A Fresh Start There have been many times during my years on the Path, where I have felt the overwhelming need to begin anew. When I first dedicated myself, as a Solitary servant to Hecate. When I gave myself a magical name, a year later. And now, I feel the hands of the clock sweeping the table clear and making way for another Fresh Start for me. It has been a season of tremendous loss for me and for my family. We have lost jobs, pets, dear friends and family members during this, the waning of the Year. Our relationships have been strained, strengthened and blessed during the difficulties we…

Be Your Own herbal Expert Part 6 herbal medicine is the medicine of the people. It is simple, safe, effective, and free. Our ancestors used – and our neighbors around the world still use – plant medicines for healing and health maintenance. It’s easy. You can do it too, and you don’t need a degree or any special training. Ancient memories arise in you when you begin to use herbal medicine – memories which keep you safe and fill you with delight. These lessons are designed to nourish and activate your inner herbalist so you can be your own herbal expert. In our first session we learned how to “listen”…

THE SEASONS The seasons have a powerful effect on us , but also, according to some Earth magicians, subtly affect magickal workings. Theses are the different types of magicks that could be preformed during the different seasons. SPRING: A time for healing; purification, spring cleaning of ones self as well as ones surroundings; psychic awareness; paying bills; fertility; planting magickal gardens; & ecological rituals. Air magick. SUMMER: A time for love, marriage, friendship, beauty, protection, courage, magickal energy, physical energy, & strength. Fire magick. AUTUMN: A time for money, employment, new possessions (including cars & homes). Water magick. WINTER: A time for banishments of disease, habits & addictions, seeking past…

Enlightenment is one of those words where we envision Buddha, the Dali Lama, Jewish Kabbalists, a Priest, a Priestess, Oracle, and etc; but in all honesty being enlightened going beyond the modern mindset of a “guru”. I have seen the least educated folks who have shared years of experiences and told me to heed their warning when I am describing a dramatic situation. It is wisdom, not knowledge that brings forth enlightenment, but this is only due to the fact, when one learns from his/her experiences then they are truly enlightened over time. This is a very slow process and takes years to achieve, however, the path of enlightenment is…

Home is Where the Heart Is Allow me to introduce myself. I am a “baby boomer” – a “child of the fifties”. I am part of that generation whose fathers came home from winning a great war, and then had us. Officially, we are those who were born between the years 1946 and 1959 although there are a few of us on either side of those years. We grew up during the stability and prosperity of the “Eisenhower Years” then looked forward with hope and anticipation to the promised glories of John F. Kennedy’s “Camelot.” I am part of that generation that came to my maturity in a time before…

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…

There are some wonderful, beautiful, and totally witchtastic ritual tools out there for sale on the internet, aren’t there? And they tend to be a pretty penny too. But part of Witchy Thrifting is getting out there and using your own creativity to make your own witchtastic ritual tools that are unique and filled to the brim with your intent and power. One of the key things to adding all that personal connection to your projects is YOU. Make sure that when you are sitting down to work on them that you are relaxed, enjoying yourself, and in a good mood. Put on some music, have your tools set out…

February 1, 2 Other Names: Imbolg (im-molc)(em-bowl’g) (Celtic), Candlemas (Christian), Brigantia (Caledonii), Oimelc, Festival of Light, Brigid’s (Brid, Bride) Day, La Fheill, An Fheille Bride, Candelaria (Mexico), Chinese New Year, Disting-tid (Feb 14th, Teutonic), DisaBlot, Anagantios, Lupercalia/Lupercus (Strega), Groundhog Day, Valentines Day. Animals & Mythical Beings: Firebird, dragon, groundhog, deer, burrowing animals, ewes, robin, sheep, lamb, other creatures waking from hibernation. Gemstones: Amethyst, garnet, onyx, turquoise. Incense/Oil: Jasmine, rosemary, frankincense, cinnamon, neroli, musk, olive, sweet pea, basil, myrrh, and wisteria, apricot, carnation. Colors/Candles: Brown, pink, red, orange, white, lavender, pale yellow, silver. Tools,Symbols, & Decorations: White flowers, marigolds, plum blossoms, daffodils, Brigid wheel, Brigid’s cross, candles, grain/seed for blessing, red…

A Meditation on Meditation for Beginners There are 1440 minutes in every day.  You can easily schedule 5 of them for yourself, right? Did you find yourself thinking about how many things you are going to change in 2012 over the holidays?  Have you made resolutions, or set goals, to start on January 1st? Are you looking forward to starting a new year, or do you find yourself feeling down or anxious? Meditation as a daily practice has been scientifically (medically and psychologically) shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.  It reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, improves the function of every cell, organ, and system in your body, and…

I know I’ve spoken about the Magician’s card in the past but I wanted to talk about him yet again as we begin the new year. Why? Well the Magician is the first card of the deck symbolized by the number one.  The Magician is a representation of a higher power or as some would call him “God” when he is present during a reading the Magician reminds you that you have all the tools you need to forge ahead as in the story of his meeting with the fool the Magician forces you to look at your life and reminds you of how lucky you truly are.  He holds…