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…

The Evolution of Humanity We all like to believe that we have evolved from a thousand years ago; one hundred years ago and even from fifty years ago. However, what has evolved is the technology that we use to communicate and often mis-communicate as well as misbehave. We, ourselves however, remain the same. Whilst this may seem to have a negative undertone this isn’t necessarily a bad thing because for evolution to occur the existing version must no longer be able to adapt or survive within the environment. We, as humans, have proven that we are more resilient than cockroaches. We are extremely flexible, adaptable and have a unique ability…

“Perceptions of the gods” Today I want to continue my “study” of the perceptions of the gods and goddesses by talking about something to which we can all relate. Their perceptions of US. We humans are a pretty perceptive bunch. We like to observe everything around us, see things in every way they can be seen, whether it be from a wide out view, such as from space, or from a microscopic view. We try to see everything down to the last detail. The trouble is, there are details that we are not even aware of, nor are we able to perceive them, but the gods can. They see us…

With December being a month that contains so many days of celebration it made me think of recipes for some homemade brandies and liqueurs.  I wish I had had this idea long before now as these recipes are required to sit for a time, with the exception of one, however they would still make unique Yule or Christmas gifts, as well as just being a fun project in general.  I came across these recipes in the 2007 LLewelyn’s herbal almanac, so they are from a trusted source, but they should be used in moderation. I’ve tried to include enough variety in hopes of their being something for just about every…

“Thunderbolts  and lightning- very, very frigtening me..” Lyrics to Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen Thunderbolts and lightning. What are they? Are they the same thing or are they different? Better yet why are they important? Thunderbolt…what is it? According to the dictionary a thunderbolt is a flash of lighting with a simultaneous crash of thunder…as  you see the lightning and immediately hear thunder. What’s lighting? It’s a series of electrons that forma chain going from the ground to the sky. The chain is seen as light and has many different shapes. Normally though it’s perceived as a quick flash, like the flash from a camera. Sometimes though during thunderstorms..especially severe ones,…

I’m so excited! The start of the Christmas season has begun! Not because I celebrate as a Christian or even celebrate it as a secular holiday. It is because it signals my favorite time on the wheel of the year. Winter. Just saying “winter” brings to my mind clear, crisp, cold nights standing outside looking at the stars, the darkness falling by late afternoon. The smell of wood burning in fireplaces and snuggling inside surrounded by the quiet of the night. Truly, Silent Night bliss. Our home prepares for the decorations of the season in November with Thanksgiving. Cleaning and making room for family and guests is step one. Preparing…

My Dad always told me that life is how you see it. As a witch I know that how I see the world is the most important tool I have to change it. Focus, will, and intent are the foundations that any spell/ritual/working are built on, but you have to see what you are trying to effect and you have to have the imagination to really see and believe in the change you are trying to bring about. With out the focus to see the world as it is, and the imagination to believe it can be different then we cannot change it. But luckily we’re witches so we have…

Lesser Sabbat – Winter Solstice, circa Dec 21 Other Names: Jul (“wheel”, Old Norse), Saturnalia(Rome ~December 17 & 18), Yuletide(Teutonic), Midwinter, Fionn’s Day, Alban huan, Christmas (Christian~December 25), Xmas, Festival of Sol, Solar/Secular/Pagan New Year Animals/Mythical beings: yule goat (nordic), reindeer stag, squirrels, yule cat, Sacred White Buffalo, Kallikantzaroi-ugly chaos monsters(greek), trolls, phoenix, yule elf, jule gnome, squirrels, wren/robin Gemstones: cat’s eye, ruby, diamond, garnet, bloodstone Incense/Oils: bayberry, cedar, ginger, cinnamon, pine, rosemary, frankincense, myrrh, nutmeg, wintergreen, saffron Colors: gold, silver, red, green, white Tools,Symbols, & Decorations: bayberry candles, evergreens, holly, mistletoe, poinsettia,mistletoe, lights, gifts, Yule log, Yule tree. spinning wheels, wreaths, bells, mother & child images Goddesses: Great Mother,…

The Ghosts beneath the Mistletoe The days are increasingly shorter, the air chills to the bone, and nature slumbers beneath a blanket of sparkling snow. This is the time of year when we gather with friends and family to talk, share life’s adventures, and relive the year’s memorable moments. If you’re like many folks, you’re also gathered around a television to enjoy classics like It’s a Wonderful Life and Dickens’ immortal A Christmas Carol. But take a step back and look at these holiday classics through the lens of a seasoned investigator and you’ll begin to see them in an entirely new light. It is, after all, a fairly spooky…

Esthetic lines of precise weave, Arousing magick on this eve. Feel the flow that It creates, Compelling words that It dictates. Its been a long and wanting time, For this focused, forceful rhyme. Awakened powers, evolve in her, Complex spells Begin to stir. Phantom thoughts run through her mind, A careful blend to her design. As she weaves, the power grows, Through her veins this passion flows. Imagery enshrouds her back, Mystic sigils all in black. She has the power to command, As she takes this final stand. She spins around, her power grows, Deadly magick, for her foes. Her arms raised up into the sky, A quick release shows…