The Energetic Journey of the Past Year 2009 has finally come to a close. In some respects it seemed to take an eternity with the fluctuating energies and influences from the four mercury retrogrades as well as the planetary shifts endeavouring desperately to gain some balance. In another way, it seems that, like many years before, the year comes to a stand still nearing the end of December and then the previous months are forgotten. We omit the journey, the lessons and the choices we made to be exactly where we are today. It tends to feel as though the years come and go in what seems a blink of…

*The Hedgewitch lives in the space between the Village and the Forest. Between the mundane and the magical. S/He lives with a foot in both worlds. This column is dedicated to the Hedgewitches of the planet earth. Winter in the Hedge The Wheel has turned again, and I find myself standing in a threshold. Thresholds are the most magical and mysterious of all places, and ones in which anything can happen. But they can also feel scary, because we don’t know what’s on the other side. Yet, I have walked by my faith for many years, and know that there is a plan for me, and I am living it. It…

Marjoram Marjoram (Origanum majorana or O. Vulgare ) is also known as Joy of the Mountain, Knotted Marjoram, Marjorlaine, Mountain Mint, Pot Marjoram, Sweet Marjoram and Wintersweet.   It is indigenous to the Mediterranean and can also be found in the United States.   It is considered a cold-sensitive perennial herb.  Marjoram is sometimes mistaken for Oregano. The Greek and Romans considered this herb as a source of happiness.  Today, people who are depressed use it to lift their spirits and bring happiness.   Marjoram can be burned to help with life changes. Marjoram is used in love spells and to bring love to you.  It is also placed in food to strengthen…

Happy Birthday Each of us was born at a particular time, on an exact day, in a specific month, in a certain year. This day is commonly known as our birth date. With our birth date and the coordinates of the place we were born, we are able to establish the alignment of the planets, sun and moon. This information is used to determine our individual natal chart. This chart has the ability to establish our path in life by graphing the patterns of energy that were brought into this dimension by our birth. A witch would find this chart beneficial for determining which type of magick he or she…

Well, holiday season has begun and that leaves most of us thinking about presents. That’s an especially difficult situation if all  of your children happen to be adults. Well, for me, in at least one case I don’t have any trouble at all and never have. My oldest son collects plushies… That’s right, Erik the Aweful… Master Sergeant. E. J. Choron of the United States Army… age 28… collects plushies and always has. He has over 300 now, and has been working on his litle “family” ever since, literally, the day he was born. Erik was born on Christmas morning, December 25th, 1981, I was there for the delivery, but…

The Magician (1) “Action is the product of the qualities inherent in Nature.” ~Bhagavad Gita Image Description: The Rider-Waite deck portrays a magus dressed in flowing robes. Belted around his waist is a serpent swallowing its own tail; floating above his head is the symbol of infinity. On a table before him lie the tools of his trade — a chalice, pentacle, staff, and sword (the four suits of the Tarot). One arm is lifted to the heavens and the other is lowered, finger pointing toward the earth.  In his raised hand he holds a wand. Symbols: One Arm Raised & One Arm Lowered : Drawing energy into yourself and…

Neo -Druidry Often as a child I would play in the woods.  I and my best friend would romp and play with the trees and rocks as our only other companions.  We would find tree stumps in the center of the forest and leave offerings of flowers, acorns, and other natural gifts.  We were in tune with all that was around us and regardless of the season we were always inspired by the beauty that surrounded us. My love for nature has never diminished. I’ve always been drawn to the land.  As such, I’ve always been intrigued by Neo-Druidry and quite a bit of their basic fundamentals ring true for…

I’ve watched Paganism in America change considerably in the last thirty years and I sometimes wonder what the next thirty will be like.  As the New Year begins, it is often the case that we look both to the past and the future with wonder. When I first became interested in Paganism, most of us called ourselves witches.  If you wanted in on the fun, you had to really dig and show interest in just the right places and to the right people.  Not much was written about us that wasn’t 99% junk.  And even the stuff that was real was full of weird explanations that you sort of had…

Residual Haunting VS Intelligent Haunting There are quite a few different types of haunting, but I wanted to discuss two that are often misunderstood by those who are not in the field of paranormal research. Let’s look into the differences between a residual haunting and an intelligent haunting. A residual haunting can be best described as a recording, a moment in time that will continue to play out over and over again.. For example a person dealing with a residual haunting may mention they notice the same sound of a woman crying or the same smell of a cigar at a specific time every day. Nothing ever changes with this…

Gaia, Greek Goddess of the Earth Today, we are going to discuss Gaia (also called Gaea or Ge), the Greek Goddess of the Earth. Gaia is considered as the “Great Goddess”, “Mother Earth” and “Mother Nature”.   Her equivalent in Roman mythology is Terra Matter.  She is usually pictured as a woman with some sort of green around her. Most pictures have shown her pregnant with the world in her belly. There are others with Gaia sitting in the leaves, blowing them around off her hand and finally others of her sitting on a throne with cornucopia surrounding her. The Root Chakra, femininity, nature, fertility and spirit are associated with Gaia.…