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Some Myths of Witchcraft Before we can set out on the journey ahead, we must first set a foundation on which to build. Thus we shall define some concepts that are relevant. –  Witch – A person who uses (being real or perceived) natural powers or forces to influence the order of things. – Witchcraft – The practices of a Witch – Magic(k) – The use of natural energy to achieves ends Thus by the above definitions, magic and witches are connected and intertwined. There are many common myths associated with witchcraft. We shall discuss some common myths in depth, and then analyze why they incorrect. Myth: A witch uses…

*The Hedgewitch lives in the space between the Village and the Forest. Between the mundane and the magical. S/He lives with a foot in both worlds. This column is dedicated to the Hedgewitches of the planet earth. April in the hedge; Communing with the Maiden This is such a magical time of year, when the Maiden is dressed in Her finest, and the lush, verdant energy of the season seems to stir young and old alike. This time of year always makes me so grateful for my Path, and an appreciation of the simple pleasures available all around me. I walked for years without taking notice of these tiny treasures,…

THE AFFECT OF MUSIC by Hally From an early age we come to appreciate music as something that is always there. It is something that we use at a party, in the car to pass the time and even in cafes and stores we visit. We come to appreciate music as a catalyst to fun, sadness, opportunity and remorse. It is pivotal in our day to day dramas and yet, did you ever really wonder about music itself? Based on numerous conversations over the years only those that consciously make music part of their lives does music and the sensitivities we have to music become apparent. What we classify the…

Also known as: May Day, Bealtaine, Beltane, Bhealtainn, Bealtinne, Festival of Tana (Strega), Giamonios, Rudemass, and Walburga (Teutonic), Cetsamhain (opposite Samhain),Fairy Day ,Sacred Thorn Day, Rood Day, Roodmas (the Christian term for Rood Day, Old Beltane, Beltain, Baltane, Walpurgis Night, Floriala (Roman feast of flowers from April 29 to May 1), Walpurgisnacht (Germanic-feast of St. Walpurga), Thrimilce (Anglo-saxon), Bloumaand (Old Dutch) Date: May 1 Animals: Swallow, dove, swan, Cats, lynx, leopard Deities: Flower Goddesses, Divine Couples, Deities of the Hunt, Aphrodite, Artemis, Bast, Diana, Faunus, Flora, Maia, Pan, the Horned God, Venus, and all Gods and Goddesses who preside over fertility. Tools: broom, May Pole, cauldron Stones/Gems: emerald, malachite, amber,…

Work to ‘Bee’ Done Rite This purpose of this solitary ritual is to help you focus on projects that you need to get done. Supplies Athame Wand 1 white pillar candle & holder (universal energy candle) 2 white taper candles & holder (God and Goddess candles) 6 beeswax tea light candles 1 bee figure (statue, pendant, etc.) 1 9×12 inch wooden plaque & painting supplies Picture of your favorite flower 6 strips of yellow construction paper & a pen Clover stick incense Yellow and/or black altar cloth Small bowl of honey & spoon Small plate of buttermilk biscuits, sliced in half Chalice of mead Offering bowl Ziplock baggie Preparation Paint…

Besides physically destroying or mutilating a vampire corpse, other remedies exist to assist with the process.  These remedies include the exploitation of holy relics and devices.  The most commonly used of these is the cross.  The cross is one of the oldest amulets against evil, and contrary to what most people understand, the cross predates Christianity by many centuries.  For example, the cross has been used to associate sun deities, to symbolize the heavens, and to represent divine protection (Guiley 88).  When employed by the Christian faith, the cross represents Jesus as he was executed on the original Good Friday.  One will notice how Roman Catholics regularly use a cross…

April 1 The month of Venus begins with April Fool’s Day (also known as All Fools’ Day), an occasion for playing practical jokes on friends, family, and coworkers. This custom dates back to olden times, when inmates of insane asylums were allowed out in the streets for one day each year for the sadistic amusement of those who were (supposedly) normal. April 2 The old Pagan custom of “carrying death away” is carried out in certain regions of Germany on this day. In celebration of Winter’s demise, special straw dolls are burned in sacred bonfires or “drowned” in sacred wells. April 3 In Iran, on the thirteenth day of their…

The Tower (16) “In all chaos there is a cosmos, in all disorder a secret order.” ~Carl Gustav Jung Image Description: The Rider-Waite deck depicts a tower high on a rocky outcropping being destroyed by a powerful bolt of lightening. The force of the impact hurls two occupants from the building to the jagged rocks below. Fire burns the tower from the inside, causing flames to spew forth from the roof and windows. The skies are dark and turbulent. Symbols: Lightening: Inspiration and great power, sudden realization, Divine fire that destroys evil and purifies good Crown: Mastery and attainment; the destruction of ego, false wisdom, and false power People Falling:…

Samhain: Shadowfest (Strega), Martinmas (Celtic/Scottish) Samhain, popularly known as Halloween, is the Witches’ New Year. This is the last of the three harvest Sabbats marking the end of the growing seasons. Celtic custom decreed that all crops must be gathered by sundown on April 31st. It is a time when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest. Deceased ancestors and other friendly spirits are invited to join in Sabbat festivities and be reunited with loved ones. In Ireland it is still custom to leave candles in the windows and plates of food for the visiting spirits. Keep a fire lit or a candle burning all…

Breaking the Blame and Shame Game This month, I take you through the Door into my past – and, gods willing, your present and future. I happen to be one of those people who tells anyone who seems interested about who I am and how I got here.  You probably know that already from reading this article. At some point in my childhood, my mother revealed herself to my father as being crazy.  He took her to the doctor (after patching the walls where the pots and pans struck them after missing him), and the doctor’s reasoned suggestion was, “throw her in the State Hospital and lose the key.”  (My…