The Month of Shvat

I was recently gifted a book called Kabbalistic Astrology And The Meaning Of Our Lives by Rav Berg. 

Kabbalah (also spelled Kabalah, Cabala, Qabala)—sometimes translated as “mysticism” or “occult knowledge—is a part of Jewish tradition that deals with the essence of God. This book was a gift from a beautiful Jewish witch that I have had the pleasure of knowing for a few years.

According to the book, today is the first day of the Jewish month of Shvat (Aquarius). The month of Shvat is the 11^th month of the lunar calendar and is ruled by Saturn. This study of the zodiac explains the month’s influence on all of us.

“Shvat arouses an abundance of Light, and for that reason, The Zohar reveals that the final redemption will take place in the age and month of Aquarius. Let go of Light in return. Hanging onto our ego, opinions, bad habits, and other self-indulgencies will cause us to miss the myriad of opportunities for spiritual connections that occur in this Light filled month.”

This book has been a great help to me so far. While my relationship with this gift giver has happily ended (on good terms and knowing that it would), I will think of her again whenever I consult this book. I hope she goes forth and does amazing things.

Let the sun shine in….

So mote it be.

Cold and Dark

It is cold but beautiful for this, the first New Moon of the year. As we head into the month of Capricorn, we took the time here to clean out the old and de-clutter our spaces. Next, we used chocolate as our driving force for healing and love. 

Chocolate is one of my favorite healing spells. We all know that it will help you after a Dementor attack, but did you know it has many other crafting properties? 

Magickal Properties of Chocolate

Latin Name: Theobroma cacao

Gender: Feminine

Elements:

• White Chocolate: Water
• Milk Chocolate: Water, Earth
• Dark Chocolate: Earth, Fire
• Cacao Nibs: Fire

Planets:

• White Chocolate: Venus
• Milk Chocolate: Venus, Earth
• Dark Chocolate: Earth, Moon
• Cacao Nibs: Earth, Sun, Uranus

Signs:

• White Chocolate: Pisces, Aquarius
• Milk Chocolate: Cancer, Libra
• Dark Chocolate: Scorpio, Virgo, Aries
• Cacao Nibs: Scorpio, Virgo

Chakras:

• White Chocolate: Heart
• Milk Chocolate: Heart
• Dark Chocolate: Heart, Sacral
• Cacao Nibs: Sacral, Root

Magickal Properties:

• White Chocolate: Friendship, Self-love, Fun
• Milk Chocolate: Friendship, Self-love, Nurturing, Love, Balance, Fun, Raises emotional energy
• Dark Chocolate: Love, Romance, Grounding, Prosperity
• Cacao Nibs: Grounding, Prosperity, Ancestors

Medicinal Properties:

For medicinal purposes, the higher the cacao, the more beneficial it will be to your health. Unsweetened cocoa and cacao nibs are the best for increasing health.

• Antioxidant
• Hormonal + neurological happiness
• Increases memory
• Longevity
• Lowers cholesterol levels
• Reduces risk of stroke
• Strengthens immune system

The Ancient Mayans and Aztecs used Chocolate for Spiritual and Ceremonial purposes.  They invented hot cocoa to increase warriors’ power and virility. It was a sacred food to various other ancient peoples as well.

Chocolate is an aphrodisiac associated with love. Dark chocolate is associated with romance and intimacy. Milk chocolate is associated with nurturing and friendship. A staple for kitchen witches.

Chocolate is a gentle, powerful feminine force. It is the force for the new world. By surrendering to the essence and energy of chocolate, you can step into the higher dimensions.

I made chocolate fudge. You can find the recipe here.

We had Hot Cocoa and brownies. I feel healed. Happy New Moon!

So mote it be.

New Year

 

2022.

Yes.

We are here. I don't make resolutions. Everyday of every week of every month of every year, I strive to be the best me I can be. No changes in that plan with 2022. 

Say it with me...

I will be my best self. 

Every single day.

But if you insist on a little witchcraft, here is a great mantra from Sage Goddess, a great place for crystals. Check them out here.

So mote it be.

On a side note, my friend Nikki is asking for good energy directed toward her family in Wisconsin. Please think of them at this time. 

Tiny Toon Adventure

Beltane is upon us and here we are… quarantined.

Sadly, we have decided to forgo the Maypole this year. We just felt like it would be too sad to see it with just the few ribbons of those who live here, rather than full of the beautiful ribbons of past years. Next year we can throw a huge party and really put that pole in the hole. Deep. And wrap it tight. (And giggle like idiots.)

This year, in compliance with my stay at home orders, we are celebrating quietly at home. As an essential worker, I am still required to work during the day, but we are able to celebrate in the evening.

Check out… Greenhaven: A Pagan Tradition

This website has many great Beltane rituals. I found the cute Looney Toons related ritual to do with my kids. You could adapt them for you. We adapted the Looney Toons for our kids and added some Disney. If you do have little witchlings, I also highly recommend Pooka Pages. It is a publication for Pagan children. Included in the publication is a great recipe for short cake that we are making this week.

We are doing a bit of baking this holiday. More than usual. Banana Bread was made last night. (Phallic shaped fruits!!) (Zucchini bread would be good too.) We made honey custard and strawberries. Lemon Ricotta cheesecake to up too. Roast with garlic and rosemary. New potatoes. Asparagus. I am also making soap. It seemed appropriate.

Life could be worse. It is for many. We know this.

May the fertility of newfound growth fill your lives with opportunity to laugh, love and grow.

So mote it be.

A Lion's Roar

Another full moon is upon us and am I leading some fabulous ritual?

Nope.

At work once again. Then again, I will be gone on a fabulous adventure. This time to take my son on a trip that was his Christmas present.

Since I am not leading any rituals, I did not write one for the occasion, although you could look back at some of my previous work for this particular full moon.

Since I haven’t written one for this full moon, also called the Quickening Moon, I leave you with this. Taken from the Llewellyn’s Witches’ Datebook 2020 (page 23).

Full Moon In Leo

The Full Moon in Leo is connected to the archetypes of the Queen, the King and the Divine Child. It is a time to embrace our personal sovereignty and to stand fully in our power. Sovereignty is about showing up with authenticity. Having agency over our bodies, sexuality, and life choices. Taking back power that has been given away or stolen. Saying no to the need for approval or for permission to be yourself. The Welsh Sovereignty goddess Rhiannon teaches us to speak from our heart and to walk with dignity and generosity of spirit no matter what challenges life brings. The Leo Full Moon also underlines the themes of creative self-expression as well as owning and celebrating our unique ways of being in the world. This Full Moon is a time to allow your creativity free reign and to bring a dream or idea to fruition. It is a time to celebrate, to cultivate confidence, and make space for pleasure.

Rhiannon, show me how to hold my head high and know that I am the sovereign queen of my own life.

Guiding Goddesses: Rhiannon, Macha, Maeve

-Danielle Blackwood

Clearing Out The Baggage

The first full moon of the year, called the Cold Moon or the Wolf Moon. And where am I? Well, rather than leading a beautiful full moon services, I am at work. Also this weekend, I am taking my family on a little trip for my son in law’s Christmas present.

Since I am not leading any rituals, I did not write one for the occasion, although you could look back at some of my previous work for this particular full moon.

So I don’t leave you hanging, here is a short spell for the full moon I found in Daily Spellbook For The Good Witch by Patti Wigington.

You will need:

A Black Candle

A Pen and Paper

A Fireproof Bowl

This spell is to be performed on the night of January’s Full Moon or one of the three nights following.

Light the black candle. Think about all the baggage that has held you back, caused you problems, or made you feel unworthy. Write down these things, and then light the paper in the candle’s flame. Place it in the fireproof bowl to burn and say:

Today I say farewell to the things that have prevented me from becoming the person I wish to be. I send you away, far from me, and far from my life. You no longer have any influence upon me. You are my past, and the past is gone. I banish you, I banish you, I banish you.

Once the paper has burned away to ashes, extinguish the flame. The next morning bury the ashes some place far away from your home.

Better Than Atkins

My friend Melissa wrote this spell. She is very talented.

She said I could share it and so I am. I plan on giving it a try myself.

Weight Loss Spell
By Melissa L.

Supplies:
Green Candle
Olive Oil
Red Apple
Incense- Holly, Heather, Primrose, Pine, or Angelica

Timing:
Sunday, as close to the new moon as possible, but in the waning.

Cleanse and consecrate your space. Set the apple in the middle of your alter. Light your incense.

Anoint your green candle with the olive oil. As you light it, say

Fifty pounds less I want to weigh.
From this goal don’t let me sway.
Please keep my hunger pangs at bay
And lusty cravings well away.
Please take and harden my resolve
So I can make this fat dissolve.
Healthy and strong I want to be,
To live the life best meant for me.
Please show me signs of my success,
I want to wear a size six dress!

You can change the amount in the first line and the size in the last line to suit your needs.

Recite this 3 times. Then eat the apple.

Snuff the candle.

Put the core outside for the fairies or birds.

Re-light the candle each night and repeat the chant 3 times each time until the candle is gone.

Imbolc Blessings!

Happy Imbolc to everyone!

Yes, I know it was Thursday and it is now Saturday. But I had to work and the Goddess will always forgive.

I did do some stuff on Thursday. My broom, Endora, got some fresh ribbons and I used her to sweep the negativity right out my front door. I set out a bowl of cream for Brigid and a yellow candle. I also hung up a nice wind sock. I even made a little besom to hang by the door to welcome Brigid.

I left a white cloth out overnight so that Brigid could come by and bless it. I am saving it for a day I need Brigid’s help. I also made fresh, homemade butter.

Tonight we celebrated.

This morning I put out fresh buttermilk for Brigid, as well as some bread. (I made the buttermilk myself. It was left over from my butter making on Thursday.) I gave the house another good sweeping. I also put out some fresh spring flowers.

I made a variety of gifts to honor Brigid and for my friends and family to take home for this special day. I made bird seed bells to hang in the trees. I made a milk bath sachet to give to people and I made a Celtic Cream warming potion that was so good. I also made a potato cheese soup and bread pudding.

We lit white candles to honor Brigid. Once everyone’s candle had been lit by Brigid’s flame, we snuffed them and cooled them so they could be taken home to bless the homes of my friends and family.

And finally, one of our group was having a birthday and so we honored her with cake and gifts. You only turn 17 once. So happy birthday to you. We hope to see you and your mom at one of our services again soon.

All and all it was a pretty awesome Imbolc. Thank you Brigid for honoring us. I am already looking forward to this celebration next year. I have great ideas for crafts and new decorations I want to get.

Blessed be!

The Lucky Dragon

新年快樂

Happy New Year!

And happy new moon.

Today is the first day of the Lunar New Year. And last night was a new moon. So tonight we celebrated.

We had eleven in our circle tonight. We honored the Goddess Fortuna and we made good luck bags.

Fortuna is the Latin goddess of luck and fate. In her honor we made these bags to carry for luck.

Each bag contains…

Ivy- Representative of the element of Earth and the color Green

Earth= health, wealth, prosperity, employment and fertility

Green= love, fertility, abundance, money, prosperity, luck, resurrection, rebirth, jealousy, teaching, learning, changing attitudes, environmental issues and peace.

Cinnamon- Cinnamon can be used to make charms to draw love, happiness, and money.

Cloves- Cloves bring good luck and prosperity. Cloves keep good friends close and stops malicious gossip.

All Spice- Allspice can be added to sachets to aid in attracting money and/or luck.

Clear Quartz- Clear quartz is a stone of manifestation. Hold the crystal with intent and focus. The crystal will remember and permeate any environment it is placed.

Whole Nutmeg- A whole nutmeg seed can be carried to bring luck during all games of chance from cards to Bingo to roulette. Nutmeg can also be carried as a charm to encourage a favorable decision in court cases and success in other legal matters. Nutmeg carried will also help to ensure good luck while traveling.

Once that was finished, a new member of our group, who is also my daughter, offered a seeker oath, binding her to learn for at least one year. If she has not committed after that she can part ways with the craft or choose to seek again. It is her choice. No one is forced into the craft. Not even my kid. Besides, she is 17 and does tae kwon do, she could probably take me if I tried to force her. And as a gift, she was given a red journal to use as she sees fit. It has dragons on it.

And since it was Lunar New Year, an Asian celebration, I made beef and broccoli and rice as well as egg drop soup.

Thank you all for coming. May the lady Fortuna follow you where ever you go.

Blessed be.

Book Review: To Ride A Silver Broomstick

To Ride a Silver Broomstick: New Generation Witchcraft by Silver RavenWolf

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


You know, I like this author. I feel like we could be friends. But this book, while informative, was kind of all over. I know it is written for new witches so I was probably a little bored because I am old. But I think for new witches, it was a lot. There were too many topics. Not enough information on each topic. If you can't fully go into each topic, maybe you should have left those to other books. And since she has written other books I will look into those.

If you have no idea what a witch does or is and you want to get started, it is a good book for you. As long as you take it slow and read other things in conjunction. Do not read it right through. She gives you lots of suggested reading and I suggest you get into some of those.

I did get some great and useful information. Some good ideas for more books to read and some practical ideas to use in my own life.

Finally, it was a little dated. Like she is talking about letters and phone calls. Who does that? Facebook and cell phones are the way to go. And also Google. :)



View all my reviews

United We Stand

Yes, he was a Christian, but he was amazing. His spirit transcends religions. Today we honor him.

The Prayer Of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

On The Bright Side

Happy full moon to all of you out there, if you can see it. It is stormy here tonight so the clouds are a good shield. But she peeks out every now and again and lights up the night.

This moon is called the Wolf Moon or the Cold Moon. It was called the Wolf Moon in colonial times because it was the time when hungry wolves came close to the villages. And the Cold Moon because… Well, it’s cold. And it sure was cold here today. There is a lovely winter storm.

Tonight we held a simple Esbat service here. Not only did we honor the moon, but we used magick to banish negativity and pessimism.

We used alter cloth of yellow and orange to bring positive thoughts. And purple for faith.

We used daffodils for hopeful thoughts.

We used pearls for compassion and thoughtfulness.

We used Myrrh for tranquility and serenity.

We used chamomile for tranquility and a calm spirit.

We used pine for optimism.

And we used oranges for encouragement and optimism.

I used a guided mediation to raise the energy to the heavens. I chose meditation as I was looking to instill patience. I found that particular meditaion in the book The Magical Year by Danu Forest.

We had communion. I used even used yellow cake.

Thank you to those who joined me tonight.

Blessed be.

A New Year's Prayer

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.

My mom had a magnet on her refrigerator that said that when I was a teen. It’s a pretty popular prayer. And I think it holds up to views throughout religion in general. I ask the Gods and Goddess to grant me serenity to accept the things I cannot change. I also ask for the courage to change what I can. But my theory is that people in general have forgotten the last line.

The wisdom to know the difference.

Just because you don’t see how right away doesn’t mean it is unable to be changed. Don’t just give up on it. These days people give up too easily.

Oh, well, nothing I can do. Moving on.

No.

In the words of Captain Jack Sparrow…

The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem.

The Gods and Goddesses have given you a lot of power and trust. You can do more than you think.

Today is the first day of a new year. Happy New Year!

Today I pray for peace and happiness this coming year. May it be filled with blessings, positivity and love.

Don’t just say it. Don’t just think it. Don’t just post a silly meme about it. Go out and do it. Live it. Show it.

Blessed be.

Christmas Traditions

I was going to write a whole post about Christians and Christmas and Jesus. But we all know that story. It isn't new. It's American.

And besides, Santa came!

Merry Christmas To All And To All A Good Night!

Festival Of Lights

Happy Hanukkah!

Tonight begins the first night in the 8 night celebration of the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah. And just what is Hanukkah?

Well, it is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. There was a revolt and when they took back the temple and purified it, there was only enough sacred oil to burn for one day. But a miracle occurred and the oil lasted 8 whole days.

And so Jewish families celebrate by lighting a menorah, which holds eight candles, one lit each night from right to left. And they eat food fried in oil.

And while we are not a Jewish family, obviously, we celebrate right along with them. So we will light our nightly candle and make potato pancakes and spin our dreidels.

(It sounds almost pagan… candles, food, prayers…. Just saying. Focus on the sames.)

Anyway, to me it isn’t Hanukkah until I hear this…



Okay, so not very religious but it always makes me laugh.

(On another side note… Santa comes tonight. Reminds me of a certain Holly King. This one looks like my tree topper.)

Blessed be!

On The Wild Hunt

Blessing Of The Holly King!

A happy yule to all of you. Today is the shortest day of the year and therefore the longest night. Tonight we celebrate the winter solstice, the first day of winter. This is also the last seasonal celebration of the year. Or the first if that is how you roll. Yule is right at the North point in the seasonal wheel.

Just a fun fact, did you know Stonehenge was built by ancient Pagan worshipers to align with the winter and summer Solstices?

Anyway, the Yule is a time for letting go, sacrifice and forgiveness. It is a time of peace, rest and reflection.

Now is the time we celebrate the Holly King, Odin, and the return of the Sun. In Asatru traditions it kicks off a 12 day celebration.

For me, tonight I celebrated the return of longer days and shorter nights. The promise of warm weather again. I made a feast with a delicious ham. Lots of rolls for my husband. We made an alter for the Holly King, complete with a holly and ever green wreath and candles, frankincense and myrrh incense, and an offering of delicious treats made by my aunt. We started a yule fire at dusk and burned it until midnight. We had a nice peaceful evening of reflection.

You know I sat here for a long time thinking about what to write on this Yule. What I could write about the meanings and how I could go on and on about all the “Christmas Traditions” are really Pagan traditions, but you know what…

Why not share the spirit? If Christians want to burn the Yule log to honor Jesus, go for it.

There is going to be times ahead where differences are going be used against us to divide us.

To that I say no.

To that I say a Merry Yuletide To All.

AND I MEAN ALL!

Blessed be.

On A Cold Night

Sometimes your best laid plans don’t always pan out. Sometimes what the Gods deliver is better than your plan.

Tonight we honor the full moon. This one is called the Cold Moon or the Long Night’s Moon. Both of those names are apt as for the fact that they happen around the winter solstice and the coldest and darkest time of the year.

Today I went to Disneyland and honored the God and Goddess by spending the time with my family. We walked around and had a great time as always. (FYI… I read somewhere that Walt Disney was Pagan. His family came from Ireland, so perhaps Celtic.) In the park they had booths set up to try holiday foods of other cultures. We tried a curry dish from India, a lamb dish from the Middle East and kugel from the Jewish booth. (The curry was my favorite.)

Since I knew we had planned to go to Disneyland today, I had planned to have an esbat last night by myself.

Planned to.

But then…

Some very nice person made a coconut cake for a friend. And that friend was having a bad day and the cake sure lifted her. Then she called me and asked if I wanted to share in this cake. And I told her since she is sharing her cake with me; I will share my dinner with her. (It was tacos and pozole.)

So instead of an esbat service for one, I held an impromptu, informal service for several. We ate a fabulous meal. I taught a younger witch (13) about runes. She and I did a candle spell together for good luck. She told me about her first deck of tarot cards. She admired things on my alter and I gave her stuff to set up her own at home. (Much like mine and her mother.) I gave her a candle and some incense and an incense holder. I even lent her a book to study and gave her a new blank book to write in.

Before I go on… let me tell you about that blank book.

Earlier this month I received a box of items from a subscription service I subscribe to. Inside the box was this blank book. It has a design on it from the new movie “Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them”. (Yes, I am a huge Harry Potter nut.) When I pulled it out of the box, my husband asked me what I was going to do with yet another blank book. I immediately told him I was going to give it to the before mentioned 13 year old. I told him she would need it. For what purpose and when, I did not know, but she would need it.

And she did. Last night. The God and Goddess know what they are doing.

Anyway, she and I read runes and talked. Then we enjoyed an informal communion. We used the coconut cake as it was already a blessing.

After they left, her mother sent me this picture of the alter she went home and set up.

I love it.

See…

I wrote this post for these reasons…

1. Being Pagan is a perfectly normal part of life.
2. The God and Goddess know what is best for us.
3. Magick is everywhere, you just have to look for it.
Blessed be.

The Witches Witch

On November 30 we celebrate the festival of Hecate Trivia.

Not trivia like the game, but trivia like the place where three roads meet.

Hecate is a Thracian, pre-Olympian Greek goddess. She began her goddess reign as a goddess similar to Brigid or Diana. A goddess of fertility, childbirth, menstruation and puberty. She was born during the darkest of the moon.

In the story of Persephone, Hecate is the keeper of the key to the Underworld. She kept Persephone company during her time there.

However over the years she moved on. She changed from a goddess of women to the goddess of change, witchcraft, magic, life, death, crossroads, and psychic abilities. She is a dark witch. She is connected to the spirit world, ghosts and the dark of the moon.

She is the triple goddess.

Birth Life Death
Full New Dark Moons
Past Present Future
Earth Heaven Underworld
Earth Air Fire
She is the goddess of the witches. The goddess of magic. Celebrate. You have come to the crossroads. Give a nod to Hecate. She will always be there to help you on the right path.

Blessed be.

The Sun Will Come Out

Another new moon is upon us. And in the spirit of Thanksgiving, we celebrated Thanksgiving again. It was a great night I cooked a turkey and family and some friends came over. We celebrated. My daughter made a pumpkin pie from scratch. From an actual pumpkin.

I made gifts for all of our guests.

Orange pomanders!

A pomander is just a ball of fragrance.

I got the idea from the book “The Magical Year” by Danu Forest. You should check it out.

Anyway, orange is the color of summertime, of fun. Just what we need at this time of year. It is an active color with warm energy. It is an excellent color for a kitchen or dining room since it stimulates appetite and conversation. Just when we needed for a dinner party. Orange invokes balance, memory, sharing, and kindness. Again, just what we needed. And to make it all awesome, orange is awesome on Tuesday and is great for the number 2.

I studded the orange with cloves.

Cloves are awesome. They are a dried flower bud from a tropical evergreen. It stimulates circulation. And is an anesthetic and antibacterial. It is masculine and associated with the fire element. Cloves bring good luck and prosperity, to keep good friends close and to stop malicious gossip.

So to combine the two was awesome and it smelled amazing. I tied them with a fabulous ribbon and wrapped them in sparkly boxes.

And FYI… They keep moths out of the closet.

Blessed Be!

Happy Thanksgiving

Every year at this time we pause to reflect on the things for which we are most thankful. Given the demands of our daily lives, it is easy to get caught up in the tasks of work and home and not take time to appreciate our good fortunes. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to each and every one of my family, the men, women, and children that make up our everyday lives. Every day of the year, including holidays, both religious and secular, collectively we work to ensure there is food on the tables and love in our hearts.

I am thankful for the privilege to write this for you. It’s an honor to make a positive difference in the lives of others, which is what I hope to do with this and everything I do each day. I thank you for everything you do as well: your commitment, hard work and pursuit of excellence in your own lives each day. I wish you all a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving.

Blessed be.