Transitions between the Wheel (For the four seasons)

This is from my personal practice with observing the wheel of the year and my focus on each transition between the sabbats. I honor the current seasons in between. Each transition has it’s importance to self care and managing the home and garden. I will probably add to this later cause some paragraphs I wrote I feel like are a bit vague. Some of these transitions are not meant to be 100% literal and static but I feel like they are good areas to focus on for that moment in the year.

Yule->Imbolc Resting

During the thick of winter when it’s too cold to do anything and always dark, it’s the perfect moment in the year to rest. The focus is on relaxing, taking extra time to sleep and care for the body especially to not get sick. Winter is also ‘spa’ season because the air is so dry and harsh it’s a good time to soak in hot baths and scrub away dead skin and moisturize with protective lotion. Do not try to make new plans, yet sit home, rest and reflect. 

Imbolc -> Ostara Cleansing

When winter thaws it’s a great time to clean the home and prepare for spring. Personally, I also like to do a body cleanse since I tend to eat a lot of processed (yet delicious ;-;) foods all year round. This also makes up for all the heavy foods I’ve been eating since Summer (all the BBQs) to Winter comfort foods. As I clean the home and get rid of stuff that has accumulated over the year, I clean the body. Also the focus is on cleaning the home as well. Breathing in the same air, especially if its full of dust, is really unhealthy and it’s good as the days are getting a little warmer to open up the windows for a few minutes to allow in fresh air to circulate. This is also the time of year I throw out old furniture, accumulated things and rearrange furniture in the room as well.

Ostara -> Beltane Sowing

Spring is a great time to germinate sprouts along with other seeds and clean the backyard or garden to grow plants. If you like to compost it’s a time to start mixing in the vegetable/fruit/plant scraps with the soil. Spring is also a great time to sow bigger changes in life as well. Something about the warm new season brings an air of flirtatiousness and ‘socialness’ that makes it perfect for making new friends or finding a partner. (Probably because people can finally come out of hibernation). It’s also a fantastic time to work on your image and portfolio and apply for long term jobs that begin in the summer or fall. Spring is the season for new beginnings and putting long term plans into action.

Beltane -> Litha Growing

A tradition I like to do on Beltane is repotting of plants and gardening. Repotting plants is a tradition I try to focus on every year because it’s very easy for house plants to die due to dead soil. Plus it makes the inside of the house super vibrant and lively to have fresh new soil in pots. From this point to summer solstice is the point of growth. Growth in the garden but also growth of personal goals. May and June feel like hectic months where there are so many events and opportunities to advance your work or change your social scene, that if I am not personally progressing, I focus all of my attention on my growth.

Litha -> Lughnasadh Thriving

Its the heat of summer! It’s time to get out and feel the intense hot energy and use its power to focus on goals and networking! Where I am there’s usually an exciting event every week where it’s an opportunity to make more connections and meet more friends but also since its warm and nature is so vibrant it’s time to take some days to relax and get away to enjoy the heat and life of nature. Go to the beach, go hiking, swim in a lake, sleep under the stars. Be active since the efforts will pay off. 

Lughnasadh -> Mabon Reaping

This is the time you earn what you’ve sowed both literally and metaphorically. If you have a garden its the time it will start giving back. If you are an active goer of a farmers market you will notice how beautifully abundant the stands are. If in Spring you’ve sent out tons of job applications, and in Summer got the job you’ve wanted and worked hard, then by now you should start seeing some results. If there are no results being seen it’s a time for reflection and re-strategizing. There is a second chance in this time to start again before the cold and the holiday season bulldozes through.

Mabon -> Samhain Harvesting/Gathering

This is the time to gather and harvest. Usually family tends to gather now since it’s the holiday season. There’s not much other than gathering to be done since family and holidays are bombarding you from all sides. Also there is an abundance of food. This is great to store for the next transition which is

Samhain -> Yule Preparation

Hey lovely witches! I wanted to share some of my PDF witchy books I have on my computer. I know it’s hard to find these books and not everyone has money to buy them or easy access. I hope I can help someone with this <3

Most of the books are on my google drive library, you can click on the link and then download if you’d like to.

A Manual of Occultism, by Sepharial

Mastering Witchcraft, by Paul Huson

Natural Magic, by Pamela J.Ball

Pagan Spells, Author Unknown

Herbal Magick - Herbal enchantments, folclore and divination by Gerina Dunwich <3

Spell Crafts - Creating magical objects, by, Scott Cunningham and David Harrington <3

The Book of Power, by Idres Shah

The Complete book of Incense, Oils ad Brews, by Scott Cunningham

The Essential Skills of Magick - Benjamim Rowe

The Ultimate Book of Spells - Pamela J. Ball *my favorite spellbook*

50 of The Most Powerful Spells, by unknown author

Witchcraft Today, by Gerald Gardner

The Gardnerian Book of Shadows

The Basics of Magic, by K. Amber

8 Sabbaths of Witchcraft, by Mike Nichols

Witchcraft Today, by Gerald Gardner

Celtic Mythology and Religion, by Alexander Macbain

The Art and meaning of Magic, By Israel Regardie

An Introduction to the Study of Tarot, by Paul Foster Case

The Alchemy of Abundance, by Lisa McSherry

Encyclopedia of Acient Roman and Greek Mythology, by James Belton

Asgard and the Gods, by M. W. MacDowall,

The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Spells by, Michael Johnstone

Witches’ Bible by, Janet and Stewart Farrar

The Witch’s Master Grimoire, by Lady Sabrina

The meaning of Witchcraft, by Gerald Gardner

Aleister Crowley book collection (google drive)

Lid Off the Cauldron, by Patricia Crowther

A Grimoire for Modern Cunningfolk, by Peter Paddon

The A to Z of Dream Interpretation, by Pamela J. Ball

The Dream Oracle, by Pamela J. Ball

The Great Book of Spells, by Pamela J. Ball <3

The Techniques of Astral Projection, By Dr. Douglas M. Baker

The Opening of the Third Eye, By Dr. Douglas M. Baker

Historical Dictionary of Witchcraft, By Bailey Michael

The Goddess is in Details, by Deborah Blake <3

Circle, Coven and Grove, by Deborah Blake

A Witch’s Dozen, by Deborah Blake <3

Witchcraft on a Shoestring by Deborah Blake

Egyptian Magic, By Ernest Budge

Advanced Candle Magick, By Raymond Buckley

Amulets and Magic, By Budge Walli

Pen and Ink Witchcrafr , By Collin Calloway

Basic Sigil Magic, By Philip Cooper

The Occult Properties of Herbs , By W.B Crow

Shadow Work Guidebook, by Jessica Cross

Gemstone Sorcery, By Gerina Dunwich <3

Wicca A to Z By  Gerina Dunwich

Every Witch Way By Ellen Dugan <3

Power Of The Witch By Laurie Cabot <3

The Spiral Dance By Starhawk <3

Spiritual Power - Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee

Book of Shadows By, Phyllis Curott:

Witchcrafting By Phyllis Curott

Spells for the Solitary Witch By Eileen Holland

Wiccan Magick By Raven Grimassi

The Witch’s Familiar By Raven Grimassi

Magical Candle Crafting By Ember Grant

Magical Powder Recipes By Lady Gianne

Wicca For Beginners By Lisa Chamberlain

Scott Cunningham’s Books:

Divination for Beginners

Wicca in the Kitchen <3

Book of Shadows

Living Wicca

Crystal Gem and Metal Magick <3

Wicca

Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

Magical Household, Rituals and spells for the home <3

D.J Conway’s Books:

Mystical Dragon

Norse Magic

Wicca, The Complete Craft

Falcon, Feather and Valkyrie Sword

Celtic Magic

Christopher Penczak’s Books

Gay Witchcraft - Christopher Penczak

The Living Temple of Witchcraft V. II- Christopher Penczak

The Gates of Witchcraft

The Living Temple of Witchcraft V.II 

Mystic Foundation

The Outer Temple Of Witchcraft

The Inner Temple of Witchcraft

The Witch’s Shield

Cassandra Eason’s Books:

A Practical Guide of Witchcraft and Spells, 

Fabulous Creatures, Mythical Monsters and Animal Power Symbols

Candle Power

The Art of Pendulum

The Complete Guide to Psychic Development

Illes Judika’s Books:

Magic When You Need It - 150 Spells

Pure Magic

The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft

Ellwood Taylor’s Books:

Pop Culture Magic

The Pop Culture Grimoire

Multi-Media Magic

Manifesting Prosperity

For those of you who wish to see my full library on the drive, feel free to send me a message and I will send you the link!

Raymon Buckland IS A BIG NO.

He is a hard believer(it’s in his big book of witchcraft) that the God & Goddess are the only deities and have been around since the beginning of time. Any deity or religion that came after is essentially the God & Goddess which gives him and anyother Wiccan under his practice the rights to use it. I had a whole a whole post on him and Gardenia Wicca on my old blog @thewitchofthenorse before it was deleted. It’s super gender normative, het-focused, and extremely sexual. /HE IS NOT MINOR OR LGBT FRIENDLY/

I would highly suggest not reading Norse Magic if you’re new to Norse paganism or looking for historically based practices! I honestly just scrolled through it but there’s a bunch of misinformation about the realms, gods and practices in like the… four minutes I looked. D.J Conway has pretty much always been known to be historically inaccurate.

Christopher Penczak is known for using Jewish practices and rituals in his writing despite being raised Catholic(and going to Catholic schools growing up) and never actually being converted or doing any of the process. He also constantly references voodoo and hoodoo to the point of actually having chapters about how readers(White ppl included) can learn to practice(check the Mystic Foundation). Not to mention literally every other culture he appropriates: “…practices witchcraft blended with the wisdom of mystic traditions from across the globe.” <- His about me in his books. I’m happy we have an openly gay witch writing books for us whatever but he constantly promotes other white authors who are making thousands of dollars a year off of black & native magic.

Pagan Spells by “author unknown” is by Al Selden Leif(it says at the bottom of the document. I couldn’t find anything on this author because this is presumably not their actual name & only publish through google docs.

Natural Magic, by Pamela J.Ball is literally spends the first quarter of the book on how to appropriate black & native cultures and the continues to take credit to their magic & rituals later in the book.. so..

Winter is now approaching and its such a powerful time for weather magic, focusing on magic within the home and self reflection. Here’s some witchy winter things to do!

Collecting ❄️ Collect pine cones for protection and to make the house smell good! You can use pine cone ‘thorns’ for protection or use them to leave offerings to nature as bird feeders! All you need is peanut butter and seeds for birds to eat. 

❄️Winter water for winter magic! Snow water can correspond with patience, growth and purity. Blizzard water can be used for curses, banishing and concealing(since blizzards can bury things in snow). Icicle water for protection and defensive magic. Ice rain for petty hexes (think of uncomfortable falling debris constantly hitting you from the sky), or in a positive/neutral light- the accumulation of something. 

Snow and Ice Magic

❄️Snow Sentinels to protect the home! You can mold them to look like ordinary snowmen or shape a monster from the snow! I dunno I would much prefer having a dramatic snow troll emerging from the icy depths of my front lawn then a jolly looking fellow but if your neighbors will start asking questions I guess just go for the usual unsuspecting looking snow man. Use them to ward unwanted energy and guests! Build a snowman around a witch jar if you really want to add extra magic and power to your snow sentinel! 

❄️Make Ice lanterns especially if you celebrate Imbolc, Candlemas, Candle Day the Winter Crossquarter or (as Upthewitchypunx celebrates) Candlemark! It’s a beautiful and naturesque way to make your yard a glow in the dark times of winter. There are several ways to make it! (1, 2- preferred, 3, 4). Also it’s my Winter Crossquarter personal tradition to welcome the light back by putting out a new lantern every day after Yule and lighting it so that there is a new light. (often this accumulates up to 40 but it makes for a beautiful show). (Since I can only fit so many lanterns in my freezer and I don’t always have time to make more I usually end up making 10-15 and the rest are interior electric candles- just to give you some realistic obstacles to expect if you want to part take in that). 

❄️ You can also make Ice Capsules the similar way to making ice lanterns in a balloon or in a cup and sealing your spells in there to be disposed of in nature. Sometimes witches like to bury spells in jars but that might not be the best thing for nature especially if you want to do that for most of your spells. There are great alternatives to burying your spell like in a wrapped leaf or in light paper that can break down easily, but you can be extra creative and seal them in an ice ball to be tucked away under snow. 

❄️Cut out snowflakes for papercraft magic! You can write spells in them, or cut out symbols when they are folded up to make a kaleidoscopic piece. Envision something ideally something you’d want to last or stick around for. Cast this spell by dissolving it in snow water, freezing it in snow water and sticking it in the freezer or burying it in the snow outside.

❄️Charge your water safe crystals and tools in the snow! Gather some snow in a bowl and bring it to your altar to place your water-proof items within!

❄️If you work with the winter spirits make sweet ice offerings. Mix sugar water (heat it up first to get it well infused) and with an ice tray pour some in and maybe add some natural coloring or even small sliced fruit or berries to freeze! Pop the cubes out (bonus if you have cute ice trays like star shapes) and leave them out as offerings! You can also make stormsorceress’s snow fairy icecream to offer to nature outside as well!

❄️If you use Thawing Salt to for the ice on your property, you can bless it and also do magic to ward away negativity from around your home (since you usually have to spread it around your walkways) it makes for great wards to protect from icy roads and unpleasant energy!

❄️Frost Scrying can be done by divining the frost on icy windows! 

Self Care

❄️Winter is a time of self reflection, rest and hibernation. Don’t feel down if most of what you do this season is stay under the covers and sleep, it’s the season to slow down and relax. Do some self reflection, take time to meditate if you are trapped in doors. There are some really relaxing winter meditation sound tracks I love to listen to. 

❄️Winter is also the season of physical self care or else it will get the best of your skin and hair. I see winter as Spa season cause it’s the best time to go to a sauna house and also a season I focus the most on moisturization. Make body butters with coconut oil or shea butter (depending on how dry your skin gets), add warming massage oil in your magical mixtures to give your skin a nice sense of warmth as you apply your body butters to begin your day! I love to use sweet warm scents in my body lotions such as cinnamon (which is also warming), and nutmeg and fragrance oils such as sugar cookie, caramel and brown sugar. 

 ❄️ I like to use refreshing winter scents like peppermint and cedar oil in balms to apply on my chest when my nose is stuffy. Peppermint helps to clear up nasal passages. Make sure to mix only a little in cocobutter because it can be icy and uncomfortable if there is too much in the ratio. 

❄️Enchant your Chapstick with protection! If you want to have a lip-pain free season, then you will be making the most with your chapstick! Add glamour magic to it if you want to use your chapstick to be more heard while speaking, have more appealing lips, whatever you like. 

❄️Bless your clothing with protection. You can coat the dryer balls with cinnamon oil and also cedar for warmth (also cinnamon and cedar smells like a Christmas tree). You can use any oil that won’t stain clothing (most good essential oils won’t if it’s not directly on it) that you associate with warmth and protection to put on the dryer balls and it will help fluff out your sweaters, make them smell great and be an easy discreet way for glamour magic!

Cooking

❄️Witches love to make spells with infused waters but you can do spells for teas since it’s basically hot infused water! Bless your thermos. Every morning make yourself a magical tea blend for your day before you leave for work or school. Peppermint for clarity, cleanliness; cinnamon spice for fiery energy, warmth, passion; black tea for alert energy, power; orange spice for zesty creativity; pomegranate for love and sensuality; nutmeg for attractiveness; ginger for protection and grounding etc. there’s many correspondences for these listed but also the majority of these help fight colds and lift the spirit so it’s good to drink. You can also use fresh fruit to add in the hot water and vitamin C packets if you need an extra boost!

❄️The Crockpot was basically made for this season! It’s so practical and is like a modern slowcooking cauldron. I will post again the list of fantastic crock pot recipes for fall and winter. 

❄️If you love lattes and making latte art I would highly suggest getting a Milk Wand! It’s a milk frother wand that can froth milk at a high speed (like a super highspeed whisk) and if you have the skill you can make latte sigils into your morning drink to give boost to your day. A fantastic idea queercraft​ posted is to steam Kava (and other herbs can work) into your milk to make morning latte. Its a great way to begin the day on a relaxed note. 

❄️ Herbal Remedies can be helpful if you catch a scratchy throat or stuffy nose and want to help alleviate the common cold. You can check out this short and sweet list by Recreational Witchcraft of common herbal remedies that are practical to use in this season!

Home Decorations

❄️Tree Decorations can be a great source of magic! If you celebrate Yule, Winter Solstice or Christmas and will get a tree make salt dough ornaments! You can make them very magical and add sigils for joy on them. You can also make spell bobbles for joy and peace! This video will show you how to craft a witch’s ball out of an empty tree ornament bobble for protection! 

❄️Make a pine besom for protection. Most will think it’s Christmas decoration. Add holy for longevity, mistletoe for love, and currants for prosperity!

❄️Make Potpourri to help freshen the home! The air in the home can get stale due to lack of circulation since it’s too cold to open windows. Also day to day cleansing with refreshing peppermint, eucalyptus or pine helps refresh the air!  

🌑 New Moon 🌑 — time used for starting anew, personal growth and setting new intentions

Magic: consecrating new tools, cleansing and banishment

When: the moon is directly between the sun and earth, so we see the dark side of the moon

🌒 Waxing Moon 🌔 — time used for gaining power and energy and acting on intentions

Magic: love and attraction magic, cleansing and protection rituals

When: the sun begins to move closer to the moon so we see the first crescent of light until the moon is almost full

🌕 Full Moon 🌕 — time used for using power and energy and sealing intentions

Magic: cleansing and charging rituals, manifesting and divination

When: the sun is opposite the moon so we see the entire light side, two weeks after the new moon, for three days before and three days after

🌖 Waning Moon 🌘 — time used for gratitude and banishing negativity

Magic: cleansing and banishing rituals

When: the sun begins to move further from the moon so we see the first dark crescent until the moon is dark

🌑 Dark Moon 🌑 — time used for regaining energy and reflection

Magic: no magic is performed, focus on personal matters and self care

When: three days before the new moon, the moon cannot be seen in any phase

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Here’s the explanation for fellow baby witches

It's generally accepted in witchcraft that we get our energy and power from the moon. As the moon goes through different phases, so do our abilities. This is why it's important to pay attention to the moon phases, so we know which forms of magic are best to perform and what time for the highest success rate.

I never did this, and I dont know why, but i regret it. I lost motivation in witchcraft for a while because nothing i seemed to be doing was impacting my life. I had a recent spark that brought me back though, and i regret not paying more attention to this stuff, because i'm a very structured person as it is.

An important note is that this isnt a complete list of all the phases, it's an overview. there are more detailed versions all over tumblr with crescents, gibbouses and quarters, but this is my current understanding at my current level, and one day i'll expand it.