Rayne April, 2012

Aspecting

Aspecting is a ritual you can perform to attune yourself with the energies of a particular deity.  For a period of time you invite the deity to reside within you, and as they test you and present you with lessons you in turn ask that they share a particular gift with you.

What you need:

A candle (preferably in a color that corresponds to your deity)

An offering

Something that represents your deity

What you do:

First: RESEARCH!!! I can’t stress this part enough! You really want to have a connection with your deity, be it there myths, or their attributes. You need something that really resonates with you. Psychologically when we search for partners be that friends, or lovers we usually seek out people who complement our personalities. For instance if you are usually a disorganized person perhaps you find someone who is very structured attractive because you admire their sense of organization; the same can be true with Aspecting.  Seek a deity that resonates with you, one who you respect or admire, and one who you could learn from. Next allot a certain amount of time to work with your deity. Be it a month, a lunar cycle, etc. I’m going to show you my Aspecting ritual so you can have a good idea of what you want to say. Basically you want to ask the deity to reside within you, share with you lessons, and bless you with their gifts. It really helps to talk to the deity like there really there with you. Every time you work with your deity even if it’s just to invoke their essence light the candle and ruminate in what you’ve asked of the deity. At the end of the time I your candle isn’t burned completely out, you can continue burning it or bury it. Whichever fits your fancy.

Rayne’s Ritual Aspecting with Oya

This is my personal Aspecting ritual.

Oya is a Yoruban Orisha, she rides with the wind, what she destroys you no longer need. I asked her to grant me her gift of strong will, and determination. Her color is burgundy, her number is nine, and she likes copper, so I incorporated all of these elements into the ritual. On the night of the full moon I took nine copper coins, and my burgundy candle outside. I laid the coins around the candle, ground and centered myself, and then said something like this:

“Blessed Oya, Orisha of change of the gentle breeze and fierce hurricane I invite you here. By lighting this candle I enter an agreement that I will take to heart any lessons you present me with, and I ask that in return you, Oya, stay with me as the moon wanes and goes to new, and rises and becomes full. I vow to have an open heart, to receive your knowledge, to receive your gift of unmovable determination and you never ceasing will. Help me accept change and be as fluid and steadfast as the wind. For what you destroy I no longer need. Blessed Be.” Light the candle, I then left the candles outside as an offering to The Orisha of change.

**This is a VERY personal experience people will experience their deity in many ways, keep your eyes, mind, and heart open for your deity, and they will manifest in your life. When it comes to the end of your allotted time and if you feel like you haven’t learned anything again tell your deity that you wish them to show you themselves to you. Continue researching your deity, and make a connection! Blessed Be all!**

Tags: ritual

• Spells & Rituals

Morika Bernhard April, 2012

Angelic Guide Summoning Spell

A SPELL TO MEET YOUR SPIRIT GUIDE (ANGEL)

Items Needed:

Altar Candle

All Purpose White Candle

4” candles (white)

3 Violet candles

3 pink candles

Crystal ball or glass of water

Angel Guide Summoning Oil (make this yourself with olive oil, a drop of
cinnamon and either Frankincense resin piece dropped in the oil, or a drop of
 Frankincense oil.  If you have any of the other herbs or essential oils listed directly below that you
can add to the oil, that would be great; if not, do not worry; what you have is fine.)

Anise, cardamon, or coriander incense

Cinnamon, frankincense, myrrh, or sandalwood bathing herbs

Preparation:

Breathe deeply and build a ball of protective light around you. While soaking in your ritual bath
(min. of 20 min.), meditate on the whole ritual: the steps you will take and what you wish to say to
your spirit guide when you make contact.

Ritual:

Cast your circle; call the quarters; then enter the circle and light the incense. With the oil, dress

the altar candle and the day candle while concentrating on the purpose of the ritual. Light the
 annointed candles and state your intent (choose your own words or say the following):

     “I am here to make contact with my Spirit Guide,

     And to acknowledge him or her…”

THEN: With a sharp instrument (perhaps an athame), inscribe the violet candle #1 with the word "Angel".
Dress it with the oil.  Light it, direct your energies into it, and say:

     “I light the first candle for Angelic protection.

     May its light reach out across from East to West and North to South;

          from this world to the next.

     May it make contact with that World of Spirit

          into which we will eventually enter.”

THEN: Take your censer or incense wand and swing it around sensing
the whole area around the altar, while rhythmically repeating the
word "Join" and building up energy to focus.  Let your inner energy
build, and build.  Don’t be self-conscious.

THEN:  Replace the censer and pick up violet candle #2. Inscribe it
again with the word "Angel" and dress it with the oil. Put it back
on the altar, light it, direct your energy into it, and say:

     “I light the second candle for Angelic guidance.

     May its light reach out across from East to West and North to South;

          from this world to the next.

     May it make contact with that World of Spirit

          Lighting the way between our worlds."

THEN: Again, take the censer or incense wand and cense the entire area
around the altar while chanting the word "Join" Build up your energy to focus.

THEN: Take violet candle #3, inscribe with the word "Angel", dress with oil,
charge with your energy, light it and say:

     “I light the third candle for Angelic healing.

     May its light reach out across from East to West and North to South;

          from this world to the next.

     May it make contact with that World of Spirit

     May the light from these three candles JOIN,

          Banishing the darkness and lighting the way

     That my Angelic Spirit Guide may come to me

          and speak with me here today.”
Aromatherapeutic Essential Oil –
A “New Moon Wellness herbals© Product”

www.underthenewmoon.com

Tags: angel summoning

• Spells & Rituals

Rayne March, 2012

Ostara Ritual

Lore:

The Spring Equinox is considered the start of spring; flowers begin to blossom and bloom. And color returns to the Earth. Ostara is one of the only two days in the year when day and night are equal. Because of this day of symmetry, balance is one of the many magical themes for this Sabbat. All about potential: the potential for balance above and below, and the potential for growth, renewal and the possibility of new starts.

Incense:

Cinnamon

Rosemary

Copal Resin

Mullein

Benzoin

Thyme

Agrimony

Spearmint

Lemon grass

Myrrh gum resin

Hyssop

Colors:

Pastels

Blues

Pinks

Yellows

Tools:

Salt

Water

Sage

Athame

Purpose:

Clear away the debris and stagnant energy left over from the cold dark months prepare mentally, physically, spiritually, for a fresh start in the spring. Clearing away the new.

Ritual:

Do whatever cleansing you would like (smudging with sage, sweeping with a besom, ringing of bells, infusion of herbal water) Light a bonfire. Set up the altar. Cleanse yourself and your space, and cast your circle, and call the quarters.

Quarter Call:

Raise your hands to the East Watchtower, say, “Creatures of Air, Spirits of the East I summon thee and ask that you guard the circle with the gentleness of a breath, and the fierce winds of a hurricane. Walk to the South, say, “Creatures of Fire, Spirits of the South I summon thee and ask that you protect the circle with the warmth of a candles flame and the scorch of the sun’s rays. Walk to the West, say, “Creatures of Water, Spirits of the West I summon thee and ask that you wash us a new like the ocean’s waves or the soft touch of a summer’s rain. Walk to the North, say, “Creatures of Earth, Spirits of the North I summon thee and ask that you ground us in the never moving spirit of the Great Oak, and the forever adapting land on which we live. Walk to the altar, say, “Blessed Spirit fill our circle with your presence, with your love, with your guidance, watch over us as we give our thanks to the Earth, and as we align ourselves to your energy. Be with us now, So mote it be.

*As you invoke each element light your candle.*

Goddess Invocation:

Great Demeter, Goddess of the fertile Earth, I ask that you join us today, and as we open ourselves to the possibilities that surround us. Blessed Mother fill us with your healing love, with the energy to grow and change.  Welcome, and Blessed Be. Goddess Persephone, Goddess of Transformation I ask you to join us today, Guide us along our path so that we may be born again, that we may let go of our fears and embrace our dreams; that we may rise like a phoenix from the ashes with a fresh start.

Light the Goddess candle.

Suggested Spellwork would include: Releasing magic, Here’s an example.

Gather your incense mix in your palms as you walk around your bonfire. Say:

“Pains of the past be now cleansed from our hearts, away we send.

By the glow of the fire and scorching flame, break the bonds, break our chains.

By the flow of the water and the oceans gaze, lead us through the darkest haze.

By the shift of the air and the heavenly gale on the winds of a dove our grief away sail.

By the strength of the earth and the core of the land we are always changing following the sands.

And by the Spirit, the cherished divine we are forever changing following the sands.”

Throw your incense into the fire.

Thanking the Quarters:

Walk to the North, say, “Spirits of the Earth we thank you for grounding us, stay if you will go if you must in perfect love and perfect trust So mote it be.” Walk to the West, say, “Spirits of the West we thank you for washing our Spirits new stay if you will go if you must in perfect love and perfect trust So mote it be.” Walk to the South, say, “Spirits of the South thank you for protecting us, stay if you will go if you must in perfect love and perfect trust So mote it be.” Walk to the East, say, “Spirits of the East thank you guarding our circle, stay if you will go if you must in perfect love and perfect trust So mote it be.” Walk to the altar, say, Blessed Spirit thank you for opening our hearts to your Divine love, to your guidance, as we change, and grow, may we always look within and see your eternal warmth and light. Stay with us forever.”

Circle Closing:

For this Sabbat imagine the circle’s energy swirling and instead of going back into the Earth imagine it going into your heart, anytime you need guidance you can search within for that divine energy that you cast.

Blessed Be.

It’s always important to remember:

**The confines of ritual are as diverse as the Witch performing within the circle. For this reason it’s important to have an open mind as well as Spirit when learning, planning, constructing, and completing the intentions of a ritual. Tools are the most flexible thing in Magic, and ritual tools are of course no exception. An index finger can serve as a wand, a door knob as an athame. The expanse of the mind is practically limitless when it comes to your tools. Never think that a journal can’t stand as a book of shadows, a drawing as a pentacle. The possibilities are infinite.**

Tags: Ostara, ritual

• Spells & Rituals

Rayne February, 2012

Imbolc

Festival of Lights

Lore:

Brigid is the Celtic Goddess of Inspiration, light, and the hearth. It is said the infant Goddess was born at the exact second of day break and rose into the sky with the sun as flames licked around her head. Her symbols include fire, cows, milk, candles, and light. Brigid is the spark of creation in all of us. She fills the empty vessel with light so that we may bring forth fruition.

Purpose:

Imbolc celebrates the initial stirrings of spring, and the return of the warmth and light to the world. It’s a perfect time for cleansing and purification! Basically time to come out of hibernation and greet the sun. As the wheel of the year turns at Imbolc the Goddess is a young mother, and the God is growing from an infant at Yule to a vigorous child.

Colors:

White (probably due to the ties to milk)

Yellow (the sun)

Tools:

Several white taper or tea light candles

Chalice filled with milk

Quarter candles

Seeds of some sort (herbs to transplant on Ostara work wonderfully)

A small pot with soil in it

Goddess and God candle

Sage Wand

Athame

Small Thing of water

Ritual:

Begin the ritual by placing the white taper or tea light candles throughout the house, and one on the altar. Once all the candles are placed turn out all the lights in the house. Pour your seeds into a bowl. Then light the sage wand and cleanse yourself, and your space. Once the space is cleansed walk deosil around the circle with your finger or athame. You can cast the circle silently or with the chant I have:

“I cast the circle round and round,

From earth to sky, and sky to ground;

Outside time, and outside space,

The circle is cast I reside between the worlds.”¹

Visualize the inside of the circle growing with white light.

Invoke the four quarters by standing at each coordinate point, light the candle after you have said the quarter invocation.

East (Air Candle): I open my mind to the East – Powers of Air, and the steady gale. Blow clean the negativity of the darkness passed. Moving breath of the Goddess may you bring fourth creativity and inspiration. Light the candle.

South (Fire Candle): I open my mind to the South – Powers of Fire, and the eternal flame. Ignite my inner passion. Sacred touch of the Goddess may you bring fourth my never ceasing inner will, and irrevocable change. Light the candle.

West (Water Candle): I open my intuition to the West – Powers of Water, and the flowing stream. Move within me. Sacred blood of the Goddess may you bring fourth my higher will, and the divine will of the Goddess. Light the candle.

North (Earth Candle): I open my Spirit to the North – Powers of Earth, and the gentle unfolding of Spring. Move around me.  Sacred womb of the Goddess may you bring fourth reverence, and compassion. Light the candle.

Once the quarters have been called proceed to the Goddess Invocation. “I dedicate myself and my ritual to Brigid Goddess of inspiration, creativity, and light. I welcome you into my circle, may your light fill me, and may it bring me replenishment in abundance. Blessed Be. Light the candle. Next close your eyes and visualize the silence and coldness of winter. Feel it all around. Open your eyes and light the taper candle on the altar. Visualize the light pulsating from the candle into your body. See your body aglow. Create a doorway in the circle and walk through your house lighting all the candles one by one. Once you get back to the center of your house or wherever your ritual is taking place close the circle, and say. “Goddess Brigid bringer of light may your divine energy spark the creativity within me, and birth inspiration to cultivate my dreams.” Take your potted plant and seeds. Pour your intentions into the seeds; see them representing your goals, your wishes, and your dreams. Once you’ve charged the seeds plant them into the pot, put your fingers into the soil. Feel it warm just as the sun warms the earth for the stirrings of spring. You too are warming the earth with your energy. Once this is complete pour a small amount of water unto the soil, and place it in a window seal after the ritual is complete.

Proceed to the cakes and ale portion of the ritual. On Imbolc I like to walk outside and pour a small amount of milk on the ground as offering to the Goddess Brigid, and thank her for once again stirring the Earth back to life from the coldness of winter. Thank and bid farewell to the quarters. At each candle say “Stay if you will go if you must in perfect love and perfect trust, So mote it be.” And extinguish the candle.

I hope everyone has a great Imbolc!

Blessed Be!

Tags: imbolc, magic, magick, ritual

• Spells & Rituals

K. White Moon February, 2012

Simple Snow Magick

Love it or hate it, in many parts of the world we are now buried in it:  Snow!

Personally, I’m not a big fan of scraping ice off the windshield of the car every morning, or spending hours shoveling out the driveway, so to keep myself from becoming too bitter I have tried to look at snow from a more positive perspective.  I’ve come up with some ideas to help me appreciate the icy coldness a little bit, and I’ll share them with you.

Snow has uses, not only in nature but in your own magickal life. Where I live, the extreme cold and ice are necessary in the germination of many of our local fruit trees – pears, apples, peaches – and the melting of the snow in spring ensures healthy crops in the coming summer, by saturating the earth with water.  From a magickal perspective, you can integrate snow into your workings.

*Snow can grant wishes. Draw a symbol of your desire in the snow like the pentacle shown above, or a heart of love, a $ for money, be creative. If it resonates with meaning for you that’s what’s important. As it melts over time or is covered by more layers of snow, that is nature accepting your wish into its wintry self, and is working on manifesting it.  The symbol you drew in the snow, transforms into water just as your intent will transform into reality.

*Snow is just frozen rainwater, which means it is great for any spell that needs water, since it’s natural and not from a tap. Boil some Rosemary, Lavender and Pine needles in it, cool and drain, and spray or drip around the house as a cleansing potion. It smells nice as it simmers, too.  Do the same thing to add to your water section on your altar.  Add a drop to your own drinking water or tea (but only a little!  It could be polluted, unfortunately), to empower yourself with elemental water.

*Add a handful of snow to your bathwater to cool the emotions, whether for anger, depression or crazy love madness that you can’t get out of your head.

Other than that, think of snow as a big, cozy soft white quilt that has been laid over the land, keeping it snug and cozy while it sleeps. And remember, winter makes us appreciate the spring just that much more.

Blessed be!

K. White Moon

www.WhiteMoonWitchcraft.etsy.com

http://whitemoonwitchcraft.blogspot.com

Tags: magic, magick, snow

• Spells & Rituals

K. White Moon January, 2012

Creative Ways to Use Magickal Essential Oils

Essential oils have been used for centuries in medicine and magick.  Scent is one of our most powerful senses: it can trigger long forgotten memories, change our moods, uplift us or depress us, and even have physical effects on our health and wellbeing.

Essential oils are fairly easy to find and purchase at most health food stores or metaphysical shops.  When you are using them for magickal purposes, it is important to buy true essential oils derived from plants and resins, not synthetics or “fragrances” made from chemicals.  Synthetics carry no magickal properties whatsoever because they do not contain any of the actual plant properties.

You may be familiar with using magickal oils and already have some favourites.  You can use them blended together in a “perfume” for a magickal goal or one at a time.  Just for quick reference, here is a brief list of some magickal goals and my favourite oils that correspond with each, that I have found work well for me and smell nice too.

Money – Peppermint and cinnamon

Peace – Lavender

Love – Rosemary and Ylang-Ylang

Self Confidence – Ginger

Sex – Patchouli

Health – Sandalwood

Spirituality – Frankincense

Happiness – Orange

Protection – Clove

There are multitudes and fun ways to use magickal oils in our daily lives.  Here are some of my favourites.

-Put a small amount of the chosen oil on your fingertips, and then braid it into your hair.  As you do so, visualize your goal as if you already have it (money, relationship, etc.).  As you “bind” the oil into your hair, you are drawing to yourself the properties of the oil you have chosen.  Tie the braid with an elastic and leave in until it falls out on its own or you feel finished with it.

-Put a few drops of oil on the blades of your ceiling fan to spread the chosen energy throughout your home.

-Add some drops of oil to scentless body lotion, and wear daily.

-Dip a cotton ball in some oil and place it in the fan of your vacuum cleaner (the spot where you can feel the air blowing out) to spread the power of the oil all over your house.  I like lemon for this because it is spiritually cleansing.  If you are cleaning the house prior to hosting a get together or party, try using orange or lavender to promote feelings of contentedness in your guests.

-Put some drops of oil onto ordinary paper.  When it dries it will leave a scent.  Rub it onto letters and resumes (love letters can be scented with Rosemary or Ylang-Ylang, resumes and job applications with cinnamon and cloves).

-Add a couple of drops to your dish water, so the energy can absorb into your skin while you work.

-A few drops in your laundry will infuse your clothes with your chosen intent.  When you wear those clothes the oil can work its magick whether it is to draw something to you or to keep something away.

-For Protection, draw a pentacle on your windows with your finger and some clove oil.  Leave it for three days and three nights, then wipe clean.

-Douse a cotton ball with ginger oil, and keep it in a little airtight jar that can fit in your bag.  As needed, discreetly sniff it when you need a little confidence or courage.

- Before going out on the town, put a drop of Ylang-Ylang oil in each shoe to attract a mate (just a little!  It can be sticky!).  Likewise you can do this before work with money attracting oil to ensure you earn lots of cash.

-Put some on the threshold of the entry to your home to attract any of the aforementioned energies into your home.

Enjoy and Blessed Be!

K. White Moon

www.WhiteMoonWitchcraft.etsy.com

http://whitemoonwitchcraft.blogspot.com

Tags: oils

• Articles , Spells & Rituals

Morika Bernhard January, 2012

Cleanse, Restore, Renew

It’s once again another new year upon us!  Some believe this year, 2012, to be special…in a myriad of ways.  The great thing about this spell below, is that it doesn’t matter what your beliefs are concerning what 2012 might bring.  It is NEVER a bad time to cleanse yourself spiritually, emotionally and mentally and restore and find that renewed sense of vigor and vitality.

I hope 2012 brings us all much peace, much abundance and much love.  Enjoy this spell and may you start 2012 on a spiritually clean slate to welcome in all that the Universe has for you!

Items needed:  2 white candles; picture of yourself; incense (optional); tea (optional)

• Although not necessary, it is a good idea to bathe before this ritual/prayer to do a ‘symbolic’ cleansing.  Use a refreshing scent (peppermint is a nice choice) to stimulate your senses. Focus on the things you wish to release and picture your spiritual self in a cleansed and pure state.  Then quiet your mind and if desired, have a cup of calming (but not sedating) tea.
• Cast a circle, call the guardians, if you normally do or desire.  However, it is always good to ask for protection during any prayer/spell.
• Get 2 white candles (4” spell candles are fine.)
• Place them equi-distance away from each other on the center of your altar or place of prayer.
• Lay a picture of yourself in the center on your altar just in front and in between the 2 white candles; laying face up.
• Light some incense as you desire (something refreshing is a good choice)
• You should have already done some focusing on the things you wish to release.  Now, thinking of those things, light the white candle on the left.  We are using a white candle instead of a black candle for this as we are not ‘banishing’ anything but instead we are focusing on ‘cleansing ourselves from the past things that no longer serve us and gratefully releasing those things.’
• Focus on purifying yourself as you release each unwanted thing from your life.  These unwanted or undesired things can be physical items; habits, thoughts, traits, relationships, etc… anything that you wish to no longer maintain or have in this coming year.  With NO ILL THOUGHTS OR WISHES, GLADLY release these things as you focus on the candle on your left.
• Now, glance at your picture of yourself on the altar and thank yourself for letting those things go.  Thank Spirit for helping you in do so.  Let the candle on the left burn.
• As you glace now at the white candle on your right, light this candle and focus on those things that you wish to bring forth INTO your life.  Again, whatever you wish to have in your life in the new year, physical, emotional or otherwise….focus on these.  Take time to drink in the flame.  Thank Spirit, thank yourself thank all the good that is helping you in achieving these manifestations.  Belief is crucial.  Belief manifests reality.  Believe with all you can muster that what you desire will come to pass.  Make sure your thoughts, wishes and desires are as pure and “good for all concerned” as possible.  When you feel ready, you can release any circle if you cast one and thank your guardians, Spirit and close as you see fit.
• You may carefully lift the candle on the right and slide the picture of yourself under that burning candle (if safe to do so – don’t do anything that could be a fire hazard.)
• As this candle now burns, KNOW that these things are on your way.  That the cries of your heart have been cast now to the spirit winds and are going to manifest as you have prayed.

Keep a diary/journal/log of the things you have asked for/prayed for in this spell-ritual-prayer.  Update it throughout the year as things come to pass.  Use it in your next New Year’s ritual.

Happy New Year and until next month,

Morika

www.underthenewmoon.com

Tags: cleanse, renew, restore

• Spells & Rituals

Rayne January, 2012

House Cleansing Ritual

Purpose:

To cleanse your house or place of residency of unwanted/negative energy.

Colors:

White

Herbs:

Sage

Cedar

Sweetgrass

*This ritual works best if you by the herbs in wand form*

Tools:

1 white candle

Your three herb bundles

Ritual:

Begin by starting in the main room of the house, cast your circle. Invoke the elements and invoke any deity you wish to assist you with your cleansing. Once you’ve called the elements, light the white candle envision divine white light pouring down all around you filling your body, and your house. Light the sage wand and allow it to smolder I recommend doing this over a plate or an abalone shell to catch the ashes. Once it’s smoldering move in a counterclockwise direction (widdershins) wafting the sage smoke throughout the room. Pay special attention to doors, and closets. *When I get to doors I usually trace the door frame with the smoke and move to the next room. Once the entire house has been cleansed with the smoke, go back to your starting place extinguish the sage, and pick up the Cedar wand. Light the wand, allow it to smolder and walk deosil (clockwise) Go through every room wafting the smoke of the cedar wand. Again paying special attention to places where energy might be built up. Bedrooms and places of gatherings would be key points of interest. After you’ve gone through the entire house, travel back into your starting room again. Light the Sweetgrass braid. In my opinion Sweetgrass will be harder to burn then the first two so you might have to bring the candle with you into each room. Once it’s wafting move deosil (clockwise) throughout the house. If it permits you can also walk around the perimeter of your house with all of the wands as well. I really recommend doing this but some of us out there won’t have this luxury. If you live in a place that doesn’t allow you to burn incense or wands (most college dorms) You can always substitute the smoke for a water and salt mixture and sprinkle it deosil. You could also ring a bell allowing the vibrations to cleanse the house. Honestly anything once aligned with your will and intention can used to cleanse space even clapping. Or opening a window and allowing the wind to blow throughout your house. And it’s always to make sure that your divine will is in accordance with your mundane actions. I do this by asking the God and Goddess and Spirit for their blessing whenever I’m doing a magical endeavor. For clarification purposes the reason you burn sage widdershins is because sage is a very poignant purification herb. Walking widdershins means against the sun, so when you couple the sage with this action you are allowing the herb to banish the negative energies within the house. Many times Witches will cast their magic circle widdershins when doing a banishing, or a magical act that involves the breaking of energy. When you burn the cedar and Sweetgrass these are herbs that draw positive energy to your house. So you walk deosil with the sun. This action allows the herbs to draw positive energy into your house, as this is the motion of synthesis.

I hope this helps with Spiritual Spring Cleaning! It’s always good to open your windows when doing this as the smoke can be very thick. Also a good word of advice deactivate your smoke detectors.

As always Blessed Be!

Tags: house blessing

• Spells & Rituals

K. White Moon December, 2011

A Winter Spell in a Bottle

Now that harvest time is over and the cold is starting to settle in, we are spending more time indoors and are also retreating inward, looking inside ourselves a little deeper.  The dark months are a time of reflection.  Now is the time to draw back, “hibernate” and think about our lives, our paths and ourselves in general.  Harvest isn’t just the actual bounty of the earth but also a harvest of our own achievements and experiences, both good and bad.  Winter is the ideal time to have a good look at what we have created in our lives, spread it all out and contemplate it.  Winter is also a great time for cleansing of our homes, minds and bodies.

This working is very simple and appropriate for the coming dark months.

To signify your willingness to move on and let go of things, first do a really thorough cleaning of your home.  Go through your closets and cupboards and donate anything you no longer need.  Keeping “stuff” signifies that you may also hang onto emotional baggage.  Break out the duster and tackle every nook and cranny – don’t forget on top of picture frames and the ceiling fan!

When the snow falls, go outside and gather some in a jar.  Your jar can be as plain or as fancy as you like.  You can use one that appeals to you based on color or shape, or simply because it had your favorite wine in it.  Just make sure it has a screw top and closes firmly, because you don’t want it to leak.  Let the snow melt in the jar, until the jar is full of water, all of it straight from the sky itself.  Add a handful of fresh pine needles to your jar or bottle of rain.  Pine is said to have cleansing, purifying properties and is easily found around your home or in a park.  Other herbs to consider are lavender, mint or sage.  Close the bottle and let it sit in a window where it will be exposed to both daylight and moonlight for three days and nights, to cleanse and empower it by the sun and the moon.

Find some quiet time when you will be alone and uninterrupted.  Light a white candle and if you like, cast a circle or call upon deities.  Have ready a piece of thin newsprint paper and a pen.  Think about your long term goals, as well as things that you would like to change.  Consider your experiences from the past year, and what you have learned from them.  Has anything happened that you need to let go of, such as old hurts from others or guilt upon yourself?  Perhaps there are situations you wish turned out differently that are still weighing upon you, or you are hanging onto some resentment.  Whatever it is you’d like to change or get rid of, write it down on the newsprint.  Some examples are healing a broken heart, overcoming shyness, breaking bad habits and addictions, or forgetting about someone who has wronged you.  Purge all of this out of yourself onto the paper in your own words or pictures.  See yourself as free and clear of these issues.  Then roll or fold the paper up, put it in the bottle and recap it tightly.

Put the bottle somewhere you will not see it much, like the cellar or far in the back of a closet.  Leave it there for exactly one year.  Let the snow water and herbs work away at the paper, deteriorating it and your concerns.  The ink will disappear and blur too, the elements in the bottle erasing the unwanted, unneeded hindrances.  (This is why it is important to use thin newsprint or tracing paper.  It breaks down easier.)

Next year on the same day retrieve your bottle.  Shake it up and see how the paper has changed form, perhaps into mushy nothing.  Have the long-term nasties you put onto your paper also deteriorated or changed, at least somewhat?  Even better is if you’ve forgotten what you’d written at all, the problems have been solved so successfully.

At this point, dump the contents of the bottle into a lake or river and then send the bottle to be recycled.  Don’t keep it.  Think about the positive changes you have made in a year, how things have progressed, and how far you have come.  Then walk away and call it done.

Blessed be!

K. White Moon

www.WhiteMoonWitchcraft.etsy.com

http://whitemoonwitchcraft.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/White-Moon-Witchcraft/183824068298586

Tags: bottle, winter

• Spells & Rituals

Rayneschild December, 2011

The children of the Craft of the Wise

Look greatly forward to this day

When the time is nigh for this beloved Sabbat

We know the light is on it’s way

Through this longest night we celebrate

Knowing now the light will grow

And the joy that every spirit feels

Proves that the heart does also know

As the sun goes down

And the Yule logs burn

Our loved ones gathered round

And even Earth’s creatures participate

As they do not make a sound

When the fires cold and the night grows short

This sacred time comes to a close

And the flames, and joy that come at Yule

In each person’s heart now glows.

Since the Sun is also considered helpful in workings of prosperity, during the burning of the log provides an opportunity to work some prosperity magic as well.  One way of doing this is to take a square of cloth or paper and lay it out flat.  Add one or more herb’s for prosperity such as cinquefoil, clove, or patchouli.  You can add a written request before drawing up the corners and tying it into a bundle to be burned in the fire, or you can speak your desire as the bundle burns, but either way I have found this to be a successful added bonus to the Yule fire.  I hope all of you have a Blessed Yule and a Merry Christmas!

Tags: magic, magick, poem, Poetry, prosperity, Spell

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