🌞 Rhianna Amber 🌞

The Fool: Do you practice witchcraft openly or in secret?

The Magician: Do you practice white magic, black magic, both or neither?

The High Priestess: How did you first discover your path?

The Empress: Favorite time to practice your craft?

The Emperor: Favorite place to practice your craft?

The Hierophant: Best advice you’ve ever received from a witch?

The Lovers: Which sign or signs(zodiac or elements) are you most attracted to?

The Chariot: Favorite witchcraft tools to use?

Strength: Do you cast spells?

The Hermit: Are you a solitary witch or are you part of a coven?

Wheel of Fortune: Do you practice palmistry?

Justice: Do you work with plants and herbs?

The Hanged Man: Which area of witchcraft are you least familiar with?

Death: Do you believe in, or have experience with past lives?

Temperance: Which area of witchcraft are you most comfortable?

The Devil: Who is your closest witch friend?

The Tower: Have you ever cursed someone?

The Star: Which areas of witchcraft would you like to be better acquainted?

The Moons : Favorite thing to do during a full moon?

The Sun: Do you read tarot cards?

The Final Judgement: Do you work with spirits?

Oh beautiful Artemis, goddess of the moon.

Oh strong Apollo, god of the sun.

The divine twins of the mother of mothers, Leto and the all father Zeus.

The celestial deities who light up our days and nights.

Your arrows come from behind the shadows of Olympus, never meeting the eyes of your enemies.

The healers of pain.

You bless humanity but also destroy it with plagues when needed.

You are gentle, you are wrathful.

You blessed the youth, children, men and women.

Gave us knowledge of the books and also the knowledge of nature.

You represent two opposite powers, yet you are connected for eternity.

Oh the divine huntress and musician, please accept my offering.

I, a devoted being, is here to honour your supremacy and superiority over me.

As a writer, I really had the urge to dedicate a poem for the twins as we don't really have a prayer which includes both the deities. :)

Hi everyone! Here you will find this weeks and all previous weeks Witchy Weekly Challenges! Thanks for the wonderful suggestion to create a masterpost!

so go ahead.

draw that lopsided pentagram.

stutter while chanting your spell.

pick up the herbs you dropped and use them anyway.

if you live your life trying to make every single thing perfect or aesthetically pleasing, you can stress yourself out big time.

so take it easy.

your craft is always going to be there.

This jar spell will help if you have a test coming up you aren’t sure about or you need some extra luck for something you’re not sure how it’ll turn out. I love this one because it’s short, simple, easy, cheap, and can be customized! 

Ingredients: 

Small glass jar or bottle

Orange or yellow candle

Basil

Ginger

Peppermint oil

Directions: 

☾   Light your candle, and fill bottle with ingredients.  ☾   While filling bottle, state your intention for each ingredient ☾   Seal bottle and pour wax over it or inside of it while saying: 

“Good luck come to me, guide me through this test, so mote it be.” 

This is a long post, the correspondences are under the cut.

Carrier Oils: Carrier oils, known also as base oils, are used to dilute essential oils before they are applied topically. They serve as the base for oil blends. 

Essential Oils: Essential oils are concentrated liquids that contain the volatile (”the tendency of a substance to vaporize") aromatic compounds of plants. They are obtained via distillation and the oil alone should never be applied to the skin directly as some a reactive to heat, and light, and some will give you chemical burns. You are likely to have a reaction to essential oils.

Carrier Oils:

ALMOND OIL, SWEET (Prunus Dulcis) Ruled by Mercury and the Element of Air. Sweet Almond Oil makes a great carrier oil for blends that deal with prosperity, money and wisdom.

APRICOT KERNEL OIL (Prunus Armeniaca) Ruled by Venus and the Element of Water. This makes a great carrier oil for blends that deal with love or emotions.

AVOCADO OIL (Persea Americana) Ruled by Venus and the Element of Water. This makes a great carrier oil for blends that deal with love, lust or beauty.

CASTOR OIL (Ricinus communis) Ruled by Mars and the Element of Fire. Castor oil makes a great carrier oil for blends that deal with protection and absorbing negativity.

COCONUT OIL (Cocos Nucifera) Ruled by the Moon and the Element of Water. Fractionated Coconut Oil makes a great carrier oil for blends that deal with purification and protection.

GRAPESEED OIL (Vinis Vinifera) Ruled by the Moon and the Element of Water. Grapeseed Oil makes a great carrier oil for blends that deal with fertility money and strengthening mental abilities.

HEMP SEED OIL (Cannabis Sativa) Ruled by the Moon and Saturn and the Element of Water. Hemp Seed Oil makes a great carrier oil for blends that deal with healing, love, psychic ability and meditation.

JOJOBA OIL (Simmondsia Chinensis) Ruled by the Moon and the element of Water. Jojoba Oil makes a great carrier oil for blends that deal with healing and love.

OLIVE OIL (Olea Europaea) Ruled by the Sun and the Element of Fire. Olive Oil makes a great carrier oil for blends that deal with healing, peace, fertility and protection. In many traditions Olive Oil is an all purpose oil.

SUNFLOWER OIL (Helianthus Annus) Ruled by the Sun and the Element of Fire. Sunflower Oil makes a great carrier oil for blends that deal with protection, fertility, health and wisdom.

Essential Oils:

AMYRIS (Amyris balsamifera) Anointing, astral projection, attraction, blessing, consecration, exorcism, healing, love, meditation, protection, purification, sacral chakra, spirituality.

ANGELICA ROOT (Angelica archangelica) Exorcism, protection, healing, visions.

BASIL (Ocimum basilicum) Business success, conscious mind (stimulates), happiness, lust, money, peace, prosperity, protection.

BAY LAUREL (Laurus nobilis) Banishing, exorcism, luck, psychic ability.

BENZOIN (Styrax benzoin) Purification, prosperity, attracts customers.

BERGAMONT (Citrus bergamia) Business success, happiness, money, peace, physical energy, prosperity, protection, sleep.

BIRCH SWEET (Betula lenta) Protection, purification, exorcism.

BLACK PEPPER (Piper nigrum) Courage, physical energy, and protection.

BLUE TANSY (Tanacetum annuum) Water, Venus, immortality, youth, longevity.

CAJEPUT (Melaleuca cajeputi) Purification, protection, dispel negative thoughts and energies, break habits.

CAMPHOR (Cinnamomum camphora) Celibacy, crown chakra, physical energy, psychic energy, purification.

CARDAMOM (Elettaria cardamomum) Love, lust.

CARROT SEED (Daucus carota) Grounding, fertility.

CATNIP (Nepeta cataria) Cat magic, love, beauty, happiness.

CEDARWOOD (Cedrus atlantica) Blessing, health (maintain), heart chakra, meditation, money, protection, psychic energy, purification, self-control, spirituality, unhexing.

CHAMOMILE (Matricaria recutita & Anthemis nobilis) Meditation, peace, sleep.

CHILLI SEED (Capsicum annum) Protection, exorcism, fidelity, hex-breaking, love.

CINNAMON (Cinnamomum burmanii /cassia /zeylancium) Astral projection, base chakra, business success, health (maintain), luck, lust, magical energy, meditation, money, physical energy, prosperity, protection, psychic awareness, purification, spirituality.

CITRONELLA (Cymbopogon nardus / winterianus) Exorcism (exterior use), health (maintain), purification, unhexing.

CLARY SAGE (Salvia sclarea) Vivid dreams.

CLOVE BUD (Eugenia or syzgium aromaticum) Balances chakras, business success, courage, divination, exorcism, healing, heart chakra, love, money, prosperity, protection, psychic awareness.

COFFEE BEAN (Coffea arabica) Grounding, Earth magic, Mars, ritual stimulant.

CYPRESS (Cupressus sempervirens) Longevity, healing, comfort, protection.

ELEMI (Canarium luzonicum) Mental and psychic ability, spiritual balance, solar plexus chakra.

EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus globulus) Healing, health (maintain), protection, psychic energy, purification.

FIR NEEDLE (Abies sibirica) Mind clearing, memory, communication, purification before ritual, , protection, hex removal.

FRANKINCENSE (Boswellia serrata / carterii) Blessing, consecration, courage, exorcism, meditation, protection, purification, solar plexus chakra, spirituality.

GERANIUN (Pelargonium graveolens /x asperum) Happiness, protection.

GINGER ROOT (Zingiber officinale) Attraction, business success, courage, love, lust, magical energy, money, peace, physical energy, prosperity, purification, sex.

GRAPEFRUIT (Citrus paradisi) Purification.

HELICHRYSUM (Helichrysum italicum) Creativity, intuition, invoke spirits, scrying, channeling, awareness, calm, patience.

HO WOOD (Cinnamomum camphora) Cleaning, banishing, subdue sexual desire, celibacy, chastity, psychic power, dream work.

HYSSOP (Hyssopus officinalis) Purification, protection.

JUNIPER BERRY (Juniperus communis) Protection, anti-theft, love, exorcism, health.

LAVENDER (Lavandula stoechas/angustifolia/latifolia /hybrida) Balances chakras, business success, celibacy, conscious mind (stimulates), happiness, health (maintain), love, peace, protection, purification, sleep, third-eye chakra.

LEMON (Citrus limonum / limon) Balances chakras, health (maintain), love, physical energy, purification.

LEMONGRASS (Cymbopogon citratus /flexuosus /schoenanthus) Psychic awareness, psychic energy, purification, spirituality.

LIME (Citrus aurantifolia) Physical energy, protection, purification.

LITSEA (Litsea cubeba) Energy, rejuvenation, letting go.

MARJORAM (Origanum majorana) Celibacy, happiness, peace, sleep.

MUGWORT (Artemesia vulgaris) Moon, divination, lucid dreaming, prophetic dreams, protection.

MYRRH (Commiphora myrrha) Astral projection, attraction, balances chakras, blessing, consecration, crown chakra, exorcism, healing, meditation, protection, psychic energy, spirituality, unhexing.

MYRTLE (Myrtus communis) Love, good luck, fertility, and Venus, feminine and water aspects.

NIAOULI (Melaleuca quinquenervia) Purification, healing, protection, clearing negative energies, aura cleansing.

NUTMEG (Myristica fragrans) Luck, magical energy, meditation, money, physical energy, psychic awareness.

OPOPANAX (Commiphora guidotti) Death/resurrection, divination, Pluto, Scorpio, change.

OREGANO (Origanum vulgare) Happiness, tranquility.

PALMAROSA (Cymbopogon martini) Healing, love.

PALO SANTO (Bursera graveolens)

Luck, cleansing, air element.

PATCHOULI (Pogostemon cablin) Attraction, banishes negativity, growth, love, luck, mastery, money, peace, physical energy, prosperity, sex.

PEPPERMINT (Mentha arvensis / piperita) Conscious mind (stimulates), exorcism, health (maintain), protection, purification.

PETITGRAIN (Citrus aurantium) Conscious mind (stimulates), protection.

PINE (Pinus sylvestris) Exorcism, grounding, healing, health (maintain), magical energy, money, physical energy, protection, purification.

ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis) Conscious mind (stimulates), exorcism, health (maintain), heart chakra, longevity, love, protective, remembrance, third-eye chakra, vitality.

ROSEWOOD (Aniba rosaeodora) Mars, Moon, Venus, spirit element, fire element, intuitive health, beauty, divination, scrying, healing rituals, maturity, wisdom, femininity.

SAGE, DALMATION (Salvia officinalis) Conscious mind (stimulates), exorcism, money, purification, wisdom.

SAGE, WHITE (Salvia apiana) Cleansing spaces and magical objects, banish negative energy.

SANDALWOOD (Santalum album) Anointing, astral projection, attraction, blessing, consecration, exorcism, healing, love, meditation, protection, purification, sacral chakra, spirituality.

SPEARMINT (Mentha spicata) Comfort, healing, sleep (for protection).

SPIKENARD “JATAMANSI” (Nardostachys jatamansi) Good luck, fidelity, and health.

STAR ANISE (Illicium verum) Psychic power, luck.

SWEET ORANGE (Citrus sinensis) Balances chakras, divination, happiness, joy, love, luck, magical energy, money, physical energy, psychic energy, purification, sacral chakra.

TANGERINE (Citrus reticulata) Magical energy, purification.

TEA TREE (Melaleuca alternifolia) Purification.

THYME (Thymus vulgaris) Conscious mind (stimulates), courage, health (maintain), purification.

TURMERIC (Curcuma longa) Purification, protection.

VALERIAN ROOT (Valeriana officinalis) Love, sleep, purification, protection.

VANILLA (Vanilla planifolia) Love, lust, mental power.

VETIVER (Vetiveria zizanoides) Divination, exorcism, love, money, peace, protection, unhexing.

WINTERGREEN (Gaultheria procumbens) Protection, healing, hex-breaking.

YLANG YLANG (Cananga odorata) Love, lust, peace, sex, throat chakra.

[Sources: [X] [X]

Hello every one! This is a post that I really wanted to write. It’s a post about whet crystals to take with you when you are long distance traveling.  It is just a list of the crystals I chose to take with me, I’m pretty sure there is other crystals that might me really useful! If you want to add them after the post, please do! :)

Crystals:

It’s really easy to conceal your crystals when you travel and I am wearing some of them as well.

Citrine: Brings protection and joy. Anti-nightmares

Petrified Wood: protection, healing

Jade: Luck. I’ll need it during my trip!

Tiger eye: Protection, Courage, Energy, Luck. This is a really important stone for me, that’s why I chose a ring because I want to wear so I can see it all the time!

Rose Quartz: self love and forgiveness. I found this pendant in a parisian crystal shop and I was really attracted by it’s pyramidal shape and soothing color. I wear it all the time as a reminder to love myself and not be too harsh on myself.

Labradorite: protection against negativity and misfortune. Labradorite is a really powerful protector. I found this pendant in a shop in Edinburgh, and I love the colours of the gem, it really reminds me the northern lights.

Green Marble: success, protection against misfortune. This is a Scottish green marble: a speciality in Edinburgh, there is lots of wonderful jewellery made with it.

My trip:

In 4 days I’ll leave the comfort of my home to walk 800km down South of France for 40 days. It’s a really interesting experience to leave all comfort behind and have all my belonging in my small 40L rucksack. I’ve done it many times when I have a kid, a teen and a young adult but it’s been 7 years that I haven’t hiked and I have never hiked such a long distance. I’m a bit anxious but terribly excited! (in a good way!!)

As you may have guessed in this case, weight is the main issue so I wanted to have the “lightest protection” possible. I am a witcheling and I have never done any spell jars, I chose to bring some crystals with me because this what resonate the most with my sensibility. I wanted to bring my tarot deck with me but it is too heavy (yes 350gr is a lot when you have to carry everything) so I’ll use an app from my phone instead: not ideal but I’ll do for the trip!

In the end, I wanted to have some protection against misfortune but I also wanted to have more courage. I know there will be days where I’m going to be fed up and want to go back home but I want to get through those days and just enjoy my trip.

Second sight, Second sight,

Come to me now.

by this light,

wake my psychic mind be open.

Source

🎉 Fairy festivals take place at crossover points in the seasons. Equinoxes and solstices are determined by the position of the Sun, but the other four festivals are celebrated when the time feels right, so the dates given below are approximate.

🎉 There are other festivals too,such as Christmas Eve,Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Any human festival that touches on old traditions,from Ramadan to a Japanese Flower Festival, is a fairy feast. If you celebrate these festivals and make the effort to tune into what concerns the fairies, you will draw closer to their world. If you celebrate a special meal, remember to leave a little outside afterward for the fairies

1.  🌷 Imbolic - 🌷

February 2 in the Northern Hemisphere/July 31 in the Southern Hemisphere

Imbolc means “in the belly,” and this is the time when life stirs in the belly of the earth. Frost sparkles and the pale light lingers each evening,bringing the message that spring is on the horizon. Imbolc is the delicate crossover point from winter’s depths into the New Year. It is a feast of lightness and brightness,but also a time of cleansing,to make way for the new. The Hag, who is Dark Goddess or Dark Fairy, gives way now to the Maiden, who is young and radiant.

Fairies love neatness and good housekeeping,so it is a good idea to have a late-winter sort-out,in preparation for fresh activity. While the fairies are busy coaxing snowdrops and crocuses out of the winter-hard earth,do something creative of your own,such as knitting,painting,or writing poetry. Ask the fairies to lend you a little of their magic by leaving them an offering,such as a piece of wool or a verse written just for them.

This feast is also called candlemas,sacred to St.Bridget,who was the successor to the pagan goddess Bride (pronounced “Breed”). Bride was the keeper of the sacred flame,which represents eternal life. She is the patroness of poetry,smithcraft,child birth, and healing, and is a very powerful fairy indeed. Invite her into your home by lighting as many candles as you like, in your windows and around your house. Ask her to bless your projects for the coming year,and pledge a special act of caring for the natural world in return,to seal your pact as the year waxes.

2. 🌼 Spring Equinox- 🌼

March 21 in the Northern Hemisphere/September 21 in the Southern Hemisphere

The fairies are very busy at the Spring Equinox,looking after all the flowers that are newly blooming.Scandinavian fairies become active now: the Russian cellar fairy,The Domoviyr,casts off its skin and grows a lighter one for summer; and the Russian Rusalki,or river fairies are glimpsed by lakes swollen with melted snow.

A tree planting project is a very fairy-friendly activity at this time. A seasonal blitz on the garden is also called for. While you are hard at work, digging and pulling away at dead winter twigs, it is easy to go into a kind of trance. This, coupled with the spell of the natural world around you,can create the perfect state of mind to catch a glimpse of fairies.You can be sure they are near you,helping you with their energies.Plant some seeds of your choice and, as you put them in the earth, close your eyes and make a special request for fairy help. Visualize the fairies tending your seeds,giving them their love and care. Ask out loud for the fairies to help you,and sing or hum and you plant. Touch the soft soil with your bare hands and make real contact with the earth.

Place water in a pottery or glass jug (plastic or metal is best avoided) and leave it out in the noon sunshine. Ask the fairies to bless it. Imagine them dancing around it and coming up to touch it with their glimmering fingers. Use the water to give your houseplants a special spring blessing.

The Green Man is a powerful nature spirit that has been sensed by many people. He is represented in numerous churches as the Foliate Mask (a face made up of leaves),and one theory about his presence is that the masons who fabricated him had hidden sympathies with the old nature- worship. He is making his appearance now on some new park benches and monuments. However, you can make contact with the real Green Man out alone walking through the woodland. Ancient and wise,he is watching you. Catch a glimpse of him behind tree trunks or in the lacework of budding branches. Hear his footfalls behind you as you walk. He is the very breath of Nature, and his strength is bursting forth in springtime.

3. 💐 Beltane - 💐

April 30 in the Northern Hemisphere/October 31 in the Southern Hemisphere

Of all the festivals, Beltane is the most flagrantly joyful and sensuous as Nature is bursting forth with beauty and excitement. This was the Celtic beginning of summer, and also marked an important transition for the people of Fairy, for it was the time when the Milesian Celts landed on the shores of south-west Ireland. With this, the last of the magical peoples,the Tuatha de Danann, receded from the the world of humans into the Hollow Hills and became the people of the Sidhe.

However, they and the other fairy folk have not gone very far. You will find them dancing in a bluebell wood or skipping in the sunshine,sheltered by a greening hedge. Beltane is the time when good fairies reign supreme and bad fairies retreat. Fairies are very active now and may try to steal butter,or some of the ritual fire that used to be ignited on hilltops and is still lit by modern pagans.

This is the maypole season, but instead you can always dance around a friendly tree. Link hands with friends, and you may find yourselves spontaneously re-creating the kind of things people used to to do when seeing fairies was commonplace:lingering,walking,and talking, in the open air, away from television,computers,and other modern distractions.

There are many tales of beautiful fairies marrying mortals. Such tales usually end in tragedy, for fairy and human can never truly be joined. Better to borrow some of the fairy enchantment by performing a little magic of your own! Rise early on May Day and wash your face in the dew or simply walk in it. As the rhyme says: “The fairy maid who, the first of May Goes to the fields at break of day, And walk in dew from the hawthorn tree, Will ever handsome be.”

Welsh legend tells how the hero Pwll saw the Lady Rhiannon riding past him at Beltane and, after pursuing her, he eventually won her. Rhiannon is one aspect of the Fairy Queen,riding on her white horse between the worlds. As you sit quietly outside,on a bank in the late spring dusk,listen for the sounds of her horse’s hooves,and open your eyes to the shimmer of her sea-blue cloak. When Rhiannon touches your heart, she will fill it with love and inspiration.

4. 🌹 Midsummer -  🌹

June 22 in the Northern Hemisphere/December 22 in the Southern Hemisphere

This is one of the most magical times of the year, when fairies are very active and visible, playing pranks and even, it is said, stealing away the young and beautiful to join them in the Hollow Hills. The sun is now at the height of its strength and this is an important crossover point,such as the fairies love. For at the Midsummer Solstice the sun stands still, before beginning to recede as we move into the waning half of the year.

Flowers are colorful and luxuriant, and one radiant day seems to merge into another, as late dusk meets early dawn. At no time is the natural world more inviting. Take part in it by going on quests -long walks to sacred spots,evening camping out with the minimum of equipment,to draw close to the mystery that is all around, and to the Fair Folk in particular.

The rose is possibly the most sensuous bloom of all, and at midsummer it is often at its most gorgeous. Roses in the garden are especially likely to attract fairies. Distil water from rose petals and add it to your bath, asking the fairies to lend you some of their enchantment and to help you attract love. Brew tea from rosebuds and drink it,to increase your psychic powers.Plant a rose bush with a friend, to affirm the loving bound between you and invite the fairies into your life.

St.John’s wort is a herb known to break any negative fairy enchantment and drive away depression. Pluck some on Midsummer’s Day and carry it, to keep cheerful.

Look out for water nymphs by streams, or for undines for water elementals on the seashore- or for even the Lady of the Lake herself,rising from the luminous depths.In olden times, these beings were said to have no souls. It is closer to the truth to say that they do not have human morals. Conventions often conceal or feelings, but the beauty of the water fairies opens us to our unconscious tides; see them and let yourself be transformed.

5. 🌾Lammas- 🌾

July 31 in the Northern Hemisphere/February 2 in the Southern Hemisphere

Lammas is “Loaf Mass,” a christian version of a much older festival known as Lughnasadh, or the “Feast of Lugh.” Lugh was a Celtic god,lord of the Tuatha de Danann, and his name means “bright one.” Lughnasadh is a major fairy festival, and many fairies become active during this period,such as the Russian Polevik, who kicks sleepy harvesters awake. It is also a time when fairies move about in preparation for winter,and processions of them may be seen as a line of twinkling lights moving between the hills in the countryside.

At Lammas, the fields are golden with corn and splashed with red poppies. It is hazy,lazy time of holidays and abundance,but there is an underlying theme of death,for the Corn Spirit must be sacrificed in order to reap the harvest. If you walk out into a field of ripe wheat, you may sense the anger of the nature spirits as what is to be taken from the earth,even thought that is a part of the natural cycle of life.Gather up some ears of wheat and tie them into a bunch with red thread,to make a charm for the coming winter to hang over your hearth. At the same time,pledge an act of caring for the earth,such as clearing a derelict site in your neighborhood or garden, or planting and tending a herb, as payment for what you-and all of us- take from it.

At home, bake your own bread, using the rising of the dough as a spell to ensure that everything prospers in your life. While you are kneading the bread dough, say to yourself “As this dough swells, so may my fortunes increase.” Ask for your own personal Brownie, or house fairy, to come and help your bread rise- and remember to leave some breadcrumbs outside afterward,for the fairies.

Some say that Lugh is lord of the waning year, and his dance- through the waving,whispering corn- is a dance of death. If so, it is a reminder that all things come in cycles,and that everything is united in love and beauty. Stand at the edge of a sun-kissed wheat field and see the shimmer and sway that betrays the presence of Lugh. Take a few moments to feel respect for the earth in your heart, and understand the meaning of the Wheel of Life.

6. 🍁 Autumn Equinox (Mabon) - 🍁

September 21 in the Northern Hemisphere/March 21 in the Southern Hemisphere

At the Autumn Equinox, Nature stands poised between light and dark,but darkness is gaining. The veil between this world and the Otherworld is at its thinnest, and all manner of spirit visitations are more frequent now.

The hedgerows are beaded with berries,and mist lingers in the hollows. Sometimes the wind whistles in from nowhere and tosses baring branches. On other says, the mellow sun caresses the fields with slanting fingers. It is a time for reflection, but also for industry. In days gone by, preserves would be made for winter store and the help of the Good Folk would be sought by country people.

Absorb the atmosphere of the season by going blackberrying. In Celtic countries, there may be a taboo on eating blackberries, because these belong especially to fairies. However, as long as you gather them with respect and do not denude the bramble bushes, they will hardly object. Better still,leave out some of your homemade blackberry pie or wine for them,so that they will bless you. When this month ends, leave the blackberries alone and move on. Also look out for a bramble bush that forms an arch-so much the better if it faces east/west, for that mirrors the passage of the sun. Crawl through this three times on a sunny day to be healed of physical ills, especially rheumatism and skin troubles.

At this mysterious time, pay honor to Queen Mab. Her special gift is to bring dreams and visions to birth within us. She is really one of many manifestations of the Goddess, in her autumnal guise of wise-woman and Lady of Magic, and she is linked with ancient ideas of sovereignty- for the king drew his power from the land, and Mab presided.

Preferably at the Full Moon closest to the equinox,place good-quality wine in a stemmed glass or chalice,and take it into the garden or a secluded place.Raise the glass to the Moon,say, “Mab, I honor you”and pour some of the wine onto the earth. Drink a little and say, “Mab, I drink with you,” Then return home,light a bright-green candle beside your bed,gaze at the flame and say, “Mab,give me wisdom,” Place some jasmine or rose oil on your pillow,extinguish the candle-and drift into Fairyland. This is a little ritual that you can repeat during any Full Moon if you wish.

7. 🎃 Samhain - 🎃

October 31 in the Northern Hemisphere/April 30 in the Southern Hemisphere

Samhain means “summer’s end” and is pronounced “sa-wen.” This ancient Celtic festival at the official start of the winter was later Christianized as Halloween- a time when the dead were remembered. There was always a sinister aspect to Samhain,because certain sacrifices had to be made in order to survive the coming cold weather. Animals had to be slaughtered,and some say that human sacrifice took place to propitiate the spirits. Sacrifice,however, is a corruption of nature worship,for life is hard enough as it is and all we have to do is show respect.

Barrow mounds,shrouded in mist,are particularly eerie places at Samhain. Draw close,if you dare,and sit quietly.Do you hear the strange,far-off noise of fairy music,or the sound of knocking? Maybe the mound will open for you and unearthly light will stream over the barren fields.After Samhain,the earth is given over to the powers of darkness and decay.No crops or berries may be harvested after this time,because the Phooka, a malevolent Irish Fairy,blights them. The true meaning here,of course,is that death and decay have a place in the natural order,requiring due honor and respect lest they get out of hand.

Traditionally, this is the start of the story telling season. While the wind whistles around the eaves or the mist comes down outside,gather family or friends around your hearth- preferably with a real fire burning in it. If you do not have an open hearth,substitute a collection of large,burning candles. Sit round and speak of times gone by and people who have passed over to the other side.Ask the Beloved Dead to be present, if you wish(but note that this is not a seance,and the Beloved Dead are invited,not summoned). Laugh,share funny stories,feast,and drink.

Cerridwen is the Underworld Goddess and the Fairy Hag most associated with this time. In her magic cauldron,she stirs a brew that confers inspiration and transformation. Simmer up a hearty soup of root vegetables or pumpkin, to share with friends,then light a black candle and ask Cerridwen to guide you through the darkness into the light. You will  be both safe and wise.

8.  ❄️ Yule - ❄️

December 22 in the Northern Hemisphere/June 22 in the Southern Hemisphere

Yule is the Midwinter Solstice, when the sun again appears to stand still,as it did at midsummer,but the season is poised for the return of light. Celebrations of Christ’s birth were moved to coincide with the much more ancient solstice.

As you deck your Christmas tree,remember that the evergreen is a powerful symbol of the enduring life in Nature. Of course,is has a fairy on top of it,confirming that it is a festival of the Fair Folk,who also rejoice in the sun’s rebirth. Decorating your tree is an important magical act,for the decorations are fairy charms. Each member of the family should hang at least one special charm of their own,to enable a wish to come true.

Jack Frost is an active fairy in the cold weather,painting windows with intricate lacework. In Russia he is called Father Frost,the soul of winter,covering the trees in ice. Do not shrink from the frost fairy-go out and wonder at his works and he will reward you with hope and joy,just as in Russia Father Frost brings presents for the children on New Year’s Day.

By far the best-known and most powerful fairy at Yule is Father Christmas himself. Today we know him by his robes of red and white, but in the past he also wore green and other colors. As we have seen,red is the color both of life and death, and many fairies wear red caps. The hearty red of Father Christmas is a sign that he is an Otherworld being-very much alive,but not of this earth. He is recognized all over the world, as Kris Kringle in Germany and Pere Noel in France. In Brazil he is Papa Noel,and in China Dun Che Loa. He is the essence of Yuletide mystery,joy and renewal,and like many traditional fairies, he comes in and out via the hearth.

When all is quiet on Christmas Eve, get ready to welcome Father Christmas- light a candle and look at the stars. Pledge a gift for a friend and one for the world, and ask for a special gift to answer your heart’s desire. Write your wish on a piece of paper and “post” it up the chimney if you have an open fire. If not, burn it in the candle flame. Can you hear those sleigh bells?

(Art By: IrenHorrors On Deviantart -Link)

Clearly I’m just waiting for the faeries to come and claim me as one of their own 💕💕