The Road to Runes: Back to Basics The Elder Futhark runes are a Germanic alphabet, a writing system and a divination tool. For the past few months, I’ve focused on a different rune or reading every month. I thought it might be useful to list each of the runes and their meaning as a point of reference. This month, I’m focusing on the first ætt, or set of eight of the 24 runes. This ætt is known as Freyr’s, Frey’s or Freyja’s ætt. Each ætt is dedicated to a deity or deities, or overseen by them, to match that ætt to the aspects of those deities. Frey and Freyja are…

(Photo by Ivana Cajina on Unsplash) Under windswept trees  I close my eyes  I am surrounded by the seas. Oceanic, Sweeping over Through  Beyond me. Beeches, No beaches But the waves are the same. White horses gallop Through my tired mind. I am surrounded by the seas. Rushing towards Blinkered eyes Illusion of sound All around me. I am surrounded by the seas. Green and lush Ever moving Never still Nor calm Nor gentle… Leaves for seaweed; Cones for shells; Birds for flying fish Humans for sharks: Avoided. Like a rock I wash up beneath my tree Surrounded by the sea, The sighing, crying sea. Copyright 12th August 2016 ***…

Lugh, see through my eyes Hear with my ears Feel the pulse in my neck Judge for thine own self If I have been wronged. Let these criminals Trip upon their own swords Fall upon their own cleverness Fail in their endeavours And know no peace until Shame forces them to cease Their unjust actions. Lamhfada, weapons reaching far Cast your spear through time Cause those who wronged me to fall To wrong no more Lest strange sunrise in the west Blind them to all that is good. Copyright Mabh Savage 2019 All Rights Reserved *** About the Author: Mabh Savage is a Pagan author, poet and musician, as well as…

Dancer, artist, author, witch, priestess; with this many titles and roles, it’s clear that Annwyn Avalon is kept busy. Fresh from a workshop at Pantheacon, Annwyn was kind enough to talk to Mabh here at PaganPagesOrg about her new book, Water Witchcraft, and other aspects of her work. Mabh Savage: How would you describe the concept of water witchcraft to a complete novice? Annwyn Avalon: Water Witchcraft, simply put, is Witchcraft that uses water as the main modality for their magic and/or they may use water related items, work with water spirits and deities and perform many of their spells or rituals with, on, or near water. A Sea Witch…

Notes from the Apothecary: Allspice Allspice is the fruit of pimento dioica, a type of myrtle tree. It was discovered by Columbus on the island of Jamaica, but is also native to many more islands in the Caribbean plus much of central America. P. dioica is now cultivated around the world wherever the climate is warm enough. Allspice is also known as the Jamaica Pepper, the Myrtle Pepper, or pimenta. The Kitchen Garden Growing allspice yourself can be tricky if you don’t live in a climate similar to that of the West Indies. It’s possible to get the tree to grow in cooler climates, but often it will not bear…

Notes from the Apothecary: Ginger The spice we call ginger is the root of Zingiber officinale. The name derives from the Sanskrit for ‘Horn Body’, referring to the knobbly, ridged shape and texture of the roots. Originating from Asia, ginger is now found all over the world and is used widely in cooking, magic, and medicine. Ginger was brought to America by Francisco de Mendosa, and it grew so prolifically that the Spanish-Americans were able to export it in huge amounts to Europe. The Kitchen Garden Fresh ginger is usually bought as sections of root. It’s a testament to how hardy the plant is that with very little encouragement, it…

Inspiration from the Elf Mounds *An Excerpt from A Modern Celt: Seeking the Ancestors by Mabh Savage So, what winds whisper from the elf mounds; what wind breathes from beneath the hollow hills where fairies dwell and myths were born? In other words, how many of us today still feel inspired by the tales of ancient Celtic warriors and wise folk? Which parts of our lives do these stories creep into the most? What do our ancestors still truly have a hand in? What is the meat of modern Celtic influence? Well a quick “Google” search on the word “Celt” will find you brewing techniques that are based on Celtic…

Cyndi Brannen has many hats: witch, teacher, psychic, healer, and herbalist, to name just a few. Devotee of Hekate and author of the popular Patheos blog, Keeping her Keys, Cyndi has now written a book all about Hekatean witchcraft: Keeping Her Keys: An Introduction To Hekate’s Modern Witchcraft. Cyndi was kind enough to take some time out to speak to us here at PaganPagesOrg. Here’s what she had to say. Mabh Savage (MS): When did you start writing your blog, Keeping her Keys, and what prompted you to start? Cyndi Brannen (CB): Keeping Her Keys launched on Patheos Pagan around Samhain in 2018. I started KHK because I felt compelled…

Notes from the Apothecary: Chilli Chili is a useful medicinal and magical plant. This spicy fruit is delicious in a variety of cuisines, from Mexican to Indian and many in between. Modern research has found many health benefits, and the modern witch can use chili for a range of spells and magics. Chili is a beautiful plant, with striking foliage and stunning, glossy fruits ranging from scarlet to shades so deep they’re nearly black- perfect for the inner goth! Read on to find out why chili is such a useful ingredient for mundane and magical use. The Kitchen Garden Not everyone likes spicy food, but chili pepper adds flavour as…

Notes from the Apothecary: Witch Hazel Witch Hazel is the name for six types of hazel-like flowering tree or shrub. Four are native to North America, with hamamelis virginiana being the most commonly used. The hazel part of the name refers primarily to the leaves, which are very similar to those of the Hazel. The ‘witch’ part isn’t as magical as we might hope, sadly. It comes from the Old English word wice which means bendy or pliant, and presumably refers to the twigs. The Kitchen Garden Witch hazel is grown either as a decorative plant or for its medicinal qualities. It has strange, curling yellow to orange flowers which…