• Monthly Columns,  Spells & Rituals

    Light a Fire Under Your Own Ass: The Magic of Motivation – An Excerpt from ‘Witchcraft Therapy’ by Mandi Em

    Light a Fire under Your Own Ass: The Magic of Motivation     Motivation is a funny thing: It seems like when you need it the most, it’s not there for you to draw from. Many of us struggle with motivation in various areas of life, a problem that, when left unchecked, can suck us down even further into a lazy hole of “I don’t wanna!” There’s also a special relationship between depression and motivation that can leave high hopes feeling like a neglected third wheel. Depression can make even the simplest tasks, like getting out of bed, a monumental challenge. And as the things around you that you should…

  • Monthly Columns,  Spells & Rituals

    Familiars & Crystal Magic

    I have two cats and one dog. My dog is my baby, but I didn’t get along with my cats until roughly a year ago when I began to better understand them. I believed cats were rude, loud and did whatever they wanted, basically teenagers. My current two were exceedingly unpleasant and wanton compared to most I have encountered. If they didn’t get their way they would potty all over the house out of spite, and were constantly under my feet tripping me and constantly yelling. Being accustomed to dogs made their behavior seem irritating and unruly. Finally I started paying attention beyond asking myself if they needed food or…

  • Monthly Columns

    She Who is All – The Goddess and The Divine Female

    Sheela-Na-Gig   (Photo: bbc.com) Sheela-Na-Gig. Who is She? What is She? Carvings of her abound in Europe, with the bulk of them being in the British Isles, most commonly Ireland, and dating back to the 12th century. Her image, carved in stone, has a grinning face, knees bent with legs open, holding open her vagina with both hands, for all to see. Every time I see Her, I smile. Archeologists, scholars and theologians all have varying theories of Her origins. Some say She is a warning against lust, in general, and women, specifically. It is theorized that is why she is on many ancient churches, as a warning of the…

  • Monthly Columns

    Notes from the Apothecary

    Notes from the Apothecary: Blackthorn   Prunus spinosa, literally meaning a spiny fruit tree, perfectly describes the beautiful yet oh so spiky blackthorn. Blackthorn is a familiar sight across much of Europe, and in Northern England where I live, the blossoms are one of the most impressive displays of spring. Blackthorn blossoms really stand out in the hedgerows because the flowers arrive quite some time before the leaves; white, delicate yet profuse blossoms perched on dark, spiny twigs. Blackthorn is also intertwined with folklore, otherworldly beings, and magic. It truly is a worthy addition to our apothecary.   The Kitchen Garden Many people will know the blackthorn for its beautiful…

  • Monthly Columns,  Reviews

    Witch Hunt

      There are witches all around us. You can find them anywhere… The Witch on Wheels has been documenting her findings.   Meet Linn Richardson   A quadruple Aquarian, Linn Richardson is full of seemingly contradictory whims and behaviors. Highly intellectual and creative, she can converse on just about any topic, magickal or mundane. “Normal is what’s normal for you,” Linn stresses. Self assured, somewhat eccentric, quiet but powerful, and progressive with a rebel streak, she likes to identify a need and fix it. When it’s been me who’s needed fixing, I’ve found her advice to be on target – like this when I was in my over-planning mindset, “The…

  • Monthly Columns,  Reviews

    Worth the Witch

    Soulstice Shoppe: Supplies for Mind, Body and Spirit         The deluxe box Soulstice Shoppe curated for Ostara was chock full of items, many of which I had no idea were connected to the sabbat. Most subscription boxes come with a page or two or three describing its contents and how to use them. Victoria simply provided a list of the ten items with the note, “Hope … that learning about any items not familiar to you brings you joy and wisdom on your path.”  It did! I learned several new correspondences, and I am more likely to remember them because of the research, rather than being spoon-fed the…

  • Monthly Columns

    As Above So Below (How the Stars Became Our Hearts)

    Christianity: The Regime     The main issue with Christianity isn’t it’s present day application. Generally speaking, Christianity is benevolent, and in some cases, even graceful. There are some issues with the doctrine as I discussed in the last installment. Also, I’m not sure if I actually have followers yet, but if I do, you’ll notice I’m speaking from first person, which is not a style I choose often, but I do so with good reason. I am speaking directly to the reader from my own opinion and viewpoint. I feel that’s important as the topics in this article will be a bit touchy. I’ll start by saying, I grew…

  • Monthly Columns

    Celebrating the Old Ways in New Times

    Celebrating the Old Ways in New Times for May 2021   Blessed May 2021! By now, many will have had Beltane celebrations, but some will hang back this year, continuing to social distance for safety during Covid times. A friend I met recently was asking me if I’d done online meetings for Sabbats, and I said I had not. Locally, the druid grove has kept up with that, and many are enjoying those broadcasts. Xtian groups have done many church services online due to the pandemic, but I wonder who remembers the earlier days of televised worship services.   The Magic of Television   (Photo by Bruna Araujo on Unsplash)…

  • Monthly Columns

    Helping Depression from a Shamanic Perspective

    While we are all dealing with the Covid pandemic what is getting little attention is the other pandemic, depression. Those who already suffer from depression are at risk for worsening of their illness due to isolation, stress and degrading of their support systems. While medication and therapy can be helpful we can also find great support and coping methods within spiritual practices such as Wicca and Shamanism. My son, one of my brothers and many friends have suffered from depression which has inspired me to find ways to help them with my spiritual/magickal work. I am a Wiccan priestess, have many years training in Shamanic practice and other energy healing…

  • Monthly Columns,  Reviews

    Witch Hunt

      There are witches all around us. You can find them anywhere… The Witch on Wheels has been documenting her findings.   Meet Michelle Cunha     “Jewelry, statues and other swag doesn’t make you a witch. Practicing witchcraft makes you a witch,” Michelle Cunha said. She’s been practicing more than half her life. Soft spoken, she welds a strong energy that requires no accessories. In her quiet manner, she is unapologetically Michelle, giving you the unexpected that goes with her sharp sense of humor. Her experiences have made her convictions stronger as she weaves magic into her daily life. 1. Do you have a magical name you’re willing to…