winter Solstice. The days will be getting longer and brighter as we emerge from the darkness. This is a huge moment of celebration for many, and many pagans choose to mark the rebirth of the Sun by observing the sunrise.

For many people, pagan or otherwise, it is a relief to know that the dark days and depths of winter are behind, and lighter days will follow. (Light and dark are not euphemisms for good and bad here, by the way.) With the returning sunlight comes increased energy, and renewed feelings of joy and hope. 

NEXT - The Return of the Sun 
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Tomte
NEXT - Imbolc Blessings!