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Bast Goddess of Protection and Pleasure Bast, also known as Bastet or Basthet, just in general as the “Cat Goddess”, was not only known as the Egyptian Goddess of sensual pleasure, but also as protector of the household, bringer of health, and the guardian of firefighters.  Bast is the daughter of Ra, the sun god, and is one of the few sun goddesses that is also recognized as a moon goddess.  The following legend will reveal how she earned such a distinction. As it was told, by day Bast would ride through the sky with her father Ra, in his boat pulling the sun across the sky.  She was ever…

Hi everyone happy 4th of July!  And that is the backdrop for this month’s article.  As every Witch knows, sufficient raising of energy and visualization are imperative for successful spellwork.  Although the 4th of July isn’t a wiccan holiday exclusively, this particular day raises everyone’s sense of independence and freedom, so I have always thought it was the perfect time for an “Independence Spell.” All of us at one time or another have had things in our lives that do not serve our highest good, and just seem extremely difficult to get away from, that is the purpose of this spell. The first item needed for this spell is an…

Kids (Especially) Need to Believe Children start off with an innate belief in magic. They see the things that their parents have generally forgotten how to see. Children look at the world with wonder in their eyes, and they see wonder everywhere. Nature is alive and magical to them. As we grow up, we tend to stop believing in “childish” things. We take a more and more rationalistic view of our world, and our society encourages us to do so. As we grow older we become more jaded to beauty and wonder, and we too often lose the ability to see those things at all. Our world stops being alive,…

  The month of June has sizzled with excitement. The seedlings have all pushed themselves up from the earth and grow exponentially.  Progeny of the Mortal-turned-Goddess, Cynara, stands tall in my garden. Aegean legend[1] on the origin of the artichoke describes Zeus exiting the sea after visiting his brother, Poseidon, and finding himself taken in by the beauty of a mortal girl – Cynara.  He offers to transform her into a Goddess. She agrees and accepts this transformation, but later finds herself pining for her mother and sneaks away for a visit.  When Zeus finds out, he sends her permanently back to the land of the mortals as the artichoke —…

My Celtic Side My paternal grandmother was of Irish and Scott’s descent; whereas my paternal grandfather was of Welsh and English descent. I never had the pleasure of knowing my grandfather as he passed before I was born. From what my mother has told me of him, I think I would have liked him. I have never heard my father speak of him. As for my grandmother, she was fair, freckled, with red hair and other than her Irish maiden name, was very much removed from her Irish/Scott’s roots. I was around the age of 4 when the Celtic Gods appeared in my life. The first was Arianrhod. A stately…

Summer Skin-5 Safe Herbs With temperatures heating up and summer on the way, the one thing most people forget to consider is their skin. Whatever outdoor activity you’re into, your skin is constantly being pummeled with harsh UV rays.  Rather than buying pricey, products full of artificial and synthetic chemicals why not go straight to the source and treat your skin right, the natural way? There are five herbs that will do wonders for maintaining your healthy skin this summer. Comfrey An all-around great plant to have in your garden for its use as a potent medicinal herb, comfrey is a self-seeding, high yielding herb that can save your skin…

The Evolution of the Urban Legend        Everyone has heard one form or another of the Urban Legend.  They are told around campfires, or at slumber parties.  Scary stories of ghosts, crazed lunatics, and bizarre occurrences.  Why are we so drawn to them?  The origin of the story is always vague and some details may change but the root of the story is always the same, to scare and shock.  Usually these stories leave us questioning if this did or could this really happen.      What is interesting is how these stories have evolved due to the advancements in modern technology.  We remember the legends from the older generations. …

Ahhhhh. Summertime. Time to make those vacation travel plans! Well, ideally, yes. In reality, I haven’t got a brass farthing for travel. I’m a public school teacher with a daughter in college. Looks like my vacation will consist of sitting in the back yard, observing closely as the little yellow flowers on my tomato plants wither and turn into shiny green bumps. Maybe I’ll make a game of it. Assign each budding tomato a name and a personality. Oh, but then they’ll be hard to eat! Who says staycations are easy? If I had some computer savvy and some clout in the Pagan community, it wouldn’t have to be this…

Let´s go swimming! I´m such a wuss when it comes to swimming in natural waters! Why does it always feel so cold? Even swimming pools are challenging… But once I do dare to hop in, I´m totally loving it. The feeling of floating nearly weightless is heavenly. But whether to wear a swimsuit or a bikini, that is the question. Finding well-fitting swimwear is difficult. And a torment to try on! In search of the perfect swimwear, I decided to rely on my trial-and-error-method of making it myself. And I chose a bikini. Inspired by Litha and the sea. This is the very first set I have made, ever, but…