“I remember I held you, up high on the mountain’s side.

As I looked out over the land, all your magick filled my eyes.

I hear the ravens call my name, reminding me everything must change.

For the Earth, she lays waiting for me.”

This month I stand between the Summer Solstice and the Autumnal Equinox. It is a moment upon the Wheel that seems to defy my ability to discern the turning changes still taking place. The morning air is warm and sweet. I can see and feel a richness of the land. The bounty of Summer’s end is now ripened and ready to be savored within the lazy last days before the turn to Fall. The forest around me is so quiet as the Sun’s light peaks over the tree covered ridge. An occasional bird briefly sings but their calls now sound more like a contented sigh than anything else. Although I realize the Wheel must still be turning at the same speed, it surely does not feel that way to me. All around me there is a deep stillness. As if the forest was trying to take one last nap in the light before the shadows of the Fall claim their place, pushing Summer back into dark memory. Not yet though I think to myself as I pick some grapes and a few plums before heading down to the river. Slowly, as I breathe in the warm morning air, I step further away from the mundane allowing my senses to align with the natural world. The deeper I step, the clearer the subtle changes that mark Lughnasadh and this Moon become. I can see that the light, ever so slightly, has a hint of darker gold within it. There are spider webs everywhere, commanded by large garden spiders and adorned with the empty carcasses of the less fortunate. The moss on the trees is now dry and brittle. The once vibrant green has now faded toward a more sage like gray as it yields to August’s heat. My steps are noisy as the parched ground beneath my feet crackles under my steps. There are no more wildflowers in the small clearings and the few bees I see seem frustrated by their disappearance. Making my way down to the river I notice there is an osprey sitting upon one of the large branches reaching out from a shoreline tree. The river is at its lowest levels of the year now and although she is a little off colored from glacial melt, the water is too low to provide any decent cover for the fish. As a result, the ospreys and kingfishers are now having their day but even they seem relaxed. I finish making my way down to the river and head over to one of my favorite rocks. It has been scoured smooth and partially hollowed by the river’s rage but at this time of the year it makes a comfortable vantage point for observing. I set down my backpack, pulling out some water and sit on the cool rock. The morning Sun has not yet reached this spot and for a few minutes longer I am within the shade of the large trees. I think about the coming of Lughnasadh and the traditional start of the harvest season as I bite into one of the plums I picked earlier. I close my eyes, remembering the mornings I first saw the blossoms appear and then the initial signs of the fruit to come. For all things given there is an equal amount of energy given back, returned to the source for the Circle to flow and be complete. I remember the baby birds I found beneath the tree that had fallen from their nest to be returned to the Earth. Sitting quietly, the Sun now embracing me, I can see the ebb and flow of energy around that tree as the Wheel turned, the seasons changed and the Circle spun. The Sun is warm but now in August not nearly so direct and it feels gentle upon my tanned skin. I open my eyes, looking around and notice a heron fishing just upstream from where I sit. I watch him catch a few fish and wonder how much harder it will be for him to be so successful once the rains return in a short while. The native people call the moon of August the Full Sturgeon Moon, for it is one of the best times to catch these large fish. Others call it the Grain Moon, the Fruit Moon, the Full Red Moon for the reddish tint it takes on rising through the sultry haze of late Summer, as well as the Moon when all things ripen. They all have their connections and depending upon ones own relative perceptions a stronger or lesser personal relevance. I simply call it the Moon of Harvest, for it marks the first hint of noticeable transition the seemingly endless days toward those requiring a more structured and responsible effort. Not yet though I remind myself as I walk over to one of the larger pools in the river. This is one of the few times during the year when Fire and Water are gently entwined. The energies between the two seem closer and for a short time the river is refreshingly cool and not freezing cold. As I drift in the pool and then sit at its edge I think about everything I harvest from this world around me. Not just those things I physically consume but all that I take, borrow and use along my journey. Do I return or give back anything close to what I take?  While I sit there in the river, wondering, I see the first Chinook salmon of the season to make it this far up river. She is a large female, her fins torn and tattered from her long promised journey. She has come to spawn and then give back all that she has left, returning what she has harvested along her way.  Once again I am awed by Nature’s magickal perfection and as I head back home I have a deeper understanding of this moment upon the Wheel.

For me, every full Moon represents an opportunity to peer into an aspect of nature and try to find the spiritual relevance for the path I seek to walk.  There are many names given to the full Moons of each month and I believe that each of us must decide which best fits the place we live. In doing so, remember to acknowledge the memories of the past, while maintaining an awareness of the present and casting an eye toward the future. This month, January, I am going to share how I celebrate and understand the Wolf Moon, through my ritual.

I set my altar basically the same for each full moon. I use three candles to form a triangle. There is one to honor the Goddess, one for the God and the third candle to signify the energies joining to create a full moon. Along with the objects I’ve chosen to represent the elements, I will place a few items, small statues and photographs that visually remind the Circle of the wolf. In addition, I include an incense of pine or cedar, something that is able to conjure the deep dark of a forest, an anointing oil of similar design and an ambient music source that contains wolf sounds. If you are unable to find oil you like, try using a small branch from a conifer.  I find that when you include items that pull the senses more deeply into the ritual, the mind more easily follows and stands open within the sacred space. There are many gods and goddesses who are connected with wolves among the different pantheons, too many to mention here, so I suggest that each person does a little research to discover the deities who best relate to their own individual path.  The rituals I lead always begin with a breathing exercise with everyone standing around the altar. Once we have all relaxed and stepped away from the mundane, I start the circle cast. Most reading this probably have a circle cast, so I will not go into detail about the cast that I use. However if there is any interest in learning another one or any questions regarding casting circle, perhaps I can address this in a future column. This is a good place I think, for me to say how honored I feel to be asked to share how I experience this world and to share a little about myself. I am blessed to live in a place, with my wife and our two wolf dogs, where the Earth still sings loud and clear. Here in the forest, I am allowed to witness the cycles of nature. It is a place where salmon come to create anew and are granted release from their long promise. It is a place where a raging river reminds me that change is the only constant, while ancient trees stand patient and wise. Most important though, it is a place that whispers to the spirit, of the magick that exists in just a single breath of fresh air.

Once the Circle is cast, the space is cleansed, purified and sealed, the calls to the Watchers of the Quarters are made. The female and male leading the ritual then call to the Goddess and to the God and in turn light the appropriate candle. Together they hold a large wooden match, igniting it within the God’s flame while saying,” the God shines his light”. Then while moving the lit match into the Goddesses’ flame they say,” the Goddess captures and enchants the light”. Finally they light the full Moon candle saying,” and this night, bathes the world in her light and love”.  When this is completed and the altar is aglow it is time to speak of the meaning and the direction for the ritual. I feel it is important to give those in the Circle a basic framework so they can be at ease with me leading them into a meditative state. For this moon I let them know that we will be thinking about the significance the energies and spirit of the wolf may hold for each of us. Next I will light the incense and begin passing the wolf photographs around the Circle. As everyone is looking at the pictures and connecting in some way to the wolf, I make my way around the Circle to anoint their foreheads and say, ”I connect you to the Earth”. Once anointed each person takes a comfortable seat, within the Circle, closes their eyes and listens. The music begins, a lone wolf howls and I remember when,….

in the midst of a cold winter’s night we huddled together in fear of the wolf. He was a hunter, a walker of shadow, silent and ghostly he would come. Out of the darkness, from where the forest held its secrets and I dared not venture, the wolf crossed into my world.  I sat by the fire, fighting the sleep that called to me tirelessly and felt my heart beat ever faster as the howls grew closer.

Now I have taken much of the land for myself and seemingly conquered the night. I am safe, warm, dry and fed, yet I feel that there is something missing. It is not a thing I have forgotten to gather, but instead something I have lost. Perhaps my quest for dominance has quelled too much, the mysteries of life and I have allowed complacency to overshadow ancient fears that once raced my blood.

I have come full circle and now, as I peer into nature, I can realize what the wolf was always willing to teach me. To embrace the dark of night in the same way I do the light of day, to step away from the fire’s light and trust my eyes to see within the shadows and to remember that I am still a part of the wolf’s world. There is a haunting honesty I can hear in their calls, a cry out to remember that we feel something more, something that we need, to feed our spirit.

After I share these thoughts with out loud with the Circle, I tell everyone to continue with their own journey and I let the music finish. When it is done I give them a few minutes of quiet before gently bringing everyone back to the Circle. We share cakes and ale in some form, honor the Goddess and the God, release the Watchers, then begin to close our Circle. Once the Circle is been opened, we go outside to make an offering and give back some of our energies to the Earth.

Goddess of all that is, within and beyond all that I comprehend,

Maiden of magick, Mother and Crone of Earth and Moon,

I stand beneath you and I am complete,

a precious moment in between.

When I am more than just a man (or woman)

and nothing less than what I dream.

A glimpse of that which always holds true,

of the life that flows through me from you.

A solitary ritual to help you capture and bring something into your life.

Supplies

Silver cord

Five thin nails

Small wooden board

A tea light candle and holder

God and Goddess candles and holders

A small bell

Anointing oil of your own choice

Small piece of paper and a pen

Additional short length of the silver cord

Offering of food and drink

Chalice, plate and offering bowl

Preparation

Spend a lot of time thinking about something that you want to capture and bring into your life. It could be a new sense of self, such as peace and harmony or something tangible like a new friend or kindred spirit. In your mind, fully define what you are looking for, so much so that you can see it clearly in your mind’s eye.

Once you have decided what you want, set aside at least an hour of your time to make your web. Nail the five thin nails into the wooden board in a circular pattern. Thread the silver cord around the nails creating your own personal spider web. If you aren’t sure how to get started, check the internet for videos on how to make a spider web. Make sure that your web includes an small inner circle, because you will need that for the ritual (see photo), however your web should look unique and be meaningful to you, so don’t try to just copy the picture.

Rite

Sit down in a comfortable position and ground yourself in your own traditional way. When you are ready, cast a sacred circle and call forth the Elementals in your own traditional way. Invoke the God and Goddess, welcome them to your circle, and light the God and Goddess candles on your altar.

Using the paper and pen, write down the item of your desire. Role the piece of paper up and tie it with the additional piece of silver cord. Set it aside for now.

Anoint the web in a deosil direction by placing some oil on your index finger and use it to trace the outline of the web. While you are doing this, think about the different tools that you can use to bring the item of your desire into your life. The tools might be “of the self”, such as working on becoming more friendly and open, reliable, trustworthy, etc. The tools could be “of action”, like joining an in-person social group, based on a hobby that you have. Think about whatever tools you could use to gain what you are looking for. Anoint the web fully three times, saying:

Creatrix of the night, blessed spider,

Weave with me a strong net,

To catch that of which my heart is set.

When you are done anointing the web, light the tea light candle. Hold the slip of paper high above it (don’t light it on fire!). Say:

Webmaker, see with the light of this sacred fire,

Here is object of my wish and my desire.

Place the slip of paper in the center hole of the web. Say:

Tangle it, without harm, in my web,

Using the natural energy flow and ebb.

Ring the bell three times, and say:

With the blessings of the Gods I do call forth,

And with the Elementals East, South, West and North,

Ring loud and true, sending forth my prayer,

Drawing out the object to capture in my snare.

Make an offering of food and drink in the name of the God and Goddess, thank Them and bid them farewell. Thank the Elementals and let them take their leave.  Open the magick circle.  This rite is complete.

A solitary ritual to clarify your path ahead.

Supplies

Table salt

Pepper

A small bowl

Matches

One black votive candle and holder

One white votive candle and holder

One candle and holder to represent the God

One candle and holder to represent the Goddess

Small plate with deep edges

Offering bowl

Small bowl of extra virgin olive oil

A large piece of hardy bread on a plate

Chalice with beverage
Rite

Sit down in a comfortable position and ground yourself in your own traditional way.

When you are ready, stand up and cast a sacred circle and call forth the Elementals in your own traditional way.

When you are ready, invoke the God and Goddess and welcome them to your circle.  Light the God and Goddess candles on your altar.

Place the deep-sided plate in front of you, and pour the table salt into it, so that it nearly fills the entire depth of the plate.

Smooth out the surface of the salt with your fingers, while repeating:

Salt of the earth,

You are of me and I am of you.

We are one, sacred and true.

With your pointer finger, slowly trace a spiral into the flat surface of the salt, leaving a deep trail in the salt as you start at the center of the plate of salt and work your way out. As you are doing this, think of the direction you want to take in your life. What are the things that you want to accomplish? What are your goals?

When you are done, gently pour some pepper into a separate, small bowl. Take a pinch of pepper between your index finger and thumb, and think about where you are in your life at this very moment. Gently sprinkle the pepper onto the center point of the spiral. Say:

I am at the center of this moment,

but I have a path before me.

Take another pinch of pepper, and begin sprinkling it along the path of the spiral. Continue this until you have added pepper to the entire spiral (see photo).

Light the white votive candle, and repeat:

Walking on pathways sacred and true,

Walking along, journey’s not through.

Left turns and right turns and circling back,

Finding my way on this unique track.

Beneath me is earth, above me is sky

To my left and my right, other’s stumbling by.

Doubt is present, and fear passes through,

Yet I’ll find my way, because my compass is you.

Breath on my lips, earth under my feet

Fire in my belly, and water tastes so sweet.

Guided by the Gods, my paths become clear,

As I follow my own way, the choices draw near.

Light the black votive candle and say:

The paths are before me, laid by the Gods,

Yet my steps are my own, and I make my own odds.

The spice of my life, choosing one way or the next,

Make me who I am, beautiful and complex.

Take some time to commune with the God and Goddess, asking them any question you might have about your road ahead.

When you are ready, sprinkle some salt and pepper into the olive oil. Tear off a piece of the bead and dip it into the oil, then present this, your offering, to the God and Goddess, placing it in the offering bowl. Raise you chalice in honor the the God and Goddess and then pour some of the beverage into the offering bowl. Partake of the remains of the offering yourself, as you wish.

Thanks the God and Goddess and bid them farewell. Thank the Elementals and let them take their leave.  Open the magick circle. This rite is complete.

A solitary ritual to spiritually cleanse your home.

Supplies

Athame

Sage bundle

Abalone shell

Bell

Holy water/oil

Broom (besom)

Tray

Matches

Jar candle (small, light yellow or blue)

Chalice with drink (your choice)

Plate of offering (your choice)

*Tea light candle and holder (one for each window)

Preparation

Place an unlit tea light in a holder on each window sill in your home. Place your athame, chalice and plate of offering on your altar. Set the tray on another table in your ritual room, and place the matches, jar candle, holy water, bell, sage bundle and shell on it. Lean the broom on the wall next to your home’s main entrance. Next, shower/bathe in only candlelight before dressing in your traditional ritual robes and jewelry.

Rite

Sit down on the floor of your ritual room, and place the palms of your hands together, in a prayer-like position, bringing them in close to your body.  Inhale deeply and hold for a few moments, then exhale. While you are doing this, imagine your personal energies beginning to swirl within you, centering around your solar plexus. Do this until you can feel the hum of energy moving and spinning in your body.

When you are ready, stand and pick up your athame. Go to the center of the room.

Pointing your athame to the West, and say:

By the waters at the dock,

Point to the East and say:

and the fog of haze,

Point to the North and say:

By hardness of the rock

Point to the South and say:

and the heat of blaze,

Walk a complete circle deosil (clockwise) and say:

I cast this circle with the power of elements four,

Point the athame to the sky and say:

And the power of the fifth is at my core.

Point your athame to the floor and say:

This circle is cast. So mote it be.

Put your athame down on your altar. Go over to the table with your tray of ritual items.  Forcefully clap your hands together and then rub them together for a few moments. You should feel the energy growing within and between them.

Anoint the top of your left hand with the holy water/oil in the shape of a God symbol, while saying:

I anoint myself in the name of the God. May my hands yield the banishing power of the God.

Anoint the top of your right hand with the holy water/oil in the shape of a Goddess symbol, while saying:

I anoint myself in the name of the Goddess. May my hands yield the purifying power of the Goddess.

Place the anointment water/oil back on the tray. Light the jar candle on the tray and say:

May the universal energy move as I wish, as I cleanse this space.

Light the bundle of sage, but then blow out the flames, so the bundle is only gently smoking. Place inside the abalone shell (to catch the ashes).

Pick up the tray and walk to the main entrance of the home. Pick up the bundle of sage and draw a banishing pentagram in the air. Then, ring the bell three times. Anoint the door knob with the holy water/oil. Repeat:

Smoke in air and music sound

May my blessings carry ‘round

With sage and chime,

Now is the time,

To drive away all harm and fear

Only good may dwell in here.

Move widdershins (counterclockwise) through the house, repeating the actions and verse at each window and outside door.

Light the tea light candles at each window (watch out for the curtains!) and anoint their sills with the holy water/oil.

End by returning once more to the home’s main entrance. Open door and use broom to sweep outside all that is unwanted, saying:

Be gone with you, the toxic and the foul,

Reside no more and end your prowl.

You are welcome not in this abode,

I am captive no more of your heavy load.

Return the tray to your ritual room, and then move around the house deosil (clockwise) going to each window. Open the window, being careful not to knock over the candle! Repeat:

With this candles flame and smoke,

the power of negativity I revoke!

Blow out the candle, blowing the smoke out of the window, then close the window. Move on to each of the tea lights in the windows until they are all blown out, then return to the ritual room.

Pick up the chalice and plate of offerings and go to your home’s main entrance that leads outside.  Using your own words, offer the God and Goddess your libations and a taste of your offering. Pour some of the drink on the ground outside, and toss some of your offering on the ground too.

Return to the ritual room. Partake of the remaining drink and food, while thinking about all the positive energy now attracted to your home since you have banished all the negative forces.

Thank the God and Goddess in your own way.

When you are ready to end the rite and open the circle, stand up  hold your hands high about your head with your palms facing up. As you repeat this, slowly bring your hands down to your sides (palms down) and sink the circle’s energy into the floor and ground beneath:

By the waters at the dock and the fog of haze,

By hardness of the rock and by the heat of blaze,

I open this circle with heart pure this night,

May the power of the elements stay or take flight.

Within me, my spirit is at home and remains

Renewed and refreshed like the powerful rains.

So mote it be.

Blow out the jar candle after the circle’s energy has dissipated. Place it on the mantle above your fireplace or in the family room. Repeat this ritual whenever you feel the need.

Notes

*Please use caution and common sense when burning candles.

Parilia is a Roman holiday in honor of the god Pales (whose gender is uncertain).  As the guardian of the flocks and herds, April 21st was set aside as a day for shepherds to cleanse both himself and his flock.  Rural in nature and predating the founding of the city of Rome, in time it became more urban over time and instead of being officiated by a shepherd, the ceremony was led by a priest.    In more recent times, this holiday became Earth Day, where we set aside time to remember our responsibility to the environment.

When in the hands of the shepherd, acting as his own priest, the ceremony was very personal in nature.  He would decorate the pen with greenery and place a wreath on the gate.  At sunrise, the shepherd would kindle a purifying fire made of straw, olive tree braches, laurel and sulfur and the crackling of the fire would be interpreted by the shepherd as a good omen for the coming year.    Once burning, the shepherd would jump through the fire and drive his sheep through as well, purifying them one by one.  Then he would give an offering to Pales of millet cakes and milk before wetting his hands with dew and repeating prayers to the East.  These prayers would be to protect himself and his flock from what we would call “bad Karma” brought on by accidentally trespassing on sacred grounds or mistakenly removing water from a sacred well.  Finally, the shepherd would conclude his ritual by drinking burranica (a mixture of milk and boiled wine) before jumping through the fire three more times.  The urban version of this ritual was a combination of the above ritual with other Roman religious practices, but this time the shepherd was replaced by the temple priest.

This is an excellent excuse for you to add some Spring decorations to you home and you could place a flower wreath on your front door.  For this particular spell, the altar can face the East and you can add some greenery (real if you can obtain it or faux from a dollar store if there isn’t any Spring growth just yet) to it if you so desire.  If you have a Cauldron or a Thurible for a small and contained fire, then so be it, but if not, then use a candle instead.  For your offering, have a small bowl of milk and you can replace the millet cakes with cookies.  In the aspect of Earth Day, you may also wish to add to your offering, giving something to the furry or feathered creatures such as bird seed or corn or even donating pet food to your local shelter.  If performing this spell outdoors, take a few moments to “tidy up” the lawn, your personal environment.

At your altar, light the fire (or the candle) and say:

“I call to Pales, ancient guardian;

Together we make magick with this spell I cast.”

Sit before your altar, close your eyes and firmly see in your mind what refuse from your life’s environment that you will dispose of.  Take mental note of what Spring Cleaning you need to do to make way for the positive changes coming your way.  The, because Nature abhors a vacuum, make a mental  “checklist” of new actions and habits you will employ form this day on to have a protected, prosperous life.  If you feel so inclined, take the time to meditate on this and ask your Totems or Guardian Angels for any wisdom they have to share with you.  When finished, open your eyes, place the offering of cookies and milk ion the altar and say:

“I start my life anew on this day of Spring.

So say I, so shall this be done!”

Place the cookies and milk outside for the Faeries and animals of nature -overnight and dispose of the next morning.

Sources: Encyclopedia of the Gods by Michael Jordan

Pagan Book of Says by Nigel Pennick

This purpose of this solitary ritual is to help you focus on projects that you need to get done.

Supplies

Athame

Wand

1 white pillar candle & holder (universal energy candle)

2 white taper candles & holder (God and Goddess candles)

6 beeswax tea light candles

1 bee figure (statue, pendant, etc.)

1 9×12 inch wooden plaque & painting supplies

Picture of your favorite flower

6 strips of yellow construction paper & a pen

Clover stick incense

Yellow and/or black altar cloth

Small bowl of honey & spoon

Small plate of buttermilk biscuits, sliced in half

Chalice of mead

Offering bowl

Ziplock baggie

Preparation

Paint a light yellow hexagon, surrounded by a deeper yellow background with a black border, on a 9×12 inch wooden plaque. Find a picture of your favorite flower or draw/paint one in the middle of the hexagon.  Allow the wooden plaque to dry fully before you perform this ritual.

Bake six buttermilk biscuits on the same day that you will perform this ritual.

Altar Set-up

Place the hexagonal wooden plaque in the center of the altar. Place the 6 (unlit) beeswax tea lights around the outside of it, one at each side.

Rite

Sit down in a comfortable position and ground yourself in your traditional way.

When you are ready, stand up and cast a sacred circle using your athame.

Call forth the Elemental guardian winds at each of their quarters by drawing a hexagonal-shaped portal in the air deosil using your wand.

When you are ready, invoke the God and Goddess and welcome them to your circle.  Light the God and Goddess candles on your altar.

Light the center candle on your altar to represent the universal energy of magick, and say:

This rite has begun.

Holding the flower picture in front of you (or touching it, if you painted it on the plaque), repeat:

I am the flower, flourishing and full of promise.

Whether mundane or magickal, these are my tasks.

Take out the six strips of yellow paper and a pen. Write down the six most important tasks that you need to complete as soon as possible, one task on each piece of paper.

Sort the tasks in order of their importance with the most urgent on the top and then read them out loud, one by one.  After you read each task, fold the paper and slip it under one of the unlit tea light candles, starting at the top of the plaque and moving in a clockwise motion.

Hold both your hands, palms down, over the plaque, and say:

Great Goddess in the form of bee,

My tasks, I have finally begun.

Pick up the figure of the bee and hold it forth, and repeat:

Honey Bee take flight,

To make the buzzing still.

Place the figure of the bee in the middle of the plaque, on top of the flower picture/painting. Turn the bee figure, so it is facing the top side of the plaque, the location of which you placed your most urgent and important task.

Light the stick of clover incense and wave it over each of the unlit tea light candles, repeating:

Honey Bee to green clover,

Let this task soon be over.

Dip your finger into the small bowl of honey and rub a small amount of the honey onto your lips, then say:

Honey brings the truth to light,

As I will it, so is it planned.

Take one of the biscuits and use the spoon to drop some honey between the two pieces and then combine the pieces together again. Hold it in front of you and dedicate the offering to the God and Goddess. Break the whole biscuit in half and drop both halves into the offering bowl.

Hold the chalice of mead aloft and dedicate the libations to the God and Goddess. Pour a generous amount into the offering bowl.

Partake of a piece or two of biscuit (adding honey, if you like) and drink from the chalice of mead.

Take the remaining biscuits and break them apart, placing the pieces into the zip lock baggie.

Thank the God and Goddess and bid them farewell. Thank the Elemental guardian winds, and close their portals behind them by drawing the hexagon in the air widdershins with your wand. Open the magick circle. This rite is complete.

After the Rite Instructions

Toss the offering bowl contents outdoors for nature’s creatures to enjoy.

The bee figure should be facing (pointing) to the task that you are currently working on. Light the tea light candle each evening for a few minutes to remind you that you have work to be done.

When you complete the first task (the most urgent one), turn the bee figure clockwise to the next task to be done. Each time you complete one of the tasks, take a handful of the crushed biscuits and toss it outside for the birds to enjoy.

Continue the pattern until all tasks are complete. Consider holding another rite when all tasks are complete to thank the Goddess (in her bee form) for her aid.

Note: Picture seems to show the hexagon as white, but it is, in fact, a light shade of yellow.

March 20th in the Norse Tradition is the day of the goddess Idhunna who is the personification of the light half of the year.  Also known as Idhunn, Iduna or Idun (Germanic), She is a Nordic-Icelandic goddess.  The consort of Bragi (the Poet God), she was widely worshiped during the Viking period (700 AD) and earlier until the Christianization around 1100 AD.  Some historians say that She is strongly connected to the Norse Tree of Life, the Axis Mundi, Yggdrasil.  On this day, She brings joy to humankind by appearing in the form of a sparrow.  Her name means “the Renewer” because she is a goddess of healing.    Associated with the Viking Runes Eihwaz and Gyfu (the gift), She bestows the gift of rejuvenation and holistic balance.

As the Keeper of the Golden Apples of Immortality, Idhunna is the bearer and guardian of the magickal fruit of Aesir (the principle group of gods of the Norse pantheon).  This is the fruit of life and eternal youth for the gods of Asgard, supplying them with immortality.  Because of this role, she is known as the “Goddess of Eternal Renewal” and the “Goddess of Youth”.  As you can imagine, Idhunna and her apples were in high demand.

Because these powers were coveted by the giants, Loki was blackmailed into abducting Idhunna, giving Her to the giant Thiassi (father of the goddess Skadi) as a form of payment for the construction of Odhinn’s Valhalla (the Hall of the Slain).  It tuned out that the Golden Apples were useless to the Giants because the power did not lie in the apples themselves, but in Idhunna; unless they were given directly from Her healing hands, they had no regenerating power.   Because it was Idhunna who helped sustain the life-force of divinity, after some time without the Golden Apples, the gods began to age.  Ironically, Loki was the one who rescued her and her apples and they were returned to the Aesir.

A sweet fruit of the soil, the apple is a long-time symbol of the wisdom of the Universe.  Representing our Earth, when cut sideways, the apple reveals the five-pointed star, symbolizing humankind and it’s ages, vitality, health, wisdom and more.  This life-sustaining fruit of heaven is guarded by Idhunna who maintains the vitality and health all of the Norse gods.  This is Her gift to them, and if you ask, this can be Her gift to you as well.

Ideally, perform this mini-ritual on March 20th, but you an always perform this on a Monday, which is Her day, if your schedule doesn’t work out.  This is designed to leave your old life behind, to renew with the Spring, and bring healing to your life.

Decorate your altar with the colors of silver and green (Her colors) and if you are in an area where there are apple blossoms on the trees, sprinkle a few of those on your altar as well.  In lieu of apples made form gold, purchase some Golden Delicious Apples from the grocery store.  You will also want to give her an offering of seeds; any will do, as these are a symbol of initiation as seeds contain the concentrated power of potential that is ready to burst into form.  Other supplies you will need will be a knife to cut the apple, a candle (silver or green would be perfect), a plate to cut the apple on and a bowl for the seeds.
To call to Idhunna, light the candle and say:

“Goddess Idhunna, Lady of Light,

May I start a new life on the morrow.”

With the knife, cut in the side of the apple the rune Gyfu, which you can easily make with an “X”.  Meditate upon what gifts you wish to receive form Idhunna, be they health, vitality, renewal, regeneration, or anything else that you desire.  Literally see these gifts coming to you and hold these thoughts firmly in your mind.

Cut the apple cross-ways exposing the Star of Wisdom inside and say:

“Ancient fruit of Universal wisdom,

Renew me now and free me from strife.”

Take a bite or two of the apple and as you state the sweetness, take in the sweetness of your new life.  Literally “taste” the success and happiness that is coming your way.

Finally, place the seeds in the bowl and say:

“Idhunna, I Thank You for Your gift,

My thanks to You and Blessed Be.”

These are you offerings to Idhunna, and do take the time to care for them on a regular basis.  If you can, plant the seeds outdoors and care for them daily.  If your region has not yet thawed, then plant the seeds in a pot of earth and when able to, transplant the sprouts outside.

Make sure to place some of the apples outside for the animals and the nature spirits!

Sources:

Rune Mysteries by Silver Ravenwolf and Nigel Jackson

We begin with Belief.  When a Witch possesses the Belief that s/he CAN practice effective Magic, then s/he WILL practice effective Magic.  Correspondence Witchcraft provides validation for the Witch with visual images.  The March Column continues our project from February, the tool to assist in visualizing

All the panels should be applied to the box/pages/etc by the first weekend of March

The full moon falls on March 10th, a Tuesday. March is the Wishing Moon, the best time for the dedication ritual, of your new magic tool.  Dedicating the box on the Wishing Moon will intensify your focus as you use the box. Remember, this ritual is not for a specific wish, but to channel the energy of the Wishing Moon, into the box and charge it with Full Moon energy.

The Spring Equinox or Ostara is a time for planting and seeding to prepare for the new growth in the coming year.  It is a time that is culturally rich with fables, myths, scripture and lore.  The Spring Equinox has been the bridge of Correspondence and the bedrock of the Eclectic Witchcraft movement in the modern age.  Because I practice Witchcraft as a Religion and Science, my beliefs center on worship of Deity.  Correspondence Witchcraft is classified as a Religion only when it incorporates God & Goddess worship during the execution of Ritual and Spell work.  Therefore, the practice of Correspondence Witchcraft is quite hands-on with focused engagement.  Like other American Religions, this path requires a commitment.

I turn now to the practice of our Craft, with the examination of our Ostara/Spring Equinox ritual, including magical spell working.  The ritual I have chosen to publish here with PaganPages.org is the culmination of over 9 years of practice.  The original baseline structure for the ritual is the result of Lady Sankofa’s work with Sankofa Pride 2000 through 2003.

If you are looking for inspiration for your project, here are some links, and videos:

Oberon Zell Magical Correspondence – youtube link

While Hekate & Hermes are play a significant role in the springtime lore of Persephone’s return to the Earth, these Gods of the Underworld are rarely celebrated as new Spring Love.

We are all familiar with the role of Hekate as Persephone’s guide in the Underworld.  Hekate uses her torch light to show Persephone the way out of the Underworld.  It is also Hekate, with the assistance of Hermes, negotiates the ransom of Persephone.  One can imagine the quick-witted and resourceful Hekate working out the deal between Demeter & Hades and Persephone & Hades.  We might even imagine Hekate, the Queen of the Witches, solving this dilemma on her own.

The celebration of Love & Courtship between Hekate & Hermes reminds us that through the Sacred Marriage are we able to accomplish anything we set our goals on.  Please check The Everyday Witch myspace and website for the completed Ostara Ritual.

Correspondence is the foundation, Spelling is the structure.

As promised, the Full Moon Ritual Structure and Spelling/Meditation Outline.

Most of you know that there are hundreds of books available on this subject.  My intention is not to reprint age old information, but to give you another perspective.  The idea is to focus on the intentions, thoughts, states of being, rather than the physical execution of the ritual and spell.

Your magic box/panels become the central focus of the stream of consciousness.  Pay attention to things happening in your life, images you see daily.  You want to take just a moment to think about which God & Goddess you want to work with for this Sabbat Ritual.  Obviously, this article will be using Hekate & Hermes.

The overarching structure of the ritual is as follows:

Set up altar, declare sacred space/altar devotion, and declare intentions

Open Circle

The Altar and Sacred Space/Temple, should be set up to reflect Spring, and Romantic Love.  While both Hekate and Hermes have a dark and erotic side to their relationship, this celebration is about Love.  The colors of these two Gods is Gold, Yellow, Orange, Brown and Green and of course White.

Correspondence – Hermes:

Related to Persephone, Demeter as the Triple aspect, but is connected to all of the Gods.

It is important to consider how you will call your quarters.  I have chosen to invoke The Royal Stars of Persia for the Elemental Watchtowers.

Endowed with almost archangelic power, these legendary stars of antiquity are Aldebaron, Regulus, Antares and Fomalhaut, and in the epoch of 5,000 years ago they were considered to be guardians of the four corners of heaven and watchers of the directions, forming a heavenly cross near the ecliptic.

http://www.queenofcups.com/AR27article.htm

Aldebaran, King of the Vernal Equinox, the Eye of Taurus, Ruler of the Eastern Sky, Guardian of the Elements of Air.

Regulus, King of the Summer Solstice, the Heart of Leo, Ruler of the Southern Sky, Guardian of the Elements of Fire

Antares, Queen of the Autumn Equinox, the Scorpion’s Tail, Ruler of the Western Sky, Guardian of the Elements of Water.

Foralhaut, Queen of the Winter Solstice, the Heart of Pisces, Ruler of the Northern Sky, Guardian of the Elements of Earth.

Meditation & Spell Work

This is where the magic box comes in handy.  For the Magic, you need an egg, some marking pens and the magic box.

At the next Full or Dark Moon (your choice), take the egg and find a crossroads far from your home.  Ideally you want a location that you do not frequent and in fact have no plan to ever visit again.  Walk to the center of the crossroads and smash the egg.  Walk away, do not look back and go on with your life as usual.  Within 30 days or one Moon Cycle you will begin to see change.

Remember to use keywords in your research for correspondences.  You can start with a Goddess, a color or a season and branch out from there.  The inter-relationships you choose for your ritual and spell work will provide the foundation for your magic.  Solitary practice can take longer, simply because you must conduct all the research yourself.  Group practice is easiest, as you have many hands to help in the crafting of the circle.
Resources:

The Everyday Witch – http://www.geocities.com/girleegeek/

Moon Magik – DJ Conway

This rite is dedicated to the emergence of the spring season and new personal growth.

Supplies

Chalice of milk
Small bowl of fresh maple syrup
Plate of cornbread
Extra plate
Offering bowl

Kitchen knife

Potted tulip
Bowl of fresh snow/rain
Bird’s nest and eggs (artificial)
God and Goddess candles
Universal energy candle
Elemental candles
Feather
Matches

Rite

Sit down in a comfortable position and ground yourself in your traditional way.

When you are ready, stand up and cast a sacred circle.

Call forth the Elemental guardian winds at each of their quarters using a feather. Light a candle for each Element.

When you are ready, invoke the God and Goddess and welcome them to your circle.  Light the God and Goddess candles on your altar.

Light the center candle on your altar to represent the universal energy of magick, and say:

This rite has begun.

Hold up the bowl of snow/rain, and say:

We are beyond winter’s edge,
And the heavy snow’s ledge.

Hold up the plate of cornbread, and repeat:

Having survived by the harvest’s past,

The bounty has come to its last.

Hold up a bird’s nest, and say:

Spring has now returned once more,

As the red robin nests at our door.

Hold up the potted tulip, and repeat:

Green shoots emerge from the rich earth,
Gaia’s first gift, the miracle of birth.

Sprinkle some of the snow/rain onto the potted tulip’s soil.

Hold up the bowl of maple syrup, and say:

The sap of the maple runs brown and thick,

Flowing sweetly into the pail so quick.

Pause for a moment and think about the different signs in your area that announce the arrival of spring.  What plants, animals, and natural signals do you see that herald spring? Write and add any of your own symbolic verses here to honor spring in your own geographical area. Then, continue:

With this new cycle and season so bright,
I honor this change: morning, noon, and night.

As the Gods will it, so is my fate.

Place the plate with the square piece of cornbread in front of you. Turn the plate so that the square cornbread looks like a diamond. Cut the square piece of cornbread diagonally like an “X”, so that the cut cornbread becomes four smaller diamond shapes. Each of these smaller pieces represents the four cardinal directions: North, South, East, and West, like the points on a compass.

Think about what trait you would like to grow within you as spring begins to flourish. Choose the piece of cornbread that represents the corresponding direction/sacred element. For example, if you wanted to grow more love within yourself, you might choose the direction South, which would then be the piece of cornbread that aligns with the southern point on a compass. Take that piece of cornbread and place it on a separate plate. Drizzle the maple syrup on it:
I wish to be __[add your trait here]__….

Describe in detail what personal trait you would like to develop over the next few months and why.
My Gods, help me become the person I want to be!

I send this request on spring’s __[add the cardinal direction]__ wind to carry,
Along with my wish is this offering:  bread of corn and milk of dairy.

Hold forth the plate with the three pieces of cornbread that represent the remaining cardinal directions (that you didn’t choose) and offer them to the Gods. Place them respectfully into the offering bowl. Offer the chalice of milk to the Gods, and pour some into the offering bowl.

Partake of the remaining piece of cornbread (the one that put aside) and drink from the chalice of milk. Imagine the trait beginning to grow within you with each new spring day.

My thanks to the Gods, Ancient and True,

And Spring’s blesséd promise, long overdue.

Thank the Elemental guardian winds, and let them take their leave.  Thank the God and Goddess, and bid them farewell. Open the magick circle. This rite is complete.

Toss the offering bowl contents outdoors for nature’s creatures to enjoy. Place the potted tulip in a sunny spot inside your home until you can safely plant it outdoors.