iMagiko

Word Origin: September got its name from the Latin word “septem” meaning “seven”. This is because September is the seventh month of the old Roman calendar, and the first month of fall. Even with the addition of new months to the calendar, the name was never changed. Historical names for the month of September include the Irish name “Meán Fómhair” or “an t-Sultainn” (“fat time”), the Anglo-Saxon name “Haligmonath” (“holy month”), the Frankish name “Witumanoth” (“wood month”), and the Asatru name “Shedding”. Mythology: Pomona the Roman Goddess of fruit, fruit trees, and abundance is the Goddess most associated with this month. Pomona’s name comes from the root word “pomum”, which means “fruit”, and she was said to be a wood nymph. She is a Goddess that is associated with the harvest, and is therefore associated with the month of September, a harvest month. Her symbols include the apple and the cornucopia. Unlike other deities associated with months, she is a purely Roman deity, and does not have a Greek counterpart. One myth about Pomona portrays her as a virginal wood nymph. One day, she is visited by an old woman. Pomona asks her for advice about marriage, and the old woman tells her that Vertumnus would be a very good match for her. Pomona pursues and marries Vertumnus only to realize that the old woman was actually Vertumnus is disguise! They are said to be a very active couple, and their love creates the many apple trees. She isn’t the most prolific Goddess, and there isn’t much mythology on her. She is however a ubiquitous character in classical art. In the Harry Potter series, the herbology professor is named Pomona Sprout. Traditions and Folklore: the most important date in September for pagans and wiccans is Mabon, otherwise known as the Autumn Equinox. Like Ostara, this is the day where light and dark are equal. Unlike Ostara, this time the days will get shorter and shorter until the winter solstice at Yule when the God dies and is reborn again. Mabon is known as the pagan thanksgiving, and is a time to give thanks and celebrate the harvest. This is also the time of year when many thanksgiving traditions are celebrated, and it is believed that this was the month when the original American Thanksgiving took place. The date was changed to November by President Abraham Lincoln. Another holiday many think of during the month of September is Labor Day, which is a day that celebrates labor unions. Michaelmas is celebrated on September 29th, and a Celtic tradition that marks the end of the harvesting season. The Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on September 29th, and is one of their religion’s most holy days. Some folklore sayings that go with the month of September are: “Heavy September rains bring drought”, “September dries up ditches or breaks down bridges”, “September blow soft, till the fruit’s in the loft”, “Married in September’s golden glow, smooth and serene your life will go”, “If the storms of September clear off warm, the storms of the following winter will be warm”, “Fair on September 1st, fair for the month”. Moon: Barley Moon, Harvest Moon, Nut Moon, Wine Moon, Fruit Moon, Grain Moon Zodiac: Virgo, Libra Element: Earth, Air Gender: Feminine Sabbat: Mabon/Autumn Equinox (September 21-24) Deities: Ceres, Ch’ang-O, Demeter, Frejya, Isis, Nephthys, Persephone, Thor, Thoth, Pomona Animals: snake, jackal, ibis, sparrow Nature Spirits: trooping faeries Trees: hazel, larch, bay laurel Colors: brown, green, yellow-green, yellow Flowers/Herbs: copal, fennel, rye, wheat, valerian, skullcap, narcissus, lily, aster, morning glory, golden rod Crystals: carnelian, cat’s eye, iolite, lapis lazuli, peridot, sapphire, blue spinel, blue tourmaline, zircon, agate, moonstone, diamond, chrisolite, olivine, citrine Incense: storax, mastic, gardenia, bergamot Characteristics, Influences, and Energies: confidence, the home, manifestation, protection

Word Origin: like July, the original name for the month of August was “Sextilis”, which translated to “sixth”. Originally, this month was 29 days, but changed to thirty with the Julius Calendar reform. When Augustus Caesar became the holy Roman Emperor, he took one day from February, and renamed the month “Augustus” in his honor. Instead of renaming September, he renamed August because it directly followed the month of July, which was named after Julius Caesar. Historical names for August include the Irish name “Lúnasa”, which is a version of Lughnasadh, named after the God Lugh. The Japanese name “hatsuki”, the Finnish name “elokuu” (“month of reaping”), the Anglo-Saxon name “Weodmonath” (“vegetation month”), the Frankish name “Aranmanoth” (“corn ears month”), and the Asatru name “Harvest”. Mythology: the month of August is sacred to the Goddess Hecate, the Greek Goddess of witchcraft, magic, the night, the moon, ghosts, and necromancy. She received her powers over heaven, earth, and sea from her parents the Titan Perses and the nymph Asteria. Hecate is associated with both good and evil, and was feared as well as worshipped by the ancient Greek people. Hecate witnessed the abduction of Persephone by Hades. Because of this knowledge, she went to Persephone’s mother Demeter, and helped search for her with a torch in hand. This myth lead to the creation of pillars called Hecataea, which stood at crossroads and doorways to keep away evil spirits. Traditions and Folklore: I have given a brief summary of the Goddess Hecate above, and now I will talk about the August rituals that are connected with her. Hecate is a Goddess that is also associated with the harvest, the first of which occurs in the month of August. In pagan thought, it is Hecate who has the power to bestow a bountiful first harvest, or destroy it. August 13th is named “Hecate’s Night” or “Night of Hecate as Goddess of Witches”. This night honors Hecate through ritual and worship. Speaking of the harvest, the major pagan and wiccan sabbat that occurs in the month of August is called Lammas or Lughnasadh, after the Celtic God Lugh. This is the first of the three harvest festivals, the other two being Mabon and Samhain. This was a time of thanksgiving a celebration in the old times, where everyone in the community got together to celebrate the harvest by feasting. There is a superstition surrounding Lammas, where farmers would let the first corn bread go stale and crumble it in the corners of the barn to make sure the harvest lasts through the winter and ensure a bountiful harvest. Moon: Sturgeon Moon, Barley Moon, Corn Moon, Herb Moon, Wort Moon, Wyrt Moon Zodiac: Leo, Virgo Element: Fire, Earth Gender: Masculine Sabbat: Lammas/Lughnasadh (August 1st) Deities: Ganesha, Thoth, Hathor, Diana, Hecate, Nemesis Animals: Lion, phoenix, sphinx, dragon, Crane, falcon, eagle Nature Spirits: dryads Trees: hazel, alder, cedar Colors: dark green, yellow, gold Flowers/Herbs: Chamomile, St. Johns wort, bay angelica, fennel, rue, orange, Sunflower, marigold, gladiolus Crystals: carnelian, emerald, jade, moonstone, peridot, sardonyx, topaz, tourmaline, cat’s eye, jasper, fire agate, diamond, sapphire Incense: Frankincense, heliotrope Characteristics, Influences, and Energies: animal magick, abundance, prophecy, prosperity, wisdom, harvest energy, appreciation, vitality, health, friendships

Word Origin: the Romans originally named the month of July “Quintillis”, but later named it “Julius” after Julius Caesar, which is where we get the name “July”. Historical names for July include the Irish name “Iúil” or “an t-Iuchar” (“the border time”), the Anglo-Saxon name “Aeftera Litha” (“after Litha”) sometimes “Maedmonath” (“meadow month”), the Frankish name “Hewimanoth” (“hay month”), and the Asatru name “Haymoon”. Mythology: The original name for July, Quintillis, translated to “fifth”, and was the fifth month in the calendar set in place by Romulus. This calendar only had ten months and began with “Martius”, which was the original name for the month of March. There was a calendar reform after the original naming of the month, and Quintillis kept its name but became the seventh month in a twelve-month year. Then Julius Caesar instituted a new calendar called the Julian Calendar where past astrological mistakes were corrected. This reform lead to a period called the “Year of Confusion”, which was so named because of the confusion the calendar switch caused with the Roman people. After Julius Caesar’s death, the name Quintillis was changed to Julius in his honor, and the Julian Calendar remained the main calendar of the west for 1600 years. The month of July is sacred to Apet, Athena, Sothis, Spider Woman, and Rosea. Athena was the Greek Goddess of wisdom and war, and is corresponded with July because her birthday and the great festival in her honor called Panathenaea are celebrated in July. This festival occurred once every four years, likely in direct opposition to the Olympic Games. The festival included the presentation of a new robe to Athena, a large procession, and many animal sacrifices. Musical and poetic contests were also held where there were recitations of long, epic poems. Traditions and Folklore: There isn’t a Sabbat that occurs in the month of July, but there are a few important secular holidays. July 1st is Canada Day, and is a Canadian holiday that celebrates the creation of the Dominion of Canada in 1867. This was the union of three Canadian colonies. July 4th is the United States Independence Day. This celebrates the Declaration of Independence, which was signed and adopted in 1776. July 14th is Bastille Day and commemorates the start of the French Revolution with the storming of the Bastille. This is the month of the year when haying is at its height, and where crop circles begin to appear throughout the countryside. This is why the July full moon is often called the Hay Moon. This is also a time to destroy weeds before they go to seed, and when the bugs are at their worst. Sayings and folklore that are traditional for the month of July include “Ne’er trust a July sky”, “If ant hills are high in July, the coming winter will be hard”, “As July, so next January”, “No tempest, good July, Lest the corn look ruely”, and “Whatever July and August do not boil, September can not fry”. Moon: Hay Moon, Buck Moon, Blessing Moon, Horn Moon, Mead Moon, Summer Moon Zodiac: Cancer, Leo Element: Water, Fire Gender: Masculine Sabbat: N/A Deities: Khepera, Athene, Juno, Hel, Holda, Cerridwen, Nephthys, Venus Animals: crab, turtle, dolphin, whale, starling, ibis, swallow Nature Spirits: hobgoblins, faeries of harvested crops Trees: oak, acacia ash Colors: green, yellow, silver, blue-gray Flowers/Herbs: honeysuckle, agrimony, lemon balm, hyssop, lotus, water lily, jasmine, larkspur Crystals: carnelian, malachite, onyx, ruby, sapphire, spinel, red tourmaline, turquoise, pearl, moonstone, white agate Incense: orris, frankincense Characteristics, Influences, and Energies: dream work, light, magick, purpose, strength, relaxed energy, preparation, success, meditation

Enjoy your new casting bones!!!!

Word Origin: the term “May” is coined from the Greek Goddess Maia (“mother”), the most important of the seven Pleiades and the mother of Hermes. Her Roman equivalent is Maius, the Goddess of summer. Historical names for May include The Anglo-Saxon name “Thrimilcmonath” (“thrice-milk month”), the Frankish name “Winnemanoth” (“joy month”), the Astrau name “Merrymoon”, the Irish name “Bealtaine”, and the Japanese name “Satsuki”. Mythology: Maia was the eldest of the seven Pleiades, the daughters of the Titan Atlas and the Oceanid Pleione. Maia is the Goddess of springtime, increase, and warmth. The seven sisters are named Maia, Electra, Taygete, Celaeno, Alcyone, Sterope, and Merope. They are a group of seven stars, and legend says that after years of being pursued by Orion, Zeus turned them into stars to keep them safe. Orion was also turned into a constellation, and continues to pursue the seven sisters across the night sky. Maia, the eldest of the seven sisters, was known to be a shy Goddess, and mothered the Greek God of messengers Hermes, who she had by Zeus. Not much is known about how Maia was worshipped, but she was important enough to have a month named after her. What we do know if that she was one of the Goddesses whose worship was restricted to women, and she was one of the Goddesses known as “Bona Dea” or Good Goddess. It is even speculated that Maia was the original Goddess known as Bona Dea. Bona Dea’s name is so sacred that it was forbidden to be spoken aloud. Unfortunately, there is no written record of the rites of Maia, and what we know of her is based in the myths of other Goddesses and Gods. In the ancient Roman pantheon, Maius was the Goddess of growth, and her name literally translates to “growth”. This corresponds to the growth of flowers in May, which is one of Maius’ symbols. The Roman Goddess was originally separate from her Greek counterpoint, but has become synonymous with Maia. Traditions and Folklore: the most important date for pagans is may 1st known as Beltane, and in recent years has turned into the holiday May Day. This day is the official end of winter and a festival of welcoming spring. In many traditions, there is dancing around a May Pole and much music and games. In some parts of Britain, May 1st is also known as Garland Day, when school children gather greenery to make garlands. These garlands are displayed in hopes of receiving a few coins. There is another tradition on May 1st where young girls run outside in the morning to wash their faces with the fresh dew because it is said to have magick properties that remove pimples. May 1st also has a tradition known as “May Basket Day”, where people gather flowers and chocolates in Baskets and hang them on the doors of their friends and neighbors. May 29th is known as Oak Apple Day, where villagers wore oak leaves pinned to their clothes in remembrance of King Charles II’s return to London. Moon: Faerie Moon, Flower Moon, Goddess Moon, Hare Moon, Milk Moon Zodiac: Taurus, Gemini Element: Earth, Air Gender: Feminine Sabbat: Beltane (May 1st) Deities: Bast, Venus, Aphrodite, Maia, Diana, Artemis, Pan, the Horned God, Bona Dea Animals: cats, lynx, leopards, swallow, dove, swan Nature Spirits: faeries, elves Trees: hawthorn, oak Colors: pink, green, brown Flowers/Herbs: dittany of Crete, elder, mint, rose, mugwort, thyme, yarrow, lily of the valley, foxglove, rose, broom Crystals: agate, carnelian, emerald, garnet, rose quartz, tourmaline, tsavorite, malachite, amber, chrysoprase, beryl, sapphire Incense: rose, sandalwood Characteristics, Influences, and Energies: divination, enchantment, fertility, love, well-being, creative energy, propagation, intuition, contact with other beings

Word Origin: the term “June” comes from the Roman Goddess Juno, and was originally named “Junonius”. Juno’s Greek counterpart is the Goddess Hera. Historical names for the month of June include the Irish name “Meitheamh” or “an t-Ogmios” (“young month”), the Anglo-Saxon name “Aerra Litha” (“before Litha”), the Frankish name “Brachmanoth” (“break month”), and the Asatru name “Fallow”. Mythology: June is the first month of Summer. Juno or Vesta is the Roman Goddess of women, money and wealth, childbirth, pregnancy, and marriages. She is Jupiter’s wife and queen of the Gods. She is also part of the Capitoline Triad, which is made up of Juno, Minerva, and Jupiter. June is a month that is not only sacred to Juno, but also to all deities that rule over love, passion, and beauty. Juno was all that embodies motherhood and the role of the wife. She was known by other names including “Lucino”, which means “meaning light”. This is because she helped bring children into the light when they are born. As a marriage Goddess, she was often called upon to settle disagreements between spouses. Her role as a maiden Goddess and a marriage Goddess make June a traditional month for marriage. As a money and wealth Goddess, she protected the finances of the Roman people. With Jupiter, Juno gives birth to the Roman deities Mars, Hebe, and Vulcan. It is ironic that Juno is the Goddess of marriage and her husband is Jupiter, because Juno is plagued throughout mythology by Jupiter’s numerous affairs. Juno however, stays very loyal to her husband. One of the myths about Juno surrounds her husband’s infidelity. Io was one of Jupiter’s numerous lovers, and Juno was very jealous of her beauty. She tasked a man named Argus Penoptes to watch over Io and make sure she didn’t see her husband Jupiter. Argus Penoptes had a hundred eyes all over his body, and when he slept he always kept a few open to watch Io. However, Jupiter duped Juno by sending Mercury to put all of Argus Penoptes’ eyes to sleep and kill him. In honor of her servant, Juno created the peacock, and put Argus Penoptes’ eyes on the bird’s tail. Therefore, the peacock is sacred to Juno and the month of June. Traditions and Folklore: the most important date for pagans and wiccans in June is the Summer Solstice, otherwise known as Litha. This takes place on the actual summer solstice every year, so the date varies. The Solstice marks the longest day of the year, when the Sun is at its strongest. This is one of the fire festivals, and is a celebration of light before the days begin to get shorter again and the God begins to die only to be reborn again at Yule. Some superstitions that surround the summer solstice include a rose picked on the solstice eve will be fresh until Yule, or if the rose petals are scattered one will find their true love the next day. Other traditions include raising large bonfires and watching the sun rise on the morning of the solstice. Moon: Dyad Moon, Mead Moon, Partner Moon, Rose Moon, Strawberry Moon, Hot Moon Zodiac: Gemini, Cancer Element: Air, Water Gender: feminine Sabbat: Litha/Summer Solstice (June 20-23) Deities: Aine of Knockaine, Isis, Neith, Green Man, Cerridwen, Bendis, Ishtar Animals: monkey, butterfly, frog, toad, wren, peacock Nature Spirits: sylphs, zephyrs Trees: oak Colors: orange, purple, red, golden-green Flowers/Herbs: skullcap, meadowsweet, vervain, tansy, dog grass, parsley, mosses, lavender, orchid, yarrow Crystals: pearl, agate, alexandrite, cat’s eye, chrysoberyl, emerald, garnet, moonstone, ruby, topaz, fluorite Incense: lily of the valley, lavender Characteristics, Influences, and Energies: abundance, love, marriage, prosperity, relationships, restful energy, protection, strength, prevention, decision-making, taking responsibility

Have a discussion with a fellow witch on a topic you disagree on. Try to understand their perspective

You want magic, tune in. That simple.

Carl Neal (2015), Imbolc: Rituals, Recipes, and Lore for Brigid’s Day, Llewellyn, print

Word Origin: the term “February” could have come from a few different places. One being the God Februus, who was later connected to the Roman God Pluto. Another possible source is the Roman Goddess Februa, who was the mother of the Roman God Mars. Februa was the Roman Goddess of passion. She might also have been one of the aspects of the Goddess Juno, where she is known as Juno Februtis. Historical names for the month of February include the Irish name “Feabhra” or “Gearran” (“The Gelding” or “The Horse”), the Anglo-Saxon name “Solmonath” (“Sun Month”), and the Asatru name “Horning”. Mythology: Februus was the Roman God of purification, and his name literally means “the purifier”. He was also worshiped by the Etruscans, and was also the God of money and wealth, which is why he is often associated with the Roman God Pluto. Februus’ holy month was the month of February, which is where the month’s name originates. This was a time of the spring purification festival (spring cleaning if you will), which took place on the 15th. Februa or Juno Februtis was one of the aspects of the Goddess Juno, and ruled over fertility and purification much like Februus. She is connected with the Roman purification festivals in the month of February as well. February was considered to be the end of the old year in Roman tradition, so the purification festivals were meant to cleanse them from the old year and look forward to the new year. Traditions and Folklore: There are many traditions held in the month of February. One of the more familiar ones is the American holiday Valentine’s Day, a day to celebrate romance. There are many fun tales associated with St. Valentine’s day. The first man an unmarried woman saw on Valentine’s Day was supposed to be her husband. If a girl wrote the names of all her suitors on pieces of paper and put them in water, the first name to rise to the surface as supposed to be her husband. If an unmarried woman saw a robin on Valentine’s Day it was said she was supposed to marry a sailor, if it was a sparrow she would be happily married to a poor man, and if it was a goldfinch she would marry a rich man. The 2nd of February is the Christian holiday Candlemas. This festival marks the middle of winter, which is halfway between the winter and spring solstices. Many people think that Christmas lasts 40 days up until Candlemas. There is a very cute story about the flower snowdrop as associated with the month of February. Legend has it that Adam and Eve were visited by an angel in the month of February after being cast from the Garden of Eden. It was snowy outside, and they had just about lost all hope. The Angel visited to tell them not to give up, and transformed the snowflakes into snowdrops, making them a symbol of hope. Shrove Tuesday marks the halfway to Easter. There is also the extra day at the end of February that happens every 4 years called the Leap Day. Moon: Chaste Moon, Quickening Moon, Storm Moon, Wild Moon, Wolf Moon Zodiac: Aquarius, Pisces Element: Air, Water Gender: Neutral Sabbat: Imbolc (February 1st or 2nd) Deities: Brigid, Juno, Kuan Yin, Diana, Demeter, Persephone, Aphrodite Animals: otter, unicorn, eagle, chickadee Nature Spirits: house faeries (both of the home and house plants) Trees: rowan, laurel, cedar Colors: light blue, violet, black, red Flowers/Herbs: balm of Gilead, hyssop, myrrh, sage, spikenard, primrose Crystals: amethyst, jasper, rock crystal, moonstone, obsidian, onyx, topaz, red zircon, pearl Incense: wisteria, heliotrope Characteristics, Influences, and Energies: spellwork on purification, growth, healing, energy working towards the surface, self-love, accepting responsibility, self-forgiveness, making future plans, astral realm, banishing, beginning, empowerment, fertility

Word Origin: the term “January” is coined after the Roman God Janus. Historical names for the month of January include the original Roman name “Ianuarius”, the Saxon name “Wulf-Monath” (“Wolf Month”), Charlamagne’s name “Wintarmanoth” (“Winter/Cold Month”), the ancient Japanese name “Mutsuki”, and the Finnish name “Tammikuu” (“Month of the Oak”). Mythology: The month of January was named after the Roman God Janus. Janus was a two-faced God of doorways, beginnings and endings, and transitions. This is why January was the first month of the year! He is depicted as a two-faced God because one face is looking to the past, and one face is looking to the future, and occasionally he is depicted as having four faces. It is said that the Roman God Saturn came to the city ruled by Janus on a ship after being shut out of Olympus by Jupiter. When he was received warmly by the king, Saturn bestowed upon Janus the ability to see into the future and into the past. Unlike many Roman Gods and Goddesses, Janus does not have a Greek equivalent, though his worship dates back to before the Roman Empire was formed. One myth says that Janus was a king who brought mankind from barbarity to civility. These two sides of the coin are another reason Janus has two faces. The Romans highly coveted Janus because he was the God of doorways, and through him, all the other deities could be reached. Before any rite,Janus was given gifts and libations. There were also many arches built in Rome in honor of Janus, as they were symbolic of him and thought to bring luck and prosperity. There are some who believe that January is named after Juno instead of Janus. Juno is also a Roman two-faced Goddess, who looks backwards and forwards. This is why January is a good month to look back on the year and learn from mistakes, and look forward to what is to come in the new year. Traditions and Folklore: As Americans, we associate the month of January with New Year’s, and is the first month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. This celebration is counted down the night before with festivities and fireworks. In Scotland they celebrate the festival of Hogmanay on this day. In ancient times, there was a tradition called “The Door Custom” or “First Footing”, and was supposed to bring luck into the New Year. At midnight on January 1st, people would wait inside their doors for a person bearing coal, bread, money, and greenery (all symbols of good luck). The visitor would then take a bit of ash from the fireplace to signify the departure of the old year. January 1st was also a very superstitious day in Medieval times regarding prosperity for the new year. A flat cake was placed on the heads of horned cows in every farm. The farmers would then sing and dance next to the cow until the cake was thrown off onto the ground. If the cake fell behind the cow it signified bad luck and if it fell in front of the cow it signified good luck. January 2nd in Saxon belief was the unluckiest day of the year, and any person born on that day would die a horrible death. On January 20th there is a tradition called “St. Agnes’ Eve” where all the unmarried girls would perform rituals to find husbands. Moon: Wolf Moon, Cold Moon, Ice Moon, Winter Moon Zodiac: Capricorn, Aquarius Element: Earth, Air Gender: Masculine Sabbat: N/A Deities: Janus, Freyja, Inanna, Sarasvati, Hera, Ch’ang-O, Sinn, Pax, Venus Animals: fox, coyotes, pheasant, blue jay Nature Spirits: gnomes, brownies Trees: birch Colors: white, grey, blue-violet, indigo, purple, black Flowers/Herbs: galanthus, cottage pink dianthus, carnation, marjoram, holy thistle, nuts, cones, snowdrop, crocus, patchouli, peppermint, lavender, pine Crystals: garnet, onyx, jet, chrysoprase, moonstone, rose quartz, ruby, red tourmaline, emerald, sapphire Incense: musk, mimosa Characteristics, Influences, and Energies: spellwork dealing with beginnings, protection, reversal spells, below the surface issues, conserving energy, working on personal problems, healing, strength

Anyway, that's pretty much the basics of shielding plus some insights! Other witches have their own variations, but the essence remains. This post is very much based on my experience, tutorials I have read/watched in books, articles, and videos from other witches. Feel free to leave any questions or suggestions below, or even share your experiences. Just be respectful.

Try it out for yourself and let me know in the comments how it went! Thank you as always for reading. Please message for requests.

Milk in your fridge goes bad? Write their name on some paper and let it sit in the milk for a day or two before you dispose of it