#stormwitch

Growing up in the heart of the Balkans, I have been intimately woven into the tapestry of a unique ancient tradition known as Gromnica ( Gromnitsa) . Derived from the word "grom," which translates to thunder, and the creation of the Thunder Candle.

Gromnitsa, in particular, involves the sacred ritual of blessing candles and the creation of a distinctive candle known as the Thunder Candle (Gromnica) ." This candle, often adorned with intricate decorations, symbolizes the power of lightning or thunderbolt. Folklore says that the blessed candles and the Gromnitsa carry a protective aura, guarding against storms and malevolent energy. The Thunder Candle should be lit during hard thunderstorms or whilst someone in the household is ill, or on their deathbed.

Many lit candles are taken home to illuminate the household, symbolizing the spreading of light and the warming of the Earth, the awakening of Nature. Some communities also engage in processions or rituals meant to ward off evil and ensure a prosperous and safe year.

This centuries-old custom is intricately tied to the celebration of Candlemas, an event observed on February 2nd that blends Christian and pre-Christian customs. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Candlemas marks the presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.

In modern times, the gromnice is stored away carefully for important ceremonies such as a christening, First Communion, Confirmation or Anointing.

While the name "Gromnica" might not be universally used across the entire Balkan region, variations of the Candlemas celebration are observed multiple countries. These customs highlight the cultural and religious diversity of the region, where ancient traditions intertwine with Roman-catholic and Orthodox practices and continue to this day.

I’m studying in the American south and we’re at the tail end of hurricane season now. The last three months we’ve had three tropical storms, a hurricane, water spouts, and a tornado.

The first tropical storm, I went outside to scream bc I was furious abt my work. (It’s like they’re trying to get ppl to quit. I’ve worked there less than a year and a half and I’ve been here longer than 80% of the ppl I work with, including my manager.) But I was screaming and it felt like the storm was screaming with me. It was great to have a companion in my anger; I usually just bottle it up, I’ve never done anything like this before. The lightning was huge, the thunder deafening, and the rain so thick you could barely see across the street.

I was kinda egging it on, being like “yeah, fuck them! Cmon!” Which felt great but there were times were I was like “maybe I bit off more than I can chew.” Lightning hit the top of our building twice. The whole world went white and I genuinely couldn’t hear for a minute.

I know storms are dangerous and versatile and I had no intention of trying to control it, but in the future, is there anything I could do to spiritually prepare?

Now I want to say that I usually live in a place that gets hurricanes so I took all the physical precautions. Standing three feet from the front door under the concrete awning so I wasn’t even in the rain, no metal, no umbrella, first aid kit, water, and nonperishable food stockpiled upstairs, etc

I apologise for taking so long to answer - things have been HECTIC for me!!

If there's anyone who works with storms/weather magic/spirits more regularly, or has experience with hurricane spirit specifically PLEASE feel free to reply, comment etc and add your thoughts and suggestions!!

First, I live in the UK - we certainly have stormy weather but are not used to dangerous storms like hurricanes so I cannot provide a lot of practical advice that you won't already know. When working with any sort of natural disaster, you MUST take the necessary precautions. Research, Research, Research. Listen to locals and experienced storm-farers and prioritse your safety above all else (though it seems you're well educated and prepared). Storms are fierce and powerful, they definitely align strongly with extremely strong emotions like anger and a LOT of other practitioners (including myself) see them as a companion to our anger, as you said. Some practitioners do specialise in weather magic and seek to control storms - I don't nor do I reccomend it, they're not easily controlled and their energy often retaliates against attempts. However, from my experience any form of weather spirit prefers offerings of emotion over physical offerings (though they don't go amiss). Give up your anger to a storm, let your emotions be washed off by rain, present your soul and feelings while you bask in the sun. To spiritually prepare for storm work, I would say figure out what you want from it. If you give the storm a unbridled yet undirected push of anger, you get a powerful burst of energy that goes everywhere. Focus your anger, find your intention. Do you want to simply release your feelings, give them up to be whisked away by the storm? Let that intention be made clear. Are you asking the storm to give you energy? Make sure that is clear, offer an exchange of your feelings for their power.* Do you want to ask the storm a question? Make clear how you want the answer to be presented.

But that’s not who I am. Whatever is inside me is sharp and gray as the thorn wood.”

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